Ch 27: The End

~ Bella's POV~

I never could have guessed how happy I could be living with Edward. Every night I got to sleep in his arms, then wake in them the next morning.

He was sweet and playful in ways I'd never seen him before. The sexual energy was there too, but it wasn't the main connection anymore. Instead we were bonding on a deeper level.

We actually talked about the future. Our dreams, what we wanted to do with our lives, what the next step in achieving our goals would be.

And we talked about the past. I confided in him about how badly Renee leaving had hurt me. I talked about how I watched dad slip away, and how much that hurt too. He was there, never judging, just supporting me all the while.

Dad had to stay in the hospital for another week after I'd left. Then he was transferred to a rehab facility.

For treatment purposes, I hadn't been allowed to see him yet, that was going to change today.

It'd been almost a month.

I looked out the car window, trying to calm myself. I was so ready to see him, but also terrified too.

"You okay Bella?" Esme asked me gently. I turned towards her, watching her drive. I'd asked her to take me, because with Edward there I felt like I was more likely to fall apart.

"Just, nervous."

She nodded, carefully navigating the roads.

"You know, he's going to be very happy to see you. And the doctors said he's doing so much better."

I had heard it already, but the reassurance was nice.

"I know. It's just hard to believe."

Her hand reached out to squeeze mine.

"Just remember sweetie, you have us. Me, Carlisle, and Edward. We'll be here no matter what happens."

Light tears formed in my eyes, I breathed deeply to hold them back.

Only a few minutes later, we bulled up to a ranch style building that looked like it was nestled in a garden. It was actually quite beautiful.

In my head, I'd imagined the place as looking very sterile, and bleak.

This was definitely better than that.

As we walked in, I noticed the inside was just as pleasant. Plants over grew pots everywhere, lots of natural light filled the space.

How the hell could we afford this?

I didn't even want to think about how much debt dad was going into.

"I'm here to see Charlie Swan. I'm is daughter Bella." I told the attending with a sweet smile. Leah was written on her name tag.

"It's wonderful to meet you Bella. Charlie has told us so much about you. I can take you back if you're ready?"

I nodded my head, Esme gave me an encouraging look.

Walking through the facility was an interesting experience. It didn't feel like a treatment center so much as an oasis. There was a courtyard in the center of complex, many patients were out on the lawn, participating in a variety of activities.

Almost like a summer camp for adults.

We stopped at a light blue door, that was left ajar. Leah knocked, and waited though.

"Charlie? Bella is here to see you."

My dad came around the corner more quickly than I expected. His eyes were bright, focused. His hair looked like it had been recently trimmed giving him a fresh appearance. His figure was somehow slimmer, but also more filled out. As if he'd been eating and exercising properly.

He looked good.

Like really good.

Tears rolled down both our faces as we just took each other in.

And then his arms were around me. Holding me tenderly.

I cried like a baby.

"I love you so much Bella." He whispered in my hair, sounding more like my dad than he had in so many years.

"I love you too."

Leah had walked away giving us the privacy we both desperately needed.

After a long moment he pulled back, assessing me.

I was glad the bruising on my face had completely healed. Only a small scar on the corner of my scalp showed any evidence of the accident. Well that and the cast on my leg.

"Would you like to come in?" he stepped aside, face hopeful.

I gave him a smile and hobbled through the doorway.

I liked his room. It was small, but in a cozy way rather than cramped. Soft blues adorned the walls, and rich brown furniture matched it.

I took a seat at his small breakfast table, he joined me shortly after.

"You look really good."

His smile was happy and sad all at once.

"You do too." His mouth turned into a contemplative frown. "I know a lot of this has been really hard for you Bells. And that I haven't been a good father to you. I'd like to address some of that now if you're willing."

I understood that he was giving me the option to keep things light. To give me time to come to terms with everything.

And though part of me hated to go there so quickly, I knew it was something we both needed.

"Yeah. We can talk."

He squeezed my hand warmly.

