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Sorry for another delay; same reason as the others. Thank you for understanding. xo

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Enjoy.

Chapter 29: Sorting Fact from Fiction

My voice, hoarse from the sobs that I had just mostly settled, sounded desperate and pained.

"Bella?" Edward breathed, alarmed.

"Edward," my voice cracked painfully; turning his name into a desperate plea this time. "Tell me what's going on; tell me James was playing a really bad joke," I begged, my voice thick from crying and quivered with the tremor rolling through me that I couldn't calm. I ran my fingers nervously through my hair, the paper I held in it, crumpling with the action, the noise drawing my attention back to it.

My eyes locked on the picture as I limply dropped my hand to my lap wondering why I still held it, but unable to command my fingers to release it.

A roll of nausea caused me to sway and I looked away and closed my eyes fighting the tears that rolled hotly down my face.

"James?" Edward asked affronted, his voice hard, distracted by the mention of my ex. "What the hell, Bella?"

"Yeah, James," I breathed bitterly and sniffled. I opened my eyes looking around wildly, feeling weaker and less of a person just having his name in the air, like he wasn't really gone after all. "He so kindly graced me with his presence tonight for the first time in two years. He degraded and insulted me for old time's sake, and then gleefully handed me a photograph of you outside the set in Atlanta…" I cleared my throat, "kissing Tanya." My voice twisted painfully by the end of the sentence.

Instead of the instant rebuff I'd hoped for, I was met with silence.

My stomach knotted uncomfortably, wringing tighter and tighter as the seconds ticked by.

"Edward," I pleaded again, unable to bear his silence. "Just..." I paused closing my eyes, bracing myself for the blow, "tell me… the truth, please."

"Bella," Edward began and cut off. Silence filled the space again, thick and painful.

Oh God. No. Please. No. I thought feeling the confirmation in his reply. Not any more. Please. I begged silently. I can't take any more tonight. I just… can't. Especially not this. No. No, not this. No. Not Edward.

"I'm sorry," Edward pleaded. "I am so sorry, love. I tried to call you— If I would have known about the picture I would have made sure I spoke to you immediately— I tried to call you," Edward spoke in desperate, stilted sentences.

The windows framing my world violently imploded and I began choking on my sobs as they barreled into me with unprecedented force, taking Edward's choppy apology as affirmation.

No. It couldn't be true. No. I didn't want to believe it. It hurt to even consider…

I saw the picture in my hand began to turn. Move. Reel; like I'd watched first-hand, Edward and Tanya in the throes of passionate kisses. Twisting; as their clothes melted away. Morphing; turning into something far too close to the movie scene of the two of them. Watching; as they took it further.

Oh God, no.

My stomach heaved.

"Fuck me!" Edward cursed in an angry growl of a yell and the sound of a loud smack of something getting hit hard.

The outburst startled me and, in turn, my stomach, causing it to halt its violent protest to the images my brain produced.

I swallowed forcefully, fighting against my stomach's protest, knowing I had to calm myself; I had to keep myself together.

"Love, I know what the picture looks like, I saw it. I know why you're upset and what you must be thinking," he pleaded desperately, "but I did not kiss her," he finished, his voice turning angry, almost a growl.

I waited for him to continue, holding my breath with fresh hope that it was yet another thing rooting through the media that wasn't true; needing to hear him say just that.

"Bella?" Edward asked, his voice softer now. "Are you still there?" His question pained and vulnerable, like he wasn't sure I'd listen to him, unsure whether I'd even let him explain.

My name on his lips seemed to be my body's cue to let out the breath I was holding and dragged in a ragged breath.

"I'm here, Edward," I whispered in a raspy voice.

"I'm so sorry, Bella, I should have tried harder to speak with you before this to explain. I should have made sure I did."

"Tell me Edward. What did happen?" I asked cautiously, my voice sounding small and frightened, betraying my emotions. It was the question I desperately desired to be answered but was yet afraid of at the same time; stemming from a lifetime of insecurities weakened further with the countless hits to it I'd just endured at the hand of James.

