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Chapter Twenty

There was a peace offering on the coffee table when I walked into the apartment: a bottle of Maker's Mark and two whiskey glasses.

Emmett appeared from the kitchen, avoiding my glare, and added two ice cubes to each glass. I turned back around and almost made it to the door when he finally spoke.

"Get your ass back over here," Emmett instructed as he poured a generous amount of whiskey into the glasses.

"Not in the mood, Emmett." But I grabbed the glass anyway, because it was the good shit and who was I to refuse that?

"No, no, no. We need to address your little hissy fit earlier."

"Hissy fit?" I scoffed, tilting my head back to empty the glass in one gulp. "You realize that was all your fault, don't you?" I asked as I wiped my mouth.

Emmett immediately refilled my glass. "What I realize is I was doing you a fucking favor, and you're too ignorant to understand that."

Fucker wanted to get drunk and hash shit out? Fine. I could do that.

"You realize Bella fucking hates me even more than before, yeah?"

"You realize that has nothing to do with me, yeah?" Emmett countered, downing his own glass. "And you realize the only reason why she's upset is because she doesn't hate you at all. You're an inconsiderate prick who doesn't think before spewing shit out of that fucking mouth of yours."

"Don't hold back. Tell me how you really feel." I rolled my eyes and walked into the kitchen to grab more ice.

"Nah. If I did that, you'd cry like a little bitch, I'm sure." Emmett shook his head and followed me.

"So why'd you do it, huh? Were you bored? Wanted to see me fuck up even more? I'm intrigued," I muttered as I sat my ass on the counter next to the stove.

"If you honestly think I did this to be malicious, you should probably get the fuck out right now because you don't know me at all."

Okay. I didn't actually think he did this to be malicious. Also, I had no where else to go.

"Well? Lay it on me, quick, before Rose gets here and adds her two cents," I snorted. "I don't feel like dealing with her judgmental ass tonight."

"Tell me- what the fuck would you be doing right now if it weren't for me lying to you, huh?" I opened my mouth and Em cut me off. "Exactly. You'd be raw dogging some random ho and not doing shit."

"I don't raw dog, you asshole..." I trailed off and grabbed the bottle of Maker's Mark, ignoring my glass and swigging that shit straight from the bottle. "Just because you don't agree with the shit I do, doesn't give you the right to butt in and fucking lie to me."

"Yes it does," Emmett argued. "You're my bro, and I just want to see you do something. It sounds homo, but I just want you to be happy."

Laughing, I passed him the bottle. " That does sound homo. And I do shit."

"Stupid shit."

"That's your opinion."

The conversation went on like that, both of us disagreeing, for thirty minutes until Emmett was sitting on the kitchen floor, humming the theme song to "Full House". I was busy playing with the burners on the stove, turning them on and off, listening to the clicking sound when Emmett suddenly veered back on topic.

"It was a joke," he grumbled. "It was a stupid joke for kicks. I didn't think you'd actually go and find someone. Since when do you listen to anything I say?"

"Yeah." I yawned. "You have a point."

How could I hold him responsible for this? If he wouldn't have fucked up all of this and lied to me, I would've never fallen in love with Bella. Sure, I would've eventually met her at Cabel's, but she probably wouldn't have given me the time of day, and if she did, I would've most likely pulled the 'Fuck and Duck' on her.

"You're just so clueless, man."

"Enough with the points," I growled.

"But it's true. And then you met Bella, and I was like oh, this's going to be funny," Emmett slurred. "Cause every time she'd stare at you, she looked like she was going to rip your balls off."

"Yeah. She's scary like that," I chuckled, thinking back to the first time we met.

"For some reason you kept bringing her around, and the more you hung out with her - the more involved you got - the less likely it became that I was able to tell you I made all of it up."

"I don't think it would've mattered anyway. I still would've wanted her around even if she didn't have to be."

"I don't know. I just wanted you to have what I have, even though I went about it in a shitty way."

"Emmett. It's...okay," I finally said. Because it was okay, or at least I hoped it would be.

"No, not really." He hiccuped, and I laughed at his drunk ass. "I shouldn't have lied to you, but I figured it'd all work out in the end. And now I realize that was mistake number one, cause you're kind of a douchebag."

I laughed again because he was right. I had my moments.

"Well, maybe you weren't so wrong after all."

"Nah, it was wrong to lie to you. I know. But...what was I supposed to do? You fucking showed up on my doorstep, and it kinda pissed me off," Emmett explained.

The front door opened, and Rose walked in. She stared at me as she set her bag on the kitchen table.

"It smells like kerosene and whiskey in here," she stated with a smirk. "Must be some pow-wow. How's Bella?"

I shrugged. "She wants her space, at least until after she's done with finals."

"That's understandable." Rose nodded before walking over to Emmett and reaching out a hand to help him up off the floor.

"Hey, Baby." Emmett greeted her with a sloppy kiss.

"And that's my cue," I noted, hopping off the counter.

