Disclaimer : I do not own Twilight or any of its characters, they belong to Stephanie Meyer...this plot however is all mine! Yay! Enjoy guys, and don't forget to leave me a little review! X

Chapter 3

As we stepped out of the car, my breath hitched slightly. I peered up at the tall and elegant looking building. It was exactly the way you would expect a private school to look.

Large and spacious, with lots of small windows indicating lots of different rooms. It looked a little to me like a large old English manor house. There were trees lining the entire driveway which we must have driven down for about a mile and a half!

This. Place. Was. Huge!

I pulled my jacket tighter to let out the wrinkles that I had acquired on the ride over here. Looking over, Jackson had already gotten Bree out of the backseat and had closed the door, as she excitedly ran around the car and made her way to me.

"Are you sure you want to do this baby?" I asked her, watching her through worried eyes. I was in two minds about letting her make this decision, but Jasper and Rose had convinced me that, even though she was only 7 years old, she was becoming such a young girl. She wasn't my little baby anymore.

She looked up at me - her large blue eyes shining, nodding eagerly. Her beautiful little lips were pulled into a wide smile, showing off her perfect teeth. How was I supposed to get through this? She seemed so confident and happy - it was going to be a major adjustment for me.

I felt Jackson grasp on to me shoulder lightly, as he always did when he wanted me to know that he was there for me. I smiled at him and blew out a deep breath.

"Ok, let's do this!" I said, taking a wobbly step forwards.

The reception area seemed nice, and had a sort of homely feel to it. In the centre of the room was a few seats, all wonderfully plump sofas and single elegant chairs. Gazing to the left, near the sofas we saw a large open fire, crackling away. It reminded me of Forks, when my Dad and I used to sit by the open fire and watch football together, eating pizza and laughing away...on second thought, I don't think that's a route I want to go down today. Too many emotions.

I need to be focused and have my head in the game. This is a business meeting, just like any other. If I kept chanting that in my head, over and over again, I was bound to believe it, right? I mean, walking through the reception doors was daunting enough on its own.

Over to the right was where I needed to be. Hand in hand, Bree and I made our way over to the reception desk.

We were greeted by a lady about the same age as me, who introduced herself as Jessica Stanley. She seemed nice, but far too fake for my liking. She smiled too widely at me. Like a predator in some cheesy old cartoon smiling at its prey just before they give chase.

She then turned to Jackson and confirmed what I had thought. Her smile towards him was different. Genuine. He in the other hand just gave her a curt nod, and took Bree's hand, leading her over to the sofas to read some of the books in the bookcase. I always knew he was a clever man - it takes more than a smile and an overly made up face to turn Jackson's head!

"Hello" I said, "We have an introduction meeting today, I believe with yourself?", and I took a quick, instinctive look around the room. It was a question, rather than a statement. I was unsure of how she was going to man the reception desk, and take the meeting with us at the same time - I certainly wasn't about to discuss my life and Bree's life out here in the open.

I opened my mouth to ask that very question, when I heard the most sultry and beautiful voice in my whole life.

"It's ok, Miss Stanley. I can take this one today"

As if they had a life of their own, my eyes instinctively found the source of the he stood - his gorgeous green eyes finding my own muddy brown ones.

He was dressed in a clean and well fitted grey suit and his mess of copper hair made my stomach flip. His strong jaw flexed with each word he spoke...He was nothing short of perfection! My final undoing was when he flashed me a brilliant white smile. Gorgeous, yet so sweet and welcoming all at the same time. Oh my goodness. C'mon, focus Bella!

"Mr Cullen?" stuttered Miss Stanley, confused and unsure. Gosh, her pencilled on eyebrows really creeped me out.

"Yes it's fine" he answered her unasked question. "I don't have my next class scheduled for over an hour or so. As long as that is ok with you, Mrs...?" and he walked towards me, holding out and outstretched hand. I held out my own hand, and shook.

"Erm, Swan. Not Mrs, just Miss. Miss Swan" I babbled. His hand felt so warm in my own, and seemed to fit so perfectly. I felt my cheeks warm as I blushed.

