Helloooo!

I hope you guys that are reading enjoyed chapter one. I don't think I'm exactly popular on this sight so if you guys could read and review my story and help me get it out there, I will appreciate it so much and I'll even take a look at your stories! Thanks guys, you're the best!

Thanks for everyone who is keeping tabs on this story, I hope you like this chapter as much as the last!

Disclaimer: I still don't own Twilight. WHATEVER.

BPOV:

I woke up and realized that I was trapped, and that was certain. The room was completely dark, but I knew where I was. I felt around, scraping my hand lightly against a wall with my left hand. I curled myself up into a ball and let the tears flow, welcoming them to drop swiftly down my damp cheeks. I knew this was the end, I embraced it. Nothing good was going to come out of this, my life was over.

Suddenly, a door opened and I saw him standing there with a menacingly evil smile planted on his face. I shivered in fear as I looked at him and watched when he slowly walked closer and closer to me.

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!

I shot straight up out of bed when my alarm clock woke me up from that terrible nightmare. After looking around and realizing I was safe in my bedroom, I sighed in relief and sat back against the headboard, rubbing my hand along my face in an attempt to clean the sweat from my body. I looked at the alarm clock on the bedside table that read 7:30. I pressed snooze and got out of bed, slipping my feet into my slippers.

I walked quietly down the hall and opened Ben's room. He was sitting on the floor with his pajamas still on, playing with his train set. I smiled at the sight in front of me and entered his bedroom, sitting Indian-style next to him and placing a kiss on his cheek.

"Good morning, Momma," he chirped but kept his eyes on the train, completely focused.

"Morning, honey. How long have you been up?" I asked curiously, for some reason I felt like a bad mother when my son was awake before me. I felt I always needed to be there for him.

"A couple minutes, I was just waiting for you to come in. I'm kinda hungry."

"Oh, so that's all I'm good for?" I teased and ruffled his hair. He set down his remote that controlled the train and jumped with much force into my arms, giving me a giant hug. I wrapped my arms around him and placed my cheek on top of his head, savoring the moment. I could never get enough of this.

"No, you're the best Mommy in the whole world and I love you, not only because you make me food," he giggled as he let me go, putting his slippers on as well. I rolled my eyes teasingly and got up, Ben pulling my hand and leading me downstairs into the kitchen impatiently. He sat straight up in the chair with his hands folded on top of the table, he did this whenever he was starving. I chuckled at him and asked what he wanted to eat.

"Can I have a waffle?"

"Of course. What do you want on it? Butter and syrup? Peanut Butter? Nutella?" I asked as I rummaged through the refrigerator and the cabinets, shouting out whatever I saw.

"I like my waffles plain, Mom," he called in a "duh" voice, like it was obvious. I looked at him and saw that he was smirking at me. I huffed under my breath, he could be such the smartass sometimes.

"Since when? That's weird!" I mocked but placed a waffle in the toaster anyway. He rolled his eyes sarcastically like I always do.

"Anthony said he likes plain waffles so I want to try them too," he stated. I nodded my head in understanding and placed the waffle on a plate when it was ready. I poured some orange juice into a cup and slid everything in front of him. He dug in instantly, moaning at the taste. I laughed and fixed myself a bagel with cream cheese, sitting down next to him.

"You like Anthony, don't you?" I asked as I took a bite of the bagel. Ben waited until he swallowed his food before answering.

"Yeah, he's so funny! And we like all the same things. He likes trains and baseball and Spongebob and superheroes, just like me!" He enthused happily and took a giant gulp of his water, that last sentence probably causing his breath to go short.

"I'm glad you found yourself a good friend," I told him honestly and smiled, thinking about how well Ben and Anthony got along and how great their friendship already was after only spending a few hours together. Ben didn't have many close friends back in Forks, Washington, where we lived with my Dad before I was able to get on my own two feet. Ben went to preschool and kindergarten there, but none of the kids there were particularly interested in the things he was, which I found strange. I decided to move back to Jacksonville, where I was born, once his kindergarten year was over. We both needed a fresh start.

