Usual disclaimer applies.

March, 2012

~46~

Because the apartment that I live in is so small, so crowded with all of the essentials and nonessentials that it barely leaves enough room for Dad and I to move around, finding places to store Mom's things where we wouldn't see them proved to be quite difficult. And although we could have just got rid of everything, I think both of us harboured hope that maybe she would be back.

Regardless, this is why my closet had to be put into use.

So while Dad knows that the box is there, I can't understand why he would want to look through it. Dad won't even mention Mom let alone purposefully seek out her possessions.

And suddenly, I know that this is connected with Dad and his bad mood. This is perhaps the reason why Dad was acting so strangely.

Oh no.

What if he somehow found out about the affair?

Dread flows through my veins.

Oh, Dad.

At least he can't possibly know about the surveillance photos. For one, the safe deposit box key is no longer in Mom's box, and even if he had found another copy, the photos are no longer kept at the bank.

I have them.

So I go to sleep with a knot in my stomach, worry and concern for my dad overwhelming the anxiety I chronically feel from my own problems.

~SW~

Breakfast is strange only because Dad is trying so desperately hard to behave normally. He even attempted to make French toast, and despite the slices being a tad soggy, I savour each bite.

I wonder what is running through his mind right now. I wonder how much he knows, if he maybe knows more than me. After all, the only real evidence I have is a picture of Renee in Carlisle's heating vent. Dad was married to the woman, is still married to her. He must have suspected. I just wonder why he is suddenly so interested in her now, what brought it on.

"Bella?"

Dad startles me from my thoughts, and I look up to see his haggard face, buried beneath the artificial smile.

"There is a demonstration today in the lab at work, displaying DNA samples. Would you be willing to offer a drop of blood so we can show how blood relatives compare? I will only need to prick your finger…"

And despite the questions that are fighting to bubble to the surface, I nod my head in assent without another thought.

It's the least I could do for him.

A/N: I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the reviews. Hearing what you think has helped my writing and my ability to tell this story. And of course, I love to hear all of your creative theories! Thanks guys! :)