"Miss Swan" he emphasised. "Well, shall we?" and he took a slight step to the side, and motioned towards a room in the back.

"Of course, thank you" I replied. "Bree, Jackson, this way" I beckoned, and they followed Mr 'makes-me-wish-i-was-back-at-school' Cullen to, what I presumed, was his office.

He motioned for us to sit, as he closed the door and then made his way around the large dark wooden desk, to his own seat.

His office was very clean, yet it smelled like books. Not surprising, seen as through an entire wall was taken up by bookcases and rows upon rows of old, worn books.

"Well, here we are. Cullen Academy. I am the co-founder, Edward Cullen, and I must say, it's a delight to have such a beautiful young lady in our school today" he said confidently, directing his compliment toward Bree.

She of course blushed and smiled wildly, before burying her head in Jackson's shoulder whilst she sat on his lap. She felt as safe and loved with Jackson as she did with myself, Jasper or Rosalie.

"I must say Mr Cullen, you have a wonderful school here" I responded. "Bree has been very excited to visit". He smiled and stood to remove his jacket.

"Thank you. Well, it's our pleasure to welcome you to the school" and he made his way over to the glass wall, where his coat rack stood and hung up his jacket. "Maybe Bree would like to take a look at some of the things in our playroom?" he offered, again addressing Bree directly, rather than me.

She nodded enthusiastically, sliding from Jackson's lap and making her way over.

"Erm, are we able to see her?" I asked, gripping the edges of my seat, and pulling myself up slightly, as I watched her tiny frame retreat into the playroom.

"Oh yes, Miss Swan. The room is monitored at all times, and she can be seen all the time too. Plus, this door is the only entrance and exit to the room. The glass wall enables you to see everything she is doing..."

"Ok, but..."

"It's ok Bells" said Jackson, putting his hand on top of mine, soothingly - which I noticed had caught Mr Cullen's eye. "I'll go in and sit with her. You stay out here and sort out the finer details". I smiled a relieved 'Thank you' to him, and watched him follow Bree.

He placed himself next to her at the pink table and began to help her colour in her picture. Any other time, I would have laughed my ass off at how comical the situation looked.

Now happier with it all, I sat back in my chair and relaxed.

Mr Cullen shut the glass door, which I presumed was so that Bree couldn't hear us, and sat back down behind his desk. "So, Miss Swan, what brings you all to Cullen Academy?"

"Well, we have just moved here from Forks, and I needed a good school for Bree" I stated simply.

"I understand, and please don't take this the wrong way, but there are lots of schools in this area, that are much cheaper than our academy. Whilst I am extremely happy that you decided to pick us, I'm intrigued as to the specific reason". If it was anyone else, I would have suspected that they could be prying, or even fishing for information, but something about his green-eyed god sat in front of me said otherwise.

"Mr Cullen, Bree and I have had a rather different life compared to some others, and whilst I prefer her to be home schooled, I realise that I am depriving her of a normal life, with other children of her own age. Having said that, I am extremely protective of her and need to make sure that it is a secure school, that does its utmost to keep their students safe at all times".

He simply sat, never changing his facial expression and listened intently, to every word I had said. "I feel I should also let you knew that Bree is a very special child..."

"How so?" he asked. He didn't sound at all patronising or condescending. He genuinely seemed to be hanging on my every word.

"Well, she has had a lot to deal with from a very young age, and as a result of that, her ways and means of communication are slightly less than that of other children" and I twisted my mother's wedding ring around my right hand middle finger. "She doesn't speak Mr Cullen. Bree is mute" I stated simply.

I waited for his response, ready to defend Bree and her silent state.

"I see" he responded.

"You do?"

"Of course Miss Swan. I now see why you chose to apply to our academy. We have lots of children here who have certain ways about them. We don't see it as a hindrance Miss Swan, we see it as individuality. Some of our best and brightest either don't speak, or prefer to sit alone, or even don't look at anyone else. But here, we simply let them lead the way as they see fit, and let them tell us how they feel most comfortable. Then we try to base our teaching methods around what the child feels happiest with".

