DISCLAIMER: Even though I may look like Stephenie Meyer…I am not her. Sadly. :( Which means I own nothing that would cause me to make money as regards to this Twilight Sage stuff. Sadlyer. :(

AN: So, I have nothing to say here. I'm saving the important stuff for the end. I would however like to take this moment to thank everyone that has read, put this story on favorite, and/or reviewed my story. You guys don't know how much I love reading all these reviews. You guys get me all twitterpated, and I totally heart you guys for that.

BPOV

What the hell is that damn beeping noise?

It actually takes some effort to open my eyes. I look around at the room and gasp. I'm in a hospital. What the fuck?! I look down at Edward sitting in the chair beside my bed with his head lying beside my leg with his hand around mine. I look behind him and see my mother asleep on the couch.

Ugh…that means Phil's here…fuck. I hope Edward hasn't killed him…

I lay my head back against the pillow and try and remember what I did this time to land me here. I remember our date Friday night…the confrontation with Jake…the movie…the restaurant. I can't help the smile that graced my lips as I remember our first time. I pull my hand out from under his and run my hand through his hair, scratching my nails along his scalp like he likes. He nuzzles his face against my leg and I smile a little wider.

"Edward?"

His eyes shoot open and his head snaps up. My hand slips from his hair and cups the side of his face. I scratch under his jaw like I was doing his scalp. I smile a little brighter, almost breaking my face in two, at the amazed look he has in his eyes.

He grabs my hand and holds it to his face. "Please tell me I'm not dreaming."

I pinch his cheek, causing him to jump back. I can't help the happy giggle that erupts. It feels like I haven't seen him in so long! "Nope," I tell him, my voice rough and groggy.

My smile fades at the scratchy sensation it causes in the back of my throat. Edward jumps up quickly and pours me a cup of water from the table at the end of my bed, where I see two vases full of red tulips. He brings the cup back over, taking a seat on the side of the bed, raising it up so that I could sit up.

I remember that I don't remember why I'm here. "What happened?" I ask before I take a sip of water.

He frowns slightly. "You don't remember? What's the last thing you do remember?"

I look at him over the rim of my cup, but then look at my mother still asleep on the couch. Edward looks at her and then to me with a crooked grin. "You remember that?"

I pull the cup back and smile at him. "Very much so."

He brings my free hand up to his lips, kissing the back and my palm. "Where were you going?" he asks letting his lips ghost over my skin.

"I-I don't…" Flashes of driving my truck flitter through my mind. I remember there being a loud noise and then…oh God… I look up at Edward, horrified by what I must have put him through.

"Edward, oh Edward, I'm so sorry. I just wanted some ice cream from the store and I didn't know my tire was going to blow."

He holds his hand up, silencing me. "You were going to what store? The gas station? For ice cream? At three thirty in the fucking morning?"

I bite my bottom lip and nod. What is wrong with me?! Ugh…

He sighs heavily and shakes his head. "It's okay. You're okay. I don't care what the fuck you were doing. You're alive and you're awake and that's all I care about."

He cups the sides of my face and leans in, kissing me hard on the lips. He wraps me up in his arms and buries his face in my neck.

"I'm awake? How long was I asleep?"

"Too fucking long," his voice muffled against my neck.

"How long?" I whisper against his ear.

He sighs and pulls away from me far enough to look me in the eyes. "It's Tuesday, Bella."

I can't help the gasp that escapes me. "Are you serious?!"

He nods. "Trust me, when I tell you I know exactly how long you were asleep."

I rest my forehead against his. "No wonder it feels so long since I've seen you."

Edward presses his lips to mine, whispering against them, "The next time you want to go into town at three thirty in the morning, don't. I can't take care of you if you put yourself at risk."

I cup his face. "This isn't your fault," I tell him with as much conviction as I can.

He shakes his head. "I should've felt you move. I always feel you move. I know when you roll over, when you get up to use the bathroom, when you pull the blankets tighter…and the one time I don't feel you move…"

I kiss his lips. It's the only way I know to shut him up. I pull back after a second. "Edward, listen to me. My tire blew out. Had it not, I would've went to town, got some ice cream, and been back and in bed before you knew it. I used to do it all the time living with my Da-" I look over at my mother and see she's still sleep. I frown at Edward. "Where's my Dad?"

"I think he's at work right now. He's been working nonstop just so he doesn't have to think about you being here."

I frown harder. "You've spoken to him?"

He gives me a crooked grin. "A lot's happened while you were sleeping, little girl."

"Like what?" I whisper, hoping against all hope that he'll say what I desperately want him to say.

"You need you're rest, Bella."

