I don't own anything Twilight the wonderful Stephenie Meyer does enjoy and please review!
BPOV
I awoke to a rare sunny day in the small town of Forks , WA. I had recently moved back to the small town after being away for eight years. After high school I moved to Phoenix to spend the summer with my mother, Renee and step father, Phil. While my high school sweetheart, Riley joined the Marine's and was shipped off to boot camp six weeks after graduation. When he completed boot camp I moved to California to be close to him while he was stationed at Camp Pendleton. I got a job at a local coffee stand near the Marine base, it wasn't my ideal job but it paid the bills and I was able to work my schedule around Riley's so we could spend as much time together as possible. Two years after I had moved to California, Riley proposed and we had a small spring wedding four months later on the beach near Santa Barbra. It was a small wedding, just close family and friends it was everything I pictured my wedding to be. Our parent's all pitched in to send us to Maui for a two week honeymoon. When we got back from our honeymoon we settled into a small home on the base and began our lives as newlyweds. I wasn't even use to signing Isabella Biers when we got the news of Riley's deployment. He would be shipping off to Iraq for an eighteen month deployment. I always knew there was a possibility of him leaving, but I didn't think it would be so soon, we were just starting out and the Marine's were taking him away from me. Riley insisted I took a leave of absence at the coffee stand until he left so we could spend every bit of time we had together. I confided a lot in another Marine wife who lived a few house's down, her name was Alice. Jasper, her husband was leaving with Riley. We became quick friends and it was nice to have someone else to talk to who was going through the same thing made everything a bit easier. Alice was pregnant with their first baby who would be born seven months after Jasper left. I couldn't imagine how hard that would be on her, but I would be there to help her out.
Riley left on a Tuesday morning; it was a cold and dreary day the kind of day that reminded me of our hometown. It seemed to fit with my mood. I was falling part, I didn't want Riley to leave me. I tried to be strong for him but I couldn't hold back the tears any longer.
"Ohh Bells, please don't cry. I promise you I will be back" he whispered into my ear as he held me tightly in his arms
"I know, it's just we've never been apart for more than three months while you were at boot camp" I cried into his chest "I love you Riley, just please take care of yourself"
"I love you too Bella" he said before crashing his lips into mine
Alice found me in the sea of families watching as the plane was loaded with our loved ones. We embraced each other and cried as we watched the plane take off and disappear into the sky.
I glanced at the clock on my night stand I sighed and got out of bed. I walked into my kitchen and started the coffee maker the rich hazelnut aroma filled the room and helped wake me. I unloaded the dishwasher while I waited for the coffee to finish brewing. Once it was done I poured myself a cup and sat down on my back patio. I closed my eyes and listened to the birds chirping in the nearby trees there was a gentle warm breeze that ruffled my hair into my face. I tucked the loose strands of hair behind my ear and took another sip of my coffee. I was glad I was able to have a few moments to myself I knew the rest of the day would be hard on me.
"Harper...honey it's time to wake up baby" I said as I gently shook my daughter's shoulder
"Mama, five more minutes please" she begged without opening her eyes
I sighed "Alright five more then you need to get up"
I walked across her room and pulled open the top drawer of her dresser. I was immediately taken back when I saw a photo of Riley and myself on our wedding day. Riley was wearing a white short sleeve button up top, with a pair of khaki slacks, I wore a beautiful all over beaded lace dress, with a trumpet skirt, empire waist and cap sleeves, we were both barefoot. Riley had scooped me into his arms and I had my arms wrapped around his neck we were both laughing his blue eyes were sparkling just as the ocean was in the distance behind us.
"Hold it together Bella" I told myself as I pulled the frame to my chest, I couldn't bare look at it anymore.
Six months into Riley's tour he was able to take two weeks of leave and came back to California. It was so nice to have him home for the short amount of time, but it made it harder this time around when he left. I just wanted him home for good. A month after Riley had left back to Iraq a very pregnant Alice and I went out shopping for last minute baby items. I just wanted to lie in bed all morning I felt nauseous but I knew Alice would need help carrying things to her car.
