DISCLAIMER: Twilight and its inclusive material is copyright to Stephenie Meyer. Original creation, including but not limited to plot and characters, is copyright to the respective authors of each story. No copyright infringement is intended.

BPOV

We had been in Florida for three weeks when Nonno and Nonna Cullen arrived. No one had been expecting them so when they showed up on the doorstep one Thursday afternoon we were all equally surprised.

"Mamma! Babbo! What are you doing here?" Eleazar exclaimed as he carried their luggage into the house. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I would have met you at the airport."

"It was honestly a last minute decision," Alec explained. "I was going to just call, but decided I'd rather come and talk to everyone face to face."

"Please come in and sit down," Carmen said gesturing toward the sofa. "You must be exhausted from your travels. Let me get you something nice and cool to drink."

"Thank you, Cara," Alec answered.

By the time Carmen had returned with a tray of drinks, we were all settled in the living room.

Alice was busy telling her grandparents about our visit to Universal Studios.

"And I almost forgot! You can even hear Moaning Myrtle whining and crying in the restroom in Hogsmeade!"

"Well, it certainly sounds like it lived up to all your expectations," Gianna said with a laugh. Turning in my direction, she asked, "Bella, have you been enjoying your stay?"

As soon as I had seen who was at the door, I had panicked. I loved Nonno and Nonna, but deep down I knew their visit wasn't a social one. My mind had been racing ever since with reasons why they could be here and what it would mean for me.

Nonna had to ask me twice before I snapped out of my stressful thoughts and managed a simple, "Yes, thank you."

She gave me a gentle smile. "I'm happy to hear that, Tesoro."

Later that evening, after returning home from dinner at a local restaurant, Alec and Gianna asked to speak with me in Eleazar's study.

I looked to Carmen who gave me an encouraging nod before I agreed.

Once I sat down in the worn-leather wingback chair that flanked the sofa where Alec and Gianna sat, Alec said, "I'm sure you're wondering why we're here. Of course, we're always thrilled with the opportunity to see you all, but we came specifically to speak with you."

"M—me?"

"Yes, we wanted to talk with you about Edward."

The mention of his name sent a chill throughout my body. Was he on his way here as well?

I had to know.

"Is he coming here too?"

Nonna must have noticed my apprehension because she quickly took one of my trembling hands in hers and said, "No, he's not coming. In fact, Edward has no plans on returning to the United States anytime soon. He's remaining in Italy for the indefinite future."

"What exactly does that mean?" I asked chewing on my bottom lip.

"It means," Alec said as he stood, "that Edward will not be bothering you any longer." After sitting on the ottoman in front of my chair, he continued. "Bella, I am going to be completely frank with you. Edward is currently seeking treatment for a cocaine addiction at a facility in Rome. He's more than likely going to be there for several months."

I gave him a blank stare. What was I supposed to say? In all honesty, I wasn't even surprised. Everything I knew about Edward didn't impress me so finding out he was a cokehead as well wasn't too shocking.

"I'm sorry to hear that," I muttered.

"Well, Edward's made his bed so …" Alec waved his hand in the air in dismissal before clearing his throat, "anyway … Bella, Nonna and I owe you an apology."

My head snapped up, and I gaped at him. Had I misheard him? "B—but why?"

"We have let this foolishness with Edward persist for far too long," he paused to scrub a hand across his face. "His treatment of you over the past several years has been nothing less than abhorrent, and we have essentially turned a blind eye to it all."

A sob escaped Nonna who buried her head in her hands. Nonno rubbed her back in slow circles while whispering something into her ear.

My heart ached to see Nonna so upset. I could never blame her for Edward's behavior. "Nonna, please don't cry," I begged. Seeing her hurt, caused tears to fall from my own eyes.

She looked up at me. Her face puffy and red. "Tesoro, I am so, so sorry. The thought of what you have endured breaks my heart, and to know, we could have done something about it years ago..."

"Yes, we mistakenly believed our son would teach Edward the proper way to treat his mate," Alec added. "Unfortunately, that was not the case though, and Carlisle has misguided that clueless boy every step of the way."

I knew Carlisle was Edward's father, but I hadn't heard much about him over the years. "What does C—Carlisle have to do with it?"

"You only met our eldest son once, so I'm sure you don't remember him, but Carlisle has a certain hardness about him," Alec explained, "I love them both the same, but he lacks the compassion Eleazar has. He is all business all the time."

"What does that have to do with Edward?"

"I know you haven't seen this side of him, but Edward is turned more like Eleazar and Alec. He has a sense of mercy and humanity that Carlisle often lacks," Nonna said.

Yes, I definitely hadn't seen that side of Edward.

"This has always been a thorn in his father's side," Alec continued. "He has been attempting to mold him into another version of himself. And Edward has been naively following all of Carlisle's orders in hopes of finally living up to his expectations. Now, enough about Edward and Carlisle's issues, let's get back to you.

As much as we wish we had a time machine and could go back to when you first met Edward, Gianna and I know it's much too late to make up for all the mistakes of the past seven years. But what we can do, is make sure you have the opportunity to make your own choices and decisions from here on out. That's why we have set up this account for you."

Alec handed me an envelope. Inside was a bank book, which had an account made out in my name. I opened it, and when I saw the outrageous number listed as the balance, I gasped. "What is this?"

"That is the same amount we give to all of our grandchildren when they turn twenty-five years old," Alec explained. "You are just receiving yours earlier. We want you to have the financial freedom to live your life as you choose. From here on out, no one will be dictating where you live, what school you attend, or anything else. It's your life. It's your decision."

