To die and part is a less evil; but to part and live, there, there is the torment. ~George Lansdowne

Chapter 10:

Carlisle heaved a long sigh as soon as they drove away from Bella's place; he knew that Edward read his mind, a quick rundown of his involvement in Bella's life. Edward gave him a sideward glance gathering some bits from what he could read from his father's thoughts. What a small world!

Carlisle spoke first, "Yes, Bella and I had met before. But I would rather have her tell you the story around it." Carlisle seemed uncomfortable, concentrating on the road as he maneuvered his Mercedes SLS AMG onto the main highway.

"No problem Dad. I intend to hear it from her, and besides, it's her story to tell." Edward was contemplating on Bella's situation, no wonder she'd been despondent and heartbroken. He could only empathize with her plight. Edward had no plan of asking Bella about it, she had to be ready to talk about it, and when that time came then he would listen and offer moral support.

Carlisle was deep in his own thoughts too; Edward tuned him out, not wanting to invade his privacy. The rest of the drive back to their house was spent in communal silence, with only the soft humming of the engine in the background.

They were walking up the front steps to their house when Edward finally spoke, "Thanks again, Dad, for coming to see Bella with me."

Carlisle had an easy smile. "No problem son, you know you can call on me anytime."

"I also want to apologize if I became a bit territorial back at Bella's house; I don't know what came over me when I saw her hurting like that."

"It's a natural reaction Edward. I probably would have done the same if Esme was in a similar situation. No need to apologize, I understand." He gave his son a squeeze on the shoulder.

The house was quiet when they got in. "I wonder where everyone went?" Edward asked as he left his crutches in their usual place. He saw a note on the hallway bureau. Waving the note to Carlisle, "Mom said they all went hunting and will be back in a few hours."

Edward was counting the hours until it was time to head back to Bella's place. He didn't want to go back right away, afraid to appear too anxious and desperate to see her. But he was indeed desperate. Desperate to be with Bella, to see her, to feel her and to inhale her delicious scent of freesias and strawberries. He'd been trying to push the spine tingling appeal of her blood to the back of his mind. How could he keep her safe, when he was craving her?

He'd have to keep a tighter reign of his self control, he decided. He just hoped that there would never be a time that his actions would put her in direct danger.

There was nothing much to do but listen to some music before it was time to see her again. He paced his room while listening to some old tunes. Too much time on his hands, he thought. This would be one of those days he wished he could sleep. It would have chopped some chunks of time while waiting to see her again.

Damn, she was all he could think of. One could go crazy just obsessing about the one they love. Love? Was he in love with Bella? Already? When did that happen? The reality hit him like a freight train, like a hard blow to his gut. Is this what they called love?

What in the world was he going to do now? He had nothing to offer her; he was a vampire, a crippled one at that. Edward was agonizing over his feelings when he heard Alice's mind just outside his door. "C'mon in Alice, I know you're out there."

The doorknob turned and Alice carefully peeked in, her pretty face hiding a smile. "Hiya Edward!" she greeted him cheerfully as she closed the door behind her. She walked over to Edward who was busily rearranging his CD collection in a neat pile.

"What's up Alice? Got something new to tell me?" He eyed his sister quizzically; her eyes were deep gold as she playfully tugged on her brother's arm to sit down.

"Nothing much, we just came back from hunting, as you know already." They sat on his bed, Edward sprawled his legs in front of him, gently positioning his prosthesis in place while Alice removed her ballet flats to tuck her legs beneath her. "So, do you believe me now when I told you that you and the girl will have a relationship?" she asked playfully.

"Alice, her name's Bella," he corrected her, "and yes, it seems like we've connected in a way." He was thinking of the kiss they've shared as a little smile broke out on his face.

"Okay, Bella it is." Alice stuck her tongue out at her brother, just to annoy him while Edward pretended to strangle her.

"Do you want to talk about it Edward?" Alice asked, referring to his feelings which she knew were bottled up inside, like they always were.

He pulled out a pillow and propped it in his back to lean against the head board, debating what he would say. "I think I'm in love with her Alice, and it's a frightening revelation since I haven't felt this way before." He looked at Alice to see if she'll laugh at him.

