Along The Lines Of A Mistake.

Edward's Point Of View.

Chapter 6- Flashbacks

Thursday Night.

The ride to get Bella home from the meadow was nice. It was so relaxing and I held Bella's hand over the center console the entire time. She would smile, blush or bite her lip at times in the most tantalizing ways.

When we arrived to her house her dad's police cruiser was parked out on the driveway. Bella looked over to me and smiled slightly.

"Thanks, I had fun. And thank you for trusting me, I didn't really know if you would or not but I'm really glad you did," she said while giving my hand a gentle squeeze. She smiled softly and I loved her smile. Each time she smiled I was stunned by her remarkable beauty.

"I should be the one thanking you instead. You're the only one who I've told the full story to," I lied slightly. I did tell her the truth but there were a few missing important details to the story and those parts I wasn't ready to share just yet. I felt guilty that I hadn't told her yet but it just wasn't the right time to spill something like that.

"It's no problem, I wanted to help. And are you sure your son will be okay with me meeting him? I mean, I don't want to scare him or something or do something that he won't like," Bella explained before biting her lip. I briefly wondered if she'd even had experience with kids. Maybe that's why she asked those questions.

I smiled reassuringly at her, "He'll be perfectly fine. He's really an angel, just really shy at first since he's hardly around many people. My mother likes to having him indoors most of the time to have a close eye on him considering the epilepsy."

Bella nodded before looking out the window. We saw a flicker of movement by one of the windows before a curtain dropped back down, swaying slightly, and then went still. Bella smiled and shook her head.

"They're always so damn nosy," Bella giggled. "I should head inside before Jasper and Charlie decide to come out here instead."

"Okay, but Bella? I wanted to ask if I could pick you up tomorrow? That way right after school we could head over to my place and you can meet Cooper." She smiled and nodded.

"Sure, yeah that sounds good," she said brightly. I chuckled at her enthusiasm and she blushed.

"Okay then, its a date," I said. She nodded and then grabbed her things from the floor of the Volvo but when she put her hand on the latch to open the door I stopped her.

She looked at me confused and I leaned closer to her. Her breathing stopped altogether before picking up erratically. I leaned in a little more and for what seemed like the umpteenth time that night our lips made contact. My hand weaved its way into her hair and tugged her gently closer to me. When we pulled apart we were both smiling idiotically. Bella blushed and suddenly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Well um I'll see you tomorrow," she said, suddenly flustered. I had to restrain myself from chuckling.

"I'll see you tomorrow. Sweet dreams," I told her as she pulled herself out of the car. She waved me off and I chuckled as I watched her stumble into her home. Once she was safely inside her house I revved the Volvo's engine before pulling out of her driveway and heading home. The whole way there I had the biggest smile on my face. To say I was happy was an understatement.

When I pulled up to the house I was excited. I wanted to see Cooper but most importantly, see what he would say about meeting someone tomorrow. When I walked inside I went first upstairs to put my stuff away. When coming back downstairs I went into the kitchen where Esme and Cooper where making Rice Crispy treats. When Cooper saw me his eyes brightened and he ran to me.

"Daddy!" He said loudly. I smiled and hoisted him up on my hip holding him with one arm.

"Hey Coop, are those going to be for me?" I asked him while going over to the counter and looking at the Rice crispy treats laid out on a tray.

He giggled and shook his head.

"Why not?" I asked him with a playful pout.

" 'Cause all these are for me!" He said putting a thumb to his chest happily.

"Sharing is caring." I said while tickling his side a bit. He giggled more.

"I am sharing. With nana and auntie," He replied back.

I smirked and shook my head, "Mom, you teach this kid too much. He's already using sarcasm on me."

Esme smiled timidly and turned to me, "Son, he get's it from you. He's a spitting image of you as a kid. You used to drive Alice and Emmett nuts." I chuckled at the memories. Good times.

"So how was this little goober today? Has he taken a nap?" I asked while setting Coop down in a chair and giving him a toy to occupy himself with while I went to rummage through the kitchen cupboard for a small snack.

"A nap? No. He's taken three naps today so good luck getting him to sleep tonight," Esme laughed.

