Chapter 8

It felt too familiar. Scrambling into the school, looking like a mess. This time I don't care. I need to get to my boy. Hangover face and rumpled clothes be damned. After parking, I run into the school, my thoughts on Michael.

I enter the office, immediately see him, and my heart stops. Poor little guy, covered in his own blood, ice pack on his nose, and sitting on the bench in front of Mrs. Cope's desk. I notice he's talking to someone, his arm flailing about as it typically does when he's recounting a story. I can't stop myself from interrupting them, and I bend down to his side.

"Baby! Are you okay?"

"Mo-om! Hi! Look at all the blood on my shirt. Is it ruined? It's my favorite one. Dad got it for me when we went to the Sounders game." Why am I not surprised his first comment is about the blood on his shirt and not his nose?

"Michael, I'm sure your dad can get you another shirt. How's your nose? Are you in any pain? Come on, let's go to the hospital. I'm sure you need an x-ray or splint or something."

Gathering up his backpack and lunch bag, I turn to Mrs. Cope. I need to sign him out and make arrangements for Jessica. My mind's racing a mile a minute, "Mom instincts" on high alert. I finally look at the person Michael had been talking with to thank them for staying with him. And then I realize who it is.

Gulping air, I close my eyes as I take in the sight before me. I can't handle this right now.

Edward greets me with a nod and familiar grin.

"Mrs. Black."

"Hello, Mr. Cullen. Actually, it's Ms. Swan."

"Oh? My apologies."

"There's nothing for you to apologize for, this time," I mumble the last bit to myself, and take Michael's hand to leave.

"We've got to stop meeting like this," he chuckles, and I grimace.

"We've got to stop meeting, period," I mumble again.

"What's that?" he asks, passing me the backpack I dropped.

"Nothing. Nothing important. Mrs. Cope, I'm taking Michael to see a doctor. If we aren't back in time, can you please ask Mrs. Chen-"

"You don't need to go to the doctor, Bella," Edward interrupts. "His nose is fine. Pretty sure it's not broken. I'm no expert, but I do have some experience."

I feel the blush creep up my face as I look up at him. Maybe he did remember our time together? "You aren't a doctor, Edward. So, no, you aren't an expert," I scold.

"Wow. Okay. I guess I deserve that. I've been sitting with him the entire time. I was there when it happened."

"What did happen? You're his teacher; couldn't you have prevented this?"

"We were in Phys Ed class. Another student was too enthusiastic during dodgeball. I guess Michael takes after you, Ms. Accident Prone," he says, smiling that smile I remember so well.

"Well, I'm glad it was only an accident, but you don't know it isn't broken."

"He's been fine. Barely flinched. There was a lot of blood, and Mrs. Cope tends to err on the cautious side for injuries. Take him if you insist, but I'm sure he'll be fine. The bleeding stopped almost right away."

Looking down at my little guy, who was watching our interaction, I noticed his face actually did look okay. Not too much swelling. Little bruising. He was even smiling, which seemed out of place.

"Mom! You're finally getting to meet my teacher. I was telling Mr. C. all about your birthday dinner. He told me you were friends when you were my age. You used to celebrate all of your birthdays together. We should've invited him to dinner!" he exclaims with the innocence of a child easily swayed by his loyalty to his teacher. He needs to remember about being loyal to his mother.

"Actually, sweetheart, Mr. Cullen must be mixing me up with someone else. I'm not sure we were ever friends." The hurt from my words is evident on Edward's face, but I don't know what he was expecting.

- HtbF -

After checking in with a doctor who determines Michael's nose is fine, my son and I spend the afternoon together. I also spend some time in the shower, escaping the relentless questions Michael has about my past knowledge of Mr. C. When we pick up his sister, he runs to his friends to show off his badge of honour.

When it's time to leave, I find him at the soccer field behind the school. He's been appointed a sideline official for the game, waving the flag when the ball crosses the line. His face beams with pride and seriousness. I tell Jessica she can go to the nearby playground. The game appears to have just started, so we'll be here awhile.

I make my way over the spectators' stands and find a seat. Taking out my phone to write a few thoughts about my story, I quickly get absorbed into my work and don't realize someone has sat down beside me until he speaks.

"Is that what you think? We were never friends?" Edward quietly asks.

My emotions are so on edge from our prior encounter and my memories, I can't look at him when I reply. "It's how you made me feel when you ended our relationship. I still don't know why you did it, but how you went about it wasn't something a friend would do."

"Bella," he breathes out, shame evident in his voice.

"Look, Edward. I can't do this here. We can't do this here. I know we need to talk, but maybe some other time, okay?" I quickly get up off the bench, but he reaches for my arm to stop me.

"Shouldn't you be coaching right now?" I question.

"The game's been over for five minutes."

"Oh." I look around for my kids, desperate to get away.

"Please, Bella. Promise me we'll talk."

After signalling the kids to meet me at the car, I tell Edward to come to my house after the barbeque. He knows where it is, and I have a feeling I may be in no shape to drive once we've talked.

- HtbF -

The barbeque turns out to be a lot of fun. I see a lot of familiar faces and reconnect with a few old friends. Several playdates are arranged, as well as a few "mom" nights. I was even asked to speak at Mrs. Cope's book club. We stuff ourselves on good food and enjoy the games and information booths set up throughout.

Michael and Jess have made so many friends. It's wonderful to see them so happy, running around and laughing. They are thriving. I know coming back to Forks has been great for them. The jury is still out regarding if it's been the best decision for me.

It turns out the woman I saw with Edward at the grocery store is the first grade teacher. She is here with her husband, a teacher from the high school, who is putting on a demonstration. Apparently she and Edward are in charge of the event and must have been doing some last minute shopping. Angela laughed when I ask her who she is; she can see right through me.

I stall as long as possible, but the kids are showing signs of fatigue, and I know it's time to go. Avoiding Edward at the "Meet the Teacher" event may be a bad parenting decision, but we acknowledge each other in passing. He says he'll be over as soon as the cleanup is done. It gives me time to get the kids bathed, and hopefully asleep, before he shows up.

- HtbF -

I set myself up on the porch swing to wait for him. As the sun goes down, the temperature drops, so, I'm out here with a blanket, a glass of wine, and the bottle. I make a deal with myself to remain calm, in the hopes I may finally get the answers to the questions I've been waiting a long time for.

- HtbF -

Are you happy you didn't have to wait a few weeks in-between chapters? The big one is next.