Disclaimer: I don't own anything in relation to Twilight, obviously, or else I'd be writing this in a NOVEL

Disclaimer: I don't own anything in relation to Twilight, obviously, or else I'd be writing this in a NOVEL.

Author: Dress Up Romance xx

Beta: lillitgirlx2

Rating: M

Summary: Bella is the new arrival in Forks, best known to the male population as FRESH MEAT. Edward Cullen is infamous for his way with the ladies, so his friends decide to challenge his charm. Can he win their money or will he fail miserably? Bella isn't as innocent and sweet as pictured; she's got a bit of a past and reputation. What happens if Bella finds out about this 'little wager'?

Author's Note: To say that I am in love with you guys would not even cover HALF of it. You are THE ABSOLUTE BEST!! Me and Annie must have sent like fifteen emails back and forth freaking out about this, coming up with awesome new ideas, and freaking out some more! Now it's my job to answer a few common questions...

Yes, the bet will be discussed.

Yes, there is going to be some Mike time.

Yes, we will see Jacob.

No, Ayden was not hurt in the last chapter. He was tired! Could you run around for hours and not get a little sleepy?

Yes, Bella's a mother. She has been for 2 years.

No, Bella isn't going to loose her edge.

Now, on with the story...

BELLA'S POV

I woke up to an empty bed. This was rather unusual seeing as Ayden had asked to sleep in my bed last night. Maybe he had gotten up in the night? Or Charlie could have come and gotten him? No, that's not right. Fear quickly sunk in. Ayden never left me alone in bed, ever. It was a strange little quirk about him. He'd sit and wait for me to wake up, even if it was for hours. Something's wrong, my mind screamed at me.I sat up quickly and went to jump out of bed, but fell backwards from my lack of balance. I felt my head slosh for a moment, but I assumed that was because of my sudden movement. I ignored the fact that it took me a while to stand upright and full balanced. I had to find Ayden.

"Baby?" I looked around my room; everything was still. The windows were closed, my closet door was shut, and the TV was off. Everything was just as I had left it last night. The book I'd been reading before we went to sleep was still on my bedside table, right next to my cell phone. Yes, something is most definitely wrong. My fear tripled. "Ayden?"

"Momma," his voice was a weak whimper coming from somewhere in the hall. Against my body's will, I ran out of the room and followed the sound.

"Hunny!" I shouted, scared beyond belief. He sounded so small, so frail. My natural instinct took over. My own pain could easily be forgotten because Ayden was in some sort of distress. He was my main priority. Every thing else came after, my own health being one of those.

"Momma," he called out. I spun around, my eyes watering as a result of that.

His voice came from the bathroom. I threw the door open to find him curled up in a little ball in the corner, his thumb stuck in his mouth. As soon as he saw me, he sprang to his feet and charged me, tears streaming down his face. On impulse, I picked him up and cradled him against me, rubbing his back all the while.

"It's okay baby, momma's here," I whispered. "I've got you sweety, it's okay." He pointed a little finger in the direction of the toilet and I looked to him with questioning eyes. "What hunny?"

"I phrew up," he whimpered.

Oh. Oh. OH! He's sick! What was wrong with him? He never threw up! He'd only spit up as an infant. Why were all these things he never did, happening now? Was he okay? Was it a stomach bug? Was it contagious? When should I take him to the doctor? How did I take him there...I had no idea where it was? I was a terrible mother! How could I not know where the nearest doctor was? That's something you're supposed to find out immediately. Shit, shit, shit!

"Oh baby," I continued to sooth him as I mentally belittled my incompetence. Terrible, stupid mother...world's worst! How could you do this to him? He could be in horrible danger! He could die, all because of your foolishness.

"My tummy hurts," he whined.

"Mine too pumpkin." and it was true. Ugh, I hope I wasn't getting sick too. How was I going to take care of Ayden if I was sick? Maybe I was just hungry.

"I'm gonna do it again," he cried, prying himself out of my arms. I knelt down beside him as he leaned over the toilet bowl. How had he been smart enough to know to come here when he was sick? Had he seen me do it before? Probably.

I tried to comfort him when he was done, but the scent hit me like an atom bomb. I had to nudge him out of the way so I could empty my stomach. Like I had to him, Ayden rubbed my back and told me 'it's okay'. I had such a good son.

"You sick?" He asked when I was done.

"I think so," I said with a frown. "Are you going to be okay to go back to momma's room?"