"Here Bella" Alice said handing me over an iced mocha before pulling away from the coffee stand I worked at. I took a drink and the wave of nausea I felt this morning was back. I decided not to drink anymore of it for fear I might throw up all over Alice's new SUV, she had a shiny yellow Porsche Jasper had gotten her as a surprise wedding gift, but it wasn't practical with a baby. We arrived to the local Babies R Us and I threw away my still full coffee cup before entering the store.
"That was a waste of money Bella" Alice scolded as we walked in the door
"I know, but whenever I drink coffee now I feel so sick" I explained to her "Maybe it's a sign I need to kick my coffee habit" I laughed. I glanced over at Alice half expecting her to laugh at my pathetic joke but she was just staring at me with her mouth hanging open.
"What Alice?" I asked waving my hand in front of her face
"Could you be pregnant Bella?" she asked grabbing my hand pulling me through the store
"No" I gasped then it hit me I was late I had my period last month a few weeks before Riley got home, but I hadn't had one since. "Ohh my gosh do you think?"
"I was nauseous every time I drank coffee at the beginning of my pregnancy" Alice informed me "Only one way to find out Bella we need to buy a test"
We decided Alice's baby items weren't of any importance for the time being and grabbed four pregnancy tests at a local drug store then headed back to my house.
"Can I have a little privacy?" I asked Alice as I walked into my bathroom with the boxes of pregnancy tests in hand
"Fine" Alice pouted and sat down on my bed
I took a deep breath and opened the boxes quickly reading through the instructions on the boxes. I laid the tests flat on the bathroom counter and set the timer on my cell for two minutes
"Well what do they say?" Alice asked jumping to her feet as I walked out the door
"I have to give them a few minutes Alice" I snapped and laid down on the bed I felt like I was going to be sick. It seemed to take an hour for the alarm to go off "Alice, can you go look for me I'm scared"
I was waiting to hear Alice gasp or something once she entered the bathroom but for once in her life she was silent.
"So what's the verdict" I questioned as she stepped back into my room with tears in her eyes
"You just joined the mommy club!" Alice yelled then started to jump up and down. My hand immediately fell to my stomach and I started to cry first they were tears of joy then tears of sadness because I knew Riley still had eleven months left on his tour. He would miss out on my whole pregnancy and the birth of our child.
Riley called me the night I found out I was pregnant and I told him the news. He was ecstatic told me he wanted me to e-mail him weekly photos of my growing belly and to keep him informed on every detail of the pregnancy.
January 10th 2004 was a day I'll never forget. Alice called me early that morning she thought she was going into labor and wanted me to come over and help her time contractions. I ran down the street to her house and when I arrived she was standing in the middle of her kitchen, a puddle of water under her feet.
"Bella, my water just broke" Alice choked out when I ran into the kitchen
"Everything will be alright" I assured her as I helped her into dry clothes and into my car.
She was three centimeters dilated when we arrived to the hospital. After twelve more grueling hours of labor she was fully dilated. She pushed for over an hour then at 8:36pm Preston James Whitlock was born. Alice's parents arrived to the hospital an hour after he was born at which time I excused myself to go home and get some rest of my own. I couldn't believe in eight months I would have my own baby. Sleep claimed me quickly and I awoke to knocking at my door a little before midnight. I ignored it hoping whoever it was would just go away. Five more minutes passed and the knocking didn't stop "Mrs. Biers are you home" I heard someone yell between knocks. I pulled my robe on and secured it tightly around my waist. I peeked out the little window beside the door something Riley always warned me to do when he wasn't home. I noticed two men in uniform and I didn't need to open the door I already knew what they were going to tell me.
"Just go away" I screamed and slumped to the floor "He's coming home; Riley is coming back to me"
The next thing I knew I was waking up in a hospital bed. Both my parents were there, my best friend Jacob and Alice had snuck down from her room to be with me. My father, Charlie explained to me that Riley had been out on a mission and the Hummer he was in hit a roadside bomb he and three others were killed. Riley's parents and I arranged to have his body flown back to Washington so we could lay him to rest in Forks. I spent the next three months in and out of the hospital my family and doctor were scared I would miscarry due to all the stress I was under. My mom stayed with me the duration of my pregnancy never leaving my side. When I was released from the hospital I was on strict bed rest until I delivered. On August 10th seven months to the date Riley had passed I went into labor. The pain wasn't bad, I think part of that had to due with the fact my body always felt numb now without Riley.
