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Note: any section that is in italics is a dream sequence.

BellaPOV

Gosh, that had been the best sleep I had gotten in a long time. Usually, I would toss and turn and have to get up a few times to go to the bathroom, but I felt like I hadn't moved at all. Talk about heaven. I could even remember my dreams...and what dreams I had.

I was in a beautiful meadow on a warm summer day. The bright yellow sun was shining against a crisp blue and cloudless sky. It was the perfect day. Next to me I saw the most handsome man – my Edward. His gorgeous green eyes sparkled, and I was getting lost in them. As much as I wanted to sit and stare at him, a noise – a beautiful noise – pulled my attention from him. There, sitting next to us under the shade of a tree, were my babies – my beautiful babies with chubby cheeks and auburn hair. Looking at them, I realized how blessed I was. I had a handsome man and two beautiful children. It couldn't get any better than this.

"I love you, Bella."

As much as I wanted this dream to stay, it started swirling into something different.

In this dream, I was still pregnant. I couldn't tell where I was, but I could hear people talking. I looked around trying to get my bearings, but I couldn't. All I could see were faceless figures with familiar voices. Gosh, where was I?

"Bella," a voice behind me called. I turned and saw Edward. Next to him was a woman in a white dress – Tanya. "Bella, what are you doing here?"

"What do you mean?" I asked. My dream came into focus, and I saw that I was standing in the middle of a church during a wedding. It was Edward and Tanya's wedding. I looked around the church. It was covered in God-awful shades of pink, with the bridesmaids' dresses looking like they came from the 80's. How could he marry her? Didn't he know how she made me feel? Didn't he know what a blow it was to my self-confidence when I saw them together?

"How could you do this, Bella?" Edward asked again in a harsh tone.

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize..."

"Did you really think that if you came here, Edward would change his mind?" Tanya asked.

Suddenly, Edward walked over to me, grabbed me by the arm and started dragging me out of the church. "Honestly, Bella, how could you do this? Haven't you ruined my life enough?"

"I'm sorry, Edward."

"Just leave, Bella. Now. And don't ever come back. I. Do. Not. Want. You." With that, he shoved me out of the church and slammed the door in my face.

I stood there, completely shocked. Not just at my actions, but at Edward's as well. Did he really feel like this? Was everything he had ever said to me just a lie? I knew he had been with Tanya, but I honestly thought it was just a phase. To see him standing at the altar with her, knowing he was just minutes away from exchanging words of love and pledging his life to her...it was too much. Maybe my childish notion of Edward coming back to me was just that – a childish notion. It was obvious now that Edward and I were never meant to be.

That dream had scared me a bit; it was one of my biggest fears. I still loved Edward, and a part of me still wanted him to choose me. I didn't want my babies to have two different homes and only see their father on the weekends. I wanted the fairy tale. I wanted him to marry me and live happily ever after. I wanted him to tell me it was over with Tanya and really mean it. That night in my kitchen when he told me he would do anything for me and our twins, he sounded so sincere. But there was a voice in the back of my mind that told me not to believe him. Day by day that voice was getting a bit louder, and I wasn't sure if that was a warning or not of things to come.

The other part of me knew that the relationship between Edward and I had been so strained that maybe there was no recovering it. Perhaps we could work on a friendship so it wouldn't be awkward when we had to be around each other. Honestly, it wouldn't have bothered me if Edward had found someone else to be with, as long as it wasn't Tanya. She was the ultimate slap in the face – the person you saw and were instantly reminded that you were nowhere near her class. She was beautiful and confident, and I wasn't. She could walk into a room and every man would look up at her. I walked into a room and everyone started whispering.

I was still at a loss as to how our relationship went from wonderful to destroyed in a blink of an eye. One minute we were so in love with each other and looking forward to college – Edward in Chicago while I would be in Minnesota. The next minute, he was spouting hurtful, angry words at me. I just didn't get it. I knew it would be a shock for him when I told him I was pregnant, but I didn't think he'd blame only me. After all, it takes two to make a baby. I wanted him to tell me it would be okay, and that he would be next to me when I told my dad that I was pregnant. I wanted him to be there to hear the heartbeat for the first time. I wanted him to be with me during parenting classes...but he wasn't. He wasn't there for any of it. Instead, a week after I told him I was pregnant, I found him talking with Tanya in the hallway next to her locker. It all went downhill from there.