"I first need to tell you, how sorry I am for everything I've put you through. You deserved to have me be there for you, and I just wasn't. Looking back it's easy to see how selfish I was being, and all I can say is that I see that now. And I want to do better moving forward."

It hurt, that he hadn't been there. That he never saw how much I struggled. But at least he could now. And I appreciated that he didn't try to excuse his actions.

I swallowed, holding back my emotions, knowing he still had a lot to say.

"For a long time I didn't want to admit that I had a problem, emotionally, with how your mother left us. And I turned to alcohol as a way to deal with how I was feeling. It wasn't fair to you that I did that. I should have gotten help, but I chose to ignore the people in my life that cared about me and handle things my own way. A bad way."

I stayed silent, feeling his pain, knowing how hard this must be for him to admit.

"I truly never intended to hurt you Bella. I accept that I did. At the time I thought drinking away my sorrows was for the best, but I was actually being a coward. I didn't want to face how abandoned I felt. I convinced myself for a long time that you were better off dealing with things by yourself, because I was too messed up in the head to help you."

But we could have helped each other, my heart screamed.

"I wish you had let me in. I felt abandoned too. By her and you." I confessed, knowing he needed to hear it.

He winced, nodding his head. His eyes full of torment.

"I see that now. I was, in many ways, just as bad as her. I might have been there physically, but I wasn't there mentally or emotionally for you. I am so sorry for that Bella. There aren't even words to express how horrible I feel about what I did. How I handled everything. And how I left you alone like that."

My lips trembled as we stared at each other, feeling the heartache of loss between us.

"You should never have had to take care of me. I should have been there for you. I can't change what I've done. All I can do tell you is how much I regret being so selfish."

A few tears escaped down my cheeks. He looked heartbroken, and he took a long moment to compose himself.

"You are an amazing woman Bella. And I hope that you can forgive me one day, not because I deserve it, but because you do. You deserve a life full of happiness without all this pain I've put you through."

I wiped the tears from my cheeks and took a few deep breaths.

"I do forgive you daddy. I just want you to be happy."

He didn't speak but got up to embrace me in another heartfelt hug.

We spent a while in each other's arms, letting go of all the sorrow, all the pain.

And when that was over, we talked about his recovery. Though he was doing well, he felt he needed to stay a while longer, and he wasn't sure if he'd be out before Christmas or not. I pondered for a moment that it was only a month away.

But I'd rather him stay to get better, than rush home for the holiday and relapse.

"I also wanted to talk to you about something. I'm not making any immediate decisions, but I'd like your input."

My brows drew up at the comment.

"I was thinking about selling the house."

I would be lying if I said it didn't take me by surprise.

"Oh. Is it because we need to money to pay for treatment? Because I have some-"

He held up a hand cutting me off.

"No sweetheart. Money isn't a concern."

I know my look must have been confused and disagreeing.

"I'm not trying to be difficult. But you barely brought home enough for me to pay bills most of the time. How is this not money related?"

My words affected him greatly. He looked so ashamed.

"I'm so sorry you even had to be involved in my finances for the past year Bella. I know it might not seem like it, but I was trying to do my best to provide for you."

He paused a moment, pushing past the pain.

"When your mother left, I put us both on a very good medical plan and started a savings account. I wanted to make sure, that if something happened to me, that you wouldn't be burdened with medical debts or anything like that. All of the hospitalization, and my treatment is covered. You don't have to worry about that. And I'm sorry if you have been worrying about it."

I had to admit it was a huge relief. I didn't want him to be burdened with so much debt when he was trying to get his life back together.

"Oh. I am relieved to hear that. But if it's not about the money, why do you want to sell the house?"

I wasn't particularly attached, but I was curious.

"Because I need a fresh start. The house has a lot of good memories, but it also has a lot of bad ones. I can't be in there and not think about what used to be. There's a heavy sort of feeling, and I think it would be better to have a clean slate."

I felt the truth of his words. There had been many times I hated walking through those doors.