"I can't do this" I cried out when my doctor told me to push. I just wanted to give up I needed Riley here with me.
"Bells, you can do it" Jacob encouraged holding one of my hands
"Don't you want to meet your baby?" My mother asked wiping my forehead with a damp cloth.
"Alright Bella next contraction I want you to push we need to get this baby out" My OB ordered and I so badly wanted to kick her in the face
"1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...10." Alice counted out while I pushed with all my might through the next few contractions
"Come on Bella another big push" My mom shouted
"Ok Bella with this next contraction if you give it as much force as the last we'll have this baby" My OB said smiling up at me
Thankfully my OB was right and with the next contraction our baby was born
"It's a girl!" Jacob yelled
"Ohh Bella you did it" my mom said kissing my forehead
"Preston has a girlfriend" Alice shrieked
"She's beautiful Bella" my doctor announced placing my daughter on my chest.
"What are you naming her?" one of the nurses asked as she took my daughter over to the warmer
"Harper Alice Biers" I said and looked over at Alice who was beginning to sob
"Really?" she whispered
"Really" I answered back
I shook my head back and forth then placed the photo back on Harper's dresser "Honey you need to get up, you can't be late for your first day of kindergarten" I reminded her.
"Morning mama" she smiled and pushed her blankets to the side so she could get out of bed
"Your clothes are sitting on your chest please put them on I'm going to go make you some breakfast" I told her as I walked out her bedroom door
I got all the ingredients out to make her favorite blueberry pancakes. I was mixing the batter up when I heard a knock on the front door
"It's open" I yelled then grabbed the griddle from a cupboard
"Morning Bells" Jake said walking up to me and kissing me on the cheek "How are you holding up?" He asked as he grabbed a coffee mug and poured himself a glass
"As well as could be expected" I answered and shrugged my shoulder
Jake has been my oldest and dearest friend for the past twenty two years. Our dad's were best friends so we grew up together. After Riley's passing Jake moved down to California to help me out. He had become a wonderful male role model in Harper's life and I'll be forever grateful for that man, he's amazing.
"Uncle Jake" my daughter giggled as she ran into the kitchen. I couldn't help but smile when Jake embraced her in a large hug
"How's my munchkin doing?" he laughed spinning her around in a circle before setting her back on the ground "Are you excited for your big day?"
"Very" she smiled and took a seat at the kitchen table
Breakfast went by quickly and before I knew it we were pulling up to Forks Elementary school. I took a deep breath then hesitated before opening the door. I was about to lose it, I couldn't do this. Another big event that Riley wasn't here to witness I could feel the hole in my heart begin to grow bigger.
"Bella, I know what you're thinking and you need to lock it up" Jake ordered as he opened the car door for me "You need to be strong for her" he pointed to Harper in the backseat who was clearly not paying any attention to her mother's breakdown
"Okay lock it up" I said then took two deep breathes "I could have a mental break down after I was home" I told myself
Jake and I walked Harper to her classroom and made sure she got settled in alright.
"I love you mama" she said as she hugged me
"I love you too baby, have a wonderful day" I told her then placed a kiss on her forehead
I dropped Jake off at the mechanic shop he worked at then debated what I should do for the next six hours of alone time I had. I knew I needed to do something I couldn't just mope around all day and if I went home that's exactly what I'd do. I decided to make a visit to an old friend.
I pulled up to Rose's house and turned my car off. I grabbed my purse and walked to her door.
"Isabella Biers" Rose said her beautiful smile creeping across her face "Is it really you?" she laughed opening the door all the way so I could step in
"It's really me" I told her "I just wanted to stop by and see how you were doing. I'm sorry it's been so long" I apologized
"Don't apologized Bella" she said then enveloped me in a hug "Come let me make us some coffee and we can catch up"
I followed Rose into her luxurious home and took a seat on one of the bar stools in her kitchen. "How's Emmett doing?" I asked as she was pouring water into the coffee maker
"He's doing great" she informed me turning the coffee maker on then she took a seat beside me "he's still the same old guy he was in high school" she laughed "crazy as ever you'd think being married and having the kids would have settled him down but no way" she went on
We spent the next four hours talking about our children she had five year old twins, Leah and Lane whom were both in the same kindergarten class as Harper. I explained to her more in detail what I went through after Riley had passed away and apologized more for not keeping in touch it was a horrific time in my life and I shut many people out. I told her about Alice and we both agreed they needed to meet they both had so much in common.