Crying. Yelling. Screaming.

Edward was standing in the living room with another man I did not recognize. The air was thick with tension and anxiety. I could see Dad in the kitchen. Rebecca had her arms around him as his shoulders shook. Was he crying? Why was Dad crying?

"I've come for my children, Bella," Edward said coldly.

"What?" I asked.

"My children. You do have them ready, don't you?"

"What are you talking about, Edward?" I asked again confused.

"Surely you remember the hearing last week. The judge said the twins were to live with me since I could afford a better life for them."

"You can't take my babies, Edward! You didn't want them in the first place!"

"It doesn't matter now. Where's their stuff?" he asked coldly. I saw Edward walk over to the baby swings, and I immediately went to block his path. Was he really going to take my babies from me? There's no way that could happen. Surely Dad would have done something to stop this. "Bella, bring me their bags. I need to get going."

"You're not taking them!" I shouted.

"Yes, I am. I am their father. I am the one who can provide the proper life they deserve."

"And what am I?"

"What are you?" He laughed softly and turned to look at me. "You work all day, every day while your father and his girlfriend take care of our children. You're never home with them, and when you are, you still don't take care of them. Don't try to tell me otherwise because your father testified to it. You spend the child support I give you on clothes for yourself and various other items. You make your parents pay for everything. So you want to know what you are? You are an unfit mother, and I am taking my children away from you."

Dad appeared next to me and handed Edward a few bags while Rebecca placed the twins in their car seats. I was so stunned by Edward's words that I couldn't move. Was I really that bad of a mother? Was I really doing the things he said I was? No. There's no way that could be true. I loved my babies, and I wanted nothing but the best for them. Why did it matter if Edward's family had money? How could that make the difference in being happy? Dad raised me on a police salary, and I was happy. Sure, there were times when money was tight, but we found other ways to make us happy.

Once the twins were in their seats, the man that once stood next to Edward walked over and picked both of them up and walked toward the door. There stood a familiar woman – Tanya.

"Darling, are you ready?" she asked.

"Of course, dear," Edward replied with his crooked smile.

"Good. I can't wait to get the kids home and settled. Your mother assures me the nursery is all ready for them."

"What is she doing here?" I asked, furious.

"Tanya is my wife, Bella. She and I will be raising my children."

"No!" I shouted and bolted for the door. "I don't want her around my children!" I tightly wrapped my hands around the handles of the car seats and began pulling them back toward me.

"You have no say anymore, Bella."

"No! You're wrong, Edward! I love my children! I do everything I can for them! Please don't take them away from me!" I begged. Tears sprung to my eyes and began falling freely onto my cheeks. I pulled with everything I had. There was no way I would let Edward take them from me. Who was he to tell me I wasn't a good mother?

Edward wrapped his strong hands around my arms and shoved me away as Tanya followed behind the twins and out to the car. "Bella, you have no one to blame but yourself. If you had just gotten rid of them when I told you to, we wouldn't be here. Do not even think of trying to see my children. They're better off without you."

Edward's hands were now replaced by my father's arms which pulled me tightly against his chest. He Whispered something in my ear, but I didn't hear his words. Watching Edward leave, knowing he was going home with Tanya and my babies, killed me. There was no way that any of this was true. This had to be a dream. Even if Edward and I hated each other, surely he wouldn't do this to me. I didn't know how I was going to stay away from my babies. They were everything to me.

When the front door slammed shut, I broke free from my father's grip and ran outside. Edward and Tanya were standing next to their car. His hands were cupping her face as his lips pulled from hers. I saw him whisper the words 'I love you' to her, and I fell to my knees. The weight of everything was crushing me. As their car pulled away, I began wailing, sobbing uncontrollably. I was screaming for him to come back, to bring my babies back.

All of my fears had come true: Edward said I was an unfit mother, he was married to Tanya, and he had my babies. My life was over. How would I survive this? Could I survive this? What was I supposed to do now?

I wasn't sure how long I stayed there before I heard someone walking toward me. As I turned my head to see who it was, all I could see was a figure – tall and commanding. Was it Edward coming back for me? Please, let it be him. Let him come back and say all of it was a lie. Let him come back and tell me he loves me. Let him come back and tell me he wants me and our children.

