I didn't plan this story past the summary, so my apologies for how I long I take between each chapter. I'm going to put more time into it now.

Twilight is mine. BAZINGA. It's Stephenie Meyers.

BPOV

One day, when I look back on the past twenty-four hours, perhaps I'll laugh. Perhaps I'll roll my eyes and shake my head in amusement. But right now, I just want to curl up under my duvet and pretend I don't exist, pretend that today never happened, that it was all a dream. But of course, I do exist, today did happen and no amount of pretending will make it a dream.

Me and Dawn got home at half four that evening. She was as tired as me, passing out instantly.

It had been amazing to see her warm to the Cullen family so well. The quiet, shy girl I was used to seeing around strangers, laughed and played happily, like she's known them forever.

Unfortunately my experience hadn't been so carefree. Thinking back, I couldn't help but cringe in embarrassment.

"Edward hasn't dated in a while either."

My word, could they be more obvious! I buried my face into my pillow. Even now, alone in my room with no one around, my cheeks still heated. Just like at the dinner table, because, oh no, the torment didn't stop there! When I'd gone into the kitchen to help Esme clear up, team Dr Edward Cullen were out in full force. Even Rose, sort of.

"So..." Alice eyed me, as if I could just pick the thoughts right out of her mind.

"So." I repeated dryly.

She rolled her eyes " So Bella! Edward?What do you think of him?" Queue the blush, 'cause I think he's hot. "He's nice."

"Nice?" She scoffed.

"Err, yeah. You know, he's a good dad, when he's not losing his kid. Although I'm one to talk. Yeah. So nice. Funny." Oh my God shut up Bella.

"Bella, you were eye fucking him all evening and now he's just nice and funny?"

I gasped. "I was not eye... that to him!" His Mom was standing right next to me for crying out loud!

"Oh honey, we all saw." Esme laughed. I heard Rose laugh too. Probably at my deer in the headlights expression.

" It's best not to fight them." Rose said. " It's a losing game Bella."

"Are they always so... aggressive?" I asked, pointedly ignoring the other two.

"Pretty much, but in all fairness, even I saw you checking each other out all night."

"Hey, I was not!... Wait, each other?" She just raised an eyebrow at me, smirking.

Again, my traitorous face made me blush like a school girl and made my lips turn into an involuntary smile. Crap. Alice squealed and Esme sighed happily, like she was watching some big romance movie play out in front of her. She smiled at me and went back into the dining room coming back out seconds later, with an even bigger smile on her face.

Now, I won't deny that I was happy to know Edward seemed to notice me as much as I had noticed him. But, I won't flatter myself in thinking he noticed me, wink, wink. He couldn't really like me like his sister and mother were suggesting, I didn't think I liked him the way they were either. We really hadn't spoke a whole lot. However, if certain meddling people got their way, I think we might.

The week that followed sped by in a flash. Between decorating the house, signing Dawn up for her new school and trying to get some work done I had barely noticed the days pass. That is until my alarm clock went off bright and early Monday morning. Goodbye, sleeping in. Dawn wasn't too happy about this new development either. She refused to remove the blanket that covered her from neck to toe. Aww, she looked so cuddly and warm. So sweet.

"Mom!" She yelled as I ripped her cocoon away mercilessly, leaving her shivering in the middle of her bed.

"Time to get up lazy butt."

"Mom, you're so mean." She whined. "I bet Edward never does that to Paige." My God, she hasn't shut up about him since last week. Anyone would think she had the crush, not me. I mean, shit, no, I don't have a crush. That's stupid. Stupid.

"Get up, it's your first day at school Dawny."

"No. I was warm."

"And you'll be warm again when you're up and dressed."

She did as she was told, but huffed and puffed her way to the bathroom. Neither of us were morning people.

We arrived at school ten minutes before the bell. Dawn, being obviously nervous was hiding behind my leg, while I stroked her hair gently, telling her how great it would be and how many friends she'd make.

"But what if no one likes me?" She spoke softly.

"Of course they'll like you! What's not to like?" I reassured her. As more parents began to fill the playground, more and more children began to run riot, getting in as much playtime before the teacher called them in.