He tries to get off the bed, but I stop him. "No, tell me now, Edward. I've been asleep long enough."

Edward looks at my mother and then back at me. "I guess you could say that we've called a truce. We fought and got kicked out of the hospital until we could calm down. We talked when we got back. After they let us see you, he's sort of treated me differently."

I shake my head. "I don't understand. What happened?"

He lets out another heavy sigh and shakes his head. He holds his hands with mine in my lap. "I woke up and you were gone. I knew you would've gotten mad at me if I'd immediately came after you and I didn't want to fight but I had to make sure you were okay. So I waited as long as I could before I went after you." He scoffs. "You should've heard that as two minutes…anyways, I found your truck and you…I didn't act like a doctor, Bella." He looks up at me. "I panicked and got you out of the truck without making sure you were okay first. When Dad said that we could see you, I didn't wait around for someone to tell me I could go first. I ran straight in here and…I just broke down."

I wrap him up in my arms and hold him close. "I'm so sorry, Edward. God, I'm so, so sorry!"

He presses his face to my neck and takes a deep breath. "I'm sorry, baby. I could've hurt you even further…"

I ran my hand over through his hair. "Shh, don't think about it. I'm okay."

He pulls back and I can't help but gasp again. Tears are running down his cheeks. I reach up and wipe them away. He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, grabbing my hands and holding them to his face. He opens his mouth to speak, but my mother calling my name cuts him off.

"Bella? Oh God! You're awake!"

She jumps off the couch and wraps me up in her arms. "Easy Renee."

I smile at Edward as my mother ignores him. "Oh, baby, you scared me half to death! What in the world were you thinking when you got in that truck?!"

I sigh. "That I wanted some ice cream."

She frowns at me, anger flashing across her eyes. "Ice cream? Who goes to buy ice cream at three thirty in the morning?!"

She pulls away from me and Edward stands. "I'm going to run and get a nurse right fast."

I narrow my eyes at Edward for leaving me in here with my hysterically angry mother but all he can do is look apologetic, mouth the word 'sorry', and promise to be right back. My mother stands beside the bed with her hands on her hips.

"You've had everyone beside themselves with worry and all because you wanted some ice cream."

I sigh again, all of the sudden feeling too tired to deal with her. "It would have happened the next time I was in my truck regardless of the time. Just because I went into town at three thirty in the morning doesn't mean I automatically got a flat tire. I would've happened at three thirty in the afternoon if that was the next time I got in my truck."

"That hunk of junk isn't something you should be driving anyways! And what's this I hear about you moving in with the Cullens? I let you move up here and you think you can do as you please?"

Thankfully Edward walks in the room at that time. "Renee, she just woke up. Can you not attack her?"

The nurse walks over to me and Edward stands beside her, helping her in any way he can. My mother looks at me with disappointment all over her face. I keep my eyes down. Anytime she tries to play mother she ends up being a bitch, like right now. I see Edward watching her out of the corner of my eye and he doesn't look too happy.

The nurse looks at me. "How are you feeling, Bella?"

"Tired. I think my head is starting to hurt."

Edward's demeanor switches from bystander to controller. "Call Dr. Cullen, Janice." The nurse nods and walks out. Edward looks at my mother. "Renee, could you call Charlie and let him know Bella is awake?"

My mother looks at Edward slightly shocked. Edward is taking over the situation and she doesn't like that. She crosses her arms over her chest. "I really think I should stay with Bella."

Edward keeps his head down as he reaches for my wrist to check my pulse. "Renee, I'll be able to take care of Bella better until my father gets here. Could be please just call Charlie?"

My mother sighs and walks out without another word. "Edward, I have a heart monitor." I look down at Edward's hand on my wrist and gasp when I see the large gash on forearm. "Edward!"

"Shh, it's nothing. You're pulse is quickening, calm down."

"What happened?" I insisted.

He sighs. "When I got to your truck the doors were locked. I had to bust a window. While I was crawling across the seat to get to you, I slashed it open," he tells me quickly.

I bend my head down and press a kiss to his stitches. He runs his hand through my flat bed hair. I look up at him and he bends down and kisses my forehead. That's when I notice the bandage on my head since that is what prevents his lips from touching my skin.

"How bad is it?" I touch the covered wound.

He shrugs. "Pretty bad. It's going to scar."

I feel tears come to my eyes, but Edward releases my wrist and cups my face in his hands. "Don't you cry a single fucking tear over it, do you understand me? You're going to look beautiful no matter."

He kisses me softly and the tears disappear. "I love you," I whisper against his lips.

He smiles, rubbing his nose against mine. "I love you, too." He pulls away from me and grabs my wrist. I lay my hand on top of his. "What's going on with you and my mother?"

