Warning: Read at your own risk! This story is rated M and for good reason. The prologue alone is going to be hard for some to handle. If you're uncomfortable with language, drug use, and borderline non-consensual sex, I wouldn't recommend this story.
I don't own the characters. I'm just a poor college student borrowing them from someone else.
Chapter 9: Mona Lisa
BPOV
"I just don't get it, Bella."
"Yeah, me either," Rosalie chimed in, "I guess I just want to know: why?"
Rose and Alice were stuck on Edward. They refused to leave it alone, no matter how many times I asked. A simple peck on my cheek set them off. The goodbye kiss witnessed by Rosalie earlier became the main topic of this evening's conversation. If this is how they reacted over something so minor, I wasn't sure I wanted to know how they'd take the news I was about to give them. I took another sip of my Long Island and prepared myself for an all-out assault.
Or maybe, it was a little more than a sip.
"I love him," I confessed, "You're not just talking about my boyfriend here, guys. Edward is my son's father. He deserves two parents just as much, no, more than Edward and I deserve each other."
"Bella, that's bullshit!" Alice vented, "Total, complete, utter bullshit!"
Rosalie stayed quiet. I opened my mouth to defend myself only to be cut off by Alice, "Edward has done nothing but run from responsibility over the past six years. His fucking parents are still paying you child support, for Christ's sake! He left you to do this alone. He took both of you for granted. You're telling me that all of the sudden, now that it's convenient for him, you're dating? Within a week you've gone from barely speaking terms to sleeping in the same bed."
I cut her off, "I didn't tell you that. How do you know I'm letting him sleep with me?"
Alice paused for a moment, as if she'd been caught in the middle of a lie. "It's not hard to guess. Bella, this won't end well. What are you going to tell your baby when Edward runs for the hills?"
Rosalie hesitated to join in, "Alice is right, Bella. I mean... I guess I just don't understand why you're so convinced there's only one man for you."
"Or why that man has to be such a fucking loser," Alice added.
"No one questions why Rosalie loves Emmett. Or why Alice loves shopping. So why is everyone worrying about how I feel towards Edward?"
I knew my argument wasn't valid, but I was grasping for straws. As much as I wanted to ignore everything, I knew they were right. Had this been two weeks ago, I would have been right there with them bashing the father of my son. Hell, last time we'd done a girls' night, I'd done exactly that. We criticized Edward over everything-from his job to the car he drove. Alice and Rosalie saw Edward as nothing more than a pathetic loser; a sperm donor whose five-year-old son's maturity level outperformed his own.
Even then, deep down, I knew bashing Edward wasn't right.
"Bella..." Rosalie trailed off, "Emmett didn't knock me up and abandon me."
She was right. I took another drink to numb the pain. And another. It seemed ridiculous, but the harder they tried to push me away from him, the more I fell. I loved this man. It was stupid and unhealthy and absurd, but I couldn't deny my heart of what it truly wanted. There was something in Edward's eyes that convinced me to let him stay that first night. He looked lost. Hopeless. Desperate.
I knew he'd made mistakes. We both had. But never, in almost six years had he been with another woman. His commitment to me, however fucked up it was, had to count for something. I didn't totally understand Edward's mentality, nor did I agree with it, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel the same way.
He needed help. Edward was still a broken boy who let a stupid mistake control the outcome of his life. I was that mistake. The night we lost our virginity, Edward fell apart.
And I wanted to be the one to put him back together.
"What about Jacob? He was fucking hot," Alice reminds me, "I'll bet he's hung, too."
"Jacob wants no strings attached sex."
"So fuck him," Alice practically begged, "Come on, Bella. Even if you end up with Edward, do you really want him to be the only man you've ever been with? It's not healthy!"
"Alice," Rose scolded, "Emmett's the only man I've ever been with, and it doesn't bother me."
"Shut up, Rose."
"No, really. I think we've hounded Bella enough for one night. She gets the point."
"Loud and clear," I hummed.
"Fine," Alice conceded, "I give up."
"Just one more thing, Bella," Rose added, just as soon as I thought they were going to let it go, "Take your birth control. Regularly. Make him wear a condom just to be safe. And if he does knock you up, wait until Emmett and I aren't around to tell his parents, okay? The first time was ugly enough."
Family dinners. I never had them, really. My parents divorced by the time I was two. When I was younger, mom was too busy to cook. I moved in with dad junior year, and he didn't know how. I lived off frozen food and drive thrus.
Family dinners were foreign to me.
