Hello friends! We've made it to chapter 21! I hope the new year has been going well so far for you. I can't believe it's January, it feels like it just was the summer! Hopefully, the summer heat in Clear Lake will remind you of warmer weather, especially those who experience snow! I personally don't, but it does get pretty chilly. Those who are used to the snow and ice will laugh when I say cold is in the upper 30s F and lower 40s F.

So for the next chapter, I will be doing a short Q & A in the authors note, so leave me your questions! It can be about me or the world of Riptide.

Thanks for the love and support. I am grateful for those who follow the story and those who have left reviews! Almost 400 reviews! Astounding!

Anyways, let's continue on with what's going on with Bella...

After leaving Angela's I called Edward.

"Hello?" his smooth voice asked.

"Edward, have you heard about the hurricane?"

"Uh, yes, I did. Just recently. Are you okay?" The panic must have been evident in my voice.

"I'm just worried."

"I'm sorry, baby. How can I help you?" concern filled his voice.

"Can you come over?" I asked timidly.

"Yes. I am just leaving the office, I can be there in ten minutes."

"Thank you," I replied softly.

"We'll be fine, Bella. Hurricane Aro is expected to fizzle out before landfall."

"I hope you're right."

"I'll be there in a few minutes, I'm walking to my car."

"Thank you," I replied breathlessly.

I took a couple of deep breaths in an attempt to calm down. Hurricanes happen all the time, Bella. Calm down.

Since moving to Clear Lake, I hadn't experienced any major weather. I was nervous because of my proximity to the ocean. Aunt Irina's house didn't sit on stilts as typical beach houses did. The Cullen's house has a taller foundation rather than stilts, so I was worried about the storm surge and the construction of my house.

While waiting for Edward, I whipped up some sandwiches, realizing he would probably be hungry by the time he got here. Asking him to come over didn't really follow the unspoken rules I had set for myself about introducing space and distance between us, but right now, I really needed him. He knew me well and his presence alone alleviates anxieties.

After finishing the sandwiches, I cut up some fresh fruit to make a fruit salad. I had cut the last banana when I heard a knock at the door. Nerves overcame my body and I took a deep breath in order to ground myself. I headed to the door as not to make Edward wait any longer.

"Hi," I said opening the door.

"Hey," he replied, smiling. A smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Maybe he was nervous too?

"Come in," I said, opening the door wider, "Thanks for coming."

"Don't worry about it," he said, coming inside. He took off his shoes and put them in his usual spot next to the coat rack. Watching him place his shoes there made me think of the many times he had done so before, after thoroughly giving me a kiss (sometimes a bit more) in greeting. He also started loosening his tie. He was dressed nice, as always, but something always stirs within me when I see him in his work outfits. He rocks those button-up dress shirts and skinny ties of his. And those slim legged dress pants...

"I realized you might be hungry coming straight after work, so I made some sandwiches and fruit salad," I said, twisting my fingers around.

"You didn't have to do that, but you're right, I am hungry," he smiled. There was a slight awkwardness between us, probably due to the fact we hadn't hugged or kissed like we usually do or had done before, in greeting.

"I made turkey and provolone," I said walking to the kitchen.

"You're too good to me, you know that's my favorite." He said, following me.

"That's why I made it," I shrugged.

"Thanks," he replied putting his hand on my waist. I froze in surprise and he quickly removed it. "Uh, sorry," he added quietly. But the spot where his hand once lay tingled, longing for the warmth of his hand.

With my back to him, I blinked and grabbed the two plates I had made for us.

"I'll grab the salad," he said in order to break the tension. He maneuvered around me, careful not to accidentally bump or touch me. We both sat down at the kitchen table. Two forks were in the center and we both reached for them at the same time, grazing each other's fingers.

I shivered, feeling that odd electricity that constantly flows between us. I missed his touch. I missed his lips. I took a sip of water in order to collect my thoughts.

"How was work?" I asked, clearing my throat.

"Oh, it was good. Nothing too grotesque today." He smiled.

A short chuckle passed through my lips which caught his eye.

"I know your day was good," He said, "You won an award and had your published article delivered!"

"Yes, it was a pretty good day." I laughed, "It went by fast. In the afternoon I went over to Angela's to help with some wedding prep. Jessica and Lauren were there as well." I didn't need to relay the debacle with Lauren.

"Her wedding is almost upon us, isn't it? And I don't think I've met your other friends yet."

"Her wedding is in a week and a few days, which is supposed to be when the hurricane hits. I wouldn't say all of those girls are my friends. Of course, Angela is a great friend, I'm also friendly with Jessica. I don't know Kate too well, and I tolerate Lauren." I chuckled.