He only hummed a response. Though I didn't feel all too well to go back, I had to find out the time and what I was going to do today. So, I hoisted Ayden onto my hip and went back to my room only to be surprised to see it was 12:30 in the afternoon. I put Ayden down on my bed to look at him curiously. Had he been in there all morning? Why hadn't he come and gotten me? Where was Charlie? Why hadn't he noticed all of this happening? How hadn't I, the mother, noticed my son was hurting? All these questions did nothing for my mood.

"Were in the potty long baby?"

"No," he shook his head. "Few minutes befo you came."

Good, I wasn't that horrible of a mother. I held my stomach, hoping that would qualm all the rumbling and ache. It only helped a smidgen. I looked around, wondering what I should do. I could call 911. Well, this wasn't really an emergency per se; they'd probably get angry with me for calling. I could drive into town and just find the hospital. Who would know where it was? Charlie! He'd definitely know.

Ayden lied back on my bed, his little eyes closed. Good, he was going to sleep. "Where granpa?" Well, there go my last two theories.

"He's not home?" I felt like I didn't know anything anymore!

"No."

Damn. I saw my phone by my bedside and decided to call him. I'd be able to ask him what to do until he got home. The line rang four times before he picked up. "Charlie?"

"Bella? Is everything alright?" No! Ayden's sick. I'm sick. You're not here. I don't know what to do. I'm an inexperienced teenage mother. Why did God allow this to happen? "You sound upset?" Just a little!

"Where are you?" I needed to know that first. I prayed he was close.

"Just a few miles away from the house, there was a double homicide so I was called in." Shit. "Why are you calling so late? Shouldn't you be in school?"

"Ayden and I are both sick," I stated. Where did he think Ayden would be if he was at a crime scene? Sleeping alone in his bed? "I don't know where the doctor is!"

"Shit," he mumbled. "Bella, I'm going to be here for hours, until very late tonight and then after that I have work to do at the station. I may not even come home."

"Dad!" I whined into the phone. "What am I supposed to do?"

He was quiet for a minute. "Dr. Cullen! I'll call him and ask him to come over? Okay sweet heart? Just sit tight for a few minutes; I'll have him over as soon as possible. In the mean time, is there anyone who can come over? Rose? Alice? Another friend?"

Edward! I hadn't even considered calling him yet. Of course, how hadn't I thought of him? "Yeah, I know someone."

"See if they can stay with you for the night." Was he serious? A boy...is sleeping over? Whoa. "I'm so sorry I can't be there for you Bella, but I have to go. I'm calling the doctor now, okay?"

"Yeah, thanks dad." But the line was already dead.

I quickly dialed Edward. Unlike my father, he picked up on the first ring. "You're not in school. Is everything alright?"

"No," I moaned, my stomach lurching. "We're sick."

"I'm on my way."

"Thank you," I whispered but he'd already hung up. What was with people hanging up without saying goodbye?

EDWARD'S POV

When Bella didn't pass me on my way to English after first period, I was a little confused. I brushed it off though, assuming she had to stay after with her teacher. But then she wasn't in Trig, according to Alice, and then I didn't see her again after my fourth period class. So by the time I was in gym, I was freaking out. No one had heard anything from her. I sent her nearly thirty text messages, but got no response back. Just when I was about to leave class, I got the phone call I was dying for.

"You're not in school. Is everything okay?" My heart was pounding out of my chest. If anything happened to her...I don't know what I would with myself. We hadn't had any time together! I had so much to tell her, so much to show her. I wanted years, a lifetime with Bella, not a day. I couldn't handle losing her. I'd die.

I'd die for her. When did this happen? When had my life changed so much that I was willing to risk my life for someone. Better yet, when had my life changed that if I lost someone, I would die? I guess it was anywhere in between the first day of seeing Bella in gym for the first time and yesterday. Somewhere along the line, I fell and I fell hard. Bella did the impossible. She changed me. No, she fixed me. I had been out of order for years now and she took the time to find my kink and repair it. I had no way to repay her beside total devotion and praise.

I was brought out of my stupor by a little snivel on the phone.

"No," she moaned into the phone. That was it for me. I was already outside of the gym, my keys in hand. I don't care if she didn't want me to come, it was my obligation. But there was more. I heard her take in a deep breath before saying, "We're sick."

I was now running to my car. It was like I couldn't get there fast enough. "I'm on my way," I said quickly before hanging up.

Idiot! Why'd you hang up? You should have stayed on the line with her until you got there. That would have been the smart thing to do, but around Bella I tended to be a little bit stupid. In order to make up for my lack of manners, I sped, faster than usual, all the way to her house. I didn't think twice about pulling up right next to her car and bursting through the front door.