"Can't we just go home?" She asked hopefully. I dropped down to her eye level and hugged my baby.

"Sweetie, you'll have to start eventually. It might as well be today. And I tell you what, how about after, we go and get some ice cream?" She perked up at that idea considerably. She hugged me one last time and I was tearing up as she disappeared into the school.

I tried to concentrate for the rest of the day and focus on work. But I only managed to write a little.

The house was just so... quiet. No Nick Jr or Disney channel. No constant question, like, "Mom, can I have something to eat." "Mom, lets build a fort," "Mom, where's the remote?" On top of that, it was the first time I'd really noticed the absence of Charlie. He was always up and ready to go first and last to finally go to bed. Although I didn't miss Forks, I missed the company. My mind drifted to the Cullens. Having such a big family was a foreign concept to me. First it was just me and my Mom, then just me and my dad, then Dawn. But the Cullen family where big and loud and hectic and I was jealous of them. I'd never given much thought to having a husband and children before Dawn surprised us all, but now... Well a house full of kids and a loving husband sounded lovely.

Hmm, husband... Hmm, Edward. Coming home from work, kissing my forehead... our girls giggling … wow now, slow down!I'm seriously screwed if I'm entertaining those kinda thoughts. I've met the guy once. Oh no, not the warm fuzzy feeling! Fuck. Well, considering I have no man in my life, it's perfectly normal that he would be the star of my fantasies. Fantasy. This is an isolated incident. Won't happen again. I don't have a crush, I'm not 13. I tried to convince myself.

When three O'clock finally made an appearance I was standing in the same spot I left Dawn this morning, waiting anxiously for her. The bell rang and a sea of hyper children came out of the school, I spotted Dawn with a huge smile on her face, arm in arm with another little girl. They both rushed to my side.

"Mom! Look!" She shouted before coming to a stop in front of me, but still jumping hyper actively.

"Hi Bella!" I looked down shocked, Paige was also there, jumping like a little rabbit doped up on sugar.

"I didn't know Dawn was coming to this school! When did you decide that? Why didn't you tell me? Now we can be best friends! It's so cool." They began screaming and giggling in their trademark way, like Christmas had come early and the Jonas Brothers or someone as equally cheesy was under the tree.

"Where is your dad, sweetie?" I asked. They stopped jumping and scammed the playground.

"Errrr... there!" She pointed. Looking up I saw Edward frowning at the classroom door.

"You'd better go. I think he's looking for you." I told her. Being the logical adult I am, I assumed she'd run over to him. But of course I was wrong. With a dozen parents and teachers around, Paige cupped her mouth and let out an almighty yell. "DAAAD! DOCTOR DAD!" All eyes turned to us and I'm sure my face went three shades pinker. "I-AM-HERE" She continued in what she must have thought was a robot voice. I resisted the urge to hide my face in my hands and smiled nervously as Edwards eyes met mine. Amused and slightly horrified, he walked over to us, everyone else quickly distracted by their own children.

My heart sped as he got nearer. No crush? Yeah, sure.

EPOV

"Why am I not surprised?" I teased as I reached Bella. "I'm starting to think you like Bella more than me Paige." I smirked.

"I do." She smiled sweetly. "Bella doesn't have cooties."

"Oh well, I guess I'll see you later then." I huffed dramatically, pretending to stomp away.

"No daddy! I'm was kidding." She giggled, latching herself around my leg. I picked her up and smiled looking over to Bella.

"It's nice to see you again Bella. Hello Dawn."

"Hi," Dawn whispered from behind Bella's leg, biting her nails.

"Hi Edward. It's nice to see you too. I didn't realise Paige came to this school." Bella greeted happily.

"Dawns is in my class dad."

"Well that's lucky. Did you have a good day Dawn?" I asked her. She seemed like such a timid little thing. Perhaps having Paige around would help her, if last week was anything to go by.

"Yes, thank you. And now we're getting ice cream." She replied. "Right Mom?"

"Of course. I did promise."

We started to walk towards the cars in a comfortable silence. But Paige wasn't into silence these days, it seemed. She turned to Dawn and whispered something.