"I see," He nodded, "that must be stressful, dealing with the weather. Has she made any alternative plans?"

"She's not stressed at all, but it is stressing me out!"

"So you're stressed because she's not stressed?" He grinned crookedly.

"Precisely." I nodded.

"Oh, Bella, you worry too much, but it's one of the reasons I love you." We both had brought our sandwiches to our mouths, locking eyes with each other. "Shit," he swore under his breath, "I keep, uh, moving too fast, and I'm sorry."

"No, Edward, it's fine. I'm thankful you are allowing us to move slow."

"I couldn't lose you, Bella, you've become my whole world."

"I, I—" I lowered my sandwich and eyes.

"You don't have to say anything, Bella. I don't want to scare you away." His sandwich now laid on his plate.

"You could never scare me away, Edward," I replied.

"I feel as if you're drifting away and I can't pull you back to shore." He said, his beautiful face frowned.

"You could never lose me, Edward," I said, reaching across the table and covering my hand with his. "I just need some time, to think things through."

"I understand. I know I fucked up and apologized, and you somehow forgave me…" He took a deep breath, "But I just miss you, I miss what we were."

"I miss it too, Edward, trust me—"

"Trust! I fucked up your trust in me, something I'll never forgive myself for." His hand molded into a fist under mine and squeezed his eyes shut.

"Hey," I soothed, "We both know mistakes were made. But we are trying to get over them. It just takes a little time."

"I can be patient, Bella. I want you to take the time that you need." His eyes opened to reveal his green eyes.

"That means a lot to me Edward, more than you think." I shook my head and a couple of tears fell.

"Don't cry," he said so tenderly, "It hurts me to see you cry," His thumb padded over my under eyes to remove the tears.

"You just mean so much to me Edward," I smiled through more unwanted tears. "I—no one has ever taken care of me as you do. Nobody has been as patient and understanding as you. I'm afraid of taking the time I need to heal will push you away, and you wouldn't want me anymore."

"Stop," he said a little forcibly, making my eyes dart to his. "I will always want you. You're it for me, Bella. I cannot fathom loving any other woman the way I love you. I will be here for you once you're ready. You could never push me away too far."

I stood up, rushing around the table to him and crashed into his lap. He caught me easily and held me close.

He held me through my tears and sniffles. Softly stroking my hair, never pulling away. He held me without an ounce of selfishness, he didn't speak, didn't try to kiss me. My tears left wet puddles onto his light blue pinstripe shirt and he didn't seem to care. He held me tightly, and he didn't need to use words to communicate how he was feeling. His touch articulated words only my heart could understand and healed some of my hurt.

I love you and I'm not going anywhere.

My heart fluttered inside my chest. This man meant everything to me. It felt so strange to feel so loved by someone. I've always been on my own. Having somebody, having Edward beside me made me into a better version of myself. Having Edward beside me changed me.

He made me want to live life without anxieties and worries holding me back. He made me want to love so deeply and unselfishly. He made me want to be loved, something I'm not sure I knew how to do. I was the one always taking care of myself and others.

I wish Riley could meet Edward. I knew Riley would love him. Riley would give him just enough grief in order to keep Edward on his toes, but also give the reassurance of his approval. I knew Edward would have loved Riley too.

I can picture how Riley's childhood mannerisms and traits would have followed him into adulthood. He would be goofy, protective, witty, and always caring about others, even if it put his own safety at risk. Riley risked his life in order to save mine when he threw that life jacket to me, a risk ending in tragedy. But that is the type of person he was.

I don't know how long Edward and I sat there. My tears had subsided, but still, he held me. I angled my head from his shoulder to look at his face.

"Thank you," I said softly and voice sounding tired. I slowly moved my hand to cup his strong jaw.

"I'm not going anywhere." He said, leaning into my palm.

"You don't know how much that means to me."

"We're going to get through this hurricane together. I can help you board up your windows, trim your trees, whatever you need. I know you're anxious about it."

"Thank you," I replied.

"We can even leave Clear Lake if you want. Go further inland."

"It's hard to know what to expect from Aro, isn't it?"

He nodded grimly. "Whatever happens though, we can get through it together."

Before Edward left for the evening, we made plans for the next day to travel to Orlando for supplies needed to prep my home, the Cullen house, and the gallery for Hurricane Aro. We both conducted research on what we needed to get. I was very anxious about flooding. While I was not a material person, a lot of the things in my home had special meaning to me, as some things had belonged to Aunt Irina.