He sighs and looks over his shoulder. He walks around the bed and takes back his seat. He takes my hand back into his as I lean against the elevated mattress. "After she saw you and sat with me for awhile, I had to ask her about Phil. I had to know where he was. I didn't want him near you at all. I might have had a slight desperation to my voice because she got defensive and wanted to know what you'd told me." He pauses, looking apologetic. "I told her what you'd told me. How you didn't like him because he flirted. She got even more defensive and told me that you were reading his being fatherly as him being flirty. Anyways, we got into an argument about it. Then she threw the whole you moving in with us in my face, blaming me for it, telling me I made you do it." He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "It's been a very difficult couple of days."

I bring his hand up to my face and kiss his palm. "I'm so sorry, baby," I whisper against his skin.

He chuckles softly. "If you apologize one more time, I swear to God, Bella…"

I smile at him, kissing his palm again. Before I can say anything else, my mother and Carlisle walk in.

"Bella! It's so wonderful to see you're awake!!"

I can't help but smile and laugh at his enthusiasm. It's so great to see everyone. I feel like I've been gone for a lot longer than three days.

"Hello, Carlisle."

"How are you feeling? The nurse said you had a headache."

I sigh, holding Edward's hand a little tighter. "I'm feeling better now."

I heard my mother sigh, but didn't look up at her. I didn't need her shit right now.

Carlisle nods. "Maybe a light sedative to help you rest."

I frown. "No, I've been asleep for too long. I just want to go home."

Carlisle smiles sympathetically. "Bella, you're health is more important right now. I don't want to get you home just so you can pass out or lapse back into your coma."

Edward squeezes my hand. "It's okay, Bella. We'll be here when you wake up, trust me."

Carlisle chuckles. "Yes. Edward's only left your side once and that was because his sister and mother forced him too."

I frown at Edward. "Are you serious? You didn't go home to sleep?"

Edward frowns slightly and shakes his head. "I couldn't."

I kiss his knuckles and he smiles slightly. Carlisle asks, "Would you like me to take the bandage off?"

I touch the bandage on my forehead again and then look back at Edward. He kisses my hand, reassuring me of his prior statement. I look up at Carlisle and nod. Carlisle takes the bandage off slowly. I was a little scared it would hurt when he asked me but it didn't hurt at all. He touches around it, looking for swelling or infection I suppose. He smiles down at me.

"It should heal nicely. There will be some scaring, but I don't think it's anything that won't fade with a little time."

I nod. "It's fine."

Carlisle smiles at me. "It's good to have you awake, Bella. I'll inform Alice and the rest of the family, but I'm going to go ahead and get a nurse to give you a sedative."

I sigh, but nod. I'm not going to question him. He's the doctor, what do I know? Carlisle looks at my mother. "Have you reached Charlie yet?"

My mother shook her head and Carlisle motions for her to walk out of the room with him. She looks like she doesn't want to go and I know it's so she can scold me some more.

I lie back against the bed again and sigh. "Can you lay with me?"

He looks so torn when he shakes his head. "I'm not supposed to, and I think you're mother would kill me."

The look on my face must have broken his heart because he mumbles, "Fuck it…" as he pushes the rail down and climbs in. He wraps me in his arms and I smile at the feeling of being back against him. He's so safe and warm, and even though I've been asleep for the past three days, I've missed this too much.

It doesn't take long for the nurse to come in and laugh at Edward, telling him to get out of my bed before his father walks in. He does so begrudgingly. It doesn't take me long to fall back asleep once she's giving me something for my headache.

* * *

When I wake up, it's barely light outside and Edward is snoring softly on the couch. I wonder what day it is today as I stare at his beautiful face.

"Edward?"

He jumps awake and looks at me, smiling sleepily. "Hey, baby."

I sigh happily at the sound of his voice. "What's today?"

He frowns slightly and stretches. "Wednesday."

I look at the door and then back at Edward, scooting over and moving the blankets. He chuckles and gets up, shutting the door to the room and comes and crawls in bed with me. I snuggle back up against his warmth.

"How are you feeling?"

I rub my nose against his chest. "Happy. Safe. Warm," I tell him, remembering the feeling he gave me yesterday.

He pulls my body closer to him and sighs against the top of my head. "Good."

I pull back and look into his eyes. "Tell me about this truce with my Dad. What's going on exactly? I fall into a coma and you guys are talking? Best friends? Planning fishing trips?"

He laughs softly and shakes his head. "I'm not sure what's going through his mind. We've spoken about…some things. He knows about us moving to Seattle. So does Alice, by the way."