I admired him more and more as the seconds ticked by. He was gorgeous, smart, caring, successful...

"Do you have any questions at all Miss Swan?" he asked coolly, sitting back in his chair and relaxing slightly. As if reading my mind, I fired away...

"Actually, I have a few...How many children are in each class?"

"We are very proud of the student to teacher ratio that we have here. We currently have no more than 10 children in each class, so to make sure that each child gets the correct amount of attention and teaching".

"10 per class...I must admit, that's a very impressive number. And the subjects you will be teaching her here?"

He smiled - whether at me, or at something he was thinking about, I'm not sure. "Well, we have multi-subject teachers, so we have all bases covered - Math, Science, History, English, Music, Physical Education...we insist that they learn at least a little of everything, just like in any other school. Our teachers take a couple of subjects each - for example, I specialise in Music, and I also take some of the boys Physical Education classes, along with Mr Eleazar Denali. His wife, Carmen Denali is the girls Physical Education teacher, as well as being one of our Science teachers..."

No matter what he said, it could not drag me from my daydream...Mr Cullen running around a field in tight shorts...or even better, in a pool, in tight and wet swimming shorts...all glistening and wet and perfect and muscular...

"Miss Swan?" and he looked at me with such concern.

"Hmm? I'm sorry?" I blushed. He had interrupted my sordid and perverted fantasy of him! I just hoped and prayed that he would never know about it!

He smiled wide and continued on. "I said that Bree seems like a wonderful child, you have raised her well. And she looks very comfortable here already".

"Yes, she is amazing. Such a wise girl, and very clever. I must ask Mr Cullen, what is the security like? I ask because the security of the building would be a deal breaker for me, I'm afraid" I said, somewhat apologetically. I really did like this school, even if i was reluctant to let Bree out of my sight for 5 days a week. Although, Cullen Academy was growing on me fast.

"Well, as you know when you arrived, we have security on the main gates at all times, who allow access to visitors once they have verified that the visitor is expected. They then telephone through to reception that the visitor is coming through, and Miss Stanley is under strict instruction to not allow anyone into the building unless security have cleared them and radio'd through first".

He stood from his seat and moved to the water cooler in the corner of the room. "Can I offer you a drink?" he asked politely, filling his own cup.

"No, I'm good thank you" I replied, holding up my hand slightly. He nodded, before moving back to his seat, sipping his water and continuing.

"As you can imagine Miss Swan, we have not only children with certain needs here, but due to the high level of security, we also teach the children of movie stars, musicians and the like. All parents and guardians are given their own fob to get in and out of the school, but again security oversee everything. We also have a team of security dedicated to the halls of the school. 3 in different positions, and one in the main office, keeping check on the security cameras" I

nodded, crossing my legs and felt a slight chill as my skirt hitched up a little. It didn't escape my notice that Mr Cullen's eyes drifted to the bare part of my legs before looking away and taking another drink.

"And I assume that there have been checks carried out with regards to the backgrounds and connections of your staff and security?"

"Of course. We do not employ anyone who has not already been in the teaching or security profession, and we ensure the most extensive checks are done over a whole range of areas, before allowing them access to the school. A lot of the staff and teachers are already known to us - sort of an extended family, if you will. Although, even they are checked, just so we are 100% certain"

I let out the breath I had been holding in. "That certainly puts my mind at ease, I must admit" I said earnestly. "And that's not something that happens very often" I laughed gently, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "And, if i should decide to send Bree here - and if you obviously allow her to be taught here too," I added quickly, "who would I contact if I had any problems or concerns?"

His smirk left his face as quickly as it had appeared but I definitely saw it. "Oh, please feel free to contact me directly Miss Swan, and I would be happy to put to bed anything you feel needs attention"

Is he kidding me? Smoking hot, and flirty! Focus Swan...business meeting, remember?