It was one of many reasons I felt so out of place.
For the past couple of days, Edward had been following me around like a lost puppy. Even though I told him to leave me the fuck alone, he still came into Newton's Sports Goods on a daily basis. He'd ask for help with stupid things and bought anything to keep from loitering. By the third day, I'd have enough.
"Edward, you know where the fucking hiking boots are. If you have something to say, just say it."
He needed to tell his parents. Little did he know, his father already knew. When I had the pregnancy confirmed, Dr. Cullen assured me that the patient/doctor confidentiality trumped his connection with his son. Carlisle knew I wanted to tell Edward, and even though it was obvious Edward wasn't taking the news well, his father still acted as if he was none the wiser.
My father, on the other hand, was furious. As soon as he found out about my pregnancy, he threatened to kick me out and send me to Arizona to live with my mom. I still wasn't positive he wouldn't. Eventually, Charlie calmed down and apologized, asking only that I tell him who the father was. I didn't. Charlie immediately jumped to conclusions.
He thought I'd been raped.
I made him promise not to press the matter before telling him a misconstrued version of the truth. As far as Charlie knew, Edward and I soberly planned our torrid encounter. Even after revealing Edward as my baby's father, Charlie seemed hesitant to believe our sex was consensual.
Standing in aisle five of Newton's, Edward invited me over for dinner and to tell his parents. Afterwards, he hoped we could talk. He didn't say about what, specifically, but it was easy enough to assume he wanted to talk about our options. Desperation was thick in his voice. His eyes were bloodshot, and his face was too pale. The little facial hair he was able to grow hadn't been shaved in days. I didn't know if Edward was high out of his mind or just severely depressed. Maybe it was both. Either way, Edward looked like shit.
I reluctantly agreed to dinner at the Cullens'.
I called Charlie during my lunch break to let him know I'd be gone for the night. He offered to come with me, unamused by the idea of even a car ride alone with Edward. I refused. If I was actually going to keep this baby, I needed to learn to stand on my own two feet.
Edward picked me up after my shift. On the way over to his parents, he respectfully maintained his distance from me and tried to assure me everything would be okay. I wasn't convinced. Edward was terrified. As if it wasn't obvious enough from the way his hands shook on the steering wheel, he puked three times between the drive way and his front door. I cracked a joke about morning sickness, reminding him that I was supposed to be the one puking my guts out. He didn't laugh.
Dr. Cullen smiled as we entered their spacious living room. I'd met Edward's mom, Esme, a handful of times-mostly on days where Edward and I were forced to do homework together outside of class. Just as soon as we said our hellos, Edward's older brother Emmett appeared out of nowhere.
And he brought a girl.
"Mom, dad," he announced, "I'd like you to meet my girlfriend, Rosalie."
Rosalie seemed very nervous to meet the Cullens, but for an entirely different reason. Emmett obviously felt strongly about her. As Esme pointed out, he'd never brought a girl home to meet the family. Quick introductions were made. Edward took the liberty of introducing me as his "friend" Bella, as if I even considered him that anymore.
Sitting at the table was awkward to say the least. We mostly ate in silence and I kicked myself for allowing Edward to make such a formal announcement. Esme and Carlisle tried to make small talk with Rosalie and me. I answered their questions politely and Rosalie did the same.
Why did I even need to be here? Edward probably wouldn't even be in the baby's life. As much as I didn't want to put my little bean up for adoption, I wasn't sure I'd have a choice. Even if I kept the baby, Edward didn't seem very interested in being a father.
Emmett finally broke the silence, "Mom, did you get a cake?"
"Yes, honey," Esme laughed, "It's still in the kitchen. Have you even told your brother happy birthday yet?"
"Shit! Sorry!" Emmett laughed, "Happy birthday, Edward."
I looked down at my watch to check the date. I couldn't even remember what day of the week it was. I hardly remembered the month.
June 20. Jesus fucking Christ, today really was Edward's nineteenth birthday.
I looked over at Edward. Why did he chose tonight of all nights to come clean?
"I have something to say," Edward shakily announced.
My eyes met Carlisle's. He had on the perfect poker face. Everyone else looked confused. Only Carlisle and I knew what was coming.
I braced myself as he said the words, "Isabella's pregnant."
Emmett spewed Pepsi all over the table and stayed too busy coughing up a lung to speak. Rosalie looked awkward, as if she didn't know what to say. Carlisle reached for Esme's hand.