"Three?" I asked, astonished while running a hand through my hair.

"Mhm. He's been real tired lately." Esme shrugged.

"Well, I guess I'll be needing Alice's hyper assistance tonight," I replied before getting a random packet of chips from the cupboard and going to sit next to Coop.

"Daddy, guess what?" Coop said from his place in the chair next to me. He looked so happy and carefree.I smiled at him and couldn't help but feel a flood of happiness surge through me as well. He had me wrapped around his finger.

"What?" I asked while opening my bag of chips and putting one in my mouth.

"I drew you a picture!" He said enthusiastically with a toothy little grin. He suddenly hopped off his seat and grabbed my hand.

"Come on, Come on!"He was tugging at my hand and I chuckled as I let him wheel me upstairs to his room.

Once inside his room he led me to his 'work space' where crayons were scattered and paper was heavily supplied.

"Lookie!" He said while lifting up a pice of paper to me and waiting it up for me to grab it. I pulled it from him and looked at it. On the paper was a little stick figure standing next to another. They looked to be holding hands and there was a scribbled circle of yellow at the top and green scribbles at the bottom. I figured it to be the sun and grass.

"Is this you and I?" I asked him while sitting on the floor next to him.

"Mhm," He mumbled while shaking his head up and down. I chuckled.

"This is really good!" I told him enthusiastically.

"I have some more," He said while turning around and sifting through the pile of papaers on the floor.

"I want to see them all but first I want to tell you something," I told him. His attention was immediately focused on me.

"Am I in trouble?" He asked.

I chuckled, "No. I have a friend from school and she wants to meet you. We'll be home right after school to see you. Okay?"

"What is her name?" He asked while scooting closer to me and sitting in my lap.

"Bella." I told him. Images of Bella popped into my mind. Her long, wavy brown hair. Her brown orbs. Her soft skin, almost everything about her.

"Is she my mommy?" He questioned while cocking his head to the side with an eager look on his face. I stiffened in my place and I was truly stunned to silence. I knew I would face one of these questions some day.

"Um, erm, no, she's not. She can be your friend though," I told him while ruffling a hand through his hair like I always did.

He nodded, looking a bit glum and I couldn't help but feel a little guilty. He wanted and needed a mother and I couldn't give that to him. I could only try my best to provide him and be the dad he needed but he wouldn't get the love of his own mother.

"Oh," He said sadly.

"How about we go downstairs and see if we can sneak a Rice crispies treat from Nana Esme?" I asked him.

"Yeah!" He said happily.

We walked out of his room and down the staircase. Once inside the kitchen I found that Esme was no where to be seen. I smiled and walked in with Cooper in my arms. I went over to the tray of treats on the tray and picked up two treats.

"What are you boys doing?" Esmes' serious voice interrupted with her suddenly appearing out of nowhere. She had a smile on her face and I knew she was only playing around.

"Nothing" I said while shoving the entire rice crispies treat in my mouth. Cooper giggled and tried to copy but failed when he found his mouth to be to small. Esme burst into a fit of laughter. Cooper blushed in embarrassment.

"I'm sorry sweetie but you just looked funny. Let me get my camera," Esme said while flitting to her purse on the table and pulling out her camera. She quickly snapped a photo with Coops mouth still full of food.

"This one's definitly going into his album of memories," Esme said. I smiled and sighed happily.

"Didn't Emmett and I pull something like this a while back?" I asked Esme while going over to sit in a chair with Coop.

Esme smiled. "Yes, except you boys weren't as sneaky as little Coop here. You had chocolate all over your faces. I think I have a picture of that too."

"Lets not go back to that," I told her sheepishly with a smile.

"I fully intend to do so one day," Esme said with a wink. And suddenly I remembered her reaction that day when I told her that Bella would visit. She was happy for me but who knew what Esme would do when she met Bella. Would she embarrass me with baby pictures or something? As I thought of that I took a seat with Cooper still in my arms.

Flashback.

"Hey mom do you mind if I have a friend over?" I was watching her reaction closely. Her head snapped in my direction, eyes wide.