"Well it was nice catching up" I told her as I stood up to leave I had a few errands I needed to run before picking Harper up.
"We should do it more often" she smiled and walked me towards the door "Hey I was going to get some people together on Friday night, Em's parent's agreed to keep the twins over night you should come out with us have some fun" she invited
"Let me see if I can get a sitter I'll give you a call" I said before walking to my car.
I picked a few things up at the grocery store and dropped some mail off at the post office before picking Harper up. She was so full of energy explaining her first day of kindergarten to me in such detail. I was so happy she had a great day and made new friends. I felt horrible when we moved; she and Alice's son, Preston were so close it broke my heart to tear them apart. It was the start of a friendship that was much like mine and Jacob's I decided and I wanted her to have that companionship, but I wanted her to go to school in Forks. Riley and I agreed on our honeymoon once we had a family we'd move back to Forks as soon as he finished up his four years in the army. Raise them where we were raised.
The rest of the week flew by I occupied my time alone while Harper was at school with painting and decorating every room in my new home. I was amazed at how wonderful the house looked. Friday approached and my father was thrilled when I asked if he could watch Harper for me so I could go out with Rose and Emmett.
"Bed time is at nine tonight" I warned Harper then glanced up at my father I saw him wink at my daughter and she giggled
"Got it, bed time at nine" he smiled "Bella I raised you I'm pretty sure I can manage watching my granddaughter for one night"
"Have fun tonight mama you look really pretty" Harper said before kissing me on the cheek.
"Thank you baby" I said and kissed her back. I didn't know what the whole plan for the evening was so I dressed pretty casual a pair of dark denim jeans a white tank top with a black cardigan, my favorite black ballet flats and accessorized with a silver clutch and necklace.
"Have fun Bells" My father said as I hugged him before walking out the door
I drove to the restaurant in Port Angeles Rose told me to meet them at. I wasn't sure who all would be coming she wouldn't tell me, but I had a feeling it would be some of our old classmates.
"Bella!" I turned as I heard my name being yelled across the parking lot. I watched as Rose swatted Emmett across the back of the head with her black purse and rolled her eyes
"Hey Emmett" I said as we approached one another he threw his muscular arms around me and pulled me in for a tight hug "Can't breathe" I whispered
"Sorry Bella" he laughed and released his grip on me "It's just ever since Rosie told me you came over I've been excited to see you"
"I'm happy to see you as well" I informed him and he smiled back at me
"I'm glad you came out with us" Rose said hooking her arm around mine as we walked into the restaurant "Cullen party of six" Rose told the hostess when we walked in
"Who's all coming?" I asked as we took a seat while we waited for our table to be ready
"Angela, Ben and Edward. I invited Jessica but she had other plans" Rose explained
"Cullen Party are you ready?" the hostess asked us
Em, Rose and I followed the hostess to a large table at the back of the restaurant. Ben and Angela arrived shortly after we sat down
"Wow Ang you look great" I exclaimed. I'd never seen a more beautiful pregnant woman in my life
"Thanks Bella I feel like a house" she laughed "Only eight weeks to go" she said placing her hand on her belly
"You don't look like a house babe" I overheard Ben whisper to his wife and I couldn't help but feel a little bit jealous I wish Riley was able to tell me how beautiful I was when I was pregnant with our daughter.
Our waiter took our drink and appetizer orders and we fell into comfortable conversation it was like high school all over again just without the minor drama and Riley. I mentally scolded myself I couldn't let myself get down tonight I was supposed to be out having fun and that's what I was going to do.
"Sorry I'm late" I heard a beautiful velvety voice apologized I turned to see Edward sit down in the chair beside me. He looked stunning, much the same as he did in high school. He still had the tousled hair style that only he could pull off. His green eyes sparkled like emeralds in the dim light of the restaurant.