"I understand, the feeling you're talking about. Like someone's sitting on your chest."

His head bowed and he rubbed his face with his hands.

"I'm sorry you felt that way too." His voice was tainted with self-loathing.

"Dad?" his eyes looked up to me, full of ache. "It wasn't just your fault. It was her. And what she did to us. I've always been on your side. You know that right?"

His eyes shimmered with more unshed tears.

"You're too good of a daughter. I really don't deserve you."

It made my chest pang.

He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, letting out a watery laugh.

"I guess that means you're okay with me selling it then."

I snorted.

"You could take a bulldozer to it if you wanted."

This time his laugh was more genuine.

"I think I'll stick to selling it."

It was his call.

"Where will we live?" I wondered suddenly.

"I'm not sure how quickly the house will sell. But even if it takes some time, I was thinking about renting a townhouse for when I get released."

Made sense.

"Yeah. That sounds good. That'll give you time to find another place. Just let me know if you need me to help with any of that. I can make arrangements while you're in here." I offered.

I wanted to be supportive. To show him that we would make it through this.

He ruffled my hair affectionately.

"You've already done plenty. Just focus on you." His words warmed me deeply. "How is it living with the Cullen's? Everything okay there?"

That was an easy question to answer.

"It's really great. Esme and Carlisle are sweet. If anything they've been going a little overboard with spoiling me."

Esme had bought me almost an entire new wardrobe and Carlisle was quick to get me anything I even mentioned in passing. I'd come home to a new bookbag one day, when I joked about how the zipper on my old one kept jamming. It was thoughtful. And sweet.

"They're good people." A hint of sadness filled his eyes briefly. I knew he was comparing himself to them. "And how's Edward? Things between you two good?"

I was surprised he asked. I wasn't really sure how dad felt about him.

"Yeah. He's a lot like his parents. Spoils me constantly." I grinned sheepishly. "Are you okay that I'm dating him, and living in his house?"

His brows arched up, then drew in, as if he was conflicted.

"It was difficult for me to accept at first. But you're both technically adults, and as long as he's good to you, I can't ask for much more."

"He is more than good to me."

Edward was everything. He was there, he was kind, he was sweet and never judgmental. Being with him just felt right.

"You take after me," dad told me cryptically. Startled, I looked over at him. "Fall hard and fast."

Damn.

Was I that transparent?

"Just a word of advice?" I gazed at him, waiting. "Don't be afraid to talk. No matter what it is. Big, small, silly, inconsequential. Just always talk."

I knew this was coming from his own experience. And that it was said with love and a genuine desire to see mine and Edward's relationship succeed.

It made me so happy.

A light knock at the door brought your attention back to the real world.

"Hi there. Just letting you know vesting hours are ending." Leah called from the doorway.

As much as I didn't want to say goodbye, I knew I had too.

But this time it was good.

We made plans for me to come back again next weekend. And for every weekend that he remained in there, however long it took.

When I made my way back to the reception area, I could feel the tears coming again.

I didn't know why I felt so emotional.

Maybe just because everything had worked out so well. And I was just so happy and so relieved to seem him look like my dad again.

"You okay?" Esme's concerned eyes watched me as I joined her in the lobby.

"Yeah. It was good. He was good. I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed right now."

What I loved about Esme is that she didn't press. She just hugged me and let me know everything I was feeling was valid.

"Why don't we pick up some food for the guys on our way back? Your pick?"

It was such a mom thing to say, but God I loved her for it.

"Yeah. I'd like that."

…

Edward was glad to see me when we made it back home. I knew it was hard for him to let me go with Esme today.

I also knew he didn't totally understand why I didn't want him there, but he didn't make me feel bad about it.

We were cuddling in bed, and he was running his fingers through my hair while I told him about the meeting.

"Oh yeah. He's gonna sell the house."

His fingers stilled in my hair.

Then he leaned over my shoulder to look at me, concern evident on his face.

"What? Where are you gonna live?"