"When is Anthony getting here?" Ben asked impatiently, shaking me out of my thoughts as he pushed his empty plate across the table to me.

"In about an hour, Ben. Don't be so impatient," I said as I cleared the table and rinsed off the dishes. When I was finished, I took Ben upstairs with me and got him dressed in shorts and a t-shirt.

"Okay, I need to go shower. Can you wait here in your room and play with your toys while I'm gone?" I kneeled down so my eyes were aligned with his, and he nodded. I kissed his cheek and left the room, closing the door behind me. I drifted into my room and checked my iPhone to see if Edward had called or texted me, but he hasn't yet. I figured it was too early for him to do either of those, so I shrugged the worry away. I checked the weather app and saw that it was supposed to be 85 degrees today, but the humidity was going to make it feel much warmer. I decided it would be best to dress lightly, so I pulled out a pair of denim shorts and a pink tank top from my dresser. I may take Edward up on that offer of using his pool.

I grabbed a towel and wash rag from the closet and placed them on the vanity in the bathroom. I was just about to undress when I heard my phone ring. I groaned under my breath and read the text message from Edward.

I'll be at your front door at exactly 9:00. Be there or be square.

I chuckled at his attempt at being funny, and I typed back a reply.

Okay, weirdo.

I placed my phone back on my bed and went into the shower, making sure the water was refreshing and relaxing on my muscles. My mind, for a reason that I couldn't comprehend, drifted to Edward. I found myself feeling very comfortable with him, which was not usual for me. It just felt natural to tease him, which was odd because I did not even know of his existence 24 hours ago.

I realized, though, that my comfort around Edward may be due to the fact that him and I were alike, so I felt like I knew him. He was also a single parent of a six-year-old boy, he knew exactly how I felt.

It could be frustrating and sometimes unbearable trying to be both parents at once. I knew Ben needed a father in his life, that's why we lived with my Dad up until now, just so it could be easier on me and Ben. But I still was the only parent he had, and this was difficult for him, too.

There was an upside to being the single parent, though: I had an unbreakable bond with Ben, and I wouldn't trade that for the world. He was all I had, and I was the same to him, so we clung to each other and did everything together. He trusted me and I trusted him. I loved him with my life and I loved that all of his love was given to me, as selfish as that sounded.

I got out the shower and dried off with the towel, then proceeded to get dressed. I applied a light touch of makeup to my face, and decided to let my hair stay natural so I just let it stay wet. I grabbed my phone and went into Ben's room. I smiled at the sight in front of me.

Ben was reading a Dr. Seuss book out loud, struggling a bit over the words but still managing to read it successfully with no help. I smiled at my son and walked slowly into the room, listening to him read. He smiled up at me but continued reading.

"I do not like them here or there. I do not like them anywhere. I do not like green eggs and ham. I do not like them, Sam-I-am."

I could not help but be proud of him. His teacher told me at the end of the year that Ben was smart for his age. She shared that he learned everything quicker than everyone else, he was just a fast learner. She said he was a great student and she loved having him in her class.

I listened quietly until he finished the book, watching as he closed it with force, happily looking at me with a proud expression on his face.

"That was very good, honey! I'm proud of you," I stated and took him into my arms, giving him a hug.

"Thanks, Mom," he said and then pulled away, asking when Anthony was coming.

"Ben, didn't I tell you to be patient?" I said sternly as I pulled my phone out of my pocket and checking the time. 8:38.

"He will be here in about 20 minutes, why don't we watch cartoons until them?" I asked. Ben's eyes lit up and he all but sprinted downstairs. I placed his book back on his bookshelf and walked downstairs. Ben was already sitting on the couch with the remote in his hands, finding Nickelodeon. I sat down next to him and wrapped my arm around him, smiling as he curled into my chest. His eyes were completely focused on Spongebob.