"I'm sorry," Edward hung his head, a single tear falling onto his plate, "I'm so, so sorry."
He spoke so quietly, I doubted anyone else heard him.
"Edward Anthony Cullen," Esme began, "How could this happen? When?"
"Graduation party," Edward explained.
Carlisle began drilling Edward for information, as if he had been holding back for weeks, "Were you drunk? Stoned? Did you even use protection?"
"Both," Edward confessed, "And no, I didn't."
"How could you be so irresponsible?" Esme asked, tears flowing, "Bella, why didn't you make him use protection?"
I didn't know how to answer that one.
"Do you do this a lot, Edward?"
"I...no. Not at all, dad."
"Where?" Carlisle asked.
I knew exactly what Carlisle was asking, but Edward needed clarification. "What do you mean, where?"
"Where was this party?"
"The beach," Edward responded.
"You had sex on the beach?"
"No, sir," Edward whispered, "My room."
Rosalie and Emmett sat speechless as Carlisle and Esme to ask questions. I watched in horror.
"Edward Anthony, never in my life have I been so... disappointed. I don't even know if I can use that word. The fact that you could be so irresponsible, so careless... that you could exercise such little self control says a lot about your character. By your twentieth birthday, you're going to be a father. What do you plan on doing?"
"I don't know, sir," Edward cried, "I'm trying to leave Bella's options open."
"Leave Bella's options open? What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"It means, I want her to do what she thinks is best," Edward tried to explain.
"We raised you better than this! I've turned a blind eye to your drinking and smoking hoping maybe it would be some sort of a phase. Never in my wildest dreams did I assume I'd be a grandfather before the age of forty-five! Emmett would never do something so stupid."
Edward's father slammed his hands down on the table. He seemed so calm at the hospital. Never, in my wildest dreams, did I expect this kind of reaction out of him.
"Bella will have all of the support she needs from this family," Carlisle explained, "You, sir, on the other hand, have lost my respect."
I grabbed Edward's hand under the table. Something told me he needed my support more than I needed his.
As much as I loved Carlisle and Esme, I hated how they treated their son when he needed them the most. When Emmett and Rosalie announced their pregnancy two years later, it wasn't accompanied by nearly as much criticism. I loved the Cullens, but I hated the favoritism they showed towards their oldest son.
It still infuriated me. "Everyone needs to cut Edward a fucking break."
"Geez, Bella. We said we'd stop. Calm down," Alice huffed, "So do his mom and dad know about the big reconciliation yet?"
"We're telling them this weekend," I laughed, "Family dinner."
"Fuck," Rose gasped, "I hope my water breaks first. You never know how they're going to react when Edward has something to say."
Our conversation shifted, each of us throwing baby names out for Rosalie. When Henry was born, she and Emmett had a terrible time picking a name. The hospital eventually forced them to flip a coin, deciding between Gunner and Henry. Much to Emmett's dismay and everyone else's relief, Henry won. It seemed as if another coin throw would be in the works for this baby, too.
"Em likes Megan," Rose smiled, "Only because he has a crush on Megan Fox. And hell will freeze over before I name my baby after Megan Fox."
Alice and I laughed. I wondered what Edward and I would do if we were put in the same situation. Though we discussed other names while I was pregnant with Seth, I had been the one to make the inevitable decision. It was no wonder I still regretted it.
"I like Carlie," I clarified, "But you can't use that one. It's mine."
"That doesn't count! You have to be pregnant before you can start calling names," Alice laughed, "Have you even slept with Edward yet?"
Oh, great. This again...
"I sleep with him every night. He's like a giant scruffy teddy bear."
"Bella, stop acting like you're in 11th grade."
"No, Edward definitely has more stubble now than he did in high school," I laughed.
"You're avoiding the question!" Alice pushed.
I knew well enough to omit the details of our almost-encounter in the bathroom, but being fairly tipsy, I wasn't exactly mindful of my words, "Edward and I haven't made love yet."
Both of them gagged. Alice giggled, "Made love? Who calls it that?"
"Someone who obviously hasn't done it for a while," Rose quipped.
"You know, you have to hand it to Bella," Alice pointed out, "Edward must be a really fucking good lay. Why else would she wait around for six years hoping for round two?"
"Well, geez, Alice. Not to be gross, but have you seen his hands?" Rose pointed out, "The man has some freakishly long fingers."
"Ew, Rose, this is your husband's brother you're talking about!"