"No problem brother" Emmett said knocking knuckles with Edward "I'm just glad you could make it"
"Edward you remember Bella right?" Rose asked looking up from her menu.
I could feel myself start to blush a stupid nervous habit that I unfortunately passed down to my daughter as well. Edward and I had a few classes together in high school and he sat at our lunch table but we never really talked. Riley didn't like Edward for some reason and I never got the chance to find out why.
"It's nice to see you again Bella" Edward said looking over at me I could feel my cheeks getting more crimson by the second
"Good to see you as well Edward" I smiled then glanced back at my menu
Dinner went smoothly we just talked and joked about stupid stuff in high school no one brought Riley up which I was thankful for I really don't think I could have handled it.
" I was thinking it would be fun to head over to Jack's for a while get a few drinks and go dancing" Rose announced standing up from the table
"Hell yes" Emmett's excited voice filled the room
I noticed Ben and Angela exchange glances "I think we're going to pass, I'm pretty tired and my feet are killing me" Angela explained
"I should probably get home too" I said and Rose shot me a dirty look
"Bella, this is your first night out in what... forever? Please come" she begged
I tried to think of an excuse but I came up empty she was right this was the first time I had really been out with anyone besides Jake or Alice.
"Fine" I muttered
"You're coming right?" Emmett asked Edward as we walked through the lobby of the restaurant
"Yea I'm in" he said
EPOV
"Shit" I muttered and slammed my fist into the steering wheel of my Volvo I glanced at the clock and I was running twenty minutes late. I hated to be late if it wasn't for that damn accident before I got off I-5 from Seattle. I just spent all day in Seattle at a meeting and was in a rush to make it to dinner with my older brother, Emmett, his wife, Rose and some of our friends from high school.
"Can I help you sir?" a hostess asked me as I glanced around the restaurant looking for someone I knew
"Umm.. yes Cullen party?" I asked
"Clear back and to your right" she pointed out I thanked her and walked to the back of the crowded restaurant
"Sorry I'm late" I apologized grabbing the closest seat I could find
"No problem brother" My brother laughed and shoving his fist in my direction so I could knock knuckles with him "I'm just glad you could make it" he continued
"Edward you remember Bella right?" Rose asked me peering over her menu
Oh did I ever, I could never forget Bella. She was two grades below me we had a few elective classes together, but she hardly ever acknowledged the fact I existed. I think it mainly had to do with her boyfriend, Riley Biers. He for some reason didn't like me, but I didn't care. I was however jealous of the asshole and the relationship he had with Bella. Ever since her freshman year at Forks High I had a thing for Isabella Swan I was just too big of a coward to let her know. I had finally gotten the courage to ask her to homecoming my senior year, but found out earlier that morning she agreed to go with Riley and they were inseparable after that.
"It's nice to see you again Bella" I said as I glanced in her direction I couldn't help but smile when I noticed the blush invade her cheeks.
"Good to see you as well Edward" she made eye contact with me then looked back at her menu.
Dinner was enjoyable it was fun bringing up stories from the past. I couldn't help but notice Bella tense up every so often when we'd joke about something from high school. I heard from Rose that Bella and Riley had gotten married a few years after high school and I admit I was once again jealous of the bastard. Then when I heard of his tragic death I couldn't help but feel guilty for ever thinking bad of the guy. He didn't deserve to die like that and Bella sure as hell didn't deserve to have to go through all the pain and heart ache that came with losing him.
Rose had insisted we go out to Jack's for a few drinks and dancing and I was excited when Bella agreed to go along with us. I wanted to talk with her maybe dance with her. I didn't care what I just needed to be near to her, to look into her beautiful brown eyes.
"Edward, Emmett go get a booth we're going to the bathroom" Rose announced and I followed my brother through the crowd of people to an empty booth. I sat down and he sat across from me.