"Dad, can we get ice cream too? Please!" Fighting the urge to roll my eyes, I tried to give her a stern look. However, she returned my gaze with the most heart braking pair of puppy dog eyes I'd ever seen. Eyes wide, lips pouted, and if I'm not mistaken a big crocodile tear threatening to make an appearance, my resolve disappeared instantly. I'm such a sucker for my little girl.

I gave in with a sigh. "If it's all right with Bella."

She looked over to Bella and she nodded quickly. "If your dad can't say no to that face, I won't be able to." She laughed.

"Yeah, I'll have to thank Alice for that." I grumbled. And I would.

I hopped into my car with Paige. Double checking it was actually her. Can't be too careful. Truthfully, I had been surprised to see them at the school, Paige laughing along with them, not a care for her dear old dad, then she went and invited herself along for ice cream. I chuckled to myself. She could be a hand full sometimes, but I wouldn't have it any other way and Bella didn't seem to mind. Of course she couldn't say no to the pout either. Nobody could. The amount of times I'd seen Alice pull that trick on Jasper during their wedding planning was ridiculous and left no doubt in my mind it was where Paige picked it up.

I pulled into a parking spot a few cars from Bella. She and Dawn were sitting on the hood waiting for us as we approached.

"Come on Dawn!" Paige ran to Dawn and dragged Dawn in the shop, laughing, as usual.

Without the madness that comes with my family, there was no awkwardness about an unexpected afternoon with Bella. I'd been apprehensive for a second, walking into the shop, that Bella would be uncomfortable, but thankfully that wasn't the case.

The four of us sat in a booth, eating our ice cream, conversation easy, no awkward silences. Especially with the girls chatting away. Dawn had a great first day, I could see how happy that made Bella and found it made me happy too, of course it did help that Bella's smile was infectious. As we listen to the girls talking I couldn't help but notice Bella's quick glances towards me, and the blush that coated her face when I caught her.

We spoke a little about my family and Bella, although rather hesitantly, told us about hers. I learned that her mother was a bit flaky and young for her age. Bella played the roll of care giver from a young age. Maybe that's why she's such a good Mom and so natural with Paige too. She talked about her Mom with amusement laced in her tone, I thought it must have been hard for her growing up with no stability, but didn't tell her that. She tensed when I asked about her father.

"He passed away not long ago." She mumbled with her head down.

"I'm sorry, you don't have to talk about it." I apologised.

"It's OK. It gets easier when I talk about it." She spoke quietly. "And it's nice to remember." She smiled wistfully. " I moved in with Charlie when I was seventeen. I decided to finish high school in Forks. My Mom wanted to travel with her new husband and I was getting in the way. Best thing I ever did." She smiled again, happier this time. I just smiled back, strangely glad she opened up to me.

Up until this point, neither of us had mentioned our former partners. I wondered if she was curious as me. I decided to bring it up as Paige and Dawn ran to the bathroom.

"They are quite the pair aren't they?" Bella spoke before I could.

"I'll say." I laughed.

"I think they realise switching places was wrong, but I don't think they regret it."

"No, I'm sure they don't." I replied. "Can I ask you something?" I asked, focusing my eyes on the empty bowls in front of me. "Dawns dad..." I edged. "I don't mean to pry." I added quickly seeing her face fall.

"He isn't around, never has been." Hearing the bitterness in her voice, I instantly regretted my question.

"Paige's Mom isn't either." I tried to empathize.

"Sorry."

"I'm not. As much as I'd like to think she'd be good for Paige, she just wasn't mother material."

She nodded, seeming to understand.

Paige and Dawn ran back to us then, snapping us out of our conversation.

"We should get going." I picked up Paige and settled her on my lap.

"Us too, Dawn. Got to be up early tomorrow." Bella smiled as Dawn huffed. "Dawn has lazyness trouble." She clarified.

"Paige has those same troubles." I laughed.

We walked back to our cars and watched as Paige and Dawn hugged goodbye, promising to meet outside their classroom tomorrow morning.

"I guess I'll see you tomorrow then." I said to Bella. Looking into her warm chocolate eyes, I could tell that idea made her as happy as it made me.

"Tomorrow."