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Chapter Sixty-Five

Two days had passed since I had confronted Charlie.

One day had passed since I had talked with the hospital.

Apparently, Renee had agreed on her own to take the medication they were attempting to stabilize her with.

I was told I wasn't allowed to visit her yet.

I didn't bring attention to the fact that I never asked.

Early Wednesday morning, my sleep was restless and I found myself becoming agitated by the minute. It was nearly five a.m. and I decided there was no use in pretending to sleep any longer.

Slipping out of the bed, I walked into Edward's living room and searched for a light switch, nearly tripping over the few boxes that were occupying the area. They were filled with my books, framed photos and silly trinkets Renee and I had acquired over the years.

Opening the nearest box, I smiled as I looked down to see a photo of my mother and me standing together at my high school graduation. And then I immediately closed the box because I wouldn't allow myself to do this.

It was pointless and masochistic to think about all the ways I could have helped her back then.

I flipped off the lights, laid on the couch and turned on the television. Listening to the quiet hum of voices on the news instantly put me to sleep.

"Hey." I felt cool fingers on my cheek. "Baby." I turned over and tiredly stared at Edward sitting on the edge of the couch. "When did you come out here?"

"Around five maybe." I yawned.

"Was I snoring?" he asked seriously and I had to laugh.

"No. You weren't snoring."

I couldn't imagine Edward snoring any more than I could imagine me leaving the bed because of such an annoyance. I quickly retracted my thought. Snoring was awful and it didn't matter how attractive a person was- sleep apnea was not hot.

"Oh," he replied evenly, then, "Are you...okay?"

"I think so."

Edward nodded and I could tell he was thinking hard about something.

"Your mother will be fine," he answered out of habit at this point.

"I know. I think I'm realizing she'd be better off without Charlie taking care of her. I'm running out of options, but maybe that's a good thing. She's willingly taking the medication now."

Edward didn't react. At all.

We were trapped in our own thoughts.

I let my hand run up and down Edward's back as he stared at the boxes in his space; his home.

"Did you feel pressured into staying with me?" he asked without moving.

"What?" I sat up. "No. Why would you think that?"

He inhaled deeply before resting his elbows on his knees. "I don't want you to be here because you feel as though you have no other choice."

"I understand. I would hate for you to feel that way." His feelings were important to me, as I assumed mine were to him as well. "And I don't want to be here because you feel as though you have to help me."

"I understand. I would hate for you to feel that way," he repeated my words and gave me a sad smile. "I'm aware I am selfish Bella but only when it comes to you. I hope you understand I can't be faulted for being selfish over your well being."

"Well." I clicked my tongue and watched his expression change from concern to worry. Yes, I knew the difference between each expression and what they conveyed.

"I only acted the way I did because I was so sick knowing you had no one on your side," he explained, trying not to grind his teeth.

"That's not true," I disagreed. "I have you."

"As long as you're aware of that," he whispered, gazing fondly at me. "Guess what's in three days."

"Hm. Is that the day you're going to send me an eviction notice?" I teased, trying to lighten the mood. "What?"

"Your twenty-third birthday." I groaned at his glee. "My family would like to get together."

"I don't do birthdays," I said in all seriousness.

"That's fine. But we do."

"Yes. I remember Emmett's strip tease and nearly getting arrested." I smiled at the memory.

"We will handle everything, Bella. It's not as if you're required to do anything."

"Except show up. Which is doing something."

"Sitting there and looking pretty while people sing to you requires the least amount of energy. You'll live."

I sighed. "I'm not going to win this one, am I?"

"Not a chance."

We were in the middle of a staring contest before I finally gave in and looked away.

I appreciated the Cullen family and their attempt to take my mind off of everything that was happening. I appreciated Esme allowing me time off work. I appreciated Emmett stopping by to bring me the brownies he baked, which were burned to a crisp but he didn't notice since 'the brownies were already brown'.

Edward brushed his fingers along my leg and asked what I was thinking about.

"I'm just embarrassed," I admitted honestly. "About all of this."

"Don't be embarrassed," he scolded before gently kissing me. "It's not as if you'll have to sing "Happy Birthday" along with us. If that were the case, then yes. You should be embarrassed. And then maybe look into singing lessons."

I laughed a little too hard. "I almost hate how your criticism of my singing voice puts me in a better mood."

Edward raised his eyebrows and laid next to me on the couch. "I know something else that will put you in a nice mood."

"Brownies that aren't burned?"

"I didn't know you were into such dirty talk," Edward joked as he kissed his way along my jaw down to my neck. "I have to be at work in an hour," he murmured, lifting the shirt over my head.

I was grateful to have him on my side.

Even if he did think I sang horribly.

A/N: Remember when I claimed this chapter would be posted earlier this afternoon? Sorry 'bout that. Apparently my job doesn't care about my need to write FF. Thank you for reading. I truly appreciate it.