Alice kept a straight face, not wanting to embarrass Edward needlessly. "I knew you would fall for her, I couldn't tell you that because I didn't want you to run away." She was certain that Edward avoided many things in his existence, due to fear of getting hurt and rejected. She could only guess that he felt he was never good enough because of his handicap.

She had hoped that Bella would love him just as he deserved to be loved. Edward knew what his sister was thinking; he put his arms around her as she leaned on him, her head rested on his shoulder.

"Alice, I know you are trying to protect me from my own actions, from myself. But you could have given me a fair warning," he scolded gently. "It hit me out of nowhere, and I don't know what to do with myself now," he finished, thinking of how consumed he was with all things that involved Bella.

"Edward, if I told you that this was going to happen, you wouldn't be around would you? I can envision you hiding under a rock," she gently chided him.

"I guess so." Edward looked out the window; he didn't have any other answer to that.

They lay still and quiet, enjoying each other's company while listening to the music, accompanied by the quiet humming of the wind outside.

Traffic was always light on Sundays. Good thing, Edward thought as he drove to Bella's place. He spent the afternoon hanging out with Alice, glancing at the clock every ten minutes, willing it to go faster so he could see Bella again.

About half a mile from his turn, he saw a figure walking out of a local drug store. He couldn't miss her, he drew a sharp breath and then he was sure. What the hell was Bella doing walking alone, when she should be resting at home?

Edward slammed on the accelerator and the car responded, its tires screeching on the highway's asphalt. He stopped the car a few meters from the crosswalk and got out of the car, not bothering to turn off the engine. Bella was oblivious to her surroundings. She was so deep in thoughts that she didn't notice that Edward was standing next to her. She jumped as his cold hand touched her. "What are you doing walking out here?" he asked, sounding angry.

"Gosh Edward, what are you doing sneaking up on me like that?" She was clearly startled and she didn't like the tone of his voice.

He held her by the elbow and pivoted her to the opposite direction of the crosswalk, leading her to his car. "I asked you a question Bella, what are you doing out here? You are supposed to be resting, for Christ sake, you just got out of the hospital yesterday!"

He deposited her in the passenger side and slammed the door. He didn't want her out in the street walking, it was a good mile walk back to her place.

Bella was puzzled by his behavior but she wouldn't let him talk to her like that. "Why are you using that tone of voice with me Edward? I am not a child, and I certainly am not answering to anyone. I can do anything I damn well please," she said, her voice rising.

Edward was taken aback at Bella's challenging demeanor. Clutching at the steering wheel, he tried to calm himself down. He had no right to talk to her in that manner and tone of voice.

"Bella, I am sorry, I don't know what's gotten into me. I just feel very protective of you. I just couldn't bear the thought of you walking alone, in your present condition," he stammered, ashamed of his outburst.

At that point, they got to Bella's trailer and she opened the car door and got out of the car even before Edward had a chance to shift the car to park. She stormed up to her door while rummaging through her purse for the key.

Edward was already on her heel, awkwardly walking with his crutches on the pebbled path. He let go of one crutch to stop her and turn her to face him. "Bella, I really am sorry for acting that way, as I said, I don't know why I reacted that way….. Please tell me you're not upset with me?"

"For your information, I walked to the store because I ran out of toiletry stuff; I didn't think I needed to ask for your permission to go out," she said sarcastically. She was obviously upset, Edward could tell by her increased heart rate and her flushed face.

"You're right Bella, I don't have the right to tell you what to do. Can you forgive me?" He looked so repentant, Bella's heart melted.

"It's okay, I accept your apology Edward, just make sure that you would keep your temper in check next time." She smiled at him finally.

"I don't know what else to say, I ahhh….. except I will try to hold my emotions at bay next time." He felt like an ass, what in the hell made him act the way he did? Was that a part of being a vampire in love? Did they act on instinct alone?

One thing for was sure, Edward realized that he wouldn't want to be apart from Bella. He could not stay away from her anymore.