I gasp but he gives me that apologetic look I've seen far too much in the past several hours. "I let it slip to Charlie and Alice over heard me. He was talking about wanting you back in his life, but I told him you weren't even staying in Forks. He got upset, told me I couldn't take you away, but I cut him and told him it wasn't me. I asked and you accepted." I sigh, pressing my face against his neck. "If you've changed your mind, baby, it's okay," he whispers against my forehead.

I shake my head. "No, it's not okay. I want to live with you. So much. I want us to have our own place and to be together without any restrictions."

He sighs, "But?"

I close my eyes. "But I want to graduate with Alice. I want to get my relationship back with my father and Jake."

He pulls me against him tighter. "We'll figure something out, baby. Don't worry about it right now, okay?"

I sigh and nod my head. I try to listen to him, but I can't stop worrying. When Dad and Edward hated each other, my choice was simple. However, that's not the case anymore, according to Edward. Now I could have the chance at a normal relationship with Edward, living with my father, and … well, I'd end up going back to the way things were with my father and I don't want that. I want to be seventeen. It's different running a household for your father and running one for yourself. I want to be on my own with Edward.

"Bella…stop thinking about it."

I sigh exasperatedly. I roll on to my back and stare at the tiled ceiling. "I can't."

He chuckles softly. "You're going to give yourself grey hair by the time you're 18."

I turn my head to see his small smile. He rises up on his elbow and looks down at me, running the back of his fingers along my cheek. "If you want we can flip a quarter and decide that way. You want all of it, but you'll have to make a choice that will hurt someone."

I close my eyes. "I don't want to hurt anyone."

I feel him lean closer until his lips touch my forehead. "Hurt me."

My eyes fly open and I look at him like he's lost his mind. "What?!"

His lips ghost over my cheek. "Shh, you'll alert the nurses with your loud voice and rapid heartbeat." He pulls back and looks me in my eyes. "If it comes down between hurting Charlie or me, hurt me. I'll be there waiting on you no matter what. If you decide to stay with him, you can move in at the end of your senior year."

I cup his face in my hands. "You're fucking crazy, Edward. I can't do that. I don't want to hurt you and I don't want to live without you for a year."

He kisses me softly, pulling away to rest his forehead against mine. "I don't want that either, but I want you happy."

I sigh. "Being with you makes me happy."

"I told you we'd figure this out, baby," he whispers, "Please just rest."

I nod, kissing him one more time before snuggling back against his chest. I knew there had to be a way to work this out. I would think of something to satisfy everyone, and maybe even myself.

* * *

I must have fallen back asleep because when I open my eyes, it's brighter outside and Edward isn't in bed with me anymore. I look around the room and my movement alerts the little pixie perched on the end of the couch whispering to Edward, Esme, and my Dad.

"Oh my God! Bella! You're awake!"

Alice runs over to my bed and crawls in, hugging up to me as she lays her head on my stomach. "I was so worried!! How can you still be tired after sleeping for three days straight!?"

Edward sighs. "Alice, I've explained this to you…"

Esme shakes her head. "Get out of the bed, Alice."

Alice hugs me tighter. "No," she says like a petulant child.

I hug her to me, smiling brightly. "It's okay, guys. Honestly."

Dad smiles at me, his eyes getting a little teary. "Hey, Bella."

"Hey, Daddy."

He walks over to my bed quickly, leaning down and hugging me tightly, crushing Alice's head between us.

"Can't. Breath," she chokes out.

Dad lets go of me and smiles down at Alice, ruffling her hair. "Sorry, Alice."

She just smiles back at him. Esme crosses her arms. "We have some good news for you."

"I get to get out of this godforsaken hospital?!"

Everyone laughs at me, but I am fucking serious. Esme nods. "Yes. Renee is with Carlisle right now, filling out some paper work."

I cringe thinking about the medical bills this probably caused. Edward steps forward. "What's wrong?"

I shake my head. "Nothing, just thinking about what this is going to cost."

Edward shakes his head. "Don't worry about it." Before I have the chance to ask why I shouldn't, Edward tosses some clothes on the foot of my bed. "If you notice, you've been unplugged. We'll leave so you can change."

Alice rises from her spot on my stomach. "Are you going to be okay to change?"

I frown. "I don't know. Stay?"

She nods. "Of course."

Edward winks at me before he, Dad, and Esme walk out of the room, shutting the door behind them. I sigh at Alice. "My mother…how much trouble has she caused?"

