Hey, Everyone, sorry for the long wait. Hopefully this longer chapter helps to make up for that. Thank you to My-Bella for being the most awesome beta and even better, PIC.

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, I just like to play with their lives. I also don't own the movie Twister. No copy right infringement intended. Just a love for the movie.

I wanna see you run
Anywhere you want
Never let the darkness hold you back
No fear of getting lost

I wanna see you fly
Way beyond the sun
Anything you're ever gonna dream
I pray that it will come

But if you ever fall down straight to the bottom
And you can't get back where you started
Any place any time
You gotta know for you I'll fight

~I'll Fight, Daughtry

Monday morning…

~Edward~

After going for a morning run with Dottie to get my thoughts in order, a plan was coming together in my head. However, I wouldn't be able to accomplish it all by myself. One very crucial part of it could be a problem if the person who had the information I needed wasn't willing to help.

I returned back to my apartment, fed Dottie, and showered. Making myself a quick to do list, I checked off the first item by calling my therapist to see if he could see me real soon. I knew what I wanted to do and it put me on a bit of a time crunch.

Picking up my phone, I scrolled through my contacts list until I found his number. Pressing the call button, I waited for it to go through, selecting the number for the option to schedule an appointment when it came up.

"Good morning, this is Maggie, how can I help you?" the scheduling receptionist asked.

"Hi, this is Edward Cullen and I'd like to see if Dr. Clairmont can fit me in within the next couple of days?"

"Let me check. Please hang on while I see when his next opening is."

There was a click as she placed me on hold. There was some kind of instrumental music playing, but all I could hear was the Jeopardy theme music in my head as I waited for her to come back on the line.

With another click she was back. "I'm sorry it took so long," she apologized. "We actually just had another patient call and cancel an appointment for this afternoon. Would you be interested in taking that time slot? It's at 2:30, otherwise it will be late next week before we can schedule you in."

Knowing I needed to go sooner rather than later, especially with the plan I had brewing, I took it. "Yes, I can be there."

"Great. Just let me get you added into the computer and you'll be all set."

I waited while she confirmed the appointment. She remined me to arrive fifteen minutes before my appointment and to bring a current copy of my insurance card. As I ended the call, I was glad I'd woken up early and hadn't waited to seek out a visit with my doc.

Maybe it's a sign. I really hoped it was.

I glanced at my watch. I had a few hours to kill before I needed to head into Norman. I moved around my apartment and cleaned up. Looking at my bed I still couldn't bring myself to change the sheets knowing just last week Bella had been sleeping there. After straightening up the blankets and pillows, I decided to head on into Norman and see if I could catch Jasper before he went to lunch. I also needed to check in with my boss and see if he was cool with me taking some time off.

I whistled for Dottie. "Come on, girl. Let's go see Aunt Mae real quick."

She was up fast, beating me to the door, wagging her tail for me to join her. Opening it up, she ran down ahead of me, jumping into the front seat of my truck as soon as I had the door open.

After making the short drive up to the main house, I went inside.

"Hey, good morning, honey," Aunt Mae greeted, coming over and kissing my cheek.

I knew she'd been worrying about me, so I wanted to make sure she knew I'd be gone most of the day and not sitting in my apartment sulking or beating myself up. Although I had done a bit of both.

"Morning." I watched as Dottie went over to Uncle Carl and got a piece of bacon before she headed over to the bed she had here by the window.

"Please tell me you're not here to say you're heading out on a chase, Ed—"

"No," I said cutting her off and planting a kiss on her cheek. Grabbing my own piece of bacon I added, "I'm actually heading into Norman to see my therapist." I could see the tension leave her as her shoulders visibly relaxed and she let out a long breath, like she'd been holding it in. She pulled me into a hug. I leaned down and softly said to her, "I'm not running away from this, Aunt Mae. I'm going to do everything I can to fix it."

I looked up as Aunt Mae hugged me tighter and saw Uncle Carl smiling and nodding in approval. He got up and set his dishes in the sink before coming over and wrapping an arm around us both. "I'm very proud of you, son. No matter the outcome, you're doing the right thing by facing this head on."