When they got in her trailer, Edward started picking up the remnants of the table that he broke the other night and made a mental note that he had to replace it soon. Bella was in the kitchen taking some microwavable enchiladas from the freezer and popped it in the microwave.

"Would you join me for dinner?" She invited. Edward looked at her when she asked, "I'm fine, I just ate. Thanks for asking."

Bella was silently wondering about him, he knew. She was fast-forwarding all the questionable aspect of his character, his cold touch, his refusal to eat and his pale skin color. How long would it be before she asked him?

And what would he tell her?

He sat on the sofa without taking his eyes off Bella, he couldn't seem to stop looking at her. Getting his fill and drinking every inch of her being, he patted his lap as an invitation. She took her enchilada and a glass of milk with her as she shyly sat on his lap.

Putting his arms around her waist, Edward closed his eyes and let her delectable scent caress his senses. He could stay like this for all eternity.

Bella finished her food as quickly as she could and turned around to cuddle with Edward, sliding down on his embrace to get a better look at him. He seemed peaceful now, he was even humming a tune under his breath. She nuzzled her face in his neck, immersing herself with his thick, masculine scent. She could go on forever like this. This felt right; it felt like she had finally found her home, her peace.

Edward sensed the soft sigh that came out of her lips, heard what she had been thinking. He tilted her chin up so he could look her in the eye as he spoke, "It seems like we have much to tell each other, Bella. I would like to know more about you. Is that asking too much?" He wasn't quite sure how she would take his request.

She bit her lips as she thought about it. There was much to say between them and many questions that needed answers. It took sometime before she answered. "Yes, I would like to know more about you Edward and I will tell you as much as I can about myself."

With a gleam in his eyes, Edward slowly got up with some effort, still holding Bella in his arms. She was startled by his strength but worried that he was exerting himself more than necessary. He slid her down gently on her feet without letting go of her waist. "I just had an idea, why don't we drive to the beach and go for a night stroll? Do you think you are up for that? The fresh air may do you some good."

"Oh Edward, I would love that! I haven't been to the beach yet." She squealed like a child when she responded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She hurriedly went to her room to grab her purse. "I'm ready."

The drive down to La Push beach was entertaining for Bella. Edward was animatedly pointing out some landmarks and points of interest as he drove. They left the windows rolled down, this was a welcome change for Bella, she liked the cool wind blowing on her face.

Ever since she arrived in Forks, all she did was work. She had not explored the outskirts or the neighboring towns. She didn't own a car; she walked mostly to work, to the grocery store and the bank. Her only form of entertainment was to head to the record store to listen to some CD's that were offered for sampling to customers and that's where she bumped into Edward.

Edward was listening in to her silent musing. He would love to take her places, drive her whenever she needed to go someplace and just keep her company. He would love to do anything for Bella and be with her all the time.

They reached the First Beach and Edward parked his car close to the path going down to the beach. Bella removed her sandals as Edward was deliberating whether he would take his crutches or not. If he did, he wouldn't be able to hold Bella's hand and if he didn't, there's a possibility of falling or slipping.

Bella was watching him while he was deliberating and quietly spoke. "Edward, you can hold onto me, I want to hold your hands while we walk." She was bracing herself for Edward to bite her head off for offering. But it didn't come, he simply stared at her and sighed as he got out of the car.

He came around the car to open her door and help her out. The evening wind was chilly and he noticed that Bella didn't bring a jacket.

"Hold on a second." He opened the back compartment and retrieved a sweatshirt he'd kept there. He draped it around Bella's shoulder with care.

The beach was almost deserted except for a few couples sitting on dry logs on the beach. Edward held Bella's hand as they started down the path. She liked the tender way that he held her hands, the gentle pressure of his fingers on her were like a silent caress, a promise of what lies ahead.

Despite the icy feel of his hand, she could feel the warmth that his presence brought to her life. For the first time in a very long time, she felt like she was home here in his arms.

She gently took his hand and draped it over her shoulder; she was hoping he could put some of his weight on her, just like he would the crutches.

"Bella, I am pretty steady on my feet, I can walk without the crutches for the most part," he explained as he hugged her closer.

