A/N

Kate, Pearly and Fran are the dream team ❤️

I'm sorry I'm not posting regularly - if you don't already know, I broke up with my partner of 5 years a few weeks ago. Things are a little chaotic and unstable right now. I'm still writing as much as I can, but I really just can't stick to a schedule for the time-being.

Thank you so much for waiting for this one - if you're still reading, I appreciate you xxx

Chapter Fifteen: Discombobulation

Edward

xXx

The bike pulls to a stop and I have to slam my feet into the pavement to stop us toppling. I kick the stand and then relax, my thighs burning from the sudden release of pressure. Isabella is frozen in front of me, and I grip her tiny waist with my hands, lifting and placing her on her feet next to the bike.

"Okay, good girl," I mutter, holding her with one hand as I dismount. The second I'm next to her, she's trembling again, and I quickly scoop my arms under her body, lifting her. Her head falls against my chest, and I'm struck by how fucking small she is for a second. She's coated in fucking blood, those green-blue and brown eyes wide.

"You okay?" I ask her softly.

She nods, biting her lip. "Just…still high and drunk and…"

I look around for Charlie's car or his guys, but he's not here. No one is.

As if Isabella can read my mind, she laughs, low and humorlessly. "He won't come - not yet. Business first," she recites the words monosyllabically like they've been fucking drummed into her.

I don't answer, keying in the code for the garage. We go inside, and she suddenly grips my shirt. I look down at her, arching an eyebrow. She impressed me tonight - getting out of that zip tie, moving fast like she did, fighting them when they grabbed her. Especially when she picked up that gun and pointed it straight at those guys.

He was right; she wouldn't have been able to pull the trigger - but Isabella is a good liar, and for that split second, he believed her. It was enough.

Her voice is accusing, "How did you know? How did you know where I was going to be?"

"Followed you," I say gruffly, wanting this conversation over. I don't want to fucking answer.

She struggles in my arms, "I can walk now; I'm okay."

I practically drop her, and she stumbles a little glaring at me. "Jesus, Masen."

I clench my jaw, striding ahead.

"If you saw me leave, why did you let me go?" Isabella asks from behind me, her voice hollow.

She knows the answer. I know she knows.

"You need me to say it out loud?" I ask her roughly, spinning around and meeting her eyes. I'm surprised at the ferocity I see in them.

"Yes," Isabella practically hisses.

"Fine," I snap. "He asked me to let you go. He knew people were after you, and he wanted to fucking catch one."

Her eyes fill with tears, "He used me as bait?"

My hands form fists, "No, you know what, Isabella, you fucked this up for yourself. You know there are people after you!" I growl at her, "And what do you fucking do? Go out anyway. Not only that but you fucking leave alone! I never thought you'd be as fucking stupid as that!"

Isabella stares at me, her expression fierce. "Why the fuck do you care what happens to me?"

"Because I need this fucking job," I roar.

She looks taken aback, her eyes narrowing. "Why?"

I turn around and wrench open the door. "Go and fucking shower."

"No, tell me why!"

I step towards her so fast she flinches, throwing her over my shoulder and marching up the stairs.

"Masen!" Isabella screams, wriggling. I walk straight through her room and dump her in her shower, twisting the handle and drenching both of us. Isabella glares at me, the water running red at our feet, and I watch as she slowly starts to crumble, the shower hiding the tears I know are running down her cheeks.

I don't say anything. I just stand there with her as she leans against the wall and slides down to the floor, resting her head in her hands, sobbing. When she finally stops and stands, her eyes meet mine, red-rimmed and fucking beautiful. Her hands go to her top, and she lifts it, staring straight into my eyes.

I glance down at her black bra, her full tits spilling over the top, and for a second, all I want to do is slam my body into hers and kiss her, touch her, taste every single fucking inch of her. But instead, I turn around, crossing my arms as I stare at the door.

My dick is straining in my wet jeans, pushing against the zipper so hard it fucking hurts.