"I know," I agreed, letting out a long breath.

Aunt Mae finally let me go. When she stepped back there were tears swimming in her eyes and a proud smile on her face. Reaching up and cupping my cheek she said, "You won't regret this."

I nodded, knowing she was right. Even if I didn't get the outcome I wanted, if I'd ruined things with Bella, I'd never regret fighting for her. Fighting to keep her.

After chatting with my aunt and uncle for a few more minutes, I left to make sure I had time to run by work before my appointment.

Close to two hours later I was pulling into the parking lot at the Weather Channel's main office in Norman, OK. Making my way inside I walked the halls until I found one of the two people I was looking for.

"Hey, man," Jasper said, pulling open his door just as I was about to knock on it. "What's up? You heading out on a chase?"

"No, actually I'm here to see Bill, then I have an appointment in town."

"That's cool. Everything okay? What's up with wanting to see the director?" Jasper asked, his concern evident in his voice.

"I wanna get approval for a little more time off. I've got a different kind of chase I need to go on and it can't wait," I explained.

"Gonna go after her, huh?" He had a huge grin on his face.

"Yeah, but hey, I need to catch him before he goes to lunch. You wanna grab a bite when I'm done?"

"Sure, swing on by once you're finished," Jasper agreed.

Making my way to the end of the hall, I knocked on the door with the large plaque that read "Bill Harding, Director of Severe Weather" in gold lettering.

"Come in," he called. As I entered the office he looked up from his laptop. "Oh hey, Edward. What are you doing here? I thought you were out of town for the rest of the week."

I was floored by his comment. Why would he think I was gone for the rest of the week? Then as I thought about it, part of my conversation with Bella last week came back to me, "Jasper even helped me when I went to your boss to ask if you could have the time off…" I'd been even stupider than I'd imagined.

"Yeah, about that. Some plans had to be rearranged and I was wondering if I could have a short leave of absence?"

"How long we talking?" he asked, pulling out his planner and flipping through the pages until he came to the month of August. "September is just around the corner and those changing temps usually mean big weather changes and storms. But I know you know that, so what's up?"

"Honestly, I…"

"Edward, in our line of work, we have to trust and rely on each other. So tell me what's got you so antsy."

Running my hand through my hair and rubbing the back of my neck, I decided to just lay it all out there. I knew I could trust Bill.

"I was supposed to be out of town, but I kinda royally messed that up. I would imagine it's not a surprise that Bella and I are seeing each other since she came to you about me having this week off."

He nodded and then confirmed with his words. "I had a feeling that was the case when she approached me with her request and that I not mention it to you. Something about wanting to surprise you. Jasper assured me it was all honorable, for a good cause, that she just wanted to show you Miami and needed your help to drive back with her. To be honest I was hesitant without talking to you first. But I know you and Jasper go way back and trusted him."

Hearing again that Bella had just wanted to surprise me, made me feel even worse. She needed to be able to trust me and I wanted her to. That was what this and seeing my therapist was all about. I couldn't, would not let her go again without a fight.

"That sounds about right," I told him. "I appreciate you trusting Jasper's approval on it."

"How much time we talking? Bella's not trying to secretly woo you down to hurricane central is she?" His question came across as a joke, but I could see the seriousness of the question in his eyes.

"No. She's coming back." Once those words had left my lips the realty of it somehow settled in me. It was like something inside me clicked into place. She was coming back. It made me more eager than ever to make things right with her.

"I'd like to have a month. But a couple of weeks would be great. I've got some personal issues I need to work on aside from fixing the disaster I've made of things with Bella. Things from my past that I need the time to focus on, and I can't really do that if I'm out on the road. Plus, if I'm on the road I need to be one hundred percent focused. As you know there is no place for distractions when you're staring down the barrel of a tornado."

"You're right. Focus is imperative out there in the field."

I nodded in agreement. Given the look of concentration of his face, I sensed he wasn't finished. I waited to see what he'd say next.