"I know. I observed that but I just want you to hold me like this." She nuzzled her face under her chin, content with their closeness.

As they walked the strip of beach in silence, the only reminder that they were not alone was the splashing of water as it hit the sand, the cries of seagulls as they flew above and the soft sensual sound of sea breeze. Bella would stop walking every now and then to sink her toes in the sand.

After what could have been an hour of walking, Bella started to wonder if Edward was tired, if he was just not showing it for her benefit.

"Bella, I am not tired," he said, answering her thoughts.

"How did you do that?" she asked suspiciously. Edward was caught off guard, forgetting the fact that he hadn't told Bella his mind reading ability. "It was a lucky guess, that's all. Was that what you were thinking?" He lied. This lies must stop, he told himself.

"Hmmm…."Her forehead wrinkled, she wasn't buying it but she'd leave it alone for now. "If you're not, I am a bit tired and we have ways to go," she said, motioning where they came from.

They turned around and started heading back to the car. The temperature had dropped dramatically and she started shivering and he let go of her hand, worried that this compounded her shaking. Edward pulled the sweatshirt that he'd draped on her shoulder so he could help her put it on.

As they got to the car, she started shaking her legs and wiggled her toes to remove the remnants of sand that were still sticking to her feet. Edward was sitting on the driver side with his legs still sticking out of the car, he took of his shoes to removed the sand that were lodge in his prosthetic feet. The silver metal was visible under a foot cover that he was wearing. It did not escape Bella's notice as she stared at him.

Edward self consciously put his socks and shoes back on, his lips twisted into a grim line. He'd just wished at the very moment that he was complete with legs. Damn it! hHe thought angrily.

As soon as they got back to her place, Bella handed Edward's sweatshirt back to him. "Thanks for the lovely evening." Her voice was cracked, panicked at the anger that crossed Edward's face back at the beach and her sudden and undeniable longing for two people she greatly missed. Edward must think she lost her mind.

"Bella, I….." She left him in the living room and went to her bedroom half running; he followed quietly and found her sitting on the bed. He knocked lightly on the partially closed door. "Bella, maybe this is a good time to talk?' he asked.

Bella looked up, tears were threatening to spill. Her lips quivered and she lowered her head to hide her face underneath her hair. Edward sat next to her and held her for a moment without saying a word.

They held onto each other for what seemed to be an eternity. Bella held on to Edward's arms like he was a life preserver, her last chance of staying afloat.

"I wanted to apologize again for my behavior back at the beach. I am still coming to terms with my disability, which is a constant struggle for me. I promise that I will try harder not to push you away."

"I know Edward, I can see it in your eyes and I understand. I am just scared if you wouldn't want me around because of it."

"Oh no Bella, if there's anything in my lonely existence that made me embrace what I have now; it's when you came into my life. I would gladly trade anything to have you in my life anytime." The honesty in his voice was evident.

Bella could feel that she was getting too emotional. Her present mental state was like a roller coaster. The sudden longing for the twins made her cry all over again.

Edward knew that Bella needed to talk about this, and today was a good time for Bella to finally get it off her chest. "Bella, please talk about it. I swear you would feel much better about everything after." He sat next to Bella and gave her a reassuring look as he held her hands.

Bella's POV:

I didn't expect life to be a walk in the park nor did I expect it to bulldoze its wrath on me. I barely got away alive from the monster of a man that I once loved. Being blindly in love got me in this heap of trouble, made me miss the warning signals that were blaring at me. How could I have failed to see what kind of person he really was? For that, I only had myself to blame. I paid dearly for my blunder, costing me a great deal of heartache and pain. I suffered the consequences of my lapse in judgment and I fully accept the repercussions resulting from it.

The dreadful memories of the violence and insults still lingered. I had recurring nightmares on those awful moments with Jason. People always say that time heals all wounds, that time finally came but not sooner as I wished it had. Slowly progressing to the path of healing, although my scars were deep, I was able to forget Jason after some time.