"That is not to say that Eleazar and Carmen don't want you living with them any longer," Nonna added. "I know they would be heartbroken if you left. I hope you realize they love you as a daughter just as we love you as a granddaughter."

"But, they will also understand if you need to spread your wings and fly," Alec said.

"But what about Edward?" I asked confused by what they were saying. "He won't ever allow this."

"Edward has no choice in the matter. He knows this now," Alec answered.

Overcome, I asked to be excused for a moment.

I went into the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face. After blotting my cheeks, I looked into the mirror and gazed at my reflection. Had they really meant what they said? Am I truly free from Edward Cullen? Can my dreams finally come true?

But before I could begin to have thoughts of a new future, I had to find out one more thing about my past.

After drying my hands on a towel, I returned to the study and sat.

Taking a deep breath, I said, "Can you tell me what happened to my father?"

EPOV

3 Months Later

"How does it feel to be going home?" Demetri asked as he watched me throw the last of my shit into my duffle bag.

After sitting on the edge of my bed, I looked at my case manager. If it had been anyone else, I would have lied, but after working together for the past ninety days, Demetri knew me almost as well as I knew myself.

"I'm scared as fuck, to be honest," I admitted. As much as I loathed the confinement of the treatment facility, there was something safe and comforting about it. As long as I was here, I knew I wasn't going to screw up my life or anyone else's.

"That's normal, Edward. Remember, one step at a time," Demetri said before patting me on the back. "Now I'm not going to lie, there are always going to be setbacks and challenges, but you're not in this alone. I'll still be here, and you have the support of your family."

I scoffed at his last remark. I certainly didn't expect to receive any assistance from my father. In the entire time I had been away, I had only heard from him once, and that was just to tell me 'to hurry up and get my shit together.' He had refused all my calls and wouldn't attend any of the family therapy sessions Demetri had set up during my treatment.

Demetri knew what I was thinking and scolded, "I was referring to your grandparents. You've to quit giving him so much power over you, Edward. Keep that power for yourself, or you'll fall right back into your old traps."

Letting out an exhale I said. "I know, I know. It's just hard."

"Hey, you've got this. I wouldn't have signed these release forms if I didn't believe that …" he said gesturing to the set of papers in his hand.

"Hello, Edward. Demetri." Alec appeared in the doorway. His coat folded over his arm.

"Nonno," I said as I stood. I walked over and gave him a warm embrace. During my time at the facility, Alec had been my constant. My champion and confidant. I had no doubt I would be dead right now if weren't for mine grandfather's intervention.

"You look well, my boy. Nonna is anxious to see you. I believe she has a fresh batch of biscotti waiting for you at home."

"Hey! What about me?" Demetri joked. "Where's my biscotti?"

Alec rolled his eyes. "I just left a huge tray for the entire team on Martina's desk."

"Well, I better go get some before it's all gone," Demetri said as he headed for the door. "I'll talk with you at nine on Friday morning, Edward, but remember I'm available twenty-four/seven if you need me before then - just call. Okay?"

"Okay," I said as I gave Demetri a one-armed hug. "Thanks for everything, man."

"Anytime. That's what I'm here for. And don't forget - one step at a time."

"Carlisle called me last night," Nonno said as we were driving home.

I knew shit was going to get real fast, but I didn't expect it to happen quite so quickly.

"What did he want?"

"He heard you were being released and wanted to know when he should expect you home."

Fuck!

Running a hand through my hair, I reached into my pocket and pulled out my pack of smokes.

I looked at my grandfather asking silent permission before lighting one and taking a drag.

After taking a few calming puffs, I said, "What did you tell him?"

"I told him that was yet to be determined. There's no rush, my boy. You're welcome to stay with your nonna and me for however long you would like."

"I bet that pissed him off," I answered.

"When is he not pissed off?" Nonno replied. "If only we could get him enrolled into that anger management course you just took."

I snorted, imagining my father learning about meditation and breathing techniques to control his temper. I had been skeptical myself before treatment.

Not wanting to focus on my father any longer, I changed the subject. "Have you heard from Eleazar recently?"

Nonno knew what I was really asking, and we both knew I shouldn't have even gone there. Especially only hours after being released from rehab.

"Edward …"

"I know I have no right to ask, but, can you please just tell me - is she safe? Is she happy?"

After several long moments, he finally answered. "Yes to both of your questions, but Edward, no more. She's off limits."

Hearing that Bella was okay soothed my nerves far more than the cigarette had. Even after all the therapy sessions I had been through, I didn't think I would ever come to terms with the all the hurt I had caused her throughout the past years.

"Thanks, Nonno. I just needed to know," I said before promising, "I won't ask again."

Out of all of the fucked up issues in my life - the anger, violence, and even the drugs - deep down I knew staying away from Bella Swan was going to be the most challenging obstacle I ever faced.

AN:

First, I want to apologize. When I published Chapter 16, the alignment was incredibly off - I didn't realize it until a reader told me. It was seriously a hot mess, and my beta said I probably caused a few seizures.

I will triple check from now on. ;)

There will be a bigger time jump in chapter 18. We've got to get these two together so Bella can finally give Edward a piece of her mind. It's coming soon!

I will be publishing a new one-shot later this week. I hope you check it out.

Thanks for the reviews. I love reading them and appreciate your feedback. One of my favorite parts is seeing everyone's pen names. I feel like Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks in You've Got Mail because I'm always guessing what some of them stand for.

Much love to the team who helps me get these chapters finished. Fran, Gabby, Diane, and K. I couldn't do it without you all.

Until next time,
HE