We watched TV in silence until we heard the doorbell ring. Ben shot up and yelled "Anthony!" happily and ran to the door. I followed in suit and checked my phone. It was 9:00. Damn, Edward was right... he was going to be outside at exactly 9:00.

By the time I was at the front door, Anthony and Ben were already talking excitedly and then they tried sprinting past me into the backyard, but I stopped them before they could go outside.

"Benjamin, you know the rules. No going outside on days like this without sunscreen. Why don't you two wait for me in the living room while I talk to Anthony's Dad?"

They both huffed in annoyance by my orders, but listened to me nonetheless, walking into the living room. I turned to Edward.

He was doing that stupid crooked smile again and I had to look down at my feet, trying to recollect my thoughts. I couldn't focus when he did that.

"Thanks again for doing this, Bella. I'll have to make it up to you. Why don't you and Ben come over for dinner tonight? I'll make some hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill when I get back from work for all of us, just to show how much I appreciate it," he offered. I looked up at him and he was smirking, probably knowing why I haven't looked him in the eye. The bastard knows he's hot.

"That sounds good, the kids will love that," I agreed and watched as his eyes lit up.

"Great! Okay, so here's Anthony's car seat, just incase you drive anywhere. You guys could use my pool, as I said yesterday, his bathing suit is right here with the car seat. Just unlock the gate around the pool, you can do it from the outside. Anthony's pool toys are in the shed by the pool, and so are his floaties. If you have any questions, my phone is on me," he said, patting his pocket.

"Sounds good. I'll take good care of him, don't worry," I said honestly. He nodded his head, saying "I know you will,"

Edward promised he would be home around 5:00, and then he was off. He waved at me as he drove away, but before he was completely out of sight, he flashed me that crooked smile.

"Boys, lunch time!" I yelled out the kitchen window at Ben and Anthony, watching as they ran with much energy into the house and claiming their spots at the kitchen table.

"What did you make for us, Mom?" Ben asked as he watched me walk around the kitchen.

"Grilled cheese sandwiches with apple slices," I replied and placed the two plates in front of them. Both their eyes widened with happiness and they dug in. They've been playing outside since Anthony got here, not stopping to take any breaks. I wish I was their age. The only thing they worried about was not being able to play, or getting injured. Their worlds were carefree, something I longed for.

"Bella, can I have a drink, please?" Anthony asked politely, looking at me with his beautiful green eyes, just like his father. I had to look away, he was so much like Edward that it was scary.

"Of course, what do you guys want?" I asked. They both asked for lemonade. I poured them both a glass and they almost drank it all in one gulp.

"Can we go swimming in Anthony's pool after lunch, Mommy?" Ben asked. Anthony looked for my response, waiting for me to say 'yes.'

"I don't see why not," I answered. They both cheered loudly in response, giving each other a high-five with great force. I giggled and waited for them to finish lunch.

They spent the rest of lunch talking about tricks they learned to do in the pool, and how fast they can swim. Ben loved swimming, he forced Dad to get a pool a few Summer's back even though Forks saw rain basically 6 out of 7 days of the week. Ben didn't care, he would swim even if it was -3 degrees out.

Anthony apparently loved swimming, too. He had so much energy and enthusiasm when he talked about it, more so than he usually does. He said that he makes Edward swim with him whenever he isn't working, even if he doesn't want to. I laughed at that, imagining Edward lying in a pool, wishing he was anywhere else.

Without even realizing it, I noticed that I had payed close attention to every sentence that came from Anthony's mouth, waiting for him to say something, anything about his Mom. But he didn't, everything was about Edward, he had so many stories about him. It was adorable to see how much he looked up to him, but I felt so bad that Anthony doesn't have a Mom.

Just like Ben doesn't have a Dad.

I shook my head, attempting to erase the thought from my head. Today was supposed to be a fun day and I didn't want to ruin it by moping around over something I had no control over.

When the boys were finished with their lunch, I took them upstairs into Ben's room so they could put their bathing suits on.