Edward understood my sentimental feelings towards some of my belongings and suggested buying a few weatherproof containers for storage. Edward told Emmett and Jasper of our plans and invited them along too, in order to prepare their houses as well. We would be taking two pickup trucks—one belonging to Emmett, the other, Jasper.

Edward and I lingered at the door, some awkwardness appeared while we were trying to say goodbye.

"I'll pick you up tomorrow morning?" He asked.

"Yes, I'll be ready. 8:30, right?"

"Yes. Emmett and Jasper are going to meet us here so we can depart together."

"Alright, I'll see you tomorrow morning, then."

"Yes, tomorrow morning." Edward ran his hand through his hair. "Bella, I—"

Before he could complete his sentence, I reached up on my tiptoes and pressed a chaste kiss on his cheek. He looked slightly shocked at first, but then he smiled one of his crooked smiles I've been missing.

"Sleep well, Edward," I said as he stepped over the threshold.

"Sleep well, my Bella," He reached for my hand, asking for permission silently. I gave a slight nod and he pulled my hand up to his lips, returning a quick kiss on the back of my hand. As a warm feeling filled my body, he turned around and headed to his car. After his car was long gone, I shut the door and passed a content sigh.

Things are going to be alright.

I carried the last of my suitcases in my right hand while my left gripped Riley's old teddy bear. Mom had dressed me in a cream short sleeve dress with a navy blue cardigan. While it was fall in Florida, the leaves remained green and on their trees. It was an unusually cooler day, especially for mid-October. Mom pulled her last suitcase down the stairs.

"Okay, Bella, it's time." She said voice strained with tension.

"I don't want to leave St. Petersburg," I whimpered. Now beside me, Mom pulled my chin fiercely to look at her.

"I said no tantrums. We are leaving."

"Renee, please," Daddy said, looking disheveled and defeated. His hands were shoved into the pockets of his pants that were too loose on him and his shoulders slouched from the weight of the world.

Mom gave him a threatening look. "Say goodbye to your father, Bella." She let go of my chin and fixed her hair.

I looked to my Daddy, whose eyes shone bright with tears. He kneeled down and opened his arms, nodding in encouragement which didn't seem quite right. I dropped my suitcase with a thud and ran into his arms, tears freely flowing down my cheeks.

"Daddy," I whimpered.

"Bella-Bean, you're going to be okay. It's all going to be okay," he choked.

"I don't want to leave you, Daddy," Sobs wrecked my ten-year-old body.

"Honey, I don't want you to leave either, but your mother has decided to move to Phoenix. And you know what? You're going to be the smartest kiddo in your class."

"I don't want to leave Riley, Daddy." The past two years since Riley's death had been hard. Mom and Dad had officially divorced, and Dad had to move to an apartment. I hadn't seen Auntie in a really long time and now Mom wanted to move.

"Baby, I know this is going to be hard. But you're my brave little girl, aren't you?" His large hand cupped my cheek. "You're such a strong, brave little girl."

"I don't want to be strong and brave," I hiccuped, "I want to be here with you."

"I know, sweetie, but sometimes families live separately. That doesn't mean we aren't family anymore. I will always love you, to the Big Dipper and back. Remember that." He attempted a smile, but his lips trembled too much.

"Please, Daddy."

He closed his eyes and his face contorted in pain. "I will always love you, Bella-Bean. When you miss me, just look at the stars and find the Big Dipper. I'll always look for my Little Dipper. I love you, so, so much Bella." He pressed his lips against my forehead, his mustache and scratchy chin felt comforting.

"Bella," My mother called from across the room. "It's time to go." She began to walk towards us. My tears seemed to exponentially multiply as I hugged Daddy with all of my might.

"I love you, Daddy."

"I love you too, baby," He pressed one last kiss to my forehead and his arms dropped lifelessly to his sides.

Mom took this opportunity to grab my shoulder and pull me towards the door. I started panicking. I resisted her firm grip and dropped limply to the floor.

"Isabella, get up," Mom hissed. She took a hold on my arm and tried to pull me up. I began kicking at the ground and wailed.

"Nooo!" I threw all of my weight to the ground in attempt to deter my Mom's grip.

"Isabella Marie!" she spat. "Get up, now." she threatened. Dad watched me in shock and I pleaded with my eyes for him to save me. "You're not a toddler, Isabella, get up now!" She bellowed.

Mom dropped her suitcase in order to gain control of my flailing body. She grabbed both of my arms tightly and lifted me over her knee. She then proceeded to lift the hem of my dress over my head.