Alice's eyes widen as she shakes her head. "Too much! I've walked in on her talking down to both Charlie and Edward. I also over heard her talking to Phil on the phone. She's going to try and get you to come back home with her. She thinks we've corrupted you or something. Well, she thinks Edward has. She doesn't like him at all and I have no idea why. He's done nothing but fret about your condition and has hardly left your side. He's been nothing but the perfect boyfriend, but she's treating him like…Charlie did!"

I frown. "How is Dad treating Edward now?"

"Like nothing happened between them. He's good at the whole avoidance thing, ya know? Sweep it under the rug where no one can see and that means it never happened."

I sigh. "At least they're talking."

She nods. "I'd just accept it. Don't question it."

"You're right."

She scoffs, "Duh?"

I roll my eyes and push her out of the way as I get out of the bed. Alice stands by, making sure I don't fall over or get dizzy. As soon as I pull on my shirt, she takes my hand. "We need to talk."

I nod. "I know."

After I slip on my shoes, the two of us walk out of the hospital room. Edward is standing beside the door with a wheelchair. He smiles at me and I shake my head. "I don't think so, bud."

He chuckles. "I do. Hospital policy, love. Sit your pretty little ass down before I make you."

I narrow my eyes at him and he narrows his right back. He pushes the chair forward and I huff as I sit down. He pops a wheelie, which causes me to gasp and grab onto the arm rests.

He leans down and whispers, "Calm down, I've got you."

He kisses me chastely behind my ear before he wheels me to the front desk.

"One Isabella Swan reporting for discharge, Dr. Cullen."

Carlisle, Esme, Dad, and my mother are standing around the front desk. Esme takes the chance to tell my parents, "Charlie, Renee, I insist that you come over for dinner tonight. We can celebrate Bella's release."

I can see my mother trying to find an excuse to back out of it, but Dad nods his head. "We'll be there, Esme. That sounds great."

I look up at Edward, who's still standing behind me. He smiles down at me, kissing my forehead. Carlisle hands me a small bag. "These are for any residual headaches from the head trauma. You shouldn't need them any more than a few days. If you have any headaches…say after Saturday, let me know. There could be swelling that we'll need to take care of. If you have any dizziness or light headedness, I'll need to know that also."

I nod. "You got it, Doc."

He smiles widely before turning to Esme. He kisses her cheek and bids us all a farewell. The rest of us walk outside quietly. Edward wheels me over to the Volvo, but my mother stops him from opening my door for me. "Edward, why don't you let us take her home?"

His hand twitches slightly, trying not to ball into a fist. "Because I don't know which home you'd take her to."

"Bella needs to spend some time with her father and me."

Edward shakes his head. "Bella needs her rest. Just because Dad released her doesn't mean she's completely healed. I won't have you hollering at her and upsetting her."

I sigh and stand up from the chair, holding my hands up once I find my balance. "Please stop. Mom, I'm going home. As in to the Cullen's house. I live there now. We can talk later tonight."

Edward opens the door for me when he sees me move towards it. My mother doesn't say anything, but then again I don't give her the chance. She grabs the wheelchair and takes it back to the entrance as Edward gets in the car. He takes a deep breath and closes his eyes for a moment. "If it isn't your father, it's your mother. What the fuck is it about me?"

I lean over and kiss his cheek, working my way down his neck and telling him in between kisses, "Because they realize…I'm growing up…and they missed out…on raising me."

"Bella," he moans, "You need to rest…"

I run my nose against his jaw. "I feel fine."

He groans as he grabs my shoulders and pushes me away. "Baby, I'm serious. You still need to take it easy."

I huff and nod, letting him win this fight. He repositions himself in the seat, moving his erection so he can sit comfortably. I take note of this. I could easily break him down. He deserves something for staying by my side and I know just the reward to give him.

He takes my hand once we're on the road, bringing it up to his lips and kissing it firmly. "I'm sorry you're health is more important right now, baby."

I pull his hand towards my face and kiss each knuckle of his hand before resting it against my face. "It's okay. I understand."

He brings my hand back to his face and shakes his head. "No, I don't think you do." He rests his face against my hand. "Seeing you laid up in that bed…I lost it, baby. I knew you were okay. Dad told me you were okay. I just couldn't take it. I couldn't take you not being awake or hurt." He sighs against my hand. "Please don't push me, baby. I miss you badly, but you need to rest."

I nod. "I won't."

And I won't. I mean it. I don't want to upset him and I can wait until I get the all clear from Carlisle. We pull up into the drive way and he helps me out of the car. I don't need it. I can walk as fine as usual, but he makes sure to help me regardless. He leads me into the house where Rose and Emmett are sitting.

"Hey Speed Racer, how are you feeling?" Emmett asks me.

I roll my eyes, but can't help the smile that tugs at the corner of my mouth. "I'm good."