"I don't know yet. He mentioned renting a place. I guess I'll find out when he's released."

Edward did not look pleased.

"What?"

"Sorry, it's just, you've lived beside me all my life. And I knew when your dad got out, you would have to go back. That was gonna be hard enough, and now you won't even be my neighbor anymore."

He looked really distressed, which for some reason, made me laugh.

His eyes darkened, obviously not seeing the humor.

"It's not like I'm moving across the country," I teased. But it was a little depressing to think about not getting to be with him every night.

"I know it's for the best. But I don't wanna let you go." He squeezed me tight for emphasis.

"I'm not going anywhere." I brushed his cheek with my fingers. "Even if I do wind up moving across town, I'll still be yours. We'll just have to do what every teenager does."

His brows rose in confusion.

"Sneak out to see each other." I laughed. "Plus, the danger of getting caught will make it so much hotter."

I was trying to look on the bright side of things.

"I don't wanna sneak around." Edward grumbled.

I sighed deeply.

"I don't either. But there's no point in worrying about it right now. I don't even know when he's getting released."

Edward didn't look particularly appeased, but he nodded his head and relaxed back against me.

"I am glad your visit when well today. I'm happy he's doing better." He told me after a long moment of silence.

I appreciated the effort he was making, it made me smile.

"I was thinking about college," he started again after a moment.

Surprised, I rolled over to face him.

"What about it?"

He watched me intently.

"What if we went to the same one?"

Edward knew I wanted to continue my career in writing and journalism, but I hadn't decided on any particular place I wanted to study at. Before the accident, I figured I'd stay local, to keep an eye on dad.

Now I didn't have to worry so much about that.

It opened up a lot more possibilities.

"I haven't applied to a ton of places. Is there somewhere you had in mind?"

"I'd be okay with Masen U, if that's where you want to be. I mean you already have your job there."

That was true.

"But where do you want to go? Where would be a good place for computer programming?"

He shrugged slightly.

"A lot of places have degrees for computer science." I nudged him, letting him know I wasn't accepting that answer. He sighed. "Platt University has a good program for what I want to do."

Platt huh?

"I actually applied there."

He looked surprised.

"You did?"

"Yeah. Angie said it was a good school for journalism. She applied too."

A warm look entered his eyes.

"Does that mean you'd seriously consider going?"

"You know, before dad was in treatment, I wasn't sure. Not that it's far away, but I wouldn't have been able to watch out for him, you know? But now, I really think he's gonna be okay. And that was the only reason I had not to go."

His grin was soft, but wide.

"Good. You deserve to make decisions on what you want."

I was starting to see that.

"Any reason you want to be at the same college?" I lifted a teasing brow.

He laughed shaking his head at me.

"Other than wanting to see you every minute of every day?"

I snorted a laugh.

"That's a little excessive. Can you settle for every other minute of every day?"

He tapped his chin contemplatively for a moment.

"No. I love you too much to settle for less."

Though I knew he was teasing me, my heart started pounding.

He said he loved me.

"You love me?" I repeated back, feeling a little stunned.

His eyes turned tender, and his smile was so beautiful it hurt to look at him.

"Bella, I have loved you for a long time. And I'll love you till forever."

My heart felt so full, so perfect.

I leaned in to kiss him, to let him know how fucking happy he made me.

We pulled back after several minutes.

"Does that mean you love me too?"

His eyes happily danced as he teased me.

"Yes, Edward Cullen. I love you, with all my heart."

And we kissed again, sealing our souls to one another.

Promising without words to be each other's till the end of our days.

To think, I hadn't believed in happily ever after's, and yet here I was, getting my very own.

THE END

AN: Thank you for joining me on this journey! This story has been in the making for almost a year, and I am so happy with all the love and support it has received.

Yes, there is still a whole lot more I could write on, but the story I wanted to tell has come to a close.

If you really want an Epilogue, I might could be convinced… maybe.

Thanks again for all the reviews and general support. It has meant the world to me.