"Bella!" I called. My heart was racing as I walked around, looking for her. I popped my head into the kitchen but it was empty, at least empty of Bella.

"In the living room," she said hoarsely. I rushed in to find her sitting on the couch with a blanket around her shoulders and Ayden curled up in her lap. Even though I could tell she was in pain, she beamed at me. "Thank you so much."

"It's nothing," I promised her. It really was nothing. I would do anything to prove to her how much I truly cared. It amazed me that all this chivalrousness was coming out of me. I was like a new, whole better person because of her. I was really starting to like that idea. I was a little past due for a change.

She just smiled all over again. I quickly went to her side. "I really wish I didn't pull you out of class just for us."

I bent down to kiss her head, which burned my lips. She was on fire. I couldn't help the frown from gracing my face. I didn't like the idea of them being sick. "Quit worrying Bella. You think Mr. Inzano will even notice I left? He's up in the clouds."

She giggled lightly. "He really is. Remember when he forgot we had class?"

"Yeah, how do you forget something that happens five days a week?"

"I think he just wanted an excuse to go fishing." Her cheeks were a rosy pink as she laughed. "I already feel better."

"I know I'm good," I said with a grin, "but I'm not that good."

She snaked her arms around my neck and I leaned in to kiss her but she turned and gave me her cheek. "You are," she said softly, "which means I can't taint you."

"And here I was thinking I'd be the one doing the tainting," I said with a laugh. I looked down to see Ayden stirring. "I bet I know exactly what you two need."

"What's that?" Bella asked with her head cocked to the side.

"My mother's special chicken soup," I said proudly. My mother had taught Alice and me the recipe when dad had been sick for two weeks a few years ago. It was all he'd eat, so we had to learn it for when mom wasn't home. Back then I hated having to, but right now it seemed like a blessing in disguise.

"Aww," she cooed. "You cook?"

"Only for you," I said before getting up. "Lie down and try to rest until your food is ready. Okay?" I made my way to leave when a thought hit me. Had they seen a doctor? What was wrong with them exactly? Would they be okay?

"Your dad is on his way, just so you know." It was like she could read my mind!

"I'll make enough for four then."

"Mmm," she droned before lying down. I stood in the doorway for a moment, just to look at them. Bella positioned herself so her back was facing me, with Ayden between her and the couch. Her arm was wrapped tightly around his middle as the cuddled closer together. I'd never seen a cuter moment in my life. I felt like I was being invasive by standing there and watching, so I made my way into the kitchen.

I was lucky that their kitchen was well stocked, because I hadn't even thought of the fact that I needed certain things for the soup. After some extensive searching, I found all the requirements and a nice pot to cook it all in. I was about ¾ of the way done when the doorbell rang. Knowing Bella was probably asleep; I rushed to the door and wasn't surprised to be looking at my father.

"Edward?" He was surprised. I should still be in school.

"Bella's sick," my voice was reasoning enough. "She's in the living room; I'm making some soup for everyone."

"Does your mother know you're here?" Carlisle asked, following me to the kitchen. "I'm sure she'd be thrilled to here about this."

"Dad," I looked him directly in the eye. "Bella and Ayden are both sick. We can talk about this later. You came here for them, so why not do that?"

I knew he wanted to push the subject further, but I was right. He only huffed before leaving the room to go take care of them. I quickly got back to finishing the soup. I ladled some into everyone's bowls and took it into the living room. When I walked in, Ayden was standing up while Carlisle had a Popsicle stick stuck on his tongue. Bella was looking at him reproachfully, a frown planted on her plump lips.

"So what's the prognosis doc?" Bella asked.

Carlisle pulled the stick away and threw it in the trash. He then went into his bag and pulled out a book of stickers and handed them all to Ayden. "That's for being such a good boy."

"Tanks!" Ayden cheered. The only sign of him being sick was his paled face and rosy cheeks. Other than that he was his normal self, bouncing about and acting blissful.

Carlisle turned to face Bella. "It seems like you two are just suffering from a 24-hour stomach bug. It's a little odd that you've stopped throwing up so soon. Your stomach still hurts, right?"

"It's been killing me," she whispered, obviously trying to keep Ayden form hearing. I admired the fact she didn't want to worry him. Protecting Ayden was by far the most important thing to her.

"Let's see how you react to the soup. If you throw that up, then my theory will be confirmed. If you don't, then it may have been from what you last ate."

"Okay," Bella motioned for me to give her the soup. "Ayden baby, it's time to eat. Come sit with mommy."