I can hear her washing herself, smell the soft citrus of her fucking shampoo, the creamy vanilla scent of her body wash. I know how she must look right now, soapy and wet, those perky tits slippery, droplets running down her toned stomach and between her legs to her pussy.

I want to watch her. But I won't. I can't. I refuse to.

The shower turns off, and I grab a towel from the door and fling it backward.

"Why?" her voice is quiet, and I know what she's asking this time.

"Because the first time I saw someone dead, I freaked the fuck out, and you shouldn't be on your own," I say stiffly.

She's silent for a second. "That wasn't the first time I've seen a dead body," Isabella finally utters. "And I was alone. For hours."

I turn around to look at her, but she's staring at the ground, skin pink from the shower, still wet. I want to ask who; I want to know why she looks so fucking sad.

But I won't ask. She might be vulnerable right now, but it doesn't change fucking anything. She's still a bitch, and I should hate her.

I do hate her.

Charlie doesn't come to see her until 3am.

xXx

"Oh, you're fucking kidding me," I hiss into the phone.

"No kid, I'm not," Jimmy laughs.

"Jimmy, you know I don't fuck about with this shit, but I've gotta be somewhere. Can anyone cover me until 3?"

"I'm really sorry, Mase, but we've got everyone in on a big job today. I can't spare anyone, and you know there are less than five people SBS trusts with Cygnet right now."

"Fuck," I sigh.

"You got errands to run? Just take her with you. As long as it 'aint dangerous," Jimmy drawls.

"Is the Boss there? Let me ask him if it'll be 'aight," I ask.

There's a muffled noise and then Charlie's deep voice, "What?"

"I gotta sort shit out at the hospital for my brother - can I take her with me? He needs to go today, and no one else can take him." I'm desperate for him to say yes, and he obviously hears it because the rustling in the background stops, and his voice is a little softer when he replies.

"Hey, don't sweat it, kid. Take her wherever you fucking want; just keep her safe. Unexpected places are better right now anyway."

I grunt in response. The asshole I caught last week didn't say a fucking word, so they dangled him off a building and set him on fire. Sent a message but did shit for finding out who's after the Boss. I haven't told Isabella - doubt anyone will. Won't do her good to know she went through that shit for nothing, even if she has seen someone die before.

I hang up and stare down at my hands. I haven't slept since I killed those two guys. It's not the first time I've done it - I know it won't be the last, but this time felt...different. Before, it was always about survival, my survival.

Now it's for hers.

And Tommie's, I remind myself. Keep reminding myself, over and over. I'm doing this for him, and he's worth every single drop of blood I spill.

Stevie's quiet on the drive to pick up Tommie, and I lean my head back, closing my eyes and trying to prepare myself for this shit. I don't want her around Tommie; I've never fucking wanted her around him. He has no idea what she's like, even though he knows what I do. I haven't told Es about her either. When they ask me about work, I just say it's fucking work and change the subject.

Tommie's excited as fuck when he sees the car, and he babbles the whole way to Isabella's school. Stevie raises and lowers the screen so many times it makes me dizzy, but it makes Tommie laugh, and I live for that shit - so fuck it.

Isabella is inside when I arrive, and I have to walk to the office to get her. I tell Tommie to wait in the car and be good for Stevie, and he rolls his eyes at me, lying back on one of the seats and grinning up at the ceiling.

When I find Isabella, she's sitting on a black and red-cushioned chair, playing on her phone, pouty lips fixed on the screen as she taps her foot on the floor.

I cross my arms when I stop in front of her. "What did you fucking do this time?" I ask, unable to keep the irritation out of my voice.

Isabella doesn't look up from her phone, her nails tapping at the screen. "None of your concern, Fido."

"Whatever - can you get the fuck up, we have somewhere to be," I say impatiently.

Isabella looks up then, cocking her head at me for a second.

"What's wrong with you?"

