Hello everyone! Happy Hump Day! And no, you're not imagining it, I'm really updating. I'm thinking about updating twice a week now. I'm literally working on chapter thirty right now, and I am just so excited for you guys to see the progression of this story! Yes, this is another filler chapter. And I'm going to give a general warning: I've rated this story 'M' and I've categorized it as a drama/romance. There's going to be more drama. If that's not your thing, then that's cool please don't read the story. And I'm sorry I didn't warn you about what was going to happy with Rosalie, I just don't like warnings such as that because I feel like it's a spoiler. For me, the warning is in the rating and the category. Yes, this story will have a happy ending, but there's going to be a lot of drama!

Okay, I'm done! Now please enjoy the new chapter!

Chapter Twenty-Two

The ride back to the bakery was quiet, but I wasn't pushing Edward to talk. I knew things were really tense right now.

"I'm so sorry about Rosalie." I said.

He sighed, shrugging, "This is the third time. I feel terrible for them, but I just wish they'd let me pay for them to do the IVF."

"Why won't they let you?" I asked.

"Well, it's not so much Emmett. He's down for whatever. But Rosalie is scared that they'll tell her she'll never be able to carry a baby to term. And she won't use a surrogate."

"What about adoption?" I asked.

He shook his head again, "It's just not the same for Rosalie. But I think that's more of her mother talking. Her mother is a royal bitch. You noticed she didn't even show up at the hospital right? My mother called Mrs. Hale. But she just said that she was busy and would show up when she could."

"That's awful." I said.

"Yeah, I hate that bitch. Rosalie can be a bitch too, but having a mother like that, I guess you would have a tendency to be a bit bitchy." He said.

"I can't imagine Rosalie as a bitch. She's so nice." I said.

"That's because she likes you," He said, "But, I tend to get Emmett into trouble. So, she thinks I'm a bad influence."

I smiled, "What kind of trouble."

"I was a hellion Bella," he said, "I've calmed down significantly these past few months."

"And why's that?" I asked, even though I was pretty sure I knew the answer.

He looked over at me, "Well, a good woman can calm down even the most savage of beasts."

I chuckled and looked out of the window. He pulled in front of my bakery.

"Thanks for driving me home," I said.

"No problem, Bella," he leaned over the seat and kissed me. I reciprocated by pressing my lips against his and putting my hands on his cheeks.

He was smiling when we pulled apart. I leaned over for another kiss, but his phone started ringing. He sighed heavily.

"I probably should get going." He said.

"It's okay. Just call me when you can." I said as I got out of the car.

I pretty much figured tonight wasn't happening, which was fine. He needed to deal with family issues, and I understood that.

I walked back into the bakery. Maggie was checking out a lady who had preordered a cake. I smiled at Maggie then at the lady.

"Thanks for covering," I told Maggie, "I'll give you a little something extra this week."

"Don't worry about it," She said, "So, what happened?"

"Uh, Edward's sister needed to go to the hospital. She's pregnant."

"Oh man, I hope everything's okay."

A few customers walked in, wanting this month's special. I had to quickly run to the back to make more.

A Few Hours Later

After my bath, my stomach was growling angrily. I was starved. I was really hoping for Chinese tonight; I hadn't had it in so long and I was craving some orange chicken. But with everything that happened today, I didn't expect Edward to come over here. He had a lot to deal with.

As I was looking through my fridge when someone knocked on my door. I shut my fridge door and walked to the front door. I looked through the little peephole and was surprised to see Edward standing there with bags of Chinese food. I quickly put my gun back into the drawer.

I unlocked the door, feeling a little embarrassed that I was in my skimpy pajamas.

"Edward, what are you doing here?" I asked once I opened the door.

He looked slightly confused, "We… we had a date right?"

"Yeah, I just thought you'd be dealing with a lot. I wasn't expecting you." I said as I moved aside to let him in.

"It's fine," He said, putting the food onto the table, "I handled everything. Trust me, I would never cancel on you. Not unless I absolutely had too."

"I would've understood," I sat down at the table, "But to be honest, I'm really glad you came. I'm starved. And I was really looking forward to the Chinese food."

He smiled, "Then I showed up at the perfect time."

I grabbed dishware from the cabinet while he unpacked the boxes.

"How's Rosalie doing?" I asked.