"You're my best chaser, Edward. You've got a knack for reading the weather like I haven't seen in, well, in a long time. You remind me of someone I know," he told me.

Judging by the smile on his face and the look of reminiscing, I was fairly certain he was referring to himself. I'd been out on a chase with Bill when I'd first started working here. He was like a human barometer and I'd learned a lot from him.

"You've never taken any time off, and you've always been the first to jump in when we needed someone. I know how seriously you take your job. So if you tell me you really need this time, then I'm gonna give it to you. I need you to be one hundred percent out there. Take what time you need. We're nearing the end of the season, so if you need to step back the rest of this year, you can do so knowing your job is still here waiting for you."

I was stunned. I'd always known Bill was a great boss. A great guy. But I hadn't expected this.

"Thank you. I… I don't know what to say."

"Just say you'll be back. Because if I have to go out on more than a couple of chases, Jo will have both our asses."

"I'll be back. You ain't getting' rid of me that easily."

We both laughed.

He got a call he had to take so I thanked him again and left.

After leaving Bill's office I made my way back around to Jasper's. The door was partially opened as he talked on the phone. Seeing me standing there, he waved me in. "Hey, Darlin', your brother just walked in," he said, letting me know he was talking to Alice. "We're gonna head out to lunch. Yeah, that sounds great for dinner. I'll see you at home later. Love you too."

I couldn't help thinking about wanting what they had with Bella.

"You ready?" I asked as soon as he'd ended the call.

"Let's go."

Ten minutes later we were sitting at an outside table at a local burger place.

"So," Jaser said as we waited for the waitress to bring us our lunch. I took a drink of my water and waited for the question I knew he was going to ask. "You freaked and thought she was leaving again, didn't you?"

I nodded. Fiddling with the edge of the napkin on the table, I debated how much to tell Jasper. He was my best friend and it wasn't a matter of trust or lack of being able to confide in him. I just didn't want to put him in a position to keep things from my sister. I also didn't want to put the burden I'd carried, knowing our parents didn't really want us, on him or Alice. If I could keep her untouched by their hatred I would. Of course, Alice was smart, had a knack for reading between the lines and seeing what most would miss. Even though I'd never told her what I'd overheard, and she'd never said anything to me, it didn't mean she didn't know.

Deciding I'd trust Jasper and follow his lead on Alice, I said, "I did. I panicked but there's more to it than just my history with Bella that affected me that day."

He leaned forward, arms crossed in front of him on the table. Concern etched on his face and in his voice, he asked, "I don't mean to pry, but from our conversation earlier, you said you're going to go after Bella. Which I think is great. But I'd hate to see whatever this is keep hanging between the two of you. Have you considered getting some professional help?"

"Yeah." I paused as the waitress arrived with our food. "Thank you," Jasper and I both told her as she sat the plates in front of us.

Popping a fry into this mouth, he prodded me to continue. "So yeah? You've considered it?"

Nodding, I finished chewing and answered him. "That's actually why I'm in town today. I have an appointment with my therapist."

"That sounds like it's not the first time you've seen him."

"It's not. Look I know you're well aware of what my and Alice's parents were like. There's some shit I overheard that really affected me in ways I never realized until Bella left after high school. Shit so messed up I've never shared it with Alice."

"I'm not surprised. There's a few things she's shared with me, it's possible she knows," he told me, before taking a long drink of his iced tea.

"Maybe so. Anyways I have an appointment today and then I need to go see Emmett and hope he'll give me an address on where to find Bella in Miami. I also have a favor to ask of you."

"Sure, whatcha need?" he asked.

"If Emmett gives me the info I need, I hope to be driving back with Bella. With that being a possibility, I don't want to leave my truck at the airport. Can I catch a ride with you?"

"You're really going to do it? Go after her?"

"I am. I let her go the first time and regretted it. I'll never know what would have happened if I'd gone after her back then. But there's nothing I can do about that now. Even though I've come to the realization she is coming back this time, and she gave me 'til then to pull my head out of my ass, I don't want to wait. I need her to know how much she means to me and how much I want her in my life."