I reminded myself that most of what was out there on him was either partially or completely false for reassurance, trying to hold myself together until I heard Edward explain. I myself had witnessed first-hand that most of what had surfaced about me, since I had been spotted with Edward, was inaccurate to some degree or another, so I told myself the chance that this too was not what it seemed was highly likely. Besides, I knew down to the core of my being that Edward wasn't anything like James; whose showing up tonight proved that with blinding confirmation. Edward had given me every understanding, took on every bit of baggage I had, given me every bit of truth I'd asked for up until this point and given me no reason to doubt him; I had to listen to what he said now and believe him.

"Anthony!" a female voice called sharply in the background accompanying the sound of a door opening sharply. "What the hell are you doing? You can't just walk off in the middle of a scene! You need to get back on set," she said in a firm, exasperated voice.

"Give me a few minutes," he snapped back.

"Peter said they need you now," she lashed back at him, her voice full of steel. "We need these shots and we only have so much time—"

"Give me ten goddamn minutes!" Edward barked more sharply than I ever remember him speaking to anyone. "Trust me, it'll still be dark enough for the shots. This call is more important than that scene and I need to finish it."

"Anthony," she protested angrily. "Please, now."

"I said, I need to finish my call. I'll be there when I'm done," he said angrily through clenched teeth.

I heard the woman let out an agitated sigh followed a second later by the door slamming shut.

He'd walked off set to call me?

I could feel that knowledge settle me, setting me at ease about whatever he had to say about the photograph. Edward wasn't someone who sloughed off responsibilities. This was important to him. I was important to him.

Fluttering warmth spread through me.

Edward sighed heavily into the phone.

"Are you still there?" he asked me softly as if expecting I wouldn't be.

"I'm still here," I promised, my voice less of a whisper, more confident, now that the painful ache that had been owning me ebbed ever-so-slightly.

"Good," he said, relief coloring his tone. He paused for a beat, took a breath and began, "I was on set earlier today, rehearsing for the night shots we're doing tonight and got called to the front gates. To be honest, I was excited, thinking maybe you'd come back," he said sounding hopeful in just relaying it. "Instead I found Tanya," he said, his voice hard; all traces of the light wistful tone vanished.

My heart dropped suddenly heavy as it swiftly fell to my gut and my breathing quickened uneasily with her name, despite my recent reassurance and the tone he'd use to say it.

"She'd managed to talk one of the security guys into letting her in and she wouldn't leave until she talked to me. I told her I didn't want to see her and I sure as hell didn't want her showing up, interrupting me at work. We began to argue," he paused and I knew he was running his free hand through his hair and pulling at it. The memory of the hair stylist's horrified reaction to Edward nearly doing this on set popped into my mind and brought a small smile to my face and nearly made me laugh, thinking of the reaction she'd have after seeing Edward had actually messed it up. "I told her to leave," he continued pulling me back to his explanation. "But then she began to actually apologize for the things she'd done when we were together. I was in such shock that she was acknowledging fault to anything that I didn't realize what she was doing until she was already kissing me. I did not kiss her back!" he said, sounding repulsed by the idea. "I reached up to push her away from me, wanting her off of me—," he broke off. "The picture Irina sent to me that's up—. Look love, I know what it looks like. I can see what you would see. It kills me knowing what you must think, but it's not that at all. I can't stand Tanya. I wish that we didn't have a past at all. Bella, I love you. I would never do anything like that to you; I would never be unfaithful to you. Please believe me, love."

His voice sounded desperate and tortured.

I sat as I soaked in his explanation, staring at the picture as he spoke but even with Edward's explanation, I still couldn't see by simply looking at it, if what he'd said was right or not. I could, however, feel it, and that meant far more than what a picture appeared to show. I'd seen many pictures taken out of context to make a story seem factual first-hand; many of them, appearing to validate the story captioned even though in truth, it was all completely made up.