I knew what was coming. I attempted to squirm my way out of her iron hold, but my attempts were fruitless. My sobbing almost covered my Dad's words.

"Renee! What the hell are you doing?" She looked him in the eye and proceeded to pull down my panties and smacked my bare behind five times. Each hit grew more painful and all I could do was cry.

"Was that really necessary, Renee? She's a damn child being ripped away from her home. I think the tantrum was expected." He roared.

"When she is visiting you, you can discipline her the way you want to, Charlie." Her words were like acid as she pulled up my panties and fixed my dress.

Mom threw me over her shoulder and gathered both suitcases in her free hand.

"Goodbye, Charlie."

"Daddy!"

He followed us to the door, watching us as Mom buckled me into my booster seat and locked the door. Suddenly his eyes went wide and he ran back inside. My fists pounded on the closed window of the car.

Dad returned with Riley's bear. He raced to the car and handed it to Mom. They exchanged some words, not too pleasant from the way Mom's mouth sneered and she threw the bear into the trunk.

Meanwhile, my fists began to ache from my pounding on the window. I tried to roll it down and open the car door, but Mom had turned on the child safety locks. Dad placed his hand on the opposite side of the window as Mom shut the trunk and moved to the driver's seat. I mirrored his movements. He mouthed one last "I love you," before Mom peeled out of the driveway, leaving St. Petersburg, my life, and my Daddy behind.

The next morning, I woke up early to relieve some stress through a bike ride on the beach. The water appeared pretty calm with minimal waves. The ocean, while beautiful to look at, could also cause terrible destruction, as I've lived through before. Now I was fearful for a completely different reason.

After biking a few miles, I decided to finish my bike ride and take a shower to rid myself of the sweat and stink I had produced. I had parked my bike when my phone started ringing.

I blinked as I read the caller ID.

Dad

I held the phone up to my ear.

"Hello?"

"Bella…" his familiar gruff voice answered back, "hi, honey. I just got that newspaper you sent me in the mail."

"Oh, great," I began.

"I was confused, but then I started flipping through it. I saw that writing about you."

"I'd thought I'd let you figure it out on your own," I laughed nervously.

"I wanted to call...and say thanks for sending it to me. Plus, I had no idea how well you were doing down there in Clear Lake. And you've won yourself an award?"

"You're welcome, Dad. I really love it down here. That award came to me as a big surprise."

"I'm proud of you, Bean. I mean it."

Tears pricked my eyes. "Thanks, Dad." I had now made my way to the living room and sat on the couch.

"I, uh, miss you, Bella," He said, voice a little strained.

"I miss you too, Dad," Although he had no idea the true power behind my words.

"I wish I could see you, but I know you're busy and you don't have time for an old man like me now."

"Dad, I always have time for you."

"Thanks, Bella-Bean."

"I'll come to visit soon, I promise. It's been a couple of years, hasn't it?"

"I would love that—love seeing you. I haven't seen you since after your college graduation."

"Oh, wow. It has been a while then." I said guiltily.

"Look, there are some things I wanted to talk to you about, but they're kind of an in-person thing. Renee called me and told me about some things that have happened between you two."

I swallowed. "Um, okay, Dad. I should be able to visit once things calm down over this hurricane."

"That's another reason I'm calling. I know you're a big girl now—an adult, but I want you to be safe. I want you to move inland. I'm worried about your safety. Us cops can't protect you from hurricanes."

"I will be safe, Dad. I am waiting for the more accurate forecast coming in to decide what to do. I am actually preparing my home for the hurricane today. I'm going to Orlando to get some things."

"I'm not sure the last time you saw the news, but they've projected Hurricane Aro to hit Clear Lake head on. Now Aro's a category two, Bella."

Fear shot through my veins leaving a trail of ice.

"Right towards Clear Lake?"

"Yes, it looks Clear Lake will be in the eye of the storm.

"Thanks for telling me," I managed to say.

"It's a good thing you're prepping your home. Are you going by yourself?"

"No, Dad, I'm going with...my boyfriend and his brother and almost brother-in-law."

"A boyfriend, huh?"

"Yeah," I trailed off.

"Does he make you happy?"

"Yeah, he does, Dad."

"Good." He replied, voice rough.

There were so many things I wanted to tell my Dad. I wanted to tell him how much I missed him. I missed looking up at the stars with him. I missed the way his mustache would twitch when he laughed. He was such a big part of my life until my Mom had plucked me from that life.

"Dad?"

"Yes, Bella?"