"Whoa! Cool suit!" Ben praised Anthony, eying his navy and red Spider-man swim trunks. Anthony smiled and looked down at his legs, clearly pleased with himself. He then looked at Ben's trunks and his eyes widened in disbelief, as well.

"Not as cool as yours!" Anthony fought back, pointing at Ben's purple and black Batman suit. I found it adorable how they both had superheroes on their swim trunks.

"Okay, Batman and Spider-man. You two stay here while I get my suit on," I said as they started playing with Ben's train set, Ben showing Anthony all the controls on his remote for the train. I shut the door then went into my room, looking for my suit.

I fished out the only bathing suit I had from inside my closet, the navy blue bikini. I put it on and then put my clothes back on top of it, heading back to Ben's room after grabbing three beach towels.

I called the boys from outside Ben's room and not even 5 seconds later they were out the door and running downstairs, making their way into the backyard and over to Edward's. I walked slowly behind them, stopping in place as I heard my phone ringing. I pulled it out of my pocket and read the Caller ID: Edward Cullen.

"Hey, what's up?" I talked into the phone as I walked up to the boys who were waiting for me at the gate that surrounded the pool, since they were too short to unlock it.

"Just checking in, how is everything?" The velvety voice asked over the phone. Even when I couldn't see him, his voice still compelled me. I had to remember to think clearly. I tried focusing on the power tools I heard in the background, indicating that people were building something. I imagined a pretty house, not Edward.

"We' re just heading to the pool now," I answered as I unlocked the gate, taking in the amazing sight. There was a giant in-ground pool with a stone hot tub attached to it, and a waterfall that flowed water into the pool. Edward had a balcony on the second story, which gave shade to the area right before the pool and right in front of his screen door. There was a patio set in that shaded area, and to the right of it was a grill and a fire pit.

"Bella?" I heard Edward call, shaking me from my thoughts. I didn't even realize that he was talking because I was too focused on how beautiful his house was.

"Oh, sorry, I was just watching the boys," I lied, but took a seat on the patio chair and watched as they rummaged in the shed for pool toys. "What were you saying?"

"I said if there's any bugs in the pool, there's a skimmer in the shed."

"Alright, I'll find it if I see any bugs," I said.

"Sounds good. I'll pick up dinner after work and I should be home around 5 or 5:30, is that okay?" Edward asked. I told him it was fine and then we said goodbye.

"Ben, Anthony, you guys need your floaties on," I called to them. They poked their heads out from inside the shed and groaned loudly in dissatisfaction.

"Come here you little brats," I teased as they walked over to me, each of them holding two floaties in their hands. I put one floatie on each of their arms and made sure they were nice and secure.

"Momma, when can I get rid of these?" Ben asked as he wiggled his arms around quickly.

"Once you're a better swimmer than Michael Phelps."

Ben and Anthony just ignored my comment, probably not knowing who I was even talking about.

"Cannonball!" Anthony yelled, running towards the pull and jumping into it, hugging his knees at his chest. Ben laughed in reply and followed Anthony's motions, jumping into the pool with a huge splash that hit my feet.

"Benjamin Charles Swan! I didn't want to get wet yet!" I yelled at him and threw a beach-ball at his head lightly. Ben swam over to Anthony and whispered something in his ear, then they both smiled evilly at me.

I felt my eyes grow wide in fear and I wondered what they had in mind.

"Get her!" They both yelled and came as close to me as they could while still being in the pool, splashing me endlessly. My clothes were soaked since I still had them over my bathing suit.

I looked at them in disbelief and watched as they gave each other a high-five.

"You two are SO going to get it!" I yelled and slipped my clothes off, jumping into the pool after them. I swam over to them both and began splashing them with as much force as I could. They both squealed loudly and splashed me back, causing the pool to shake with wave after wave.

"Wave pool!" Ben yelled and starting splashing around as much as he could, making the waves even bigger. Anthony followed his actions and soon the the water was anything but still, half of it was landing outside the pool. I laughed loudly and moved my arms around, creating even more waves and thinking about how great my life was in this moment.