"...Bella..." a far off voice called. I knew that voice. I started feeling heavy and disoriented. So much for sleeping in. Wait, this wasn't my bed. This bed was stiff and uncomfortable.

"...Bella, can you hear me?" the voice asked again.

I tried to speak, but couldn't. Instead, it felt like something was in my throat. Man, I better not be getting sick.

"...can you open your eyes?" I tried, but my eyelids were so heavy. I tried to fight off the sudden exhaustion I was feeling, but it overtook me again.

My dreams were dark and confusing. Images swirled around me; voices were muted. I couldn't make anything out except for one thing – the tall figure. Again it was there, off in the distance. It commanded my attention. Again, I couldn't tell who it was, but I couldn't look away. Who was it, and why were they appearing in my dreams? Why did they insist on standing so far away from me? No matter how close I seemed to get to them, they were always so far away. I just wanted to see who it was.

I tried opening my eyes again since I started hearing familiar voices once more. It was easier this time. I didn't have that heavy feeling. The voices that seemed so far away started to sound closer to me. I could feel scratchy, stiff sheets under me and a warm blanket over me. What the hell was that beeping noise? It didn't sound like my alarm.

"...a good sign. She's waking up," a woman said.

"Open your eyes, Bella. Come back to us." That was the voice of my father. He was the one man who stood by me through all of this. I was slowly able to open my eyes. I became disoriented. I was in an unfamiliar place. Where was I? Once I was able to focus, I looked over at my father. He was crying. Why was he crying? I wanted to tell him that I was fine, but something was in my throat. I must have started struggling, because I felt his hands on mine before he spoke. "Calm down. You're fine. Everything's okay, I promise."

"Bella, you have a breathing tube in. If you calm yourself, we can take it out, okay?" a woman said. She appeared to be a doctor. Why did I have a breathing tube in? Did something happen?

I must have dozed off because when I woke again, I was being told take a deep breath. As I exhaled, the tube in my throat was removed and replaced by an oxygen mask. It took me a bit, but eventually I stopped coughing. Again my father had tears in his eyes. I followed my doctor's commands and took some deep breaths so she could listen to my lungs, and after telling me to take it easy, she left with the promise to return later.

"Dad, why are you crying?" I asked. My voice was scratchy and my throat was dry.

"I was just so worried. We all were. Here, take a sip," he replied as he placed a straw to my lips.

Something was different. I couldn't figure it out at first, but there was concern in my father's eyes. It was as if he was keeping a secret. Without thinking, I lifted my hand to place on my belly. In that second, I knew what was different. My stomach was flat.

My stomach was flat.

"Dad, where...where are my babies?" I asked frantically. I started pushing the blankets off of my body to get a better look. I should have a round belly. I should feel my babies moving and kicking.

"Shh. Stop. I'll tell you," he replied as he placed his hands over mine. "They're fine."

"But Dad, it's too early!" I cried. Were they all right? Were they alive? Why wasn't he telling me anything?

"I know. You had a seizure at the graduation party."

"Seizure?" I asked confused. What was he talking about?

"Yeah. Edward found you on the floor. We were so scared," he said as he squeezed my hand. I noticed a few tears brimming at the corners of his eyes. Was it really that bad? Surely he was overreacting.

"Where are my babies, Dad? I need to see them. Are they all right?"

"Yes, they're all right. I'll ask your doctor when you can see them since I'm not sure. They're so precious, Bells. Tiny, but oh so precious," he said lovingly. I watched as he reached into a small bag on the far end of the room and pulled out something that looked like a book. It was a photo album. When he returned, he turned it toward me so I could see what was inside. And what was inside took my breath away.

My babies.

My beautiful, tiny babies.

The moment I saw them, I longed to hold them and breathe in their wonderful scents. I wanted to feel their soft skin and listen to the little noises they made. One of the isolettes was covered in a blue blanket, the other pink. I had gotten my wish – one of each. I had a little prince and princess. I traced their tiny faces with my finger before looking up at my father, who was crying along with me.

"Are they really okay?" I asked again.

"Yes. As worried as I was about them, I was more worried for you."

"Why?"