"I called you immediately to tell you what had happened," he continued to ramble. "You were right, I was upset when I left the message; I was infuriated with Tanya and I wanted so badly to talk to you, to see you... But when you called me back, we'd already started filming and I couldn't talk; I wasn't going to tell you something like that over a text message and I didn't want to alarm you, so I decided to wait and tell you when we wrapped up tonight, when we could talk about this for as long as you needed."

I could feel the truth in Edward's words strengthen in me with every word he spoke. I had gotten really good at reading Edward in the short time we'd been together, I could read his nervous tells and among other things, found, funnily enough, he was a horrible liar. I could feel the proof of what the picture showed to the accompanying article fall flat because, no matter how little the photograph appeared to have left for interpretation, it didn't add up to what I knew about Edward. And I could tell he wasn't lying to me about what actually happened.

"And then Irina sent me this article that was posted with that picture," he went on, his voice sounding more and more frantic as he went. "I called you as soon as I saw it because it looks like—. Fuck me! I'd never do that to you Bella. If I would have thought that you would have seen or heard anything about this before I had the chance to explain what really happened, I—, I don't know, I would have found a way to tell you sooner; made time to step off set to talk to you before you saw it and it hurt you. I am so sorry, love."

Edward paused and silence drifted between us as I let this settle in, feeling it calm me, still my fears, my insecurities, my self-doubts.

"Bella," his voice cracked making my heart go out to him. "Love. Say something. Please," he begged. "I just need you to say something."

"I," I began, but my voice faltered, and it was all that came out. I cleared my throat, took a deep breath but found I couldn't talk. The feeling of relief was so strong, it was overwhelming and I began to cry.

"Bella?" Edward breathed, alarmed. "Oh baby, please don't cry. I'm so sorry."

"Edward," I gasped against the strong force of tears. "I'm okay, baby. It's okay. I believe you," I managed with a shaky voice.

"Really?" he asked in a small, tentative voice.

"Really," my breathing hitched as I struggled against my body unraveling.

"Why are you crying then?" Edward breathed warily, like he was talking to someone holding a gun at him.

"Relief, I guess? I don't know, I think I'm just a bit over my limit. It's been quite a day," I said with a shaky voice. "But I guess it has been for you too. Apparently it was The Night of the Exes."

"That's right. What was it that he wanted anyway?" Edward's voice was steel.

"I told you, he seemed to have missed making me feel like crap and felt the opportunity to get the satisfaction of being the one to give me the picture of you kissing Tanya was just too good for him to pass up," I said.

"First off, I did not kiss her," he said, sounding like the idea was repugnant. Then his voice softened, "and second, Bella I'm so sorry."

"Don't be sorry. You have nothing to be sorry for. Quit apologizing."

"But I am. I don't ever want to be any part of the reason you're hurt," he explained and then added, "I wish I was there so I could remind you how wrong he is; you're everything. Actually, I wish I'd been there so I could have punched the guy for treating you the way he did, and honestly, I have half a mind to go find the son of a bitch just to get the satisfaction," he said, sounding quite pleased with the idea.

"Edward, don't be stupid. Just leave it alone, I handled it, he's gone. He accomplished what he wanted, I don't think he'll be back," I insisted, panicked.

"If it would make you feel better, I could bring Em with me," he offered. "I'm pretty sure he wouldn't mind helping me out on this."

"Edward, no. He is not worth your time, or effort."

"The asshole deserves far worse," he insisted angrily.

"I don't disagree with you. But that doesn't mean you should do it, just let it go… I am," I persuaded.

"You are?"

"I am," I said again, feeling how true it was. I was letting it go, even as I spoke, it was all becoming insignificant, distant, like it was another lifetime, another person. The feeling was rather freeing. "It doesn't matter what he said or did tonight or back then; they're done. I don't want to waste any more time or energy on him; he doesn't deserve it."