"Thank you, Mr Cullen. That is certainly reassuring to know" and I cleared my throat before feeling I should carry on. "I don't think I have anymore questions for now" and I even shocked myself saying that.

I don't know what it was, but I had a safe and content feeling - a good feeling - about this school.

"Ok, and is there anything that Bree would like to know?" he asked, looking at her through the glass wall.

I watched him for a few seconds, before following his gaze.

Bree was smiling and hanging on Jackson's every word, as she sat on his knee and listened intently to the storybook that he was reading to her.

"I don't think Bree is particularly bothered about the size of her classes, or building security issues - she is just happy to be here" I chuckled.

"Wonderful" and he laughed along. Such a fantastic sound, I loved to hear him laugh. His expression however, changed after a few more seconds. "Now, if you are happy to take a place here, there is the matter of..." and he trailed off, as his eyes found the paperwork he laid out on the desk when we came into the office.

"Mr Cullen, there is no problem with the cost" I assured him. "There is no price too high when it comes to Bree, and believe me, I can afford it" and I pulled out my cheque book and pen. I peered down at the page on the desk, and copied the amount down, signing it and tearing it from the book. "I know that this money is worth it, and you can expect to see me and Bree as regulars around here from now on" and I handed it over to him.

His face quickly changed from shock to the Mr-Cullen-sweet-yet-confident smile.

"That sounds good to me" he said, as he filed the cheque away in his draw. "Now, we always schedule a home visit at some point, so that we can have an idea of how the child acts and seems, when they are in a comfortable environment, before they begin with us. It just helps us to understand them and their specific needs a little better" he explained, and I nodded along, probably looking too eager.

"Should we get some of the paperwork done whilst you are here?" he asked, walking towards his filing cabinet. Like I could say no to this man! I simply nodded and smiled sweetly.

I watched his back muscles flex underneath his white shirt, as he pulled the drawer open. I re-adjusted my skirt as he sat back down.

"Ok...so child's name is Bree Swan..."

"No. It's actually Bree Dwyer" I corrected.

"Oh, my apologies. And parents names are..."

"Phil and Renee Dwyer..." I looked up at me confused.

"I'm sorry, I don't understand. I thought..."

"That I was Bree's mother?" He nodded silently. "

No, I'm not her mother, Mr Cullen. I'm Bree's older sister"

"Ah, I see. And may I ask where your parents are?". He stopped writing, focusing his full attention on me. I felt the heat creep into my face, as if someone had trained a spotlight directly on me.

"I'm afraid they are no longer alive" I replied sadly. "They were killed in a car accident when Bree was a very young baby, and I legally adopted her soon after"

"I understand. I'm so very sorry for your loss" and he looked sad. His green eyes didn't seem to sparkle as much. I didn't like that. The spark should always show in his eyes, it's one of the things that made him as beautiful as he is.

"Thank you" I said quietly. "I guess having adopted Bree, I am her legal guardian, but I could never be her mother". I took in a deep breath and decided that this conversation needed to get back on track. "So, is there anything else you need to know?" and I smiled at him.

It's ok my green-eyed sex god, I'm fine! Please don't be sad for me.

"Oh yes, I'm sorry. Ah, here we are...Does Bree have any allergies?"

"No, nothing that we have come across so far"

"Does she have any special dietary requirements that we should know about?"

"Nope. That kid will pretty much eat anything, including the plate!". I felt good again when I was rewarded with his harmonious laughter.

"A child with a healthy appetite is always a good thing. And who would you like - in addition to yourself, of course - to have a fob, so that they can drop Bree off and collect her in your absence?"

I didn't even need to think about this one. "I will be needing two additional fobs please. One will be for Bree's godfather, Jasper Whitlock-Hale. And the other will be for Jackson". I motioned to the playroom. His face changed a little as I motioned over to Jackson. I must have imagined the flash of anger in his eyes for the briefest of moments.

"As you wish. I can get the full details when I do the home visit if that's ok?"

My heart beat a little faster at the thought of Mr Cullen being in my home. Sitting on my sofa. His seductive and perfect mouth around one of my...coffee cups. This man was amazing and yet so frightening at the same time.