Jasper popped the last bite of his burger in his mouth, gathering his thoughts as he chewed. Once he was finished, he pointed a fry at me and said, "Glad you finally figured shit out. I know Alice and I have been busy and haven't been around much. I'm sorry 'bout that. But what both of us have seen when we are with you guys is that it's clear how you feel about her, and her you."

"I love her."

"I figured that was the case. Does she know that?" he wondered.

"I thought she did."

He shook his head at me. "You haven't told her?"

"No."

"What the hell were you waiting for?" he shook his head in disappointment at me.

"Before you say anything else, I know I fucked up, okay? I don't need you or anyone else to tell me that. I'm well aware of how badly I screwed things up. That's why I know it's up to me to fix it. And I'm working on it."

"Good. Like I said, it's about time. Hopefully Emmett is receptive and doesn't just introduce you to his right hook."

I chuckled. "I'm probably deserving of it, and it'd be worth it to have him help me."

That made him laugh too. "And if he doesn't?"

"Then maybe Rose will. I know I could just go to her and most likely get the information I need. But it feels like being sneaky if I go that route," I explained.

"Yeah, I can see how you'd feel that way," he agreed. "Sounds like you got a good plan. I hope it all works out." He looked down at his watch. "Time to head back. Good luck, man," he told me, giving me a friendly slap on the back.

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.

.

"Hello, Edward," Dr. Clairmont said as I entered the office. "Have a seat." He motioned to the area across from his desk set up much like a living room in anyone's house. There was a set of blue upholstered chairs, a small sort of kidney bean shaped coffee table, and a dark honey brown leather sofa with a few pillows, and an area rug under them all.

He lowered himself into one of the blue chairs. As I made my way to the sofa, I noticed not much had changed. There were a few pieces of art on the walls, a water cooler in the corner, and the wall behind his desk was covered with his diplomas and other medical accolades. I took the spot on the end of the couch, leaning on the pillow resting against it.

While he flipped through a few pages in what I assumed was my patient file, I felt this incredible urge to move. A restlessness I didn't quite understand. The doc knew all about my family history, about Bella leaving, and how they'd both affected me. But still, I couldn't help feeling nervous. Maybe it was because I knew how big this was. I knew I needed to be able to tell Bella why I'd reacted as I had. And I guess if I was brutally honest with myself I was somewhat worried the doc might think Bella and I getting together again was a mistake. I didn't know how I'd handle that. Bella was the only woman aside from family that I'd ever loved, the only one I could ever imagine myself loving.

Leaning forward with my elbows on my knees I hung my head, closed my eyes, and focused on breathing. I told myself that somehow things had to work out. Bella had said she loved me and I had to believe we'd figured this out.

Clearing his throat, the doc pulled me from my thoughts. I looked up and met his gaze. "How are you, Edward?"

"Hanging in there. You?" I returned.

"I'm doing well. Thank you." He lifted another page in the folder and then looked back at me. "It's been a while since I've seen you. Last time you were here you seemed to be in a pretty good place. You had decided that our sessions had gotten you to where you needed to be. However, in order to help you with any possible future struggles, I had tasked you with building at least one friendship in which you could be truly honest about the thoughts and feelings that scare you most. Did you build that relationship? And if so, how often have you shared the scary things?"

"Sorta," I answered him, not sure if I'd really done what he'd asked of me or not.

"How about you elaborate on that a bit to help me understand what you mean by sorta?" he pressed.

Rubbing my sweaty palms on my jeans, I took a deep breath and started. "I've shared all of those scary things as you put it, but I've not shared everything with each of them. I share some things with my aunt and uncle, and others with my brother-in-law and best friend, Jasper."

"It's perfectly acceptable to feel more comfortable sharing some things with one person and other topics with another. The important thing is to have someone to go to when needed."

I nodded in agreement feeling somewhat relieved that he thought that was acceptable.