Rosalie shakes her head. "So what in the hell were you doing going to town at three thirty in the morning?"

I sigh. "I wanted some ice cream."

Rosalie nods. "Yeah, the Cullens don't seem to keep that in the house. I'll go to the store and get you some."

I smile. "Thanks Rose!"

Edward pulls me towards the stairs. "Mom's cooking dinner for everyone tonight. Charlie and Renee too."

I groan. Rosalie smiles. "We'll be here."

Edward nods. "Thanks."

He walks behind me with his hand on my lower back, guiding me to my room as he runs up to his room to get my things I brought up there Friday night. I walk into the bathroom and start a bath. I haven't had once since Friday night. I know I must smell like a winner. I pull my jeans off and turn to the mirror, brushing out my hair as Edward comes into my room. His steps falter slightly but he walks into the bathroom, unpacking the few things like soap and shampoo that I'd taken upstairs.

He doesn't look at me again as he walks out of the bathroom. I hear my mattress squeak and know he threw himself on the bed. I turn off the water and walk into the bedroom. I crawl up the bed beside him, where he's laying on his stomach with his arms covering his head.

His shirt is riding up and I can see the glorious pale skin of his lower back. I want nothing more than to run my tongue along the indentions there, but I suppress my need for him. I lay down beside him instead. He pulls his arms from over his head and looks at me, smiling slightly.

"What are you doing?"

I sigh. "I want you to come take a bath with me, but I know you can't."

He closes his eyes. "I want to take a bath with you, baby. So bad."

I shake my head. "It's okay. I just wanted to make sure you were alright."

He scoffs and shakes his head. "Isabella Marie Swan…what am I going to do with you?"

I frown slightly, unsure as to why he's being playful with the scolding. He kisses my forehead. "I think I can contain myself long enough. Just ignore me poking you in the back."

I smile brightly. We get in the bath and I relax against him. He hums happily, kissing my already wet head.

"Betty and Joe came by to see you."

I groan softly. "I need to get back to work."

"You don't need to worry about getting back to work, Bella. You need to concentrate on getting better."

"Edward, I'm going to need money to pay these doctor bills."

"I told you not to worry about them."

I scoff. "As long as they're around, I'm going to worry about them."

"Then you don't need to worry about them since they're not around."

I pull out of his arms and turn around to look at him, confused as to what he's getting at. He couldn't mean…

"What did you do?"

He grins crookedly. "Why so accusatory?" I narrow my eyes at him but he sighs. "Okay, fine. I took care of them. I've wanted to talk to you about it for a little while now, but I never knew how to tell you. It's not like I could just wake you up in the morning and say 'Oh, baby, by the way, I've got close to three point four million dollars in my back account,' you know?"

My jaw drops at his words. "You've got what?"

He sighs. "I've got enough money to in the bank to take care of getting you a new car, any and all medical bills you will acquire, paying for all college expenses; yours, mine, and our children's, and living comfortably for the rest of our lives."

I shake my head. "You're joking?"

He shakes his head right back. "This isn't a joking matter. You don't have to worry about anything, baby. If you want to quit your job, you can. You seemed so determined to work this job and that you didn't need want anyone's help financially. I just let you go because you needed this."

I smile brightly at him before throwing myself into his lap. Water splashes out of the tub, soaking the rug beside it. Edward chuckles. "What are you doing?"

I wrap my arms around him tightly. "You're so amazing, Edward. You always know what I need and when I need it! You take care of me completely and I can't ever thank you enough for that. I love you so much. So fucking much!"

I can't stop myself and crash my lips against his. He wraps his arms around me tightly, kissing me back with just as much enthusiasm as I'm giving him. After a moment, he pushes me away. "Bella…no…stop…we can't."

I can't help the whimper that escapes me as I rest my forehead against his. "I'm sorry," I whisper.

He shakes his head. "No, don't be sorry, love. You haven't done anything. Let's just finish our bath and get out of here."

I agree. Once we're out of the bathtub, I head downstairs as he heads upstairs. He tells me he needs a little time away from me so he can calm down. I mentally kick myself for attacking him like that, but I don't complain when he needs to get away. I go downstairs and help Esme with dinner. She shoos me from the kitchen when my parents arrive with Carlisle arriving home from work right behind them.

After introductions and greetings are made, my parents pull me outside onto the back porch. Dad sits beside me, taking his hands into mine. "I'm so sorry, Bella. I…I never meant to drive you out of your own home. I was blinded by…everything. I hated myself more than I hated Edward. He just reminded me of something that I failed at and it only fueled my hate for him. I'm sorry and I know that nothing I say will get you back home, but I want to ask for your forgiveness. I don't want to not be a part of your life. You mean so much to me and you're leaving me so soon."