"Of course, that would be fine. You have our address I take it?"

"Yes, it's on Miss Stanley's introduction papers. Now, how would Saturday work for you?" he asked, opening his diary.

I reached down into my bag, and did the same. "Yes, Saturday is perfect for me...I mean us!" I stammered and quickly corrected myself. "Shall we say 2pm?" I added, hoping he hadn't noticed.

"Yes, that's great. 2pm on Saturday it is then". If he had noticed my little slip up, he was being a total gentleman and hadn't let on.

I bent to put my diary back into my bag, and pulled out one of my cards.

"Here you go Mr Cullen" I said, quickly writing on it. "Here is my business card with my office number on. I've also added my home number and my personal number". I inwardly cringed for a second as I realised how that probably just came across. "...So you can keep it on file...in case you need me for anything...anything for Bree...". Yep, I was quickly digging myself a bigger hole!

This man, who I had met just 20 minutes ago, was quickly breaking down the cautious and suspicious mannerisms that I had built up over the years.

That thought alone unnerved me, and I knew that I needed to get away from him for now. He was beginning to fuddle my brain.

"Well, if that is everything?" I started, and stood quickly, picking up my handbag and holding out my hand to shake his.

"Oh, of course" he said, a little surprised at my sudden movement, and he mimicked me by standing and shaking my hand. "And I look forward to the home visit" he added, letting go.

"Indeed, Bree will be happy to know that she will be attending in a few weeks"

He smiled and just the sight of the slight crinkling around his eyes warmed me again.

"We will be delighted to welcome Bree to our school" he finished, proudly.

I turned towards the playroom, intent on getting Bree and Jackson and going home, but I found myself suddenly turning back towards Mr Cullen again.I didn't mean to sound so sad and worried when I spoke.

"She will be completely safe here won't she Mr Cullen?". It was a small squeak of a voice, and that truly reflected how I was feeling on the inside. A major change is coming for me in order to make Bree happy. I just couldn't bear to lose was my everything.

His eyes softened and he held a reassuring hand on to my upper arm. "Miss Swan, I will make sure that Bree is as safe as possible. She will have a wonderful time at our school, making friends and learning so much. Please try not to worry, she will be perfectly safe, I can assure you".

I smiled once more and thanked him again, before getting the most important thing in my life and heading for home.

~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~

"Bree wants to know why Jackson isn't having dinner with us tonight" yelled Rose from the dining room.

I picked up the bowl of salad and the pasta, and made my way through to them. I could hear Rose's giggles before I even entered the room.

She was sat at the dinner table with Bree, both of them giggling like a pair of schoolgirls, whilst Jasper poured the wine. Even he had a smirk across his face. Too much like his sister sometimes.

"What you mean is 'Bella, I want to know who Jackson is out with tonight, and I'm using Bree because you cannot say no to Bree'. Is that pretty close Rose?" I asked, smiling whilst my eyebrows were raised! Yes, I'm accusing you of being sneaky Rosalie! That is a sneaky Rosalie Whitlock-Hale trick!

"It's basically the same thing!" She responded innocently. "So, c'mon Bella, who is he out with?

"He's not out with anyone". I picked up the salad tongs, and started plating up, as Jasper placed a glass of wine in front of me.

"You said he's out with someone!" Rose yelled, laughing!

"No I did not!"

"You kinda did darlin'" added Jasper quietly...still being all smirky and shit.

"Well...even if I did...which I didn't...I'm not telling anyone what anyone is doing" and I bowed my head to carry on serving dinner.

I could still hear giggling, but I'm guessing that was Rose doing what she loved and was acting about the same age as Bree right now. That was the 'thing' that Rose had with Bree...I was her guardian, sister, confidant...Jackson was her protector...Jasper was her Godfather...and I guess Rose was her friend. And they loved to giggle together. Rosalie Hale is the best friend my little darling could ask for.

"So, did you guys have a good day?"

"Oh yeah, we did a spot of sightseeing. This is such an amazing city Bella. Don't you think?".