"What?" I ask her, arching an eyebrow.

"You look all...sweaty," Isabella mutters, standing and stepping up to me, tilting her head as she studies my eyes. "Did something happen? Is it my dad?"

I'm taken aback by the expression of concern on her face.

"No," I mutter, grabbing her arm and guiding her as I march forwards. Isabella struggles a bit but acquiesces when my fingers tighten. "I don't have time to fuck around," I snap.

"Fine," Isabella rips her arm from mine and marches ahead of me, her skirt flickering against the back of her bare thighs.

A dark-haired boy marches up to her, grabbing her by the waist and stopping her in her tracks. My eyes widen when I see his face. I've noticed him with her before, but only from afar; I never clocked the resemblance.

He looks the spitting image of Cinna.

"What the fuck did you do this time?" the boy asks, frowning at her.

"Told Mr. Peters to go fuck himself," Isabella mutters. "And then called him a cunt."

The boy snorts, "Why?"

"Because he said...he made a comment I disagreed with... about sexuality."

The boy widens his eyes, "What...about Cil?"

"Not specifically," Isabella hisses. "But he upset Jasper and Cil, so I told him he was an ancient cunt and he should go fuck himself if he can't accept that sexuality isn't a choice."

"Cygnet...you're gonna get yourself expelled."

"Nonsense, Daddy will just make a donation," Isabella mutters.

The boy's lips curve up slightly, and I frown as I realize how bitter she is about Charlie's money. I've never noticed that before.

"We have to go," I say curtly, still studying the boy suspiciously.

He looks at me and then does a double-take. "Hey...do I know you from somewhere?"

I shake my head, shrugging. "Probably not."

"He used to work for your dad," Isabella says conversationally. "Alec is Cinna's son."

"I can see that," I mutter.

Alec's dark eyes bore into mine for a moment before he shrugs, "Well, sucks to be you; my father's a fucking dick."

"Word." Isabella laughs.

"Isabella," I say frustratedly.

"Oh god, Fido, what-the-fuck-ever," she groans. "I'll see you next week, Alec."

She starts walking, and I follow her, but I can feel eyes burning into the back of my neck, and I don't fucking like it. Alec wouldn't have seen me when I was running for Cinna; I was never high up enough.

So how the fuck does he recognize me?

xXx

I'm standing at the hospital desk, talking to Dr. Cullen, but my eyes keep drifting over to Tommie and Isabella. The second she got to the car and met him, they haven't stopped talking, and it's making me fucking panic.

At least in the car, I could monitor her and see what she was saying. My stomach twists as I wonder what she'll say now that I'm gone. If she upsets him, I swear to fucking god.

"–Edward?"

I turn my head back to Dr. Cullen. He's younger than I expected, late thirties, his dark hair graying slightly at the roots. He smiles at me softly, his brown eyes crinkling in the corners. "Will that be okay?"

A loud, beautiful laugh filters through the lobby, and I glance over automatically, looking for the person who made it. Shock rushes through me when I see Isabella, her head tilted back, mouth open with laughter, my brother looking at her happily.

What the fuck?

"Edward?" Dr. Cullen repeats.

I turn back to him, shaking my head and giving him a guilty look. "Sorry Doc...what was that?"

"Tommie needs to be here for his chemo twice a week, and he can't be alone."

I swallow, shifting on the spot. "I'll um…I'll see what I can do. Is there no way we can do it in the middle of the day instead of the afternoon?"

"I'm sorry, but it's better for Tommie to have the treatment later in the day; he can sleep it off a little that way; it'll help with the nausea."

"Sure doc, it's just...our–his mom can sit with him for the Tuesday session, but Thursday's she's gotta work...and I'm supposed to be working too." I jerk my head to Isabella and frown again as I see her and Tommie bent over his sketchbook, grinning.

"What is it you do?" Dr. Cullen asks curiously.

"Bodyguard, for her," I tell him, gesturing over at Isabella.