"Which is not happening," my mother adds.

I frown up at her. "Excuse me?"

She crosses her arms over her chest. "You're seventeen years old. You can't go running off to Seattle to live with that boy. How is he going to provide for you? You're making the same mistake your father and I did."

"Renee, that's enough…" Dad said in a low warning tone.

She shakes her head. "It's hardly enough. She needs structure."

I scoff. "Yes, because acting like a thirty year old at the age of fifteen is great structure. I didn't act that way because I wanted to, Mom! I acted that way because if I didn't, we would have constantly lost electricity, water, and phone services. You might have gone to play with kindergarteners everyday and worked, but I paid the bills. I knew about budgets and bills long before I even got my first period!" I take a deep breath. "I can't do this right now." I look at my Dad. "Dad, thank you so much for explaining to me why you hated Edward. I get it now. You thought you failed as a cop and probably a father as well. Edward reminded you of your failures and you took it out on him. He tells me you've been treating him differently." Dad nods. "Good. That means you can be a part of this amazing life I'm going to have." Tears come to my eyes at the thought of that life.

I look up to my mother. "I'm sorry that you feel that when you were my age you made the mistake of marrying Dad and having me. I know a couple of people who aren't sorry for that. One of them just so happens to be the guy you've been rude to the majority of your time here. Edward's a great man. He plans on taking care of me for the rest of my life and he has more than the means to do so. You might just see him as a tattooed college kid, but Edward takes care of me. He loves me and treats me with so much reverence that sometimes it gets too much, but I don't let it bother me because he can't help it. You can continue to hate him for whatever reasons, but one day he's going to be your son-in-law and the father of your grandchildren." I stand from my seat and stare my mother in her eyes. "For future references my children will come nowhere near you until you can respect their father. I won't allow you to put him down or talk down to him in front of them, and my children won't even know Phil. How dare you believe him over your own daughter!"

Dad stands up behind me. "What's going on here? What's about Phil?"

The backdoor opens. "Bella?" Edward calls to me cautiously. "Are you okay, love?"

I nod, keeping my eyes on my mother. "I'm fine, baby."

I walk away from them, leaving Dad demanding to know what I meant about Phil. Edward pulls me into the utility room by the backdoor. "What just happened?"

I press my cheek against his chest. "Dad explained to me why he treated you like he did and asked for my forgiveness. My mother, on the hand, was being a complete bitch." I told him what she'd said to me. He pulls me tighter against him. "Don't think about it, baby. Let's just have dinner and then get you to bed, okay?"

I nod, allowing him to take the lead and take care of me for the rest of the night.

* * *

My parents ended up fighting before dinner, causing my mother to leave for home. She hardly even told me goodbye. Dinner was pleasant without her, so I didn't care. Alice had cornered me after dinner, but Edward swooped in and told her to wait until morning. He brought me up to bed, where he left me for the night.

It's where I am now. Staring at the ceiling, trying to figure out what I wanted to do in regards to my senior year. I knew there had to be a way to please everyone. I just had to think of it. However, before I can come up with a plan, I end up falling asleep.

* * *

I wake up to the alarm clock beeping in my ear. I had just enough time to get ready for school, grab a quick breakfast, and head out. I do just that, texting Edward as I go. It's our morning ritual to text back and forth until I'm walking into my first hour class. The great thing about senior year is the half school days. I get out of school at noon each day and then go to work at the diner on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. However, today is Friday, which means I go home, pack my bag and head to Seattle to spend my weekend with Edward like usual. He told me early this week we had plans to go see the Simon Pegg movie and pig out at Daphne's Taco Emporium. It sounded amazing when he told and it sounds even better now.

* * *

I wake up to something tickling my nose. I pull the covers up. "Alice…" I groan. She giggles.

"Wakey, wakey Belly."

"Ugh…" I groan again. She pulls the blankets off my face and smiles at me. I can't help but smile back at the little wood nymph.

Her smile fades gradually before she says, "You're leaving me."

I stare into her green eyes and try and find some encouraging words. Instead, I remember my dream. I dreamt I was living with my dad and going to school in Forks. I worked at the diner. Yet, during the weekends I stayed with Edward in the apartment we leased.

I smile at Alice and shake my head. "No, I'm not going to leave you. I can't tell you anything right now, but I have the perfect plan."

Alice tries to argue with me as I get out of bed and rush through a shower. Once I'm out, I run up to Edward's room, where I find him walking out of his closet dressed for the day. I greet him with a quick good morning kiss and pull him out of his room down to Alice's. She is just about to walk out of her room, looking like she's leaving. I stop her.