"Who is he? Mike Newton? Tyler?" Esme asked eagerly. I sighed. She was always pushing me to get more social.

"No, he's actually a she. Her name is Bella," I told Esme hesitantly. Her face turned from excitement to one of caution.

"Is she your girlfriend?" Esme asked not taking any censorship that Coop was right in front of us at the time. I said nothing. I was stumped by that question. I had no idea what to say. Was she my girlfriend? We hadn't necessarily comfired it.

"No, just a friend," I said a bit glumly because at the time I had no idea what or how we would progress.

"Oh, wow. We'll I'll get right on making plans for dinner. There is so much to do." I nodded.

"Does she know of Cooper?" Esme had asked hesitantly.

I sighed, "That's kinda why she's coming over. She wants to meet him."

"That's wonderful news!" Esme gushed happily. I nodded.

"Yeah," I told her while looking down at Coop. He had been playing with my hand and when he saw me looking at him he smiled at me innocently. I smiled back as well and kissed his temple. This kid was too innocent.

"Mom, do you know if...dad will be here?" I had asked her.

Esme stopped what she was doing, "I'm not sure. He's had such crazy shitfs lately, but I promise that I will keep him in check while she's over. I will even tell him about this for you so you won't get into an argument."

Esme came over to me and had put her hand on my cheek, "I want you to be happy."

I nodded and smiled at her.

End Flashback.

"Mom, please don't embarrass me or anything tomorrow. Bella's...important," I told her hesitantly.

"No, worries, son. I won't embarrass you, what kind of mother do you take me for? Now go on and play with Coop, I've got lots to do," Esme said.

"Okay, but where's Alice?" I asked noticing the little pixie hadn't been here pestering me about what Bella and I did earlier.

"She's in her room sleeping. She got a little sick earlier and want's whatever she has to go away by tomorrow. She says she's got a hot date," Esme said with a smile and a sigh. I chuckled.

"You kids grow too fast." She walked out of the kitchen with her purse and some papers. She was probably working on some new design. I sighed and decided to spend more time with Mini-Coop.

I looked at Coop and he seemed content. A little happy.

"Hey buddy, wanna watch a movie or something?" I asked him.

He looked up, eyes wide and nodded eagerly.

"Which movie?" I asked, already knowing which one he would pick. It was his all time favorite movie. I had probably seen this movie so many times I knew the lines by heart. Coop loved watching it over and over again and I loved the smile on his face. It made his worth while.

"Toy Story!" He squealed out. I chuckled and nodded. I hoisted him up on my hip and walked out of the kitchen to the living room. I set Coop up on the couch, and went to get the DVD. I popped the movie into the player and then briefly left the room to get Coop a snack.

Once in the kitchen I got him a juicebox and a small little bag of sugar-free cookies. I went back to the living room and gave it to him. He smiled toothily at me as well.

When the movie began little Mini-Coop dug into his snack and watched the movie unfold. I sat next to him with my feet up on the couch and watched the movie with him. He watched the characters stress over a birthday party and he laughed hysterically at the funny parts.

I smiled while watching him. I don't know what I'd do without this little one. He was everything to me.

As the movie was going I noticed a sleepy eyed Alice walk into the room with a lazy grin planted on her face. She took a seat on the couch next to me with a small blanket wrapped around her small frame. I was suprised at how quiet she was. This was definitely new.

I had so much I wanted to say but I stayed quiet. When Cooper watched this movie if there was one interuption, he would sigh and make you start it all over again before telling you to 'Shh' with one finger to his lips. He learned so much already.

As the movie was about a third of it's way in, Coop finally fell asleep. I looked at the clock on my phone and was suprised to see that it was eleven at night.

"So, what did you and Bella do today?" Alice asked once I tuned off the movie.

I knew this would be coming. It was too quiet to be true.

"We hung out and went to the meadow to talk. I told her about the Cooper situation and about Rosalie. She understands everything. She still want's to be with me," I revealed to Alice who's smile grew wide.