"Well...can she not just come with you? Seems like they get on okay."

I shift. "I would have to ask her…"

Dr. Cullen raises his eyebrow slightly as if to say–so ask her, then. I cough and nod. He smiles, his deep brown eyes sparkling. "Let me know. The nurse will sort all the bloodwork out today, and then we can start next week."

"That soon?" I ask, surprised.

The doc grimaces slightly, "Welcome to private healthcare."

I nod carefully, holding my hand out for him to shake. "Thanks, Doc."

He shakes it firmly, giving me a warm smile. "He's a good kid, strong too. So keep positive, all of you; let's take it week by week."

My throat feels closed up all of a sudden, so all I can do is nod as he turns and walks away. I head over to Tommie and Isabella and widen my eyes at the rough sketch of me I see on the pad.

"Wow, Tommie, that's really good." I smile.

"I didn't do that one; that's Bella's." Tommie grins,

My head snaps to Isabella's in surprise. She draws?

Of course, she does; she tattoos people, for fucks sake.

"Here's mine," Tommie announces.

He flips the page, and I see a different sketch of me, this one more detailed around my eyes and mouth.

"Amazing, kid," I tell him, ruffling his hair.

Isabella smiles at Tommie sweetly, "You captured him much better than I did."

"Well, I know what he looks like with my eyes closed," Tommie says proudly, sticking out his chest.

Isabella laughs, a soft, genuine sound, and my eyes widen. Is this some kind of game? Is she going to do something to Tommie to try and upset me?

"Can I talk to you for a second?" I ask her harshly.

She looks up at me with a frown, "Um...okay. Draw that nurse over there, Tommie; I'm timing you, five minutes." She winks.

Tommie flips the page and grins at her.

We step away, and I glare at her, "What the fuck are you playing at?"

She looks taken aback, "What?"

"Why are you being nice to him. Look, I know you want me to quit, but don't drag Tommie into it, he's-"

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Isabella asks incredulously.

"He's just a kid, okay? Please don't involve him."

She frowns at me, "Fido…" Her eyes close briefly, "Masen. I know I'm a bitch to you, but that's because of...I would never do something like that to Tommie. I swear. I'm not...how I–anyway, I like Tommie, that's why I'm being nice to him. By the way, he's talented as fuck, way better than I was when I was that age. I'm kind of jealous, actually." She sighs wistfully.

I stare at her, confused. "What?"

Isabella glances at my brother and smiles, "He's a sweet kid, what's...what's going on? How come he needs to be here?"

"He has cancer," I say gruffly. She'll find out soon enough anyway.

Isabella inhales sharply, placing her hand at her throat, "Wh...is it bad?"

I grit my teeth and then relax my jaw. "Yeah. But now he's getting the treatment he needs."

Big, blue-green, and brown eyes search mine, and the concern in them shocks me so much I have to do a double-take.

"He...he's going to be okay, right?"

I inhale sharply and then shrug. "I fucking hope so." My voice is gritty, and I clear my throat, moving past her.

"Edward," Isabella says gently. I whirl on her, glaring.

Her eyes are soft, "I'm sorry, Tommie told me your name...um...I need to...is this," she gestures to Tommie, "Is this why you haven't quit? You need money for his treatment?"

I nod stiffly, and she swallows, "I-

"I did it, Bella!" Tommie calls, looking at us impatiently. I watch her as her lips curve into a breathtaking smile, her eyes lighting up as they lock with Tommie's.

"What? No way! That wasn't even five minutes," she teases, walking past me and straight up to my brother. "Let me see this masterpiece; I bet it's a total mess."

I frown, but Tommie bursts out laughing, and I'm frozen in surprise as Isabella kneels on the dirty hospital floor next to him, bending her head over the sketchbook.

"Whoa!" She laughs, "That deserves some chocolate; I'm gonna go get you some." She leans in and whispers something to Tommie, and he giggles.