"So with that said, why don't you fill me in on what's happened since then to bring you back today. Is there something that you're not comfortable discussing with those you mentioned? Has something happened to trouble you?"

"Someone," I corrected.

"Someone? Does that mean you finally opened yourself up to having a relationship again?" he asked, while writing on this note pad.

"Yes and no."

"I'm going to need more than that, Edward. You know how this works."

"I'm sorry, I don't really mean to be evasive, it's just…"

"Hard?" he supplied.

"That and completely unexpected."

He looked up and me, his eyebrow quirked curiosity. "Continue please. Start with the yes part of your answer."

"Bella."

"The Bella?" His eyes went wide as a look of shock and surprise flitted across his face. It was gone so quickly, I wasn't sure it had actually been there. He thumbed back through his notes on our previous sessions before continuing. "That must have been quite the shock to you. Last time we spoke you seemed certain you'd likely never see her again.

"Shocking is one way to describe it," I gave him, remembering the emotional turmoil I'd gone through when Bella had first returned

"Based on your response am I to understand that the two of you have rekindled a relationship?"

"Yes." I saw a slight tilt of his head as if to say he was at the very least completely stunned by this turn of events. Again, I was hit with the thought that he might tell me I was fucking nuts, and that left me feeling unsettled.

"My notes tell me that when she left, you had no idea why other than her claiming she had to leave and didn't want you to go with her. Is that correct?"

"Yes."

"Would it also be correct to assume if the two of you have reunited that you have learned why she left and the reason was acceptable to you?"

"Yeah," I told him, having a feeling I was going to go through all of that for him.

"If you're comfortable sharing that with me, I'd like for you to do so," he requested.

I went through everything I'd learned about Bella's departure since she'd returned. All of the bullshit Charlie had tormented her with. How worthless he'd made her feel about herself and the blame he'd placed on her for her mother's death. How he'd made her feel like she'd be ruining my life too if she stayed.

When I finished, Dr. Clairmont set his pen on his notepad and laid them both on the coffee table. Reaching up he took his glasses off and rubbed his eyes with his fingers. I got the sense that he needed a minute to digest everything I'd told him.

After putting his glasses back on and picking up his pad and pen, he focused on me. He had a look of sorrow and anger in his eyes. "Edward, I am incredibly sorry to hear she went through all of that. It must have come as a big shock to you. I'm sure you were able to immediately relate to her inability to understand a parent abusing their child instead of protecting them."

I nodded and then added, "I was shocked, angry, and hurt."

"Shocked for what you'd learned?" he asked.

"Yes. It was the furthest from any reason I'd ever considered."

"Understandable. Can you tell me more about the anger and hurt you were feeling? Who they were directed at?"

"The hurt was for so many things. Me, I hurt knowing what she went through. It brought back the pain I'd felt when she'd left. And somehow, I even hurt for her father."

"Why is that?" He looked a bit surprised by my latest comment.

"Because I knew the father and man Charlie Swan had been before he lost his wife. I saw almost daily how much he loved them. I don't in any way condone what he did to Bella. In fact, had he still been alive when I'd learned what he'd done, I can't say I wouldn't have hit the man. I can't even tell you how badly I wished I could when I'd found out. While I know his grief and subsequent alcohol use were the cause for his actions, it still doesn't make it right. But I guess losing Bella gave me a little insight into how it must have felt for him to lose his wife."

"You've come a long way, Edward. I'm impressed that even though this man for all intents and purposes mentally tortured his daughter, someone you loved and lost because of his behavior, you can still find some empathy and understanding for him."

"It wasn't easy," I admitted. "It took me a bit of time to get there. I was so furious with him when I first found out."

"I can certainly understand why. Do you know if Bella has received any therapy for the trauma she suffered?"

"What does that have to do with anything?" I asked a little confused as to why he wanted to know.

"A lot actually. As you know, that level of trauma doesn't fix itself. All relationships require trust. Someone who has not addressed their trauma may not be capable of doing their share to build and maintain a healthy relationship. Even plutonic ones can be difficult.