We swam around for a few hours, playing games like Marco-Polo and tag. I decided to get out of the pool around 4:30 and dry off before Edward came, so I could help him with dinner and such. When I got out of the pool, I noticed a stereo on a table next to the fire pit, with wires that were going into the house. I turned the stereo on and heard the music coming from all around, and I noticed that there were speakers on both ends of the balcony, making the music loud in the whole pool area. I turned the music up louder so the boys could hear and put on a station with mindless pop beats. It wasn't exactly my favorite genre, but the boys were enjoying the beats to the songs, dancing in the pool.

I made my way to the lawn chairs and reclined them down a little so I was relax. I laid down and sighed in relaxation, marveling in how great the sun felt on my skin. I missed it so much back in Forks.

I laid in that same position until I heard Edward get home, not wanting to get up.

"Hey, guys," I heard Edward call from behind me. I sat up and turned as I saw him approaching from the door that led to the inside of the house.

"Daddy!" Anthony chirped happily and got out of the pool. He ran over to Edward and hugged his legs before Edward could object.

"Hi, bud," Edward chuckled at his now-wet pants.

Anthony jumped back in the pool and tagged Ben, yelling "you're it!"

I looked at Edward and saw that he was smiling proudly at our sons.

"So how was your day?" I asked, curious. He looked at me, allowing his eyes to quickly roam my body. He was smiling when he was done checking me out. I just laughed.

"It was good, but it was so hot out," Edward said, wiping sweat from his forehead.

"You should have swam with us, it was a grand ole time," I said while laughing. Edward rolled his eyes.

"I wish I could have. How was he?" He asked, looking back at Anthony.

"He was great. We had a lot of fun today, the boys really enjoy each other's company."

"Yeah, I know. Anthony and I went to the diner last night with my parents and all he talked about were you and Ben," Edward informed me. I found myself blushing, wondering what Edward's parents thought of me from what Anthony said to them... Or what Edward could have said to them.

"I know what you mean. Ben asked about Anthony all morning until you guys arrived," I shared. Edward smiled in response and said "I'm glad they are such good friends."

"I am, too."

Edward and I called for the boys to get out of the pool and dry off, and then Edward went inside to get the hamburgers and hot dogs for the grill.

"Mommy?" Ben asked me sweetly as I wrapped him in a towel. "Do we have to go home?"

"Would you like to eat dinner here?" I asked him, and he whooped in reply and gave Anthony a high-five. I've noticed that they do that a lot, it was so cute.

Edward came back out with the food and some water bottles. He handed us each a bottle then started the grill, placing the burgers and hot dogs above the low flames. We sat at the patio and talked about our day until dinner was ready. I went inside to help Edward get the side-dishes as Ben and Anthony claimed their seats at the patio set and found which hot dogs and hamburgers they wanted.

Edward's house was beautiful. There were so many huge rooms that were filled with a lot of beautiful pieces of furniture.

I had to focus on getting the food before I wandered off and stared at his house.

He had food on top of the granite island in the kitchen that was waiting to be carried outside. I examined the food and saw that he bought a fruit salad, chips, and a caesar salad.

"Good choice, I love all this food," I told him as my stomach grumbled. He heard and roared with laughter, causing me to blush.

"Don't laugh at me," I scolded and swatted his arm playfully. He ruffled my hair in response and said "why shouldn't I laugh when you give me reasons to?" That earned him another swat on the arm.

I helped him carry the silverware and bowls of food downstairs and we took our seats next to our kids

"Yay! I'm starving!" Anthony boomed and starting taking helpings of each food, Ben following in suit. I laughed at them, they did everything together, like they wanted to be just like one another.

"Did you have fun today?" Edward asked, looking at his son and putting ketchup on his hamburger.

"Yeah! Me and Ben played baseball outside and then we ate lunch and then we swam the rest of the day! I am so good at Marco-Polo, Dad. I found Bella every time!"

This caused Edward to laugh again, and I cursed Anthony in my head.