I walk up to them. "He can't eat anything; he's got to have a scan."

Tommie turns to me and rolls his eyes, "I know, Ed," he laughs, "I'll eat it after, duh." He looks at Isabella expectantly, and she winks at me, smiling playfully.

"Duh," she repeats, making Tommie giggle again.

"Why do you look so grumpy?" Tommie suddenly says, looking worried. "Is something wrong, Ed?"

I shake my head quickly and grin at him, kneeling next to Isabella and ruffling his hair. "Course not, little man. I'm just grumpy. I can't draw for shit, and you two are like fucking Picassos."

"Maybe Bella can teach you," Tommie suggests.

"I'm sure Isabella has better things to do," I say quickly.

Tommie's face scrunches up, "She prefers Bella; why do you call her that?"

My eyes dart to Isabella, and she bites her plump, bottom lip.

"Well, buddy, Isabella's dad is my boss, so while I'm guarding her, she's kind of my boss, so I have to be professional," I say carefully.

"Oh, okay." Tommie turns to Bella, "Do you think you could give him some more time off, Bella? I miss him during the week."

Her mouth opens and closes before she gives him a sweet smile, "Well…" she swallows, glancing at me, "if you don't mind me tagging along, we can come to see you together sometimes?"

I frown at her, "That's no-"

"Awesome." Tommie giggles.

The nurse comes over with a bright blue wheelchair, stickers of Iron Man covering the frame. Tommie jumps into it, giving me a small smile. He's nervous, and I kneel next to him and run my hand through his soft hair, gently rubbing my thumb on the back of his head.

"I'm gonna be right here, okay? Then we can go out for some ice cream."

He glances past me to Isabella. "Is Bella coming too?"

I open my mouth to reply when she kneels on the floor with me, grinning at my brother. "And miss ice cream? You've got to be joking. Of course, I'm coming. Tell you what, Tommie; while you have your scan, try and guess my favorite flavor. If you get it right, I'll buy you ice cream every single time I see you."

Tommie's face lights up, "Every time?"

"Every. Time." Isabella says conspiratorially. "So think hard, and when you come back, you get three guesses."

"Okay." Tommie giggles, "I've got this!"

"We'll see." Isabella winks.

He's wheeled off, and I feel all fucking weird and confused, so I sit down, tugging at my hair.

"I don't fucking get you," I mutter to her.

"I know," she says softly. "Fi- I mean, Mase-"

I cut her off as I get up and walk away, my fingers twitching. I'm not supposed to fucking leave her, but I need a cigarette, and she's safe where she is.

I'll only be five minutes anyway.

When I get back, Isabella is bent over Tommie's sketchbook, her brown hair cascading everywhere as she guides the pencil. Even though I'm curious as hell about what she's drawing, I sit a few seats away from her and cross my arms.

My eyes drift to her, against their will. Her mouth is slightly parted, the full bottom lip looking freshly bitten, a deep shade of red. I can't see her eyes. She's so absorbed in what she's doing she hasn't even realized I'm back.

I'm kind of fucking glad; I don't want to talk to her right now.

Isabella jumps in surprise when Tommie's voice sounds in front of us, and my head snaps forwards, searching for him.

The nurse pushing him has a grin on her face and smiles wider when she sees me, her eyes glinting. She's pretty, but I'm here for Tommie, so she can fuck off.

"How'd it go, little man?" I ask, smiling at him as she stops in front of us.

"We need to take some blood now and do a spinal tap," the nurse says before Tommie can reply.

I arch my eyebrow at her, narrowing my eyes. "Yeah, that's fine, sweetheart, but can he answer my fucking question first?"

She gasps, and Tommie huffs, "Don't mind him, Annie; he's protective. It was fine, Ed."

"Good." I smile at him, flicking my eyes up to the nurse, Annie. She's flushing and looks kind of upset.