"I hadn't considered that. But, yeah, she has. Said that her therapy helped her see that her mom was responsible for her own choices that day, not Bella. Her mom was the one who chose to drive home knowing there was severe weather and possibly a tornado coming. Bella didn't make that choice for her, and therapy helped her see she couldn't live on what ifs, and beating herself up over them wouldn't change anything or help her."

"That's good, Edward. Real good. I'm glad you were both able to recognize the need to get help and accept it. It shows a level of growth and maturity some people never reach."

"Thanks," I replied.

"So you said that you and Bella have rekindled a romantic relationship," he asked for clarification.

"Yes."

"And how's that working for you?" he wondered.

"Good for a while, but I recently really messed things up."

"Is that why you're here today?"

"Yes, mostly."

"Why don't you tell me how you believe you messed up?"

I went through the details of how I'd wrongly jumped to the conclusion that Bella was leaving again. That it just happened and how I'd panicked. How Bella had explained to me she had been trying to surprise me with the trip, arranged for my time off at work and so on.

"How did you feel when you learned the truth?" he wondered.

"Stupid, frustrated, scared."

"Okay, let's go through those, starting with stupid." He flipped the page on his notepad and waited for me to explain.

I snorted then replied, "Isn't it obvious?"

"Maybe to you, but I'd like you to explain."

"I felt stupid because I'd automatically jumped to the wrong conclusion without even giving her a chance to explain. Her explanation was so simple and she just wanted to surprise me and I blew it."

"Go on," he encouraged.

"The frustration was pretty much the same. I was frustrated with myself for doubting her."

He nodded. "And the fear?"

I fidgeted with a tassel attached to the throw pillow I was leaning against on the couch.

"Edward?" he prodded when I still hadn't answered him.

I took a deep breath and blew it out. I knew he wouldn't force me to tell him, but also knew I needed to.

"I was scared I'd messed things up between us and I'd lose her again."

The sense of relief I felt getting that out. Saying those words out loud was tremendous. I'd been holding on to it since the blowup between Bella and I had happened.

"Did Bella do or say something to lead you to believe things could end between the two of you?"

"No. She um…she actually told me exactly what I'd need to do in order for it to not happen."

"And what was that?"

"She told me she loved me and that I had until she returned from Miami to pull my head out of my ass and figure out what I wanted."

"Is that something you want? For her to return from Miami and for the two of you to work things out?"

"Yes."

"I like that there was no hesitation in your answer. Do you think some of your reaction comes from not having fully resolved your feelings surrounding your parents?"

"Possibly at first. But since then I've had a lot of time to think about things and I've realized that this is different."

"How so?"

"I have a choice this time. I didn't before. I didn't have a choice in the way my parents treated me and my sister, I didn't have a choice when Bella left before. But this time I do. I can choose to fix things with her or I can walk away. I have a choice in what I want to happen."

"That's a pretty big realization for you. And it's true. You do have a choice this time, you did not before with Bella or your parents, and I hope that acknowledgement will serve to help you remember you didn't do anything to bring either of those situations on. They happened by choices others made for you."

"I do. And honestly, I don't think I really did until this current issue between Bella and me happened. I had been comparing them all and trying to figure out how it happened again and in doing so that was when I realized they weren't the same."

"Good. That's very good, Edward. Our time is almost up, but before you go, I'd like to play devil's advocate here with you for a minute."

"Okay," I told him, wondering where he was going with this.

Setting down his notepad and pen, he then asked, "If you were merely friends with Bella and any other guy had treated her the way you did, would you recommend she give that man another chance? If not, then why should she give you one?"

A bit stunned at first by his unexpected question, I sat there pondering what to say. I tried to objectively look at both sides of the coin so to speak and not just what I wanted. Tried to imagine what I might say to Rose or Alice since I didn't really have any female friends. I had tried, but it seemed the females in town only saw being my friend as a way to eventually get me into their beds.