"I guess Bella's not as fast of a swimmer as you then, son," Edward chuckled. Anthony smiled with pride and continued eating.

"I'm a faster swimmer than you, Edward!" I teased, causing Ben to yell "Go, Mom!"

"You really think so?" Edward teased back, smirking at me.

I stuck my tongue out at him and said "Okay, let's race after dinner,"

"You're on."

The rest of dinner went smoothly, the boys talked about Spider-man and Batman and Edward and I stayed silent, listening to our sons gush about their favorite superheroes. Dinner was over quickly and after we all cleaned up, I found myself standing at the top of the waterfall in my bathing suit, waiting for Edward to come out of the house since he was changing. Ben and Anthony were sitting in the patio chairs, facing the pool, ready for the race.

Edward came out and I had to stop myself from drooling. He was shirtless, and I noticed how well-defined his muscles were. His arms were huge and his pecks looked as if they were sculpted, and his abs were perfect. I almost fell off the waterfall.

He climbed up the rocks and stood next to me, looking like a Greek God. I had to look away.

"Alright Bella, first one to jump off the waterfall, swim to the other end of the pool, and swim back to the waterfall wins, got it?" He asked.

"Got it," I said with confidence and narrowed my eyebrows in determination to win.

"Alright, boys, call it!" Edward yelled and got his stance ready, as did I.

"On your mark, get set, go!" Ben and Anthony called in unison, and Edward and I both dove into the water. I swam as fast as I could, moving my legs and feet in sync, coming up for air only when necessary. When I reached the opposite end of the pool, I touched the wall with the legs and pushed off with full force. I was ahead of Edward but not by much, he could still get ahead. I swam as fast as humanly possible and was back at the waterfall a few seconds before Edward.

"Yay Mommy!" Ben yelled and stood up from his chair, clapping his hands. I threw my hands up in victory and looked at Edward.

"Told ya I was a faster swimmer than you," I said playfully and poked his chest. He smiled that crooked smile and dunked my head so I was under water. I came back up for air and swatted his arm again, then got out of the water. I turned around and saw that his eyes were roaming my body.

After the race, Edward and I got dried off and decided to call it a night, seeing that Ben and Anthony were about to fall asleep in the patio chairs next to us. They did nothing but play all day, I was surprised they weren't asleep hours ago.

"Ready to go, hon?" I asked Ben. He groaned in reply but reluctantly stood up, gathering his towel in his arms.

"Thanks again for watching Anthony, Bella," Edward said and smiled warmly at me.

"It wasn't a problem at all, we had fun," I smiled at the boys.

"Can we play again tomorrow? Ben asked hopefully. Edward was about to protest, most likely feeling bad for leaving Anthony with me again while he went to work, but I cut him off before he could speak.

"Anthony, you can come over again tomorrow if you would like," I said to him. Ben and Anthony high-fived again, and I faced Edward.

"It's no big deal, I love having him, and so does Ben," I told him honestly.

"Alright, if it's no big deal. I'm gonna be owing you forever. How about we go for ice cream tomorrow night when I get home? My treat," Edward asked and the boys cheered and did a victory dance. Edward and I chuckled and I agreed to his offer.

Ben and I said goodbye to Anthony and Edward, and made our way back home. I put the towels in the washing machine when we got home and then followed Ben upstairs.

I gave him a bath and he gushed about his plans for tomorrow with Anthony, saying he wanted to play cop and robber and other games. I smiled at his enthusiasm and let him talk the whole time. I loved listening to him talk about how much fun he had with Anthony, it made me happy to see him happy.

After his bath I put his pajamas on and put him to bed after turning his TV on for him. He liked to fall asleep while watching it.

"Goodnight, Mommy. I love you," he said honestly. I kissed his forehead and pulled the covers up under his chin.

"I love you too, baby," I said and then left his room, closing his door behind me and thinking about how well our new lives in Jacksonville were going.

There it is! I hope you guys liked it! Please Review with comments, they make me more motivated!

Thanks guys!