"Sorry, gorgeous," I say smoothly, winking at her. "Didn't mean to upset you, just...wanted to know he was okay, 'aight?"

"S-sure, you don't have to apologize," Annie says, her eyes widening.

"Ugh, I can't take him anywhere," Tommie groans. Isabella snorts, and I turn my head to her and arch a brow.

She just smirks.

"Where do we need to go?" Isabella asks the nurse softly.

Annie frowns, "Oh...you can't come. He'll be fine, don't worry."

Tommie looks up at her worriedly. "What, why? Can Ed come, please?"

"No."

Isabella's whole demeanor changes, and I recognize the glint that suddenly appears in her eyes.

There she is.

"Listen...Annie, was it? I know you're just doing your job, and hey, I respect the fuck out of that, can't imagine what it's like for you and all that shit. But, if you're sticking a needle in him, his brother is going. Capiche?" She smiles sweetly, and I feel this weird fucking tingle go through me.

The bitchiness I recognize, but she's doing it so I can stay with Tommie?

Annoyance flashes over Annie's face. "I'm sorry, but it's procedure. Sure you can understand that."

Isabella smirks, "I understand that my father donates a lot of money to this hospital, and I can kind of do whatever the fuck I want. Gotta be some perks to having a sociopath as daddy dearest, right? This is nothing personal, Annie; I really mean that, but I'm happy to make it personal if you don't do what I'm asking. So why don't you skip on over to your boss, tell him that Ms. Swan is in the building and would like a private room for you to do all your little tests on Tommie. I'll bet he's going to be very receptive to that information. We'll be here when our room is ready. Thanks."

My jaw drops, and so does Annie's, her eyes widening. "Oh. Oh. Ms. Swan! Right, um. Two seconds, I'm so sorry."

She scurries off, and Tommie stares at Isabella with wide eyes. "That was so cool."

I wait for Isabella to make some sly, bitchy comment, but to my surprise, she leans in close to Tommie. "It's really not cool, Tommie; she didn't deserve that at all, but...she's not my priority, you are. So, I was a little horrible to get my way, and sometimes that's what you've got to do, but it's definitely not something to be proud of, okay. And you shouldn't treat people like I just did."

What the fuck?

I'm staring at her with my mouth fucking agape, confused as shit.

"Thanks, Bella," Tommie says quietly. "I'm not scared or anything-"

I tear my eyes off Isabella and grab his knee, "I'm fucking scared; I hate needles."

Tommie giggles at me, "You have like a hundred tattoos, Ed."

I wink at him, "Yeah, I freak out like a fucking baby every time, kid."

Isabella laughs softly, "I was scared when I got mine too. We're not as brave as you, Tommie."

Tommie grins, "What tattoos have you got, Bella?"

"A daisy chain," I say without thinking.

There's a peal of laughter next to me, and I glance at Isabella to find her eyes alight, her mouth curved up wickedly.

"Oh, cool," Tommie says, oblivious.

Annie comes back and ushers us to a private room.

"Thank you so much, Annie," Isabella says softly. "We really appreciate it."

Annie just nods politely, and as she's walking out the door, she mutters under her breath, 'fucking bitch.'

The words twist in my stomach uncomfortably, but I don't know fucking why because Isabella is a bitch.

A different nurse comes through and says he needs to do a spinal tap on Tommie. He's gonna have to lie here for the next two hours after they finish.

When the nurse grabs the needle, I fight not to freak the fuck out. Isabella and I are sitting facing Tommie, who's lying on his side. I force a smile on my face, and I'm trying to think of something to say to distract him when Isabella leans forward, grinning.

"So...did you figure out my favorite flavor?" she asks.

Tommie grins, "I have my three guesses."

"Hmm, okay, shoot."

"Bubblegum?" Tommie asks.

"Nope." Isabella grins.

"A little pinch," the man says softly. Tommie's face scrunches up, and I watch in surprise as Isabella grabs his hand, leaning closer. "What's your second guess?"