I mulled it over and finally came to my decision. "Yes, I would," I told him. "I think the guy would deserve a chance if I was certain he truly loved her and knew he didn't mean to hurt her. But I would tell her that she should make sure the guy came clean with her about the other underlying reasons for his reaction. And she should only do it if she truly thought he could be honest with her and he was what she really wanted."

"That's very insightful. Tell me, do you plan to follow your own advice?" he inquired with a curious expression on his face. One that told me he was very interested in what my response would be.

"Yes. I know I am going to have to open up to her and tell her everything in order to begin gaining her trust back. I don't think it will be easy, but she's worth it."

"I'm pleased to hear that. Just remember, the scary thoughts and emotions will always be there whether we acknowledge them or not. It's in sharing them that they lose their power to dictate our lives and their hold over us. Bella confided in you the truth behind her decisions, showing you the terror that facilitated her leaving behind everything she'd known, including you. That's not the action of a girl constantly on the verge of running. That's what a woman does to show confidence that she has healed herself and trusted in your ability to understand her past. You need to do the same for her now. Trust in her the same way she has in you."

"That's what I want," I told him.

"Good. From what I've gathered here today, you seem to know what needs to be done, but needed some confirmation."

"Yes," I agreed. "I just felt I needed some guidance from someone other than a family member."

"That's completely understandable. However, you do have to be able to trust in everyone around you. Know that those who love you won't steer you wrong. And that will include Bella, especially since she did leave once before. Accept that she is back and wants to be there. If you can't trust in one another, the relationship will never work. Should she want to visit her friends in the future, you have to be able to let her go and not worry you're being abandoned. Just as she will trust that despite you having a fairly dangerous job, you will do all you can to be safe and come home to her. Does that make sense?" he asked.

"Yes. I can see what you are saying."

"Good. Time is up. I want you to remember that your parents' choices were theirs and theirs alone. Remember what I asked of you before, to take account of the people in your life who love you. And remember love is often shown through kindness. Should you find yourself in a situation that causes you to feel like you might panic, remember the calming techniques you learned before and try to implement them. Ask for a time-out if needed so that you don't panic and cause alarm. Remember to not shut people out when you are worrying about a situation. Do you have anymore questions for me before we wrap up?"

"No. Thank you for all your help."

"I am glad I could help you, Edward. I would like to see you to touch base once you and Bella have had a chance to sort things out. She is welcome to join you if that is something you'd both be comfortable with."

"I'll be sure to tell her that."

"Good," he offered and stood holding out his hand for me to shake.

I shook hands with him and turned to make my way out of the office

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.

.

By the time I pulled up to the house it was close to dinner time. The sound of the door opening had Aunt Mae looking up from where she was slicing strawberries at the kitchen island. Making my way over to her, I kissed her on the cheek.

"Those look good." I reached out to snag one.

She quickly swatted my hand away. "You better wash your hands before you get those sticky fingers anywhere near the food in my kitchen, Edward Anthony."

I smiled and walked around the island to the sink.

"How'd your appointment go?" she asked as I dried my freshly washed hands.

"Good. He helped me see some things and I came to a few realizations through his questions," I supplied, not really wanting to rehash it all, but would if she asked.

"I'm glad. I gather that means you still want a relationship with Bella when she returns?" Aunt Mae inquired. I could see the anticipation for my answer in her eyes.

"Yes." Her relief was obvious. It made me happy that my family wanted Bella and I together too. Their support meant the world to me, and I knew it would mean a lot to Bella as well. "That's actually why I stopped by. Do you know where Emmett is?"

"He came in right before you. Probably upstairs showering off the day before it's time for dinner. Why don't you stick around, you can talk to him then?"

The concern on her face told me exactly all I needed to know. Emmett was not my biggest fan right now and while I understood exactly why, I hoped he'd hear me out and provide me with the information I needed.

"Dinner would be great. But I need to ask him something and I don't know how receptive he'll be."

"Is this about Bella?" she asked.

"Yes, I wanna know—"

"Well look who it is." I was cut off by Emmett walking into the kitchen. "My sister leaves and you finally drag your coward ass up here."