"She's… coping. I guess that's the best way to describe it." He said, "She's on a lot of pain medication, and it'll help until she's completely off of it. Then I imagine she'll really lose it."

I nodded, "I feel so badly for her."

He sighed, shaking his head, "I know." He opened the boxes of food, "I got all sorts of things. I really wasn't exactly sure what I wanted, so I got a little bit of everything."

"That sounds great to me." I sat down at the table and started to make my plate.

"So how was your day?" He asked me as he sat down to eat.

"It was okay. Pretty boring, until everything happened," I said.

"A boring day is better than a bad one," He chuckled.

I nibbled my lip a little, "There was actually something I was thinking about. I wanted to get your opinion on it."

"Yeah, sure. What's up?" He asked.

"Well, I was thinking about going to online college," I said, "For business. I know I'm doing okay now. But I was thinking that maybe I needed to know more about running a business. Because I don't want to end up in a bad spot and not know what to do. What do you think?"

"I think it's a great idea," He said, "I went to Dartmouth, and honestly I think having the business background helped me tremendously. If I didn't have it, and my dad went down, I can honestly tell you that I would have no idea what I was doing. I'd probably run the businesses into the ground."

I nodded, "I always wanted to go to college, but then when my parents died, I didn't want to waste money on college and then end up with a ton of debt."

"Okay, I had a question for you," he said.

"What's up?"

"You told me about the whole situation with your parents. The settlement and everything," He said, "I couldn't help myself; I was doing some research and you know, you settled for way less than you should have. And it bugs the shit out of me. They took advantage of you, and—,"

"Edward, I know I probably could've gotten a lot more money," I said, "But, when I woke up and they told me what happened, I just didn't care. I didn't want to sit through the trials and listen to the testimony's. I just wanted it to be over with. I didn't care what they gave me."

"Yeah, but Bella," He sighed, "It's just… not right. I mean, they got off scot-free."

I shrugged, "Too late now. Just leave it be."

He sighed again, "Okay. I'm sorry. I can't help but be overprotective of my girlfriend." When the last word slipped out, his eyes widened, and his cheeks turned a dark shade of red.

"Girlfriend?" I echoed, "Is… is that what I am?"

His face turned an even darker shade of red, "I mean… I thought… if you want to be… I would love it if you were. But I won't push you if it's too fast."

I smiled, "Girlfriend sounds nice."

He smiled, looking down at his food, "How does it taste?"

"It's delicious," I said, "I was dying for some good Chinese food. Are we still on for our movie date this weekend?"

"Of course," He said, "I have it all planned out. I'll pick you up at seven on Saturday. How does that sound?"

"What time does the movie start?" I asked.

"Um, 8:30." He said, "It takes about forty to forty-five minutes to get to the place."

"Okay, that sounds good. I'll be ready by then." I smiled.

"So, what school are you planning on going too?" He asked.

"Well, Riley goes to Columbia. He says they have a great online business program. If I decide to go, it has to be online." I said, "I can't enroll for this semester, so I was thinking about signing up in the spring. But I'd need to talk to an advisor I guess. Figure everything out. I definitely can't pay for it out of pocket."

He nodded, "You know, financial aid can really help a lot. And what financial aid doesn't cover, you can get a scholarship. My father could help you with that. He knows people who will invest in younger business owners. If you wanted that."

I bit my lip, "If he doesn't mind asking them. Just to see what their requirements are. I hate the thought of having to take out a loan. Any financial aid or scholarships I can possibly get, I'll apply for them."

He nodded, "I can help you with that. I know how financial aid works. How to fill it out so you can get as much as you can."

"I would appreciate it." I smiled, "As long as it's not you footing the bill."

He laughed, "That's why I didn't even offer. I know how silly you are about my help," He tapped his chin after a second, "Well, you know, since you're my girlfriend, I think it should be customary for me to foot a few bills."

I shook my head, "Absolutely not. Just because I'm your girlfriend, doesn't mean you're bankrolling my life."

He laughed, "Don't worry. I wouldn't do that. It's just so strange to me," He said, "I'm so used to supporting everyone around me. My family, my friends, my ex-girlfriends. It's strange that my current girlfriend doesn't want me to lavish her with my money."

"I'm not like everyone you know. I don't need or want your money." I smiled.

"Hmm. That's going to take some getting used to," He chuckled, "I do want to spoil you though. I can't help myself."

I laughed, shaking my head, "You must have that weird fetish where you just like spending your money on people."