I love how excited Rosalie was about the move. She had been reluctant to leave Forks at first, as it's the place she had made home after her parents made the move from Texas. She said that leaving Texas broke her heart and that she would never leave another town again. I guess once she knew Jasper was leaving, she had to follow suit. They were too close to be too far apart.

"I wouldn't know to be honest Rose. I have been so busy with the office, and getting this place sorted, and now getting Bree into a school...well, I guess that sightseeing has kind of been on the back burner" I shrugged.

"Oh yeah, how did the school go?" enquired Jasper, sitting up in his seat a little more. "Did you like it Little B?"

Bree nodded enthusiastically, trying to chew the mouthful of pasta she had just shoved in.

"Good good, and how did you take it all Bells?". Even Rosalie stopped chewing to look up at me and listen.

"It was...fine" I lied, looking at them both - eyeball style! Unfortunately for me, Jasper was not only my angel, Bree's godfather and the reason I'm alive, but he is also my very own 'Bella Swan lie detector'. He narrowed his eyes but luckily Rose had resumed eating and had missed her brother's reaction. I knew he would leave it for now, but I was expecting the subject to come up again pretty soon.

~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~

"Is Bree asleep?" asked Rose, as I came back in the living room with another bottle of wine.

"Yeah, she fell straight to sleep tonight. I guess today must have taken it out of her huh?" Rose nodded as I filled her glass, and then my own. "Jazz?" I asked, holding the bottle up. "Want a refill?"

"Nah, I'm beat. I'm goin' to hit the hay" and he disappeared into the kitchen before popping his head back around the door. "Unless you fancy joining me in my bedroom Bells? Bring the bottle an' we can make a good ol' night of it?". He wiggled his eyebrows at me, in what I can only guess was his best version of seductive. Unfortunately, he just looked like he had an itch.

"I'd love to Jazz, but I'm afraid your sister has given me a better offer. With cheap wine and shit TV! Maybe next time 'eh cowboy?" I winked at him, laughing at his pouty face.

"Fine. I guess this Texan man is going solo tonight. Night y'all" and he could be heard laughing all the way to his room.

When I turned up look at Rose, I understood what he had been laughing at. She looked like she was going to throw up.

"He is seriously gross, that guy. If he ever finds a girlfriend, she's going to have to be as weird as him, just so she can keep up!" and she chugged most of her wine before holding her glass out for a refill.

"He really is a sweetheart though, that brother of yours. Some girl will be lucky enough to marry him one day" I mused.

"You think you could marry him?"

I almost spit out my wine at the shit that just came out her her overly glossed mouth...and wine should never be wasted! "What?!"

"Well, he's always making suggestions to you about sleeping with him. And plus, it would save me having to meet someone new, and pretend that I actually like them so that he is happy...". And she even had the balls to look hopeful! Like I was actually going to consider it! No way sister!

"Rose, that's just wrong. For starters, Jazz is as much my brother as he is yours, and I mean, would you really be happy knowing that your darling brother was 'slipping me one' every now and again?" I asked, a little louder than I had intended. Oops.

She wrinkled up her perfect nose, as she considered the consequences of what she was asking. "Yeah, on second thoughts, that would be too weird. Even for our strange and fucked up family 'eh?"

"Exactly. Let's leave all the crazy at the door shall we?"

We sat and drank wine in silence for a few more minutes.

"So, is there anyone on your mind at the moment then Bella?"

I thought on it for a minute, trying to think of anyone but the green-eyed, strong-jawed, copper-haired, suit-wearing Edward Cullen, but no matter what, he just wouldn't budge out of my mind.

Oh man...This could be a problem!

So, what did you think? This story is simply that - a story. I believe that each and every parent knows what is best for their children, so if you do have a child who is home schooled, please don't take offence. Bella's opinion is not my opinion either, it is simply a POV to put into the story.

I hope you love it enough to leave me a wonderfully witty review...or at least like it enough to leave me a smiley face! Lol.

Until next time...x