I remained quiet, entertained by their back-and-forth about Edward's size. They begged me for the specs and I tried to remind them of how long ago it had been. Truthfully, I wasn't sure how much information I wanted to indulge. I still didn't have anything-or anyone else to go off of, but I knew one thing was for sure- my man had nothing to be ashamed of.
"I was sure he wouldn't fit," I finally caved. Four Long Islands had taken their toll on me.
Or was it five?
Rose took me back to her house, all but insisting I spend the night. I kept refusing, knowing she probably wouldn't extend the same invitation to Edward. She kept reminding me of how drunk I was, and to be honest, I was really fucking wasted. In fact, I don't think I'd ever been so drunk before.
Okay, so maybe I had.
When Rosalie and I arrived at her house, the boys were watching a movie. They even had all of the lights off for what I assumed to be added suspense. As if I wasn't having a hard enough time walking, the absence of light made it impossible. Edward tripped over himself to meet me in the foyer, as Rosalie struggled to hold me up.
The room was spinning.
"Jesus fucking Christ," Edward hissed, "What the fuck happened? Does she always get this wasted?"
"Not usually," Rose said apologetically, "Alice was a little tough on her. I didn't realize how hard she pounded the Long Islands until it was too late. She can stay here tonight."
"Fuck that, Rosalie," Edward grunted, "I'm taking her home."
"Edward..." she trailed off, "I don't think that's a good idea."
The frustration was evident in Edward's voice. He'd still yet to say anything to me, and I knew he was pissed. "Why the fuck not? I'm an RN, Rosalie. I can take care of my drunk girlfriend."
Edward wrapped his arms around my waist, "Easy, baby. You okay?"
"Fucking missed you," I slurred, planting a sloppy kiss on his lips.
"I missed you too, baby," he smiled.
"Where's our extra credit?"
"Our what?" he laughed.
"Our biology project," I tried to explain, "Seth Cullen."
"Jesus, she's hammered," I heard Rose mutter.
Edward tried not to let his amusement show through, "Baby, Seth's last name is Swan, remember?"
"Oh yeah," I remembered, "Cullen sounds better though. Why didn't we name him that?"
"We've had this conversation before," he reminded me, turning to Rosalie, "Look, do you guys think you could watch Seth for the rest of the night? He's already asleep and getting her in bed is going to be hard enough without having to worry about him."
Emmett guffawed, "Getting her into bed is going to be easy, little bro!"
"Fuck off, Emmett," he kept his eyes fixed on Rosalie, "Please?"
"Fine," she sighed, "But so help me God, Edward Cullen, if you lay one finger on her... It will be the last thing you do."
"Rosalie," I snapped, palming Edward through his pants, "Edward can finger me all he wants."
Edward's body went frigid and he pulled back a little. Even Rose found humor in my words, joining everyone except Edward in hysterics.
He whispered, "Shhh, baby, you're going to regret this in the morning."
In a blur, we left Rosalie and Emmett's without our son. The grins worn by Jasper and Emmett were only overshadowed by Rosalie's obvious concern. Still obviously annoyed, Edward futilely tried to make conversation with me on the drive home. When we got back to my townhouse, he practically had to carry me inside.
I puked before we even made it out of the parking lot.
"I'm sorry," I apologized, "You're mad at me."
"Not mad. Just worried," he corrected, handing me a glass of water, "Drink."
He led me into my bathroom to get ready for bed, shutting himself out so I could change. I threw on one of his t-shirts and didn't bother with the shorts he retrieved for me. I puked again, brushed my teeth, drank more water, and tried to snuggle up to Edward, who wore only a pair of tight fitting boxer briefs. They left little to the imagination.
"I love you, baby," he whispered after turning out off the lamp on my nightstand, "Goodnight."
I wasn't about to fall asleep.
Nuzzled onto his chest, I lifted up my head to plant a kiss on his cheek. And another. He reluctantly kissed back, pulling me tighter against his body.
"Edward," I exhaled, "I want you."
"No."
"Why not?" I palmed him again, this time he was hard.
"You're drunk, Isabella," he explained, "Please just go to sleep."
"Edward," I whined, "Come on. We have the house to ourselves."
"Do you know how long I've waited for you?" he asked, kissing my forehead, "How many times I've dreamt of you?"
"No, I guess not."
"Years, Bella. Before our first time and after. And in my fantasies, you're always clear headed and willing. Don't let me ruin this again, baby."
"Fine," I conceded, "Let me give you a blow job."
"Love," he whispered, "No."
"Please," I begged, placing my hand back onto his boxer briefs and rubbing.