Ayden was quick to obey his mother. I handed everyone their bowls before taking my seat on Bella's open side. I looked to her with an encouraging grin before starting on my own soup. She was hesitant at first, along with Ayden, but once they saw Carlisle and I practically drinking it, they both did as well.

"So?" Carlisle asked when they were done.

Bella looked down at Ayden. He was smiling but only a few seconds later, it turned into a grimace. His face paled over again and he shot out of his seat. I sighed, sagging back into the couch. Bella was on his tail instantaneously.

"Soup was a bad idea," I grunted.

"No," Carlisle disagreed. "They need to eat something, even if their bodies weren't going to except it. I'm going to leave you in charge; I know you'll know how to take care of them. Make sure they drink some fluids. Give them Gatorade, to get their electrolytes back up."

"Our electro what's?" Ayden asked as he walked back in, Bella following close behind.

"It's what you lose when you throw up sweety," Carlisle explained. "Don't worry though. They're easy to get back. Edward's going to take care of you guys for the rest of the day, okay? If anything gets worse, you know how to reach me."

"Yeah, of course," I said.

"Thank you so much Mr. Cullen," Bella said sweetly. "We really appreciate it. Don't we Ayden."

"We weally do," he nodded his little head as proof. Carlisle just ruffled his hair before leaning in to hug Bella.

"Feel better guys!"

"Thanks," they said in unison.

"So what's next on the agenda Mr. In Charge?"

BELLA'S POV

After Carlisle left, Edward insisted we just rest. I suggested we all go up stairs to my room, so Ayden and I could lie down better. But Ayden didn't want to stay with us anymore. He wanted to sleep in his own bed. I was very wary of the idea, he was still sick and I wanted to stay with him since I hadn't been there for him earlier. When I told him he could sleep in between Edward and me, he got angry. He didn't like that I wasn't listening to him.

"My bed," he pointed towards his room. I groaned loudly. I really didn't think I could just leave him in his room right now. "Pwease."

"Bella," Edward soothing rubbed my back, "If he wants to sleep alone, let him. He knows to come get us if anything's wrong. Right buddy?"

"Rwight!" Ayden said determinedly to me. I looked to Edward only to see his hopeful face. Ayden was lucky he had Edward on his side. I already couldn't say no to Ayden, but Edward too? They could get me to do anything if they wanted.

"Fine." I caved.

Ayden just giggled as we all walked into his room. It had hardly been used since we got here. Back in Phoenix, Ayden slept in his bed and I either slept in the rocking chair next to it or on the floor. I only very rarely slept in my own bed. Now that we were here, Ayden persisted we slept in my bed together. I didn't disagree; sleeping on the floor was doing a number on my back. So, his decision to sleep alone tonight, when he needed me the most, was alarming. Was he mad at me? Had I done something wrong? How could I make it up to him? Would he come find me if he was in pain or would he try to tough it out? I hated my lack of answers. It made me feel even worse about my parenting.

After giving Edward a sloppy kiss on the cheek, Ayden grabbed my face in his hands. Our eyes locked together, his warm and at peace, mine full of worry. "I be fine momma, go sleeps wif Eddie."

Did he want me and Edward to be alone? Could he really understand that? Like the little mind reader he was proving to be, Ayden just nodded at me. Though it could have just been a coincidence, I felt eased by this action. Ayden always knew how to comfort me.

"Okay sweety, good night." I tucked his blanket up under his chin and kissed his forehead softly. Its warmth has certainly decreased, I was pleased by this. Maybe I wasn't so bad at being a mom.

"Night momma, night Eddie," he called after us. I shut his door softly and Edward took my hand in his.

"I'm going to use the bathroom; I'll be right in, okay?" He pressed his lips to my forehead softly and I nodded.

We parted ways in the hall. I walked into my room, pulling off my t-shirt and then sliding off my pants. It was too hot to wear that right now. Or at least, I was too warm to. So, I grabbed the first pair of shorts I found and a wife beater. Just as I snuggled into my bed, my phone started vibrating on the night stand. Who would be calling me now? Actually, a few people. Charlie would be wondering how Ayden and I were. Alice would want to know why I wasn't in school. Then there was Carlisle, he probably wanted to see how we were feeling. Maybe even Esme, surely Carlisle had mentioned we were sick and she was checking up on us. Oh, and Rose! She and I were supposed to hang out after school today. She probably was one of the people wondering where I was and what happened to me.

I picked up my phone, only to find out it was none of those people calling. The little screen had a different name on: Jacob. Why the hell was he calling? What did he want? I decided I didn't need to know. He was my past and would forever stay that. I shut my phone off and threw it into the drawer. Jacob couldn't haunt me no matter how badly he wanted to.