"Mint C-chocolate."

I realise I know the answer to this, the freezer is always stocked heavily with pistachio ice cream, and I've heard SJ say it's Isabella's favorite.

"Nope," Isabella says playfully. "One more guess, what's it gonna be?"

Tommie winces, and I shift in my seat, hating seeing him in pain.

"Free ice cream…" Isabella sings. "Make your guess."

He smiles, "Umm, is it cookies and cream?"

I sigh internally.

Fuck.

"Damn," Isabella says sadly, "I was kinda hoping you'd get it wrong."

I frown at her. Wait, what?

Tommie's face lights up. "I got it right?"

"Don't rub it in, Tommie," Isabella whines.

He giggles.

"All done, stay still for a little bit Tommie, you did great," the nurse says, taking off his gloves.

Isabella smiles at him, "Thank you."

I'm still staring at her, eyebrows furrowed, but she's ignoring me, already pulling out Tommie's sketchbook and placing it in front of him.

"I drew this while you were in your scan," she murmurs, smiling softly at him.

"Whoa."

My eyes drop to the sketchpad and widen. She's drawn Tommie, laughing. I grab the book and stare at it, my eyes scanning the shading.

"How the fuck…"

"You're so good, Bella! I can't wait to be able to draw like that," Tommie says sweetly.

"Dude, you are so much better than I was at your age - I'm just older, and I've had a bit more practice; you'll overtake me easily." I hear her say.

"I need a piss," I mutter, placing the sketchbook down.

"TMI, Fido," Isabella says playfully.

I arch a brow at her, but she's not looking at me; she's staring at Tommie with a soft expression.

"How come you call him Fido?" Tommie asks suddenly.

Isabella hums, "Well, he's my bodyguard, and in my family, we call the bodyguards cagna, which is Italian, for female dog," Isabella smirks, "It's kind of an inside joke, like the family's bitch…anyway, Fido is a dog's name."

I stare at her, surprised she's being so honest with him.

Tommie purses his lips, then glances at me. "Do you mind her calling you that?"

I smile at him sweetly, "Course not, little man. She wouldn't call me it if I didn't like it, would she?"

Tommie smiles, "Right."

I glance at Isabella, and her face looks stricken for a second as she meets my eyes. I narrow mine at her, and she looks away.

xXx

I carry Tommie into the house when we get home. After stuffing his face with ice cream - Isabella bought him a triple cone - he pretty much passed out in the car, curling up against me, his little face pressed into my chest.

Isabella was silent the whole ride, so I'd just stroked Tommie's hair, staring out at the street through the windows.

I shift him in my arms to unlock the front door, and as his head lolls on my shoulder, I feel an ache in my chest for the years I missed. He was so fucking tiny when I left. I've missed half his fucking life.

Isabella comes in behind me, and I tell her to shut the door as I walk through the house. I know she's probably grimacing at how small it is, how cheap it is. She's always called me white trash. Here's her evidence.

I tuck Tommie into the bed, kissing his head, then back out the room, closing the door softly. When I get out into the main room, Isabella is standing by the dresser, looking at the photos.

"Won't be long," I mutter. Es will be home soon.

She looks up at me, and I'm thrown off by how soft and open her face is, those exotic eyes staring into mine with zero hostility for once.

"Edward, I just want to-"

"Why did you lie?" I cut her off, crossing my arms as I lean against the counter. "Why did you lie to Tommie about your favorite flavor?"

She frowns at me, "You know my favorite ice cream flavor?"

I shrug, "SJ…"

Isabella hums, a soft smile crossing her face.

"What's your game?" I ask, my voice low. "What the fuck are you...playing at. Why lie to him? I don't...I don't fucking like this. I don't like you."

She sighs softly. "I know, and I deserve that. But...I'm not playing. Look, whatever ice cream he said didn't matter; I'll happily bring him all the ice cream he can eat forever. I just made up the game because I wanted him to be distracted during the scan. And guessing helped distract him with the spinal thing...I just didn't want him to be scared or…" Another sigh leaves her lips.