"I miss you. I'll try to come up really soon."

"I miss you too, Bella-Bean. I would love that."

"I've got to go now, Dad. I'm leaving for Orlando soon."

"I hope to talk to you soon, Bean."

"Yes, I'll call you with updates."

"Be safe."

"I will. I love you, Dad," tears pricked my eyes.

"Love you too, Bean."

After hanging up, I realized the time and hopped into the shower. The steam and heat helped calm my frazzled nerves. As I finished rinsing out the shampoo from my hair, I almost slipped and fell as a realization formed in my mind.

Mom had been lying to me about many, many things. She didn't tell me about her past, how Aunt Irina practically raised her? What if she had been lying to me about Dad? What if he wanted to be a bigger part of my life but she wouldn't let him?

Dad and I had been so close, even during that awkward year after my parents divorced but before we moved to Phoenix? Did he fight for custody over me? What the hell happened? I was always a Daddy's girl. How could he let me go so easily if Mom hadn't lied to me? I had so many questions now.

I shook my head. My life is such a mess. I'm learning more about myself and my family which just brings confusion, questions, and hurt. I'm going through a rift with Mom, trying to trust Edward again, and now am questioning what I thought I had known. How could I have lived my life so oblivious?

Mom. She must have shielded me away, kept me in the dark. Another one of her controlling tactics? Definitely.

I suddenly grew tired and overwhelmed. I finished my shower, being extra careful not to slip again, I might not catch myself next time.

Dressing quickly and blow drying my hair, I grabbed an orange for breakfast. Edward would be coming any minute now. I looked around the house noticing all of the history left in the many remnants of Aunt Irina. If I remembered correctly, Aunt Irina moved into this house after she graduated from college. Her mother, my great, great grandmother, was a real estate agent and house flipper. She had bought this house planning to demolish it, but Aunt Irina fell in love with the place and begged her to remodel it rather than knock it down.

Aunt Irina had filled this house with the things she loved, all sorts of knick-knacks, and pieces of herself. Her sewing machine still sat in its corner, untouched because I had forgotten the basics she had taught me herself.

Her signature mint green vintage refrigerator and stove still made me smile, even if they're a pain to manage and keep up. Some of her quilts were folded in a basket next to the TV. There were bits and pieces of her everywhere, reminding me of her sweet smile and kind blue eyes.

The thought of this house being damaged from Hurricane Aro filled me with anxiety. There was only so much of her left in this house. How would I preserve her memory during the hurricane?

A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. I opened it, revealing Edward. He ducked his head and ran a hand through his hair quickly, scattering water droplets. I hadn't noticed it had begun to lightly rain.

"Hey," he said, smiling.

"Hi," I replied, stepping aside so he could come in.

"How are you?"

"Okay," My voice squeaked.

"Okay?" He repeated, brow furrowing, definitely seeing through my facade.

"I've got a lot on my mind."

"I understand," he said nodding.

He and I stood in the entry. I looked up at him and I couldn't help but wrap my arms around his waist for a hug. He immediately responded, seeming to know what I needed. His strong arms held me tight against him. His lips pressed against my hair.

"I talked to my father this morning," I said against him.

"You did?" He murmured.

"Yes," I whispered.

"How did it go?"

"It was good to hear his voice. I miss him."

"Good. Maybe you can visit him sometime soon?"

"I would really like that," Edward had now released me from his hold, but his hands lingered around my waist.

"Emmett and Jasper should be here soon."

"Oh, okay. Do you know what my Dad told me?"

"What?"

"He said the hurricane's projected path has been revised. It's passing straight through Clear Lake, Edward."

"I heard that on the radio driving over."

"It's a category two hurricane now."

"Yes. But there's a lot we don't know about the hurricane yet. We are going to prep as best we can. Mom and Dad are even thinking of driving up to my Grandmother's house in South Carolina. I'm sure it would be no problem at all if you joined us. The whole family would be going."

"I couldn't impose, although I wouldn't want to be apart from you."

"Bella, it's not a big deal. I can call my Mom to make sure, baby."

"Edward," I began but was interrupted by two loud honks from outside.

"Looks like Emmett is here," Edward rolled his eyes. "It's time to get going. Have everything?"

"Yes," I said, grabbing my crossbody purse.

"We can talk about this later,"

"Okay." Two more obnoxious honks sounded.

"Fuck, Emmett! He's trying to wake up the whole damn town!" Edward complained.

"Come on," I said while pulling Edward towards the door, "I don't think he is going to wait much longer."

What are your thoughts? Also, please leave your questions for the Q & A!