I told people I moved here for Ayden, but that wasn't the only reason. Back there, Jacob was still around. He was everywhere, haunting me, reminding me of what I once was. It was like his job to make sure I never forgot. He wanted to keep me down. He never wanted me to rise about my horrible addiction. He'd try to sell me drugs as often as possible, saying you can never quit. Sometimes, as disgusted I was with myself, I wanted to buy them. I wanted to go back to my old life where I was high all the time, happy with Jacob and a free soul. But then Ayden's face flooded my mind and the guilt always beat out my cravings. Though I was never fully healed. In literal terms, I was still an addict I'd just been forced out of my habit. I would never be clean; Jacob had burned that into my brain. I'd never be anything more than a dirty, worthless, little druggie. I was no one and I'd remain that way until my dying day.

"Bella?" Edward was sitting next to me on the bed, his eyes searching mine. I must have looked awful, sitting there with my eyes watering while staring at a wall. He probably wanted to know what was wrong, but I wasn't ready to tell him. I barely could admit to myself I was a failure. No matter what, I'd always fail. I had failed Ayden as a mother. I had failed my parents at being a good daughter. I had failed myself at being happy. I had failed God in following his word. I had failed everything. Like I would soon fail Edward. But I didn't want to. I wanted to try and prove that I wasn't a failure. That Edward was the one thing I could do right. And if I succeeded, maybe he could help me be a better mother. Maybe he'd be the one to help me. To fix me.

"I'm okay," I sniffled. "My stomach just hurts."

I had to give it time before telling him. He wasn't ready for all of this. "Okay, do you want to have the TV on or just lie down?"

"Lying down is perfectly fine," I told him. He smiled that signature grin at me and I felt my fears of before melt away. I may never be able to get over things, but hopefully with Edward around I could forget them for a while.

Edward lied on his back, his hands behind his head as he stared up at the ceiling. I rested my head on his chest and curled up against him. The warmth from his body was astounding. Instead of being overwhelming, it seemed to make me feel better. I pushed myself against him more, craving the feeling. He wrapped his arm around me, pulling as close as possible. His hand started rubbing circles on my back and I couldn't help the yawn from escaping my lips. My eyes drooped closed and the next thing I knew, Edward was humming softly to me. The sound was perfect, like my own lullaby. I was asleep in seconds.

I didn't sleep forever as I wished. Instead, I woke up because my bladder was screaming at me. I peaked open my eyes to see Edward's closed shut, his mouth hung ajar as he breathed in deeply. He was snoring lightly. I smiled at the action, it was very cute. I detangled myself gently, before pushing off the bed. My head felt better, along with my stomach, so I could only assume Ayden was recovering too. I peaked into his room to see his little faced buried into his pillow, his arm wrapped around one of his stuffed bears. I shut the door lightly and almost jumped out of my skin when I came face to face with Charlie.

"Hi dad," I said, a little confused. Wasn't he supposed to be at work?

"Hi Bella," he was frowning at me. "I decided to put my work at the station off until tomorrow so I could come make sure you and Ayden were okay."

"That's so sweet of you dad," I said with a smile.

"I thought so," he agreed. "But it looks like you already have someone here taking care of you?"

Damn, I forgot about Edward. I hadn't really explained him to Charlie yet. "Yeah, well you see about that…"

"I'm not the only one who is wondering."

Double damn. Who else could be here? Wait, I knew exactly who. Alice and Rose. Of course they'd come to see what was wrong with me. I wasn't ready to explain to them about Edward. I barely understood any of it. It all just happened so fast and so wonderfully. Would any of it make sense to them?

"Wake him up Bells and meet us in the living room," Charlie ground out before turning his back on me.

Triple damn!

AUTHOR'S NOTE: So this chapter was my longest, I think. We've already got the next two chapters planned out after this one, but if you have any ideas feel free to give them. Tell me what you guys are thinking. I love hearing from you guys. You're the best!! I know this chapter was basically fluff but think of it as calm before the storm. Something's coming

If I get 25 reviews, the chapter will be posted on Saturday.

If I get 35 reviews, the chapter will be posted on Friday.

If I get 40 reviews, the chapter will be posted on Thursday night.

If I get 55 reviews, Chapter 10 will be posted on Thursday morning and I'll throw a small lemon into Chapter 11.

65 reviews or more makes that a big, juicy lemon.

Shouldn't be too hard seeing as I have over 180 story alerts for this story. It's all up to you guys!!