"Fuck," he hissed, stilling my hand. "Bella, please stop."
My face fell. Edward didn't want me. Not while he was sober, anyway. Sensing my sadness, he rolled onto his side to face me, "I'm not saying no. I'm just saying not tonight; not while you're drunk. Next time we're sober and you want to do... that, I won't refuse. I promise."
His words reassured me, bringing my confidence back. I giggled, "So you're giving me a rain check?"
"Bella, baby, go to sleep. You probably won't even remember this in the morning."
I played with the little patch of chest hair above his tattoo, "When did you get so hairy?"
"Um," he laughed, "I don't know."
I rubbed the stubble under his chin, "I like it."
"Good," he smirked, "'Cause it itches like a mother fucker."
I kissed his scruffy face. I knew I shouldn't press the issue, but I couldn't help myself. I wanted Edward; needed the connection only he could provide me with. Even though the effects of the alcohol were finally wearing down, my judgement was still clouded by euphoria and hormones.
"I love your body," I sighed, moving my hand lower, "And you're such a big guy."
He groaned, but made no attempts to remove my hand, "Bella, do you masturbate?"
"No," I answered honestly, "You're the only orgasm I've ever had."
"Well, maybe you should," he suggested, "You are a very horny girl."
"Maybe you should help me," I countered.
His breathing sped up, "Maybe I will."
Seizing my opportunity, I grabbed Edward's hand with mine and rolled onto my back, pulling his fingers towards the hem of my shirt. I guided his fingers upwards, allowing them to brush the skin just below my breast. I kept testing Edward, expecting him to pull away at any second. He didn't. Instead, he kept going, finally working up the nerve to graze my nipple with his thumb.
"Fuck, I wanna see your tits," he groaned, finally giving in. My eyes had adjusted to the darkness, but my vision was still blurry from the alcohol.
I took off my shirt for him.
"Jesus fucking Christ, I'm going to hell," he sighed, rolling on top of me.
He kissed my face, my neck, my collar bone; his lips lingering on my heart for a while before swiping his tongue across my nipple. My hands flew to his hair, holding him there. He licked, he kissed, he sucked, and when he began to nibble, it was almost enough to make me come undone. He moved to the other side, repeating the actions and bringing me almost to the brink of ecstasy before backing off. I whined when he rolled off of me.
"Edward," I groaned, "Keep going. I think I'm close."
"Bella, if I do, I won't be able to stop. It's hard enough as it is."
It seemed easy enough to me, "So don't."
"Dammit, Bella. Would you go to sleep? As much as I want you and don't want to leave, I will sleep in Seth's room if you don't stop pushing me. I went too far as it is."
Once again, I ignored his warnings. I kissed him again, paying special attention to his bottom lip. But just as he began to cave in again, I passed out.
I woke up the next morning to my blaring alarm clock and a migraine from hell. Edward's bare chest pressed against my back. I was shirtless, but for the life of me, I couldn't remember why. Actually, I couldn't remember much of anything. Edward groaned, moving to turn off the noise on my side of the bed. Silence didn't come a moment too soon for my pounding head.
Edward remained snuggled against me, neither of us speaking. Slowly things started to come back to me. I remembered my conversations with Alice and Rosalie, going back to her place... grabbing Edward's dick in front of our friends and family and oh my God...
I came onto him.
How fucking embarrassing.
"Oh my God," I said out loud, "Edward, I am so sorry!"
He grumbled, still half asleep, "For what?"
"Everything!" I cried, "I can't believe I made such a fool out of myself in front of everyone and...shit. "Where is my son? Did he see?"
"Our son spent the night with his aunt and uncle," Edward corrected, "He was sound asleep by the time you made it back."
"We didn't..." I trailed off. I didn't think we did, but I couldn't be sure.
He sighed in discontent, "I knew you'd regret it."
What was he saying? Did Edward and I actually have sex? And if so, did he use a condom? Where the fuck would he have gotten one anyway? I was on birth control for other things, but I didn't take it as regularly as I should...
It seemed like sex is something I'd at least remotely remember. I wanted to remember it. I recalled taking off my shirt, and Edward's mouth grazing my chest... but what was I forgetting?
"Bella, would you calm down?" he begged, "We didn't do anything."
I glanced down at my chest, wondering if the fondling was just a dream. A purple blotch of skin just above my left breast confirmed that we had at least done something.
"We didn't do anything," I repeated skeptically.
