A/N

Thank you to everyone who has been reading and reviewing, I'm extremely grateful! Your reviews make me feel like I'm riding a unicorn. Or a skittle rainbow! So, pretty great.

On with the story...

I had been living in the building for almost a year when the moving boxes appeared in the hallway. The front door to the flat opposite me was open but I couldn't see anyone in my line of sight. I was leaving to head to the park to make the most of the sunshine when I saw a little boy sat on the front step with his arms around his knees and his face tucked on top of them.

"Hey, are you ok?" I asked softly as I crouched near him, keeping my sundress tucked around my legs. Big watery green eyes blinked quickly up at me as his little chin quivered.

"Oh sweetie, what's wrong?" My heart broke at his expression of despair.

"My dad said that we hafta move but I don't know anyone here. I won't have no friends." He cried softly. Trying to quickly think of something comforting to say I went with personal experience.

"Ah honey, I know it's hard starting somewhere new. I came here last year all on my own but I'm really glad I did because I made lots of friends. I actually think you'll be living next door to me here. Maybe I can be your first new friend?" I said smiling sticking my hand out for him to shake.

"I'm Masen Cullen. I'm 5 years old" He said pressing his small damp hand into mine. I gave it a little shake then let go. I love that kids always like to tell you how old they are.

"Nice to meet you Masen. I'm Bella, I'm 19 years old." I giggled, returning his greeting. "I'm sure you'll make lots of friends here and your dad is with you. My dad is my best friend in the whole world and I moved here to live closer to him." I told him easily. He grinned at the mention of his father.

"Bella my dad is my bestest friend too! He's so cool, he has paintings on his arms and he watches cartoons with me." He sat up on his knees in front of me excitedly.

"That is pretty cool." I laughed. A throat cleared behind me and Masen's face lit up as he looked over my shoulder.

"Dad!" He yelled bouncing to his feet quickly. I turned to the side still in a crouch about to greet his father when I took in Edward Cullen for the first time. And promptly toppled onto my arse.

Thankfully my dress was still tucked around my legs so I avoided flashing him my knickers, barely. As I pushed up on my palms to stand a large hand appeared in front of me. A very detailed red dragon tattoo wrapped around his forearm and disappeared into his tight grey t-shirt. His soft smile had me entranced as he helped me to my feet. I blushed as we held onto each other's hands for a few moments longer than appropriate. He cleared his throat and placed his hands on his son's shoulders pulling him between us.

"Hello, I'm Edward Cullen, Masen's dad." He spoke in a deep, smooth voice.

"Hi, I'm Bella Swan. I think I live in this building." I said then immediately realised my mistake. "I mean, I live in this building but I think you're moving in to me. Next door to me." I stumbled over my words feeling like an idiot and probably resembling an overcooked lobster. Both Cullen men grinned at me, the effect was earth shattering.

"We're moving into the upstairs flat, are you the one opposite us?"

"Yes, that's me." I glanced at his left hand seeing no ring. Sue me for looking.

"There you go Masen, we've met our first neighbour." He lightly rocked him from side to side.

"Dad, Bella's my first friend here. She said so." He said in a no nonsense tone.

"Is that right? Well I'm glad you made a friend on your first day here. I know you were worried about that." He said quietly giving me a grateful look. I smiled gently.

"Hey Mase, why don't you go upstairs and grab my phone so I can call Nana and you can tell her we're here." Masen was off like a rocket before Edward finished speaking.

I laughed lightly but stopped as he moved in closer to me. Towering over me he checked my reaction but I just tilted my head and looked into his eyes.

"Thank you for everything you said to Masen. I apologise for not announcing myself earlier but I was just about to go to him when you appeared. I really appreciate you making sure he was ok." He was very serious as he stared into my eyes. Smiling I shook my head.

"It's fine, anyone would have stopped to check on him. I hope he's feeling a bit better about the move. The first few days are the hardest but he'll adjust in no time."

"I don't think just anyone would have stopped to comfort a crying little boy Bella." His gaze intensified before he continued. "Sounds like you have experience of moving around kids?" He prompted.

"Oh no, well, my mum moved us around a lot when I was little. She and my dad divorced when I was two and we ended up all over England before she settled in London a few years ago. As I got older I got fed up of moving around and I really hated living in London so I asked her if I could stay with my dad for my last year of high school. So I moved here to Devon. I like smaller communities, less hustle and bustle. I moved into this building last year when I started Uni." I finished then worried if I'd overshared.

"Huh, I think you and Masen have a lot in common." He said cryptically, not offering any further details.

"So, did you need any help moving your stuff in?" I politely changed the subject.

"No, I'm just trying to sort out the boxes but it's difficult with a little boy to keep an eye on." He snorted.

"Well, I was just heading to the big park on the corner when I bumped into you. Would you mind if I took Masen with me? I know you don't know me but I promise I'll take great care of him. And you already know where I live!" I let out a strangled laugh hoping he didn't think I was some crazy woman about to kidnap his son.

We were quickly interrupted by Masen chattering into his father's phone. I smiled when I heard my name followed by "my first new friend". Edward managed to wrangle the phone from Masen. I tried not to stare at his bicep as he lifted the phone to his ear. I failed. Badly.

"Hi mum. Yes we got here and I'm trying to unpack." He huffed melodramatically rolling his eyes. "Bella's our new neighbour." A short pause followed. "Yes, Bella Swan." He raised his eyebrows at me. "Is that so? Ok mum, I'll see you in a few hours." He ended the call smirking.

"Miss Swan, it appears that my mother thinks very highly of you. She was thrilled that you were my neighbour as in addition to your lovely company, we'll also benefit from extra security in the form of your police superintendent father." He studied me as if seeing me in a different light. I smiled softly.

"Esme was my first new friend here when I was 15. She used to volunteer at the library and I practically lived there while Dad was at work. She's always so nice to me." I grinned. "She's right about the extra security. Don't be surprised if he or one of his officers arrives at some point to grill you a bit." I laughed at his uneasy look.

"Is your offer to take Masen to the park still open?"

A/N

So this is how Bella met the boys!

I have to admit, I share Bella's ability to fall over and say embarrassing things at the worst possible time. So she's very easy to write for me!

Let me know what you think.

AA (Athletic Ability-zero)