"Because you're still my little girl. Honey, I know these past few months haven't been the easiest, and I'm sure I could have done more, but I just want you to know that I love you, and I'm so very proud of you. I always have been," he said as he leaned in and kissed my forehead.

"Oh, Dad," I said with a shaky voice, "I love you, too."

"Do you want me to get Renee? I know she's been just as worried."

"Is she here?" I was nervous and afraid of what she might say to me. I knew she was partial to adoption, and now that the twins were here, I hoped she would keep her opinions to herself.

"Yeah. All of us are."

"All of us?" I asked hesitantly.

"Me, Rebecca, Renee, and Phil. Plus Edward and his family."

"Oh," I said softly. They must have been really worried if they had all stayed. I wasn't sure if I was ready to see Edward yet. Maybe his family, but not him. The nightmares I had while unconscious had left me scared. I wasn't sure if some of them had been real or not. I felt vulnerable and didn't want Edward to see that. I would rather see him when I was feeling better and when my mind wasn't so foggy.

As Dad left the room, I picked up the photo album and started looking at the pictures. Dad wasn't kidding when he said they were small. I guessed they could fit in my hands. How could something this little even survive? What if they hadn't? What if something had happened to them and no one had told me? So many things were running through my head. I came across a picture of Edward standing next to my son's isolette. I felt a bit of jealousy run through me. He had been able to spend time with them, and I hadn't. It didn't seem fair. He never wanted anything to do with them when I was pregnant, yet here he was, standing next to our son with a smile. It just didn't seem fair. I wondered who else had been able to see them.

"Oh, Bella!" Renee cried as she walked into my room. "I'm so glad you're awake." She quickly rushed to my side and gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "We've been so worried."

"I'm okay."

"I see Charlie gave you the photo album."

"Yeah. They're amazing."

"I know. And they're so strong and brave. Oh, Bella, wait until you get to see them. They're so adorable," Renee gushed.

"This coming from the same woman who wanted me to give them up," I said. I wondered if she was back on her medicine. She seemed too excited for the moment.

"I did, and I'm sorry that I tried to force it on you. I just didn't want you to give up everything."

"I won't be. Just because I'm starting early with having a family doesn't mean I can't still go to school and make a good life for them. I may not be able to go to school for what I originally wanted to do, and it may take a bit longer, but I will do it. My kids are going to have a good life, and I wish you would support me on that."

"I do support you, Bella. I know you'll do your very best. I'm sorry I was so adamant about adoption."

"You made me feel like you wished you had put me up for adoption, Renee," I said as tears came. "You have no idea what that did to me."

"Oh honey, never," Renee replied, wrapping her arms around me. "I should have discussed adoption with you differently. I'm sorry I made you feel like that."

"You know Renee and I will help you with whatever you need," Dad said.

"I know. Thank you. I know this all happened before it was supposed to, but I don't want you guys to be disappointed in me."

"We could never be disappointed in you, Bella. All of this just took us by surprise, that's all," Dad said.

"No kidding," I said. "I just wish..."

"What, honey?"

"I just wish this would have happened differently, you know. I spent so much time trying to get Edward to see how important this is, but now I see him in pictures with the twins and feel so jealous that he gets to do that."

"You'll be able to see them soon," Renee said. "When you're out of the ICU, you can. And wait until you see them, Bella. They're so beautiful. Well, now that you're awake and well, I'm going back to the hotel with Phil. He's tired and I want to book our flight home." Renee quickly hugged me before she left. In all actuality, I was surprised she had stayed this long. However, I wished she would have stayed a bit longer. I missed her and I really wanted her here.

"Tell me about them? Please?" I asked as I looked back at the pictures in front of me. I was so desperate to know everything I could about them.

Over the next few hours, Dad told me everything from the party to waking up here. I was shocked and horrified at all that had happened. I started crying as I listened to them. I felt like it was my fault. I should have done something different that day. Maybe if I had, none of this would have happened. Maybe they would still be growing inside me rather than in the NICU. I knew the doctors and nurses would take good care of them, but that didn't ease the longing I had for them. I wanted to be with them, hold them, feed them. I wanted to learn what their little noises meant and feel their tiny fingers curl around mine. I felt like such a horrible mother for not being able to care for them. I wasn't sure how long I would be in the ICU, but I prayed it wouldn't be too long, and I prayed that my dreams were just that – dreams.