"I am sorry that Jessica and Lauren had to be the ones to tell her but at least it's done with now," Alice said with a shrug and I nodded. It was completely true. I was a little disapointed that Bella hadn't found out directly by me telling her but I was happy that she knew now. Almost like a bandaid you have to rip it off quickly.

"It's fine. In a way I'm kind of glad it was like that but then I wish she had heard it come from me instead. It's not the way I would have wanted her to find out. We were sort of unprepared for that."

Alice only nodded.

"So are you still on for that date with Jasper tomorrow?" I asked while quirking an eyebrow.

Alice smirked and retorted, "Are you still on for your play date with Bella?"

"Yep."

Alice smiled but it was off and she began picking at the paint on her nails. Like she was nervous. Something was up.

"Is something wrong Alice?" I asked her while shifting Coopers sleeping form and moving over to the couch she was on. I sat beside her stoic figure. Her eyes were glazed and it was like she was lost in her own thoughts.

"Okay don't get mad," she said. I nodded cautiously.

"I talked to Emmett today."

"So? Does this mean something to me?" I asked her in a guarded tone because in truth it probably did mean something to me.

"Well, he said he's almost done with all his work in Oregon. He said he might be down for a visit soon. Are you two okay? I mean you haven't talked at all in ages. This is all just screwed. I know there is more to that story that your not telling me. I know there is more that happened with Emmett at the college campus. I just don't understand why your hiding it. Why he's hiding it. He said he might bring someone with him the day he comes back. A friend of his, I think he said you and his friend have met but we'll see. He didn't give an exact date but he sounded happy..."

I stiffened in my spot, chills raced through my spine and I suddenly noticed I had not blinked once since she said the word "visit". Emmett would be coming back soon and I didn't know how I would react that day. It had been ages since we last talked and this would be...awkward to say the least, but I let her continue before making a remark.

"...Can you just, please promise me this: If he does end up coming back here for a while...can you..not get into any fights with him or Carlisle? I don't want to loose him too. You don't know what's it's been like for me, and Esme. Were in the middle of this feud, it's tearing us all apart and I'm so afraid. Were not like we used to, and something will tear us apart. It can be anything. I don't want us to be broken and the only thing I can do is watch."

"I try to hide my feelings Edward. I really do, but you need to remember that what you do also puts us at risk. Everyday, every argument you get into with one of us leads all of us to more pain. And it's not your fault. It was an honest mistake, we've all made them. It's apart of life but he's my brother as well. He's apart of my life to and I love him as much as I love you but I will not choose either side. I will try by best to support you but I can't let us all fall apart. It's not...it's not fair to anyone or even Cooper," She said with tears running down her face. I hadn't known I had caused everyone this much pain. And Alice was right. She shouldn't have to pick sides in between us.

"Alice, I haven't gone anywhere so you haven't lost me yet. Emmett and I are on okay terms as far as I am concerned. We haven't talked because I haven't had the time lately. And I'm never the one to start the arguments. I am sorry though. I am sorry I have caused you this much pain. I appreciate everything you do for me. I am sorry I am such a screw up to you but whats done is done and we can't go back. I can only apologize and hope to repay you for how you have helped me one day," I told her while hugging her to me. Her sobs silently shook her small form.

"Come on. I'll take you too your room. You need sleep if you want to go on this date with Jasper," Alice nodded and sniffled.

"Carry me," She said while holding her tiny arms out. I chuckled a little but picked her up. I carried her upstairs to her room and put her in her bed.

"Thank you," she said.

"You shouldn't be thanking me."

I left her room and went down to pick up Coop. He was light as a feather, and I tucked him into bed. Once he was under the covers I kissed his forhead and exited his room. I went into my room and settled for bed. Once I was comfortable I leaned my head back on my pillow and let my thoughts drift to about two years ago.

Flashback.

"Welcome Home!" Everyone called out. By everyone I meant, Esme and Alice. Carlisle and I remained mute. Our relationship was not on good terms.

"Thanks," Emmett said while setting down his luggage.

He pulled Esme and Alice in for a bear hug before going over to Carlisle.

"Hey," he said to him and he gave me an awkward nod in recognition. Everything was awkward. I was holding a sleeping Cooper in my arms. He was so small and he was sucking on his pacifier as he slept.

