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Chapter Sixty-Three

When Edward noticed my hands shaking and suggested we grab a bite to eat before we leave Port Angeles, I agreed.

When I ordered a glass of white wine in lieu of food at Bella Italia, he did not mention it.

Instead, he ordered two meals off the menu and I thanked him, fully aware he was not about to eat two meals himself.

The waitress stared at Edward a beat too long before openly gaping at me and my bruised neck.

I kept my hands in my lap and as well as my thoughts to myself as Edward stared at me intently across the table.

"I know what you're thinking," he whispered after the waitress found the strength to walk away from our table.

"Do you?"

Edward nodded and kept his focus on me as the waitress set my glass of wine in front of me.

"You're not a mind reader," I joked without cracking a smile.

"I don't suppose I am," he agreed. "But I know you."

I hummed.

He did know me.

"So, tell me. What am I thinking?"

His jaw tightened as he commanded without flinching, "You're not going to become temporary guardian. I'm not even sure why that was presented as an option after pressing charges; ill or not, it's not happening."

I sat still for a moment before bringing the wine glass to my lips. "Who else will claim her? The state? There's no other choice."

I waited and watched for his reaction.

"No other choice?" he echoed my words, this time flinching.

I shook my head and tapped the table with my fingers. "With medication, she might be okay."

"'Might'," Edward repeated and laughed humorlessly. "You can't possibly know that."

"And you can't possibly know otherwise."

Edward inhaled deeply without looking away. "What's it going to take, Bella?"

I ignored this question.

"She won't be able to leave for another two weeks. You heard what they said before we left. They're keeping her and then I suppose it's up to me to figure out what happens to her."

"It's not up to you to do anything. Christ, Bella," Edward snapped in exasperation. "I'm trying to protect you but you're not making this easy."

I stared down at my lap.

"I know," I swallowed. "So then I just allow her to be sent to a state hospital? Absent and confused and scared?"

"I understand you're worried about her, but you should be worried about yourself. For once."

I looked up to meet Edward's eyes and excused myself to the restroom.

Walking over to the sink, I avoided my reflection as I splashed water on my face.

And then I heard the bathroom door open and slam shut.

I turned around to face a determined Edward.

He leveled me with a hard glare, hurt and anger radiating off him. "I'm not letting you do this, and if you do...then I can't do this with you anymore. I refuse to watch you go through this."

He was threatening me with the one thing he knew would tear me apart.

I struggled to catch my breath as I realized what he was saying.

"But-"

"She tried to fucking kill you!" he thundered.

Shock spread through my body as I took a step back.

His eyes immediately softened and his shoulders sagged.

I realized what this was doing to him.

To us.

And I felt sick.

Edward reached out his hand beckoning me to take it.

I did. Of course I did.

He pulled me over to the mirror and swept my hair away from my face. Deep purple bruises in the shape of hand prints covered my neck.

I closed my eyes, knowing what he was doing.

"Look what she did to you Bella," he said softly, gently running his fingers over the angry marks.

I lifted my gaze, staring at my neck. My focus went to his reflection and I blanched at the sight of his eyes glistening with tears.

"I could have lost you," he choked.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them again, I saw nothing but unwavering determination. His voice was low and controlled, but commanded me to listen to him.

"I will not lose you," he said with finality before turning my body to face him.

I couldn't speak as tears streamed down my face at the reality of the situation I had faced.

Before I could reply, he spoke again, a little softer this time as he wiped my tears with his thumbs.

"What would you do Bella?" he asked. "If it was me."

I felt all of the air leave my body at the thought.

Pain radiated through my chest as I was faced with a choice.

Edward or Renee.

Renee or Edward.

"Wouldn't you fight for me?" he whispered.

And I knew right then what I had to do.

Because yes. I would fight for him. Without a doubt in my mind.

I would fight for him.

I would fight for us.

I was ready to talk to Charlie.

A/N: About freaking time. Thanks for reading.

You can have Bella's Mushroom Ravioli shipped to your house. No joke. I googled that shit. Just in case anyone needed any ideas for dinner.