"Hey." Emmett blocked me from escaping the awkward moment. "Do you want me to talk to Bella? I can apologize and tell her we're both just dumb asses and you love her and all that good stuff."

"She already knows I love her," I admitted, sounding way more pathetic than I intended. "Now, I guess I just have to wait and see if she thinks I'm worth it."

The next day was spent nursing one hell of a hangover. Emmett spent the day with Rose and her parents, so I had the place to myself to wallow in my own misery.

Checking my phone more than necessary, I was disappointed Bella hadn't tried to contact me at all. It hadn't even been twenty-four hours, and I was already missing her.

Passing out early Sunday night, I woke up around four in the morning and decided I'd get a head start before my first day of work. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was grateful for the distraction; whatever kept my mind off Bella and our fucked up situation.

Luckily, the next few days passed rather quickly. I was busy learning about all of my job duties, which mainly consisted of monthly meetings with the volunteer, their Little, and the Littles family I was assigned to.

Carlisle called and left a message for me on Wednesday, asking if I could stop by his office. I didn't bother calling him back before I showed up after my work day ended.

Knocking twice, Carlisle yelled for me to enter. He didn't look the least bit surprised to see me standing in the doorway.

"You can have a seat," he said without looking up.

"Nah. I have a feeling this won't take long. I'll stand," I muttered with attitude. It was hard not to be a dick, okay?

"I assume you and Emmett made up?"

This made me snort. "We hashed it all out over a bottle of Maker's Mark. We're good."

Carlisle smiled tightly and focused on the paperwork in front of him. "I'm sad to say I expected more from you, Edward."

"No shit." I laughed uncomfortably and leaned against the door. "I know I'm the screw up of the family. Is that all you wanted to say? I know you're a busy man, so spare me the speech, okay?"

"Is that what you think?" Carlisle set his pen down and finally looked up, removing his glasses. "Edward, that's not true at all. You did very well in high school, played soccer, and then graduated from college with a degree. Do you honestly believe you're a screw up?"

"No, but I know you do. I didn't want to go to med or grad school after I graduated. I'm not as compassionate as you and...I don't know, you look down on me for that or something."

"Edward," Carlisle said my name sternly. "You are compassionate. You wouldn't be able to work around children if you weren't."

"No." I shoved my hands in my pockets. "I know what you think of me and compassionate isn't on the list."

"Esme and I just want you to be happy. Can you honestly say you were happy with the direction of your life three months ago?"

I thought about it, and I didn't want to answer him. Because the answer was no.

"You're a good kid. Stop trying to convince yourself otherwise," Carlisle ordered as he picked up his pen, leading me to believe the conversation was over.

"Is that all?" I asked carefully. "I mean...aren't you upset I lied to y'all about Bella? Aren't you going to tell me I was deceitful and scold me for lying to get money?"

"No. I think you're being hard enough on yourself. You don't need me to tell you what you did was wrong."

Running a hand through my hair, I gave him an appreciative chuckle. "Huh. Alright then."

"Besides," Carlisle started, "We have eyes, you know. We notice the way you look at her. Even if you started this for the money, it turned into something so much more than that."

"Yeah," I agreed, because there was no point in lying anymore. "You're right."

"You wanted your inheritance, but I believe you're walking away with something greater than the cost of the money."

"What's that?" I questioned.

Carlisle smirked and said, "Love."

"No wonder Esme puts up with you," I chuckled, shaking my head. "You're a sentimental asshole."

But he was right. I had inherited a fucking heart.

Now I had to wait two more days to see if Bella could finally understand how I felt about her.

After work on Thursday, I met Ben and Angela for drinks. It was Ben's idea not to go to Cain and Abel's, stating he was sure I was no longer allowed at that bar. I'll admit, I was hesitant to show up after being kicked out last week, so I was fine with a new destination.

I showed some restraint by waiting five minutes before asking Angela about Bella.

"Have you talked to her at all?" I asked and hoped I didn't sound too pathetic. But at this point, I honestly didn't care.

I knew Bella was busy, but I had texted her a few times to wish her well on her finals, and she refused to respond.

"I've only talked to her twice since Tuesday," Angela responded thoughtfully. "She is doing fine. Although on top of finals, she's been busy helping her Gram move in with Charlie until they find a cheaper nursing home."

"What? Why?"

"I don't know. Something about the cost going up and insurance refusing to pay the extra amount." Angela shrugged. "She didn't say much, but apparently the new place they wanted to move her into was shit. She's all stressed out and talking about dropping out of school for a while to work full time and help Charlie with the costs."

"She can't do that!" I yelled, causing Angela and Ben to flinch. "Sorry. I just mean...she shouldn't have to do that."

"I know. But you know Bella. She loves her Gram, and she wants to help out."

Well, shit. That pretty much killed any buzz I had. Thinking about Bella stressing out over her Gram, dropping out of school, and working full time really put a damper on my night. I sent her a quick text just to let her know I was thinking about her.

As I drifted to sleep that night, Bella was definitely on my mind. Part of me wanted to show up on her fucking doorstep just to give her a hug. And, you know if things progressed, I wouldn't be too upset. But I wasn't sure how well that'd go over since her silence was leading me to believe she didn't want to see me.