"So..." Emmett said and I just looked at him with confusion
"So...what?" I asked running my hand through my hair
"I may not be the brightest Edward, but I know you have a thing for Bella baby bro" he laughed
I shook my head back and forth and chuckled "You don't know anything"
"I know a man in love" he continued "Just don't hurt her or I'll hurt you" he warned and I glared at him
"Em, I would never think to hurt her, but lay off I hardly know her" I explained
"I see the way you look at her Edward and you have it bad just like you did in high school"
I know it was childish but I just rolled my eyes at him. We sat in silence until Rose and Bella found the booth we were sitting at
"Miss me babe?" Rose asked scooting in towards Em and kissed him on the cheek
"You know it" my brother said and pulled Rose close to his side
"Hey" Bella said as she sat down next to me
"Hey" I answered back simply
We ordered a round of drinks and I listened to Bella and Rose go on about their kids first week at school. I was surprised to learn Bella had a daughter with Riley I never heard that. I once again felt bad for Bella knowing she had to go through the pregnancy alone and she had to raise their daughter on her own. I so desperately wanted to reach out to her, gather her tightly in my arms and never let her go
"Ohh I love this song" Rose yelled over the loud music "Bella dance with me!" she exclaimed grabbing Bella's hand and pulling her to the dance floor.
Katy Perry's 'I kissed a girl' was blearing over the speakers and I was lost in the movement of Bella's body as her hips swayed back and forth to the beat of the music. I was bummed when the song ended I was having a good time watching Bella laugh while her and Rose were grinding up on one another.
"Let's join them" Emmett suggested and I followed him on to the dance floor the next song started to play and I noticed it immediately Justin Timberlake's ' Sexy Back'
"Mind if I join you" I asked walking up to Bella
"Not at all" she laughed not once giving her hips a break from swaying back and forth.
I started dancing to the beat of the music and after a few moments I reached out to Bella I grabbed her by the waist and pulled her closer to me. She looked up at me and bit her lip and I instantly felt my pants get tighter, she made lip biting so damn sexy.
"Are you having a good time?" I whispered into her ear as she turned around and started grinding her backside into me.
"I'm having a blast" she yelled and ran her hands through her hair. I smiled I was happy she was having a good time.
We danced together for a few more songs before returning to the bar to get another drink.
BPOV
I don't remember the last time I'd had this much fun. I was glad I decided to go out dancing after dinner instead of going home to my empty house. Edward really knew how to dance and I loved the way his hands felt on my hips as we swayed back and forth. We danced together for a few songs then went back to the bar to get another round of drinks. I drank my vodka cran quickly then joined Rose on the dance floor again.
"You look like you're having a great time" she hollered over the loud music
"I am, thanks again for inviting me out. I really needed this"
"We should do this more often, now that you're home." Rose suggested
"Totally" I agreed
Edward and Emmett joined us again on the dance floor and we all continued to dance together. After Rhianna's 'Umbrella' played the DJ stopped spinning and grabbed his microphone
"Everyone here at Jack's would like to welcome back our good friend, Nathan Anderson!" The crowed started to cheer and a guy walked up on to the DJ's platform "He just got back from serving in Iraq for the last year" the DJ continued to share
I felt like I was going to be sick. The crowd was screaming and hollering I had to get out of here I couldn't do this. Sure I was happy that guy made it home safely, but I couldn't take it. I needed fresh air or I was going to pass out. I pushed my way through the crowd of people and ran to our booth I grabbed my clutch and bolted for the door.
"Bella" Rose yelled grabbing me by the wrist
I ripped my hand away from her "I can't do this Rose, I thought I was stronger but I'm not" I yelled back at her tears starting to stream down my face "I'll call you later" I pushed past her and bolted for the door.
I fumbled with my keys as I made my way out of the crowded bar. I ran to my car, got in then quickly turned the engine on and threw my car into reverse. I glanced in my rear view as I nudged the gas and immediately slammed on the breaks Edward was standing behind my car; he looked panicked hands stretched out in front as if he were going to protect himself.
"Get out of the way Edward" I shouted rolling my window down, but he wouldn't move
"I'm not moving Bella get out of the car" he ordered
"Edward please I need to go home" I cried
"You've had too much to drink get out of the car Bella" I glanced in my rearview mirror again and he was still standing there "You can't just think of yourself, what about your daughter?"