"I kept it above the waist," he clarified, his face turning somber, "I'm so sorry, sweetheart. You kept pushing me, and I knew I shouldn't but I really wanted you."
He mistook my skepticism for regret. I set him straight, "Don't be sorry, Edward. I'm just surprised we didn't do a lot more."
"Trust me, you wanted to," he laughed, "It's probably a good thing you passed out when you did or-"
Edward was cut off by the sound of his cell phone. The hospital was short staffed and begged him to work some overtime for another nurse who called in, holding his own sick day against him. As he rushed to get ready, the smell of burnt toast filled my kitchen. I'd forgotten to warn him of my fast-acting toaster, and even though it was just charred bread, it attacked my senses and upset my overly sensitive stomach.
At least I made it to the kitchen sink before I threw up. Edward paused to hold my hair back, concern evident in his face.
"Are you okay, baby?"
"Fuck, isn't this something I should have been doing last night?"
"You did," he assured me, "In the parking lot. It's a good thing it rained all night."
Oh, great. As if it were even possible for me to feel any more humiliated...
"God, I'm so embarrassed."
"Don't be," he hesitated, "Is this how it was when you were pregnant with Seth?"
"Oh, God, no," I groaned, "Morning sickness is so much worse."
There was a hint of something in Edward's eyes. I couldn't decipher it. Something was on the tip of his tongue. I would have killed to know what. I asked him what he was thinking, and he almost said it. He wanted to say it, and I wanted to hear it. Maybe Edward wanted more kids. I could handle that. But before he could work up the courage to actually say it, I puked again.
After making sure I was okay, he rushed to work.
I took a much needed shower before heading over to Rosalie's to pick up my son. I hoped his presence would help me avoid most of the inevitable questions, and it did. Seth was happy to see me, though he mostly asked for his daddy. It was hard to believe that just a week ago, I was begging him to even spend the night with Edward.
The thought of his transformation, and Edward's, almost had me in tears.
Seth and I went home, stopping by a drive-thru for some lunch. Normally, I'd cook for him, but today I just wasn't in the mood. I wanted to stop by and say hello to my father, but I worried of what my little boy might disclose. It was going to be bad enough when Edward and I confronted Charlie about our relationship next weekend. I wanted to show my father how much Edward had changed, not tell him. It was risky, and I knew my father probably wouldn't take the news well but he would have to deal.
Edward was in my life now. In our lives.
I did need to call him though, to let him know I wouldn't be around tomorrow. Esme actually invited me to dinner before Edward did, unbeknownst to her that Edward and I had reconciled. I didn't allude to Esme's invitation when Edward asked, mostly because I wanted to make him feel special, and also because I needed a bargaining chip to get him to agree to a visit with Charlie.
My dad picked up on the second ring. We exchanged greetings before I told him he wouldn't see me until next weekend, telling him Esme had extended an invitation to Seth and I for dinner. He seemed okay with it, knowing Esme and I were close. It was hard raising a baby without my mom close by, but Esme was a good second-best. He knew that. Everyone did.
"Oh, dad," I remembered, just as I was about to hang up, "One more thing."
"What?" he asked.
"Alice was wondering if you could do her a favor. She interviewed this guy for a position at the hospital the other day, but they can't hire him. He has a degree in law enforcement and experience."
"Oh really?" Dad perked up, "We need a new recruit or two."
"Yeah, so do you think you could help her out?"
"Sure, what's his name?"
"Jasper Whitlock," I winced, waiting for his disapproval.
"Edward's friend?" Dad clarified, though it wasn't needed. How many Jaspers could there be in a town of 3,000?
"Yes, that Jasper."
"Absolutely not," he said without thought.
Jasper and I had a very interesting relationship. I can't say he sided with Edward over everything, because he definitely didn't, but there were definitely times over the past six years when I wanted to kill him. He gave terrible advice, yet Edward trusted him with it again and again. Even still, I respected their friendship.
I also realized that the sooner Jasper got a job, the sooner Edward could move out of their apartment.
"But daddy," I whined, "This is Jasper we're talking about. Not Edward."
"I don't care. Guilt by association. Not hiring him."
"Look, dad. Just give him a shot. Put him on a 90 day trial or something. He might surprise you. Please," I begged.
He remained silent for a moment before letting out a sigh, "Fine, Isabella. I'm only doing this because Alice has done so much for you over the past few years. Why does she care so much about whether I hire him or not, anyway? She's not with him or anything, is she?"
Yeah, right. Like Alice would ever want to date Edward's best friend.