Friday I left Carlisle a voice mail letting him know I'd be stopping by the house later that night to talk to him and Esme.

"I need your help," was the first thing I said as I walked in.

Esme shut the door behind me and asked, "Are you okay? Is Emmett okay?"

"Yes. Yes, we are both fine. It has to do with Bella..." I trailed off. "Look. I met her Gram a few weeks ago; she has Alzheimer's."

"That's awful, Edward," Esme whispered, covering her mouth. Carlisle stared at me with concern and motioned for me to keep talking.

"I need the money. My inheritance. I need it to help Bella."

"How are you proposing to help Bella?" Carlisle asked calmly.

"Her Gram's insurance company is refusing to pay for her to continue care at the facility she has been staying at," I explained, wishing the words would come out faster. "Bella's friend told me she wants to drop out of school for a while to help her father with the costs."

"Edward," Carlisle spoke slowly. "It's not your job to help Bella. I understand and appreciate your concern, but this isn't your place."

"Fuck that!" I spat. "It's my money, and I can do whatever I want with it."

"Have you talked to Bella at all this week?" Esme asked this time.

"Well, no. She wants her space, but-"

"Edward. Why don't you take some time to think about this? It's a big decision, and if Bella isn't even talking to you..."

"No. I don't care," I protested, frantically shaking my head. Because how could they not understand? "Bella doesn't have to ever talk to me again. I just want her to be happy. She doesn't deserve this. I just want to help her."

Carlisle and Esme stared at each other for a moment.

"I don't need your permission." My voice was hard, but I was trying hard to not break. "According to you, I'm already eligible to receive my inheritance. I just thought I'd be civil about this and go through you," I admitted, rubbing my chin. "If I need to, I can meet with the lawyer myself. You aren't going to convince me to not help her."

"Just...take a deep breath," Carlisle scolded. "You might not have to use your money, okay? Let me figure out a few things over over the next week. Give me the details and the name of the facility her grandmother was staying at. I might be able to work something out, okay?"

Music to my fucking ears. "Really?"

"Yes. She's a nice girl, and you apparently care for her."

"I fucking love her," I said seriously.

Esme laughed before mussing my hair. "You're a sweet kid; and so is Bella. I'm glad you two found each other."

I was glad I found her, too. But I guess Emmett was ultimately to thank for that.

I gave Carlisle all of the information I knew. He promised to get back to me next week with an answer on what would happen. I wasn't sure what I expected, but I was assuming all of this could be handled with the snap of a finger.

I was getting a little impatient and was having trouble focusing at work, so on my lunch break Monday, I drove over to Gram's old facility. Walking in like I owned the place, my confidence came to a screeching halt when I noticed the lady behind the counter wasn't the one I had met before. But, she was young enough and would have to do.

I gave her a few winks and sly smiles until she revealed to me what I needed. I skipped out on work entirely and drove straight to the address.

"Edward? What are you doing here?" Charlie asked in confusion. "Bella isn't here."

"I know." I looked over his shoulder anyway. "I actually wanted to talk to you."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. It has to do with Gram."

"Oh."

"Look. Bella hasn't talked to me at all this week. I don't know if she's told you anything, but I kind of screwed up." Charlie crossed his arms, looking all too upset about my admittance. "I didn't hurt her or anything. Well, not like that anyway."

"What does this have to do with Gram?"

The man was all about the facts; straight to the point. I could handle that.

"I heard about the problem with the insurance company, and I want to help out."

Charlie's arms dropped, along with his face. "How do you suppose you could help out?"

"I have money," I said, causing him to snort.

"Keep your money, son."

"No, I..." was pissed because of course her father was going to be just as stubborn as she is. "I want to help out. I heard she wants to drop out of school to help you pay for care."

Charlie's eyes grew wide before his face turned a scary shade of red. "Like hell she is!"

Well, at least we were on the same page with that.

"Also, my uncle is a doctor and apparently knows a few people at The Summit. They'll more than likely be willing to help out and let Gram stay there. For free."

Charlie stuttered for a minute before pulling me into a hug.

"Bella doesn't know about this," I admitted sheepishly before he let go. "And...I'd kind of like it to stay that way. If possible."

Honestly, I just wanted Bella's decision about me to not be based off this.

"You want me to keep this from Bells?" Charlie asked in shock. "Do you know how hard it is to keep things from that girl? She is very persistent." I chuckled because I did know. "I'll see what I can do."

"Thanks."

Charlie nodded before patting me on the back. "No, thank you. I know Bella will be grateful as well, because you know she's going to eventually find out."

Yeah. I knew that, too.

I also knew I cared too much for that girl. I also knew I'd fuck up, piss her off, and fight with her just to see the way her eyes got a little crazy.

But most of all, I knew I wanted her to be with me. Crazy eyes and all.

A/N: He inherited feelings *sniff* Yeah. Cheesy. I don't care. There are two chapters left. Thank you for reading!