"I need you two to come to the station with me. I came up with the answers to all our problems."

Edward tries to stop me. "Bella, baby, slow down."

I shake my head. "No, Edward, I want to get this done so everyone can stop worrying."

He sighs. "Will you at least tell me what this is about?"

I shake my head again. "Nope. Come on!"

The three of us pile up into Edward's Volvo, heading to the station. Thankfully, Dad is at the police station and he's the only one. When the three of us walk in, we find him reading the newspaper. He looks up at us, smiles brightly, but then worry sets in. "What's wrong?"

I smile just as brightly as he did. "Nothing, Daddy. I just have the perfect answer to all our problems. This will make everyone happy, even me."

Alice chuckles. "This should be good."

"So, here's the plan." I point at Alice and Dad. "You guys want me to stay in Forks, while Edward wants me to go with him to Seattle. I want to go with him but I also want to stay here for my senior year. So the easiest solution is this: Monday thru Thursday, I stay with Dad and attend Forks High for my senior year. Friday afternoon to Sunday night, I live in Seattle with Edward."

I look at them expectantly. What I am expecting, I don't know, but I didn't expect the silence I was met with. Edward frowns and leans forward in the chair in front of Dad's desk. "You expect me to allow you to drive to and from Seattle every weekend alone?"

I nod. "Yes, because you're going to be the amazing future husband I know you're going to be and buy me a safe and reliable mode of transportation and probably some kind of new cell phone."

He frowns a little harder. "You mean you aren't going to put a fight with that?"

I shake my head. "I'm willing to make whatever sacrifices I have to in order to get that plan. If that means I have to drive some kind of tank wherever I go, then I'll do it."

Dad, Edward, and Alice look at one another, wondering if one of them has a problem with plan. Alice is the first to stand and smile brightly. "I think it's a great plan, Bella. I get you for my senior year, you get to stay in Forks for your senior year, Charlie gets you for one more, and Edward gets you on the weekends."

Dad nods. "I'm with Edward. I don't like you driving back and forth to Seattle by yourself, but I don't think I have too much of a choice in this. I don't think any of us do. You're going to do this regardless, aren't you?"

I smile, shrugging my shoulders. "It's the best plan of action. We're all happy. Edward and I have to suffer, but we can text and call during the week until our little heart is content. Then we get one another on the weekends. We don't have any rules and can be free to be happy and a normal couple."

Edward smiles at me. He stands. "If you let me get you a nice car, then I won't put up a fight."

Dad stands as well. "I'd like to help."

Edward shakes his head. "There's no need, sir. I have too much money. Buying Bella a car will hardly put a dent in the account."

Dad sighs. "I'd still like to help. I'd like to make sure you're getting a good deal and I'd also like to help pay."

Edward shakes his head again. "I can't allow that. You're more than welcome to accompany me. I'd really appreciate that, but with Jake's donation of the car he's working on, it won't be much."

I frown. "Jake's doing what?"

Edward smiles at me. "Jake is assuming his role as protective brother. I tried to talk him out of it, but he refused to listen to me. He's building a car from scratch for you to trade in to get a better car."

My jaw drops. "No way."

He chuckles softly. "Yes way."

I deemed Tuesday nights for Jake once this schedule began. I would need some time with my other best friend. My schedule would be full of things and I know that some Fridays I wouldn't want to go to Seattle and some Sundays I wouldn't want to come back to Forks, but I knew this was worth it. I could have everything. I could graduate in the same school I've been in for my last years of high school. I could start living with my father again. I could graduate with my best friend. I could hang out with my other best friend. Most importantly, I could have my boyfriend all to myself on the weekends.

We all got what we wanted in the end, and really everyone's happiness is all that matters to me.

THE END!

_________________

The conversation Renee and Bella had about her going for ice cream at three thirty in the morning is a conversation I've had with several of my reviewers. LOL!! I meant to tell you guys in the previous chapter, but for all of those who have silently wondered who in the hell goes into town to get ice cream at that hour of the morning…I'll have to raise my hand. I do it all the time. I crave chicken at odd hours of the day and sometimes the only place that has any is the gas station in town. *shrugs* So…I don't think it's that crazy. LOL!

So, I've got some good news, this isn't really the end. The sequel is The Maiden Swan and the Cullen Domain. Here's the summary: The not-so-virgin Swan is moving out of Forks and into Seattle with her beautiful tattooed fiancé, Edward. When their perfect bubble pops, how will the maiden Swan fair in the Cullen's domain?

I hope to see you guys there! :D