"Emmett," Aunt Mae warned with a look to match her tone.

"Maybe staying for dinner isn't such a good idea, Aunt Mae. Emmett, can I talk to you outside? Please?"

"I'll hear of no such thing. You'll stay for dinner," she ordered. I nodded, knowing she'd not accept any other option. Turning her attention to my cousin-in-law she added, "Emmett, I'm asking you to please just hear him out."

With an angry scowl on his face, and likely only because he loved and respected my aunt, Emmett made his way over to the door and out to the porch.

Following him out, I was about to say something when Emmett spun around so fast, I couldn't duck and took a hit to my right jaw hard enough to cause me to stumble back a couple of steps.

"That was for Bella. If I don't like what you have to say, there's another one where that one came from."

I took a second to rub my jaw and move it back and forth as the pain from his punch began to fade.

"Guess I deserved that."

"Damn straight you did."

"Look, I know I fucked up, but I never meant to hurt Bella. I just…"

"Just what? Thought it'd be cool to toy with her or some shit?" He stood with his arms crossed over his chest. The muscles in his arms bulging.

"No. I'd never do that, Emmett. Bella means too much to me. I'd never hurt her on purpose," I told him, my voice getting an edge to it. It pissed me off that he'd even entertain the idea I'd do something like that on purpose. "Look, you know my parents weren't the best. There's a lot of baggage I haven't shared and I'm not going to right now. But because of that, I freaked out and froze. I panicked and for a brief time I thought Bella was leaving again. Like I said, I know I fucked up. But I want to fix it, Em. I love her and really want to fix it. So, what I want—what I need—is for you to tell me how I can find her in Miami? I'm asking you to let me go in your place."

He stood there, staring at me with an emotionless expression. I couldn't tell if he was gonna walk away, tell me what I needed to know, tell me to fuck off, or hit me again.

Finally he walked within reaching distance of me. I braced myself for the punch I was certain was coming. I couldn't force him to tell me what I needed. I didn't want to, but if I had to, I'd call Bella and plead with her for the information. But this time I wanted to surprise her. I wanted to show her she meant enough to me that I'd make the trip for her.

"You love her?" he clarified.

"Yes." I stood straighter, holding my ground. I may have deserved that one punch, but wasn't going to back down from him. I wasn't going to be a punching bag for him, and I was not going to give up easily.

"And you want me to let you go in my place?"

"Yes," I replied once again.

"What if she doesn't want to see you when you get there?"

"Then I'll call you, or I'll buy her a plane ticket to fly home and I'll drive her stuff back myself, and when we're both back here I'll beg her 'til she hears me out. I'm not giving up this time, Emmett. I don't want to let her go again. I'll fight for her."

"You're lucky I've never known you to be a liar. Book your flight. I'll tell you what you need after dinner."

"Thanks, man."

"Don't thank me yet. Make things right with my sister, then you can thank me."

I nodded.

He moved to walk past me and then turned around. "Don't fuck this up. She loves you. I know she does. So go down there and fix this shit between the two of you."

"That's the plan."

He nodded this time and then made his way back into the house.

I rubbed my jaw again. It was throbbing a little. But it was worth it if it got me what I wanted. But this wasn't just about what I wanted. More than anything I had to give Bella what she wanted. What she deserved. She needed me to take the time to make sure I was ready to be in a relationship with her one hundred percent and not panic or freeze on her. She deserved answers from me on why I'd reacted like I had. She needed to see I trusted her when I was feeling vulnerable and not just when I was strong. Going to Miami was for me, but it was also for her. For us. So I could show her I would do whatever it took to make her happy.

Twister is one of my favorite movies. Bill Paxton played Bill Harding in the movie, and he's who I based Edward's boss on as a tribute to Bill Paxton and the movie. Sadly Bill passed in 2017.

Let me know what you think. How will Bella react when she sees him?

Thank you to everyone who has stuck with me despite my sometimes slow updates. You are so very much appreciated.