"How's the kid?" he asked awkwardly while coming closer to get a good look at Coop.

"Fine, he's healthier now."

"Good. Looks more like you than...well nevermind," he said hesitantly.

"Yeah," I said while smiling at his small form in my arms.

"We'll leave you boys to talk," Esme said suddenly while leaving the room with Carlisle and Alice. I sighed. Emmett and I hadn't talked since the day Cooper was born.

Emmett sighed as well and took a seat in a chair as did I.

"I'm sorry," Emmet said suddenly. I looked at him confused.

"Why are you sorry? If anything it should be me apologizing," I muttered.

"I shouldn't have taken you anywhere that night at the college. I should have been with you the entire time. I shouldn't have let you go off on your own. I should have dumped that stupid girl I met that night and kept you in my sight. Much less I should have never even introduced you to my friends. Things would have been better if you never meet Rosalie and had Cooper. Dad wouldn't hate us and you wouldn't have to deal with Cooper's problems. You screwed up pretty bad that night but I know we can make it through this. Man I knew I should have forced Rosalie to tell you she was pregnant in the beginning," He said. I clenched my teeth. He didn't know what he was saying.

"I regret Rosalie. I regret having sex with her but Cooper is not the one to blame for his problems. He is innocent. I do regret doing this at such an early age but I cannot say that l regret keeping Cooper. I love him already. He's my son. I made him too and I know it's early to know but I don't think I could ever get rid of him. He's not something you can dispose of. He's a child and my mistake shouldn't be taken out on him. And just so you know this isn't all about you and I either. It's about our family and especially now Cooper. I mean you act like you don't even care about him. I wanted to keep him. It was my choice to have sex, and it was my choice to live with him. Not anyone elses'," I said angrily.

"Why are you getting angry with me?" Emmett asked dryly, his voice raising.

"Because you don't understand my situation. You have no blame put on you. Dad isn't agry with you. He's upset with me. He thinks I have disgraced this family. Do you know what that means to him? He blames me and only me. Not Rosalie, not you, not Alice, and not mom. Me. He's even taken his hate out on Cooper. Do you know how that pains me? To be at home with Cooper all day, have dad come home in a crappy mood and just tell me off every night? It's not fun. You and I, were not enemies...

"...We are family. Dad's our family but we can never be the same as a family. We are brothers but you don't understand that your acting like a child. You're not even here to listen to our mother cry at night. You're putting youself down and acting like a child coming and apologizing to me. If anything go talk to mom. Go talk to Alice or dad but when it comes to me and that night I don't need a lecture on it. I was there. I witnessed it. I was the selfish one, but you always will be and act like a child." I said to him in a strained voice. I tried to hold in my tears. Emmett was fuming in his seat.

"What is your problem Edward? I'm trying to help you! I'm trying to explain things to you and here you are getting mad at me. I've been nothing but helpful and supportive and you're lashing out at me?" He asked incredulously.

I scoffed.

"You still don't get it do you? I don't want your help. Your treating me like a child still. I think I've grown up more than you have in this period of time with Cooper," I told him.

"You are a child! If I recall it wasn't me who forgot to put a condom on was it?" He exploded, throwing my words back at me and it hurt like a slap in the face.

"Screw you," I told him while looking down at Cooper who was stirring in my arms. His face puckered and he began to cry.

"Shh, Shh," I cooed to him while rockin back and forth. His cries began to lessen and a tear fell from my eye. Emmett was right. I needed to fix things.

"I'm sorry but everything is just so overwhelming! Carlisle hates me, Esme won't look at me normally and even Alice is different. It's all so pressuring," I told him.

Emmett sighed as well.

"I'm sorry too but for now were cool. Let's just put it behind us. Alright?" He asked.

"Sure," I replied. It was easier said than done. I couldn't do anything about it though. I couldn't put it behind me though. I don't think I would ever be able to to. But he wouldn't know. No one would because they weren't in my shoes. And they would never know.

End Flashback.