He grinned cheekily, "That's not my only fetish."

I blushed, still giggling, "You're gross."

He snorted and reached across the table for the rice.

Two Days Later

Edward talked to Carlisle for me, and Carlisle actually did have some friends that could potentially give me a scholarship. I was hopeful, and now I was looking at my different options.

Columbia was expensive, and I didn't think that Carlisle's friends would have that much in their scholarship. I knew I'd have to take out a loan.

I was researching different laptops on my phone when Edward popped by. He had finished work and wasn't ready to go home yet. Our movie date was tomorrow, but I didn't mind him stopping by to hangout.

We were laying on my bed, looking over the different laptops.

"That one looks good," Edward said.

"It's $1,200. No sir," I said, looking through the next one, "I'm thinking about buying a used one."

"You can't buy a used laptop," he said, "God only knows how fast it would be. And if it would be really worth anything."

"I know what you're trying to do," I told him.

"What am I trying to do?" He asked, looking up at me.

"Don't think you're being sneaky," I said, looking down at him, "You already said you want to buy me a new laptop. I told you no."

He shrugged, "If I want to buy you a new laptop then I'm going to buy you a new laptop. You won't stop me."

"You better not. I will not accept it. I can promise you I will give it back to you."

"Oh would you? You'd really hurt my feelings like that?" He said.

"Maybe." I said, putting my phone down, "But, I'm deadly serious. Do not buy me a laptop."

"Oh? You're deadly serious?" His hand darted out and grabbed my thigh. I squealed and grabbed his hand to stop him from tickling me.

"I'm not playing!" I said through laughs.

He had readjusted us, so he had pinned me underneath him and was tickling me.

"If I want to buy my girlfriend a gift, you can't stop me," He laughed, "So you better just get used to it, princess."

The close proximity and his little nickname shot like a lightening bolt down my spine and made a sticky wet spot in my panties. I shuddered.

"I won't accept it," I teased when he stopped tickling me.

"Oh really?" He gathered my wrists in his hand and held them above me head. The position was very thrilling, and I was positive my underwear was soaked now. I wonder if he could feel it through his pants. His pelvis was pressed tightly against me.

"Mm hmm," I said, "I already told you I don't want your money."

"Hmm," He said as he pressed his lips against my throat, "How can I convince you?"

"Why do I need convincing?" I asked, closing my eyes.

"Because," He said as he pressed a kiss on a sensitive spot underneath my ear, "I might have already bought you one. And it'll be here Monday."

"You did what?" Suddenly, I wasn't feeling so aroused. I placed my hands on his chest, pushing him away.

"I'm sorry," he said, "I just saw it and I thought you would love it. And I had too. I'm sorry."

"Edward," I rolled him over, so I was looking down at him, "I told you that I don't want you to just buy me things."

"Why are you so adverse to me buying you things?" He asked, grabbing my hands. I straddled his hips, so I had more control.

"Because, I don't like people spending a ridiculous amount of money on me, and I don't want to become reliant on someone." I said.

He smiled, "You won't become reliant on me. You're too strong for that."

"Don't try to butter me up."

"I'm not," he said innocently, "I just know that you could never be reliant on me. And like I've said before, I'll spend what I want to spend. I just won't tell you how much I spend. You could pretend I spent nothing on it. Bought it used at a Goodwill. Because, princess," He said the name in a deeper tone that made me shudder, "I'm not going to stop lavishing in gifts that you deserve."

I rolled my eyes at him, "Fine. I'll be grateful. Thank you for the laptop."

He smiled, "You're very welcome."

I slide off of him and sighed, "Now I just have to figure out financial aid. I have to get my papers together, to prove my parents really died," I rolled my eyes.

"I'm sure Mr. Newton will give you the scholarship. My father is good friends with him."

"I doubt he's going to give me a full scholarship. I mean, just one semester at Columbia ridiculous and I'm doing online courses! College is ridiculous." I groaned.

He rolled us so we were on our sides, face to face, "Don't worry about it. I'm about 100% positive you'll get the scholarship, and you'll get plenty of financial aid."

"You can stay in your fantasy world, but I have to be a realist." I said as I turned onto my back.

Another filler chapter to show the progression of their relationship. I also double backed to the settlement that Bella got and did a little explanation on why she accepted so little. Anyways, I really hoped you liked this chapter! Leave me a little review and let me know!