"Harper" I whispered and placed my face in my hands and started to sob uncontrollably. Of course I couldn't drive home not after drinking plus I was a light weight anyway. Edward was right I had to think about her if I drove home now there could be a possibility I could get in a car wreck and kill myself and I couldn't leave my baby girl without a mother as well.
"Bella please turn the car off" I glanced up and saw Edward standing next to my open car window
I took a deep breath then turned the ignition off and handed my keys over to him.
"Thank you" he muttered and put my keys in the pocket of his jeans before opening my car door "Come on let's go for a walk" he suggested and I got out of the car.
We walked in silence for a few blocks down the dark quiet streets of Port Angeles, it was late and all the businesses were closed for the evening.
"Thanks" I finally said breaking the silence
"For what?" he asked looking over at me
"For making me get out of the car" I answered
"Your welcome" he said running his hand through his messy hair "would you like to talk about it?" he asked "I'm a good listener" Edward added
"I guess" I said shrugging my shoulders
"There's a café the next street over let's get some coffee" he suggested and I nodded in agreement
We walked into the little café and found an empty booth we both ordered a coffee and sat in silence while we waited for our drinks to arrive.
"I'm sorry about that Edward that's not like me at all" I explained taking a drink of my hot coffee " It's just hard and I don't know if it's ever going to get easier" I sighed "I thought moving back to Forks would makes things better but I'm realizing it may have been a mistake."
"Why is it a mistake?" he asked raising an eyebrow at me
"Riley and I both agreed we wanted to raise our family where we were raised, but being back here seeing all the places Riley and I used to spend time together, it's just really hard on me"
"I couldn't even imagine going though the things you have gone through, you're a strong women Bella many people would just give up"
"I don't feel very strong today" I muttered " but I try to be as strong as I can for Harper, even when I do feel like giving up I take one look at her and know my life is worth it" I smiled as I thought of my daughter
EPOV
Bella and I talked at the café for over two hours until I agreed she'd be fine to drive home. I insisted on following her back to her house to make sure she got there safely. The whole drive back to Forks I kept thinking about how the evening ended. Bella looked like she was having so much fun at Jack's. I didn't think anything of it when the DJ announced the safe return of that Army soldier I was talking with Emmett and turned to ask Bella something. She had disappeared; I looked around the room and saw Rose grab Bella by the wrist it looked like they were arguing then Bella ran out of the bar. I immediately ran after her, because I knew how much she had to drink and she wouldn't be able to drive home. I got outside the bar just as she slammed her car door shut. I raced across the parking lot and jumped behind her car I was crossing my fingers she wouldn't hit me. She threw the car into reverse then slammed on the breaks causing the car to stop a few inches from me. I was thankful she eventually handed over her keys and agreed to go take a walk with me. I was going to do whatever it took to make sure she sobered up enough before getting behind the wheel of her car. I would've driven her home if I had to.
Bella pulled into her drive way, while I parked my Volvo along the street in front of her house. I turned my car off and walked her to her door.
"Thanks again Edward for not letting me drive home earlier. I owe you one" she said blushing
"Your welcome" I told as I watched her unlock the door to her house.
"Well thanks for following me home as well" she laughed "I appreciate it" Bella added
"Have a good night Bella, it was nice seeing you again" I told her as I pulled my car keys from my front pocket
"You too Edward" she smiled
I smiled back and turned to walk towards my car. "Hey Bella?" I asked turning back around as she was about to shut her door
"Yes" she asked
"If you ever need to talk or want to hang out Rose and Em have my number I'm always around" I offered.
"I'll keep that in mind" she smiled again then shut the door
The moment I shut my car door to leave Bella's my blackberry was ringing. Rose's name was flashing across the screen
"Isn't it a little late to be calling?" I joked answering the phone
"Ha ha not funny Edward, how's Bella?" she asked
"Alright I guess, I convinced her to not get in her car and drive home after leaving the bar so we walked to a small cafe and talked for a few hours" I explained
"Thanks for going after her Edward. I didn't know what to do after she snapped at me I was taken off guard"
"No problem" I answered
"Alright I will call you tomorrow Edward thanks again for coming out tonight."
"Nite Rose" I said before hanging it up
Author Note~ Hope you enjoyed the first chapter please review and let me know what you think!