"Why were you ever with a guy like that?" he asked, baffled.

"Basically…," I trailed off, the word sounding like a question. "I didn't think I could do better, I guess," I shrugged. I wasn't completely sure myself, but it was the best summary I could verbalize.

"I told you, you don't see yourself very clearly. You deserved so much better than him," he breathed, sounding almost pained by saying it.

"Someone like you, perhaps?" I teased, smiling despite myself.

"Well, I don't know about that. But I do know I love you, and am doing my damnedest to be deserving of you," he whispered.

"I love you too, and I'd kind of like to think that we deserve each other," I sighed.

"I'm glad that you feel that way," he said in a way that I could almost see the smile that spread across his face.

"I am the luckiest woman in the world to have you," I insisted.

"And I am the luckiest man to have you," he said resolutely. "Thank you."

"For what?" I laughed, at a loss.

"Oh, for quite a large number of things," he said, his tone lightening slightly.

"Oh really?" I smiled, finding my mood following his. "Do I dare ask what exactly?"

Edward laughed.

"Well for starters, believing me about what actually happened with Tanya," he said, his voice turning somber. "And, for trusting me. You have no idea what that means to me, Bella."

"You've given me every reason to believe you and to trust you," I pointed out.

"But that photograph gave you every reason not to; I saw what it looked like. I can't imagine how hard that had to have been for you to see."

"It was," I admitted. "But I've found that, while pictures are said to be worth a thousand words, it isn't very often that they tell the whole story. And, I am learning very quickly that is particularly true for Pap pictures."

"Very true."

After a beat of silence Edward continued ticking off his list.

"Another is truly believing you're lucky to have me," he pointed out, his infliction was serious.

"Really, that one really is a no brainer, Edward," I laughed. "You really are quite a catch, once you get past all the sparkle and lights."

Edward laughed loudly. It was so good to hear.

"That. Right there. That's another," he said as his laughter faded but the smile in his voice remained. "The fact that it's the real me you like, not the façade."

"Well, your alter ego isn't so bad, he has his good points and I have to confess, I do like the character you've created well enough. But there is a strong distinction between you and the Anthony Cullen persona," I pointed out.

"Oh yeah?" he chuckled. "And what is that exactly?"

"Well, besides the fact that you're real and he's fictional—"

"Minor detail."

"Very minor," I laughed. "I'm in love with you, not Anthony," I said smiling to myself.

"You're not?" he asked, playing.

"Nope," I said holding back a giggle.

"I have quite the fan base that would call you right crazy for saying that."

"Yeah, well, I'm aware that I might be a bit cracked—genetics, you know. Apple, tree and all that—"

Edward let out a burst of a laugh.

"But," I continued, smiling, "the only reason that fan base of yours would think that is because they don't know how much better the real you is," I said. "And really, it's a good thing they don't."

"Oh yeah?" he asked, sounding genuinely interested.

"Yeah. If they're this crazy over the pretend you, imagine the insanity that would ensue if they ever got wind of how incredible the real you is."

"Manic hysteria," he mock agreed.

"Riots in the streets!" I gasped theatrically. "The term 'craze' would be brought to a whole new level."

"You're right, it's a very good thing they're all in the dark," he said, the sound of barely held back laughter in his voice.

"Definitely," I agreed. "Besides, I rather like having you all to myself."

"That's good because I rather like you having me all to yourself too," he said, the smile still evident.

Then a moment of silence slipped by, where I could almost feel his smile fading until he spoke again.

"Are you really alright?" he asked quietly; seriously.

"Yes, Edward," I told him honestly. "I think I am."

"Are you sure? Because I don't want you to feel like you have to tell me that because you think you have to let me get back to the set. I'll make all the time you need, love. After what happened at the Premiere, understanding now a bit more as to why and everything, I'd completely understand if you needed more than a five minute conversation about this."