As I thought about that day it was one of the many times Em and I had been in an argument and soon I had found out that Alice had heard every bit of that one conversation. She had been behind the wall listening to us. Only about a week after that day did she come forth and tell me though. My life just kept going down hill from that day. So, Emmett and I say we are on good terms but it was hard to tell anymore. Were we really okay like we said we were?

I closed my eyes and pushed all my thoughts away. I would try my best to make sure that I would not ruin things by arguing with Emmett or Carlisle. I would do it for Alice. And I would do it for Esme. They deserved it.

I was conscious and unconscious at the same time. My eyes were closed but my mind was blank and as I finally succumbed to sleep. I knew that when I saw Bella tomorrow she would help me. She would give me all the support and love that I needed.

Friday.

I was dressed in a short sleeved blue shirt, a new pair of jeans and my shoes. Today I wanted to show Bella the tattoo on my arm at school. I had forgotten to do so yesterday. I wouldn't need a jacket today either because it was supposed to be warm according to Alice. Once I was dressed and ready I said my goodbye to a sleepy Cooper and made my way to Bella's place.

So here I was. I was standing ouside of Bella's house, leaning against the front of my Vovlo waiting for Bella. I could tell her father was gone to work because his police cruiser was no where in sight.

I probably waited for no longer than a minute. She suddenly came out of her house with the biggest smile I had ever seen her wear yet. She looked beautiful as well, breathtaking. She was wearing a collared light blue shirt, a pair of dark skinny jeans and converse. I smiled because Alice would never dress like her. Bella was unique and her apparel made her unique as well.

"Good morning," I told her while leaving my place and going over to her.

She blushed and repeated my line, "Good morning."

I quickly went to the passenger side of the Volvo and opened the door for her.

She looked at me strangely.

"What are you doing?" She asked me.

I smiled and looked at her innocently, "Would you prefer the backseat?"

She shook her head and didn't question any further as she got into the Volvo. I smiled in satisfaction and closed her door before going to my seat. Once inside of the Volvo I noticed she was already tied up in her seatbelt. The entire way to school I was completely at ease. I held Bella's hand on the way to school as well. We were about halfway to school when I realized that I wanted to ask Bella a question. I didn't know what she would say to it though. When we pulled up to the school I parked the Volvo and turned off the engine before turning to her. I needed to just be blunt. Like a bandaid. I still had her hand in mine and she looked at me curious.

"Bella you never gave me a specific answer yesterday so I want to clear up the confusion. Will you be my girlfriend?" I asked her nervously.

She hesitated and my heart was pounding furiously in my chest.

"Yes," She said while blushing. I breathed out a sigh of relief.

I smiled happily and exited the car. I quickly rushed to her side of the car and got her out of the passenger side. She smiled and I pulled her into my arms. Our lips met and I didn't care about the looks everyone was giving us. I was beyond happy and by the smile on her face I knew she felt exactly the way I did.

"Let's get to class," I told her with our foreheads were leaning on each other. She sighed but nodded before pulling away.

"Okay."

On our way to class there were people whispering around us but we ignored them we didn't even spare them a second glance as we walked by all our peers. When we made it to english, Bella sat down; she shook her head and rolled her eyes playfully as I moved my desk closer to hers. I held my hand out for her and she willingy took it.

I suddenly knew then that my life suddenly wasn't just about me anymore. It suddenly revolved around Cooper and Bella. And I was completely fine with that as long as nothing got in our way.

A/N: I'm going to make this short. I graduated on thursday and since my parents are too forgiving they gave me my lappy top named Edward back as a present. And I'm am kinda ungrounded now. :) Thank jeebus. I'm pretty sure you will all like this chapter and those of ou who checked out twitter..I got good feedback from the teaser I posted. Thanks for the reviews and support! You all make my day! So please review for the sake of our dear Mini-Coop or he may have a hissy fit and hide in a closet where we can't reach him. Thanks to everyone and did you all watch the Eclipse premiere? I did! Sexiness! Rob and everyone else was awesome! *Sighs* Well enough of my rant. I'm sure you all get enough of that from facebook or twitter. Thanks to all the usual people I thank and remember Review! Hope you like the Dadward parts. :) Cheers.

-Lizward.