Forgiveness may come later, I cannot fully blame him for everything that happened between us. If I had been strong enough to walk away instead of cowering in fear and denial, I wouldn't have allowed things to go any further. I didn't have to be his punching bag, his doormat and a sorry excuse for a girlfriend. I blamed myself for allowing things to happen and not walking away sooner. I learned to forgive myself, the acceptance gave me the strength to move on.

Time healed the wounds but time was my enemy for I had too much free time on my hands. Idle as I was, I had nothing to do with my free time. It made my nights and days unbearable for I was alone. There was one thing that became crystal clear to me. I was done running away,

I was going to face life as it came, head on. My newfound perspective was perfectly clear to me now, whatever happened to me happened for a reason. I was in my current predicament because of me, alone. I'd made my bed and that only constituted that I should lay in it. I didn't expect any bail out. I would have to see this through until the end.

With this resolution, I would have my babies. Yes, my first pre-natal visit gave me the biggest shock of my life, I was carrying twins.

TWINS!

How could that be? I was told by the doctor in LA that I was expecting a baby, how did I end up with twins? I was still reeling from the news. How was that possible? There were several scenarios offered by my OB. If an ultrasound was not performed then, the blood test may be inconclusive as far as the number of fetuses in my womb. Even if an ultrasound had been performed, should one of the babies have been more active than the other, the possibility of the other one remaining undetected was still probable during the first trimester. All the while I had been torturing myself about bringing a life, a baby, into this world. Now, I would have two instead.

My head was spinning uncontrollably; I wasn't ready for this big piece of news at all. I clutched at my chest like it was going to explode. Several feelings washed over me at the same time, I felt fear and happiness. As tears came freely and openly, I felt an instant connection between myself and my unborn children. A fierce and determined emotion washed over me, I truly loved them and would do everything for them. It was a delayed reaction on my part, I realized. I had been hiding behind my fear and doubts from the very beginning, and I almost missed the most important thing of all. The pure enjoyment and blessing of being a mother.

My brain couldn't process the information right away. My gynecologist had to shake me a few times, afraid that I had gone into shock. I had been plagued by torturous thoughts regarding my pregnancy and the life the babies and I would lead.

Now, there were two souls that I will bring forth in this world. I felt like a soldier thrust into the battlefield armed only with a pistol with a few bullets left. I would surely go down, but not without a fight. If there was anything left in me, I would go down with guns drawn and would keep firing until the last bullet had been fired.

I was mentally drained from searching for any possible solutions for them, at that point, I wasn't thinking of myself anymore. They would have a shot at a fairly good life. I would have two unsuspecting souls depending on me, two innocent beings that needed me to be strong for them. I welcomed the news like a blunt dagger twisted into my heart. Blunt enough for me to live through it, but the wound would be unbearable, and when it healed, and indeed it would, the scar would always remind me of my failure and shortcomings.

Things never happened the way I planned them, or maybe in my case, the way I envisioned it. Early in my third trimester, I developed Gestational Diabetes and had to be on bed rest. Things just went from bad to worse for me financially. A leave of absence was granted at work but I wondered for how long. I had planned to go back to school but that would have to be on hold. School would just have to wait; it wouldn't be a possibility in the near future anymore. The whole ordeal scared me half to death, why were these things happening to me?

Crying had been my only outlet, I had no one to talk to. This was the solitary activity that I had indulged myself. It was a great release and I had no audience. I would call my cousin Judith but I didn't want to burden her with the problems I created for myself. She knew where I was but I didn't mention anything about my present lot in life. She hadn't met Jason which was probably a good thing. The few times I planned for them to meet, something came up and she couldn't make it.

That was when Carlisle came up to me outside the hospital. He said that he had heard me crying and came to see if he could be of any help.

As wary as I had been with strangers, his kind eyes and gentle voice made me talk about my problems as freely as I wanted to be. All the angst, fear and uncertainties that I kept bottled up spilled out in a manner of minutes. He just listened the whole time and saved his questions and advice 'til I was done. Oh, it was such a great relief to be able to talk about it with someone. With anyone.

Carlisle didn't judge me, nor did he make me feel diminutive for the decisions that I had made in my life. He just sat next to me, listening to my ramblings.