"Twenty," I corrected with a smile looking at the time. "But really, I'm sure. Yes, that picture hit a little too close to home, especially given the circumstances in which it was given to me, but I'm good. Promise."

"And moving in?" he asked uncertainly.

"I'll be there when you get home."

"That's about the best thing I've ever heard."

"Good because you're not getting rid of me that easily."

"Keep talking, I like the things you're saying, love."

I laughed freely and Edward quickly joined in.

"Oh, before I forget, Alice mentioned helping you with moving," Edward said and I could hear the scratch of his thumb against his cheek as he mentioned it.

Mmmm.

"I warned her that she would need to ask you and not just show up uninvited." He continued, pulling me out of my most recent swoon. "So expect a call from her… or possibly an unexpected knock at your door; she's never really been one who listens well, plus, she's excited."

"About me moving in with you?" I asked disbelievingly; I couldn't understand why it would be such a big thing to Alice.

"I told you, she's taken to you. Well, that, and she's also a bit excited about the fact that I've finally met someone I'm willing to move in together with and make a commitment to," he confessed.

"You've never lived with anyone?"

"No. Other than my family, just you—well, as soon as you get moved in, that is," he confessed. "I can't wait to come home to you every night, Bella."

"Me either," I agreed. "I miss you, Edward," I confessed, fresh tears—of longing this time—rolled down my face. "So much."

"Christ Bella, I miss you too," he replied. "Even worse now with the day I've had."

"I know what you mean," I sighed. "There's nothing I want more than to be curled up with you right now."

"Then get your beautiful self on a plane and come here!"

"Which is it, Edward? I can't do both."

"What do you mean?"

"I can't move from my place to yours—"

"Ours," he cut me off.

"Ours," I amended, rolling my eyes and unable to help but smile, "and go see you. So, you decide. Which do you want more?" I challenged, surprising myself with the question.

"Both," he pouted and I burst out laughing with how much he sounded like a sullen little boy; it was adorable.

"How about you get back to set and finish that movie before you get in trouble, and I'll get back to packing so I can be ready and waiting when you're done."

"You'd be moved in faster if you just let me hire the movers."

"My moving in faster won't get you done with your movie faster."

"It's good incentive."

"Besides, I can pack my own things Edward, I told you that."

"You're so stubborn."

"No more than you are."

"Fine, get packing."

"As soon as someone stops distracting me, I will."

"I think you like me being a distraction," he teased.

"You're right, I do."

"I'll talk to you tomorrow, love," he said breathing a light chuckle. "And, thank you for letting me explain and trusting me."

"Of course. I love you, Edward."

"I love you too, Bella."

I hung up the phone and sat there for a moment letting the wonderful feeling of the truth settle in. I took a breath and got up, the article of Edward and Tanya, crinkling as I did. I crumpled it, smashing it into a tight ball and tossed it in the trashcan almost feeling disappointed I hadn't thrown up because it would have been so much more satisfying throwing the picture in there if I had.

My phone sounded with a text. It was from Edward and I couldn't help but grin widely; like a complete idiot as I pulled it up on my phone.

Goodnight, love. x

I giggled, feeling my heart flutter in my chest and I quickly texted him back:

Goodnight, baby. Get back to work. ;) x

Setting the phone down, I went back to packing, wanting to get a little more done before I headed to bed for the night. As I did, I felt like I glowed with the excitement that filled me once again, knowing everything with Edward and me was perfect.

I have a couple Song Recs for this chapter. I couldn't decide which one fit better so I'm going with both. To listen, paste the URL into your browser window. Remember to remove the spaces:

"Wait for Me" by Theory of a Deadman
www. youtube .watch? v=DluELMLYdlA

-and-

"Dear God" by Avenged Sevenfold
www. youtube .watch? v=n0kmnmxuRH0

I hope you feel they fit as well as I do. Anyway, just a few chapters left, I think (give or take).

As always, I love to know what you think. Click [Review] and let me know.

xo
TJE