I laughed, "Isn't that technically considered sleeping with the enemy?"
The end of the weekend came too quickly. Due to the endlessly massive hangover, I went to bed early on Saturday. Edward stayed up with Seth before joining me later. It felt so good to have a spare parent in the house. By Sunday morning, I felt much better. Seth helped me make breakfast for his daddy and we took him to work.
I mostly wanted his bitch coworker to see me when we came to pick him up. I knew I had nothing to be jealous over, but I didn't like her. I didn't like the way she touched Edward or the way she called him daddy while we were in the ER with Seth. She had no fucking right. I carried his child for seven months. I've taken care of him for five years. I'd loved him unconditionally and forgiven his faults. Tanya, or whatever her name was, needed to back off.
Fifteen minutes before six, Seth and I made our way into the hospital to pick up Edward.
"Can I help you?" the bitch asked, more sarcastic than serious.
I picked Seth up, holding him close, "We're just here to pick up daddy."
She rolled her eyes, "Right. Okay. One second. He's just finishing up something for me. He'll be right back."
"Awesome. Thanks."
"Your kid looks like you."
I brushed my fingers through Seth's curly brown hair. "I know."
"He doesn't look like Edward."
I looked at my son. I knew he didn't, but I didn't like what she was insinuating.
"I have my daddy's eyes!" Seth proudly announced, earning a kiss on the cheek from me.
"Lots of people have green eyes," she muttered under her breath, "So are you and Edward a thing now?"
"A thing? I think the word you're looking for is family."
"Is that what you're calling it now?"
If Seth wasn't in my arms, I probably would have hit her. "Look, is there a point to this?"
"Just making conversation."
"Well, I don't appreciate what you're implying."
She scoffed and kept going. I ignored her. Aside from making my presence in Edward's life known, I had no real reason to talk to the bitch. Seth and I took a seat in the waiting room as I scanned the hallway for my boyfriend. He finally emerged from one of the ER bays, looking rather miserable.
When he saw us, it was as if someone flipped a switch. Eager to say hi to his daddy, Seth ran towards him. Edward's face beamed as he knelt down to greet our son. He picked him up and walked over to retrieve something from the nurses station. Tanya smiled at me as if to say, look who he went to first.
It seemed stupid that I would let it get to me. Honestly, wasn't the entire point of me coming here to prove a point? I wanted Tanya to recognize the role I played in Edward's life, both as his lover and the mother of his child. At the moment, though, I didn't feel I was successful.
Though the memory was still blurry, I thought of how Edward rejected me last night. Even though I understood and was ultimately glad he did, I still couldn't help but feel unwanted.
"You okay, love?" Edward asked, setting Seth down in the chair next to me.
I snapped out of my thoughts, "Yeah. Fine. Are you ready?"
As soon as I stood up, Edward pulled me close to him and wrapped my legs around his waist. The entire emergency room staff watched as Edward kissed me passionately, his tongue sliding in and out of my mouth. He greedily continued to taste me until I made him pull away. Edward obviously wasn't mindful of his audience, even if it did include all of his coworkers, patients and our five year old.
"Hey, Momma," he grinned, "I missed you."
I kissed him again, returning the sentiment. As we headed for the exit, I couldn't help but glance back at the nurses station. The look on Tanya's face was priceless. My point, our point, had been loud and clear. Edward Cullen was mine.
We talked about our days as we drove to the Cullens'. I couldn't believe I was actually nervous. I'd been to a million Cullen family dinners; we'd spent holidays together and birthdays together over the past five years. Tonight was different, though. For the first time, I was more than Bella, the mother of Edward's child. I was Bella, Edward's girlfriend. And while there didn't seem to be a big difference between the two, it changed everything.
At first, Esme didn't notice. It was actually rather humorous how clueless she acted towards Edward and me. I suppose she was used to our PDA around Seth. It wasn't until we sat down and Edward called me babe that she finally started putting the pieces together. Tears streamed down her face as she and Carlisle waited to hear us confirm what they already assumed was true. Rosalie and Emmett stayed quiet.
Edward leaned over to kiss my cheek before making his confession, "Isabella is my girlfriend. Have I mentioned that yet?"
Carlisle sighed in relief, praising Edward for finally pulling his head out of his ass. Esme continued to cry happy tears, while Emmett nudged Edward and alluded to the events of Friday night. Even Rosalie laughed and seemed genuinely happy for us. The reaction I enjoyed the most, though, was my son's. He grinned as if we'd just made his universe.