I could see in his eyes that he understood what I was going through. He had the kindest eyes I've ever seen. The color of the sunset tinged with rivulets of amber, his eyes were mesmerizing.

He offered to help me out after hearing my horrid story, he and his wife could help with the babies once I delivered. As heartfelt as the offer sounded, I wouldn't want to burden him or his wife with my problems. He asked me what my options were. There weren't many at that time.

Carlisle introduced me to one of the most wonderful woman I had the pleasure to meet, his wife Esme. She embraced me for the very first time and I knew that I had made life-long friends in them.

Esme became my birthing partner. She huffed and puffed with me as I went through my labor pains. She held my hands in a tender way every time a contraction hit. Touching her made me miss my mother even more. She gave soothing words of encouragement. There were a few instances though that she had to flee the room with some stupid excuse of getting nauseated, cupping her mouth like she was holding something back, but stayed with me through my whole ordeal of labor and delivery.

Words were not enough to describe the way I felt when I saw Danica for the first time. She came out screaming and wailing like a church bell, announcing her arrival to the world. Her eyes were open, seeming alert and checking out her environment already. My eyes were filled with tears of joy. I could feel that she would be a strong character. Her blonde hair her glistened under the light, she was perfect, my little Bambina.

Jeremiah came three minutes later, not to be outdone by his older sister, he was spunky, but a bit quieter than his sister. He had my brown eyes and his hair was golden brown. He was as beautiful as his sister. I now have a man in my life. My twins were perfectly healthy. I breathed a sigh of relief upon the pronouncement that they are well and healthy.

Life with the twins was a big daily challenge, from feeding, diaper changing and burping. Esme and Carlisle came to visit almost every day. Esme would spend time with us since Carlisle's duties at the hospital were terribly demanding. The look in Esme's eyes told me that she was glad for the chance to care and hold the babies. From what I could gather in our conversations, she had adoptive children, for she could not conceive anymore. I didn't press for details sense that her hurt went deeper. She loved her adopted kids as her own. She and Carlisle had adopted five children.

Returning back to work was not easy, money wasn't easy. My paycheck barely made ends meet despite the food stamps that I was receiving. Finding a babysitter proved difficult without enough money to afford it. Our neighbor, Mrs. Wilson, didn't complain at first but she needed the money too and the time came when she had to take other babysitting job.

Countless times I reported late for work because I couldn't find anyone to watch the kids. Esme was always offering to help but I felt that I had been burdening them with my problems. I lost my job as a dishwasher one day and that was the last straw for me.

I couldn't handle looking at my children and not knowing where I would get the money to buy their milk and diapers. I had a feeling that we would end up in the streets if I didn't do anything quick.

I thought I could handle our deplorable condition, but I got scared. I had never felt so helpless and hopeless in my life and I was afraid that I was dragging my babies down with me. I had to make a decision, fast.

I called Esme and Carlisle for help. That was the last time I saw them and the babies. I asked them for one last favor, to drive me to Los Angeles to drop the twins off at my parents. I needed to make sure that they were going to be alright. My parents would do the right thing and I believed that they would not turn the babies away.

I realized that I was a coward for doing this, I was stuck between a rock and a hard place and I needed to make a decision no matter what it would cost me later. My heart was breaking as I packed their things but I feel that this was the right thing to do.

Carlisle and Esme didn't say anything, they didn't have to. I could still remember the quiet sadness in their eyes when I told them what I intended to do. The drive to LA was spent quietly as I gazed in Danica and Jeremiah's faces with grief and sadness.

I didn't even have the heart to see my parents. I couldn't even bear the thought of how they would look at me for what I had done and was about to do.

Esme and Carlisle took them to my parent's house as I waited in the car. I left a note giving their names with a promise to call and check on them every day. Hopefully, my parents would someday forgive me for every single heartache I'd caused them.

Carlisle got me a job as a housekeeper at the Rehabilitation center as soon as we got back. He was friends with Mark who had interviewed me and promised that as soon as a clerical position was available, he would offer the position to me.

