Now, that was fast…Don't hate Bella too much, the poor girl has enough problems already ;).

BPOV

Once Charlie had left, I took refuge in the kitchen, nursing my growing anxiety with a burning cup of tea. I was torn between the sheer terror of Esme's reaction to Dad's visit which made me feel like a coward and the powerful urge to see and be with Edward. Once or twice, I even got up from my chair, took my jacket only to fall back on the kitchen chair.

I was not scared for me, oh no. It was just that the prospect of never seeing or touching him again was a paralyzing one. I was dreading it and yet knew that it more than likely would happen. Even if by some miracle, Esme didn't press any charges, she'd never allow me near her son again and I could see where she was coming from. Her vulnerability was perfectly understandable and I'd never encourage anything that'd separate her from her son. She needed him too much right now.

The phone rang, breaking my painful thoughts and I was grateful for it.

« Hello? »

« Bella? Is that you, pumpkin? » No, it couldn't be…

« Marie? Oh my God! How are you? » For the first time in days, I felt a little lighter.

"I'm fine, honey. How are you?"

"I've been better…" I sighed. She didn't need to know and mostly, I didn't feel ready to say anything.

"Still teaching in that little town of yours, the middle of nowhere right?" I smiled, she'd never change. She was a city girl and could never understand my choice.

"I'm still in Forks but I…quit my job." I managed, swallowing hard. Edward's smiling face before he kissed me hit me like a punch in the gut.

"That's just great!" She exclaimed. I frowned in confusion.

"Why is that so great?"

"It's great because now, you're free to come to Paris and teach in my school."

"Y-your school?" I stuttered, completely astonished.

"Yes, Bella, the private school I became the headmaster of a few months ago. After my mother's death." Her voice wavered. I knew she had a complicated relationship with her mother and still, the pain was there. Once again, I thought of Edward and his mum, how much she must need him right now.

"I'm sorry, Marie. That must have been so hard for you."

"Well, it's been…" She cleared her throat, sniffling. "I've had better days, that's for sure. And I'd love my old college roommate to come to my rescue. What do you say Bella?"

I said I'd take a few days to think about it but my decision was made. I had to make it a clean break and it'd be the hardest thing I'd have ever done in my thirty years. Edward had a life here, with his family. I needed to go.

EPOV

My heart stopped beating and I felt the blood drain from my face. The shock had been so violent it left me trembling from head to toe.

"What do you mean, she's going to Paris?"

"That's what she says here, she found a teaching position there and decided to take it. She'll be leaving in a few days. Assuming of course you don't sue her in court." Charlie finished, his eyes on my mother. I suddenly hated her because she'd ruined everything. I knew I was irrational but the pain was so big it felt like I was torn in two.

"Edward…" Mom whispered, clutching my hand. "It's for the best, honey."

I tore my hand away from her and got up, shaking with fear and anger. I needed to see her, she couldn't do that to me, to us. We belonged together, didn't she see that?

"Are you going to sue Bella, Mom?"

"I haven't made up my mind yet."

"Decide quickly because let me tell you, if you do that, I'll go away and you'll never see me again." My voice had never been so resolute. I saw Mom blanch.

"I can't believe you're blackmailing me, Edward."

"Believe it. I love you, but if you do that, I'll disappear, Mom. I'll be eighteen soon and you won't be able to do anything anyway. What do you choose?"

"We need to talk about it…"

"Not now!" I barked. "I need to talk to Bella."

"Oh no, young man. I've been more than understanding but let me tell you, if..." Charlie interrupted. I lost control then and there.

"I love her, alright? I love her more than anything, can't you both see that? Fate wanted us to meet and played us a cruel joke. Love doesn't care about age difference and society rules, about propriety. It does what it wants and doesn't fucking care about what everybody thinks. Tie me, restrain me, I'll still find a way to see her, ok?" My voice cracked, matching the tears on my face. Charlie looked sad and embarrassed and Mom was watching me, clear understanding in her eyes.

"Please, let me go, I'll do anything." I begged.

After their tiny nods, I ran out of the door.

BPOV

Leaving was the only option. Esme could maybe change her mind about court but deep down, I knew she'd never forgive me for my actions and I didn't blame her for even a second. I had taken advantage of her son and I had betrayed one of my job's most important rules. It didn't matter if I got my heart trampled in the process. I deserved it and more. Esme deserved the presence of her son with her, his support.

The door burst open, startling me. The vision before me almost made me change my mind. Edward's eyes were shining with tears, his hair disheveled, his face crazed with worry. I probably looked the same.

"Please tell me that's not true."

"I can't do that." I managed.

"Why?"

"You know why. I've only caused heartache and chaos in your life. Neither you or your family need more pain than what you've already suffered."

"So, that's your solution? Leaving me? Abandoning what we have together? I've never loved anyone as much as you and I never will."

"You don't know that." I lied.

"Yes, yes, I do." He whispered feverishly, wrapping me in his arms. I melted and returned his embrace, just as fiercely.

When I felt his kisses in my neck, I knew I should have pushed him away, told him it was over, broken his heart and mine in the process.

I didn't. I kissed him back. Reality could wait.

Only three chapters after this one and we'll have reached the end of our story. Please review.