Just as quickly as Edward brought their spirits up, I brought them back down.
"I have a job offer in Jacksonville."
I didn't tell them I'd already accepted the job; instead, that I was unsure of whether I wanted it or not. The more I thought about it, the more I didn't want to move. Maybe it was nerves, or maybe I just didn't' see the point. Why move? For a fresh start? I didn't need a fresh start. Money? The newspaper offered me a pay increase if I were to stay. And what was to stop me from moving in with Edward? That, in itself, would save me a ton of money. The only real reason I had at this point was Seth's asthma, to which I couldn't even guarantee moving would even solve the problem.
"I'll be moving with them," Edward announced. It didn't make my decision any easier.
I still had no idea what to do.
After I finished helping Esme with the dishes, I went to find my boys. I assumed they'd be in the family room playing video games with Emmett and Henry, but they weren't. Instead, I had to follow the music in order to find them. Edward and Seth sat at the piano in the formal living room. I stayed quiet, enjoying their interaction and not wanting it ruined by my presence.
"Now, I know Momma's taught you your ABCs," Edward said, "This is A."
He struck the key.
"This is B," he continued, striking another.
"Now, what do you think this one is?" he asked.
"Is it C, daddy?"
"Very good, son," Edward praised, "You're a fast learner."
Edward began to play for Seth. I'd heard it before. It was a song he'd written while we were still in high school. I remembered him playing it for me while I was over here doing homework once. Once, while we were working on a lab project in biology, he'd played it before me. Even though I only heard it one time, I'd recognize it anywhere. Edward could write as beautifully as he played.
"You're really good, daddy," Seth complimented, "How did you get so good?"
"Practice, buddy. And long fingers," Edward laughed, "Which, luckily, you inherited from me."
Long fingers. To no avail, I attempted to keep my mind out of the gutter. But fuck, I wanted Edward. Despite my insecurities, I knew he wanted me too. Edward's issues with intimacy were obvious, but it was hard to take things slow when I'd been waiting so long for him. Even though we'd never been in an official relationship until now, my commitment to him was years in the making. I needed to express it to him.
Suddenly, words from last night reentered my head.
"I'm not saying no. I'm just saying not tonight; not while you're drunk. Next time we're sober and you want to do... that, I won't refuse. I promise."
I intended on holding him to that. Even if he wasn't referring to the actual act of sex, we could at least start somewhere. Seth spoke to his father again, pulling my mind out of the gutter.
"Your friend said I didn't look like you."
Tanya's words bothered him as much as they bothered me.
"What friend?" Edward asked.
"The lady at the hospital," Seth explained softly.
"Oh," I knew Edward was holding back, "Well, you act like me. Just like me. But she wouldn't know that, because she doesn't know how you act. And she doesn't really know how I act, either."
"I wrote this for you," he told him, still unaware of my presence, "Before you were born."
Esme appeared by my side, handing me her digital camera. We remained quiet as we watched Edward interact with his son. He began to play another song. Seth's song. I'd never heard it before.
"I haven't heard Edward play in years," Esme whispered, "It's like he's finally back."
As Esme silently began to cry, tears threatened to fall from my own eyes. I took a few pictures, and Edward finally looked back at me. Esme grabbed the camera, encouraging me to sit with my family.
With Seth at one side, and me at the other, Edward continued to play. It was a beautiful end to an almost perfect evening. The easy part was over. Telling Charlie, on the other hand, would be a different story.
Hoped you liked that one. I have to wonder what Edward would have said had he and Bella's situation on Friday night been reversed. I'm tempted to get him drunk, just to see what he has to say...
Thanks for all who have reviewed and subscribed. It means a lot to me. Next chapter is EPOV. We'll get to see some Charlie, and maybe even a few other thorns in Edward's side... As always, teasers will be included in review replies.
I feel the need to apologize in advance if the next update doesn't come as soon as it should. I'm having surgery at the end of next week. Also, school is coming to an end. So... I'll be kind of busy. I'm hoping, if my surgery doesn't suck too bad, I'll have a weekend off of work to write. So it might not be as bad as I'm making it out to be. Either way... I will update as soon as I can. And if I die... Hopefully broduergirl30 and simba will finish this for me. (Okay, that was a bad joke. but seriously-the outline is in google docs, guys.) It's seriously very minor surgery. I'll be fine.
Thank you so much to broduergirl30 and simba517. Also, to anyone who retweets, recs, or just encourages me to keep going in general. See you next chapter!