Every penny that I made from worked was wired to the twins. I didn't care if I barely had enough left for myself. As much as I would have wanted them with me, I could sleep well at night knowing that they had a roof over their heads and that they were being well cared for by people who would love them as much as I would.

Missing them was the worst part in all of this. The ache had been unbearable as the days passed, the nagging longing to hold them in my arms, to kiss them and to be with them.

Bella struggled to keep her panic in check as she finished telling Edward the events leading to her present state, she had made bad decisions in the past and the constant conflicting mindset whether giving up her kids to her parents, even temporarily, was the right decision she had made. Difficult as it was to relive the past, she was relieved that she finally had the chance to tell Edward about her children and her past.

Her every day living was constantly clouded with the thoughts of her kids, the twins that she had to give up so they would have a solid shot at a decent and normal life.

Edward held Bella as a she sobbed for what seemed to be a long time. Her small frame rocked as the memory of her children tortured her. She kept telling herself that it was the right decision to make at that time, some days she would ask herself, was it really?

Edward knew this all along, having heard it from Carlisle's mind and now Bella's. He was just astounded how small the world really was. His parents had met Bella a year before? He could have met her sooner?

Bella was the one they were speaking of, the girl that they had befriended. She was the lost soul that they were worried about and the mother of the twins that Esme had always raved about?

The world was indeed small, he thought. He was contented with the fact that fate brought them to each other's arms in this small world. He silently vowed to himself that he would reunite Bella with her children. This would be the mission of his existence.

Edward waited until Bella's hiccupping stopped, he didn't dare say anything for fear of getting Bella crying over again. He just stroked her back tenderly and held her close for comfort. But there was still one thing he wanted to know, and that was the children's father. Bella seemed to have been guarding her thoughts when it came to him for he had not heard her think of him at all. There were a few instances when her thoughts would drift to him and she would abruptly stop herself.

"Bella love, are you okay?" he tilted her face to him so he could see her eyes which were red and puffy from crying. He could only sympathized with Bella, he knew that it was difficult telling him her story, it was like salting a wound that is still in the process of healing.

Bella looked at him with pain etched in her eyes, her sobbing had been reduced to a silent muffled noise. She merely nodded and wrapped her arms on Edward's waist as if hanging on to dear life.

"I would like to hear about their father," he probed tentatively, not entirely sure if Bella was ready to talk about him.

Bella started sobbing again, this time Edward sensed a mixed amount of anger, fear and pain in her. Her answer were almost incoherent, "He didn't know I was pregnant when I left him."

Words came in torrents as she spilled the memories of physical and verbal abuse that Jason had inflicted upon her. The recollection brought some bitter feelings of dread and fear, surfacing with energized force that she had tried very hard to conceal. Bella couldn't control herself any longer, she wept in Edward's arms as the outpouring of emotions completely took over.

For the first time in his life, Edward felt anger like he was going to explode. Hearing Bella's guarded thoughts finally opened the flood gates of her life of misery with Jason. He found his hand clenching into a fist behind Bella. What kind of a low-life asshole would beat up a woman?

One look at Edward's livid face told her the fury that was brewing inside. Edward tried keep his composure around Bella guarded, a sudden hysteria engulfed him, and he could feel the rage building up within him. He would kill any bastard who would dare touch Bella again.

"You were lucky when you left at the time you did. He could've killed you," he said after he regained enough control of his emotions, his anger simmering. He got up and walked to the window, gathering himself together. The mere thought of Jason treating Bella in a brutal way made him taste blood.

Bella merely nodded in agreement. She didn't want to think about Jason anymore. She was done with him and their life together.

Edward looked at Bella knowing what she silently asked for.

"We won't talk about him past this day. You have my word on it Bella."

~*~*~*~*~*A/N: Bella's POV was my way of letting Edward and you, the readers see what happened to Bella and her twins. How she came to her decision of leaving them with her parents and how she met Carlisle and Esme. So much pain and suffering on her part. Sooooooo, what do you think of this chapter? Leave me some love by leaving a review. Thanks again for reading!~*~*~*~*~*~*~*