"You ate cookies and cream at the ice cream place. Do you even like it?" I ask her, confused.

"I mean...not massively." Isabella shrugs. Her eyes narrow suddenly, "But don't tell Tommie that, okay? I'll eat it whenever we get ice cream together; I don't mind."

I tear at my hair, "What the f…" I lower my voice, "What the fuck is your deal? Why are you being like this? What, you feel fucking sorry for me all of a sudden? So you're pretending to give a fuck about Tommie?"

Her eyes get misty, "I'm not pretending."

"I don't believe you," I hiss.

Isabella bites her lip, "I-"

The front door opening cuts her off, and I turn, rushing to help Esme as she tries to carry several bags.

"Hey, watch yourself," I tell her softly, placing the bags on the counter.

Es turns to face Isabella with a tentative smile.

"Hi," Isabella says softly, glancing from me to Esme with a shocked expression. I curse inwardly - I forgot Tommie told her that Es was my mom in the ice cream place.

"Hey," Esme smiles at her. "You must be the girl Edward's guarding; thank you for letting him help Tommie; I had to work and-"

"It's okay," Isabella says gently, "If Tommie ever needs anything, we can come; I don't mind."

Esme beams at her. "Thank you."

I grit my teeth. "We can go in a second, Isabella," I say curtly. "You can sit if you want."

"I'm okay," Isabella replies, walking up to the counter and standing next to me. She tilts her head at me as I start unpacking the shopping, and Esme touches my arm softly before she walks out of the room. "She's so young," Isabella comments softly. "How old was she when she had you?"

"Thirteen," I say gruffly, turning from her to open the cupboards.

Isabella raises her eyebrows, and I breathe out in a huff. "Listen, I don't want to hear the white trash shit here, not with them around, please just don't-"

She sighs, a grimace crossing her face. "I don't…

Esme walks back into the room, dressed now in some skinny jeans and a red top. I eye her and arch a brow. "Ralph comin', Es?"

"Yeah." She smiles.

I hum. I don't mind Ralph; he seems all right.

"You look beautiful," Isabella says sweetly.

I look at her sharply, but her eyes are still all big and fucking open. I frown.

"Thank you, but you can't talk; you're gorgeous!"

Isabella laughs softly, "Thanks."

"We need to go," I say, shifting uneasily.

"What did the doc say?" Es asks me, looking worried.

I smile reassuringly. "Doc seems good; he's got a great plan, they just did some tests, but he starts treatment next week."

Esme places her hand on her chest, her eyes shining. "Did they...I mean, do they think it'll work."

I swallow. "He said he's positive."

A tear runs down her cheek. "That's good."

I nod, shifting awkwardly. We don't have the kind of relationship where I know how to fucking comfort her. Too much water under that fucking bridge.

"Look after yourself; I'll see you Friday," I tell Esme, gently touching her arm.

She nods, wiping at her eyes. "Yeah."

"Don't let the kid see you cry, please," I beg.

"I know, I won't." She sniffles. "Just...want to do right by him."

"You're doing good," I say softly, hating that Isabella has to be in the room right now. "He's doing good."

"I j-just don't want to fuck up again."

"I know," I say, my voice gravelly. "He's fine, Es. You good?"

She nods, "I'm good."

"Later, then." I nod back, gesturing to Isabella to go out the door.

We get in the car, and she opens her mouth to speak, but I glare at her. "Just...not fucking now, okay? Will you just please, fucking please, sit there and just be fucking silent."

Her mouth closes, and she nods, biting her lip.

I sigh in relief, tilting my head back against the seat and closing my eyes.

Where's your head at? Mine is hopelessly in love with this Edward *sighs*

See you soon. Hope you're okay, if you ever need me you can always message me on FB ❤️