AN: Welcome back! I got a lot of questions about some things from the last chapter. Some will be answered in this chapter, some in future chapters.

Before we begin the next chapter I just want to give a BIG thank you to the Fic Sisters for featuring this story. I've gained a lot of new readers/followers. I know it's hard to start a story that is only a few chapters and doesn't update regularly. With that being said, I TRULY appreciate everyone who is reading, reviewing, and following this story. I don't reply very often to reviews, but please know that I read and appreciate each and every one of them.

As always, all things Twilight belong to SM.

"What are you doing here?"

Tanya was sitting at the lone picnic table that was just off to the side of the grocery store where employees were encouraged to park.

"I told you I was going to call. You never answered your phone. Emmett told me you were probably working so here I am." She stood up when I was in front of her and hugged me.

"Are you working at the diner tonight?" she asked.

"No, yesterday was my last day." I straddled the bench because it was the only way I would fit. Tanya followed suit.

"So," Tanya began, smiling slyly, "how'd you get Edward to knock you up? Never thought he had it in him."

I choked on air.

"Oh, please," Tanya laughed. "I'm not stupid and if anyone was really paying attention at that dinner table last night they would have figured it out."

"I could have gotten pregnant by anyone," I fought when I finally found my voice. "What makes you think it was Edward?"

"Because you've had a hard on for him forever. I may not be around a lot, but I think I know you well enough to say that you're smart enough to not get yourself pregnant by a stranger." I couldn't respond. "What? You thought I didn't know about your hang up on Edward?" she laughed. "I've known for a long time – since I was little."

"How'd you find out?"

"I use to spy on you and Emmett," she confessed with a smirk. "I heard you tell Emmett once that you were going to try to get Edward to hyphenate his name when you got married." That got a chuckle out of me. I remembered that conversation. I think I was about fifteen. "So am I right? Is Edward the father?"

I nodded. "But it was an accident. I took advantage of him when he wasn't in his right mind. He would never touch me if he was sober." After so many months it was easy to admit it to myself and others.

"Why the hell would you think that?" she asked, disgusted with the comment. "You're hot and in a few months you'll be an official MILF," she laughed.

"Thanks," I chuckled. "But I'm not his type."

"What's his type? Kate?" she scoffed.

"Have you seen Kate? That chick is beautiful and a fucking nurse. I'm a cashier, Tanya! When you get older, you'll realize life isn't full of happy endings."

With a sneer on her face, she moved closer. "You're pregnant so I'm not going to call you what I really want to call you, but don't talk to me like I'm a fucking kid. I know how life works. It may not be full of happy endings, but it doesn't have to be as miserable as you make it out to be, either."

I felt thoroughly chastised and embarrassed. I was a dick for talking to her like she was a still a young child.

"I'm sorry, Tan. I'm an asshole. I know you know better."

She waved me off dismissively. "Don't worry about it. I'm not really that mad. You just really sounded like my mom right now. It's a constant fight between us." She took a deep breath. "But…let me tell you something. You've got to get over this whole…career thing. Who gives a shit if he's a doctor and she's a nurse? That doesn't mean they're better than you. All it means is that they had the patience to sit through all those science classes."

"They also make more money," I added.

Tanya smacked her hand on the table. "So what?"

"It's easy to dismiss money when you have it. I have to raise two babies and take care of myself on a meager salary. I don't have an ass load of money sitting in a bank account."

"No, but you don't have to do it alone. You're not going do it alone. There's Charlie, my aunt and uncle, Emmett."

"My kids aren't their responsibility, though. They shouldn't have to help me."

"You look at it that way. They don't look at it as having to. They look at it as getting to. You should have heard Esme going on about the babies," she cooed in a voice trying to imitate Esme. "If I were you, I'd be worried about her kidnapping your babies," she laughed.

I shrugged a shoulder, not really sure how to respond to her statement. It was true; I knew it was, but it was something that was hard for me to completely comprehend.

If my own mother couldn't be bothered…

"And what did you say to him last night?" Tanya asked. "You were gone for awhile."

That got my attention. "Nothing. I gave him some custody and child support papers to look over, but that was really it. Actually, it was the most civil conversation we've had in a really long time. I thought we parted ways on decent terms." I obviously left some parts of our conversation secret. I wasn't quite ready for everyone to know that I laid my heart out there to someone who couldn't reciprocate my feelings. I racked my brain for anything that could have been said to upset him, but couldn't come up with anything. "Why? What happened?"

"He was just really quiet when he came back – wasn't even really talking to Kate much. He stayed for about an hour before he said he was tired and went to bed. He sent Kate home before that, though."

"He probably was tired. He does work a lot," I defended him. Old habits died hard.

She rolled her eyes. "So how come when I checked on him three hours later, he was sitting at his desk staring at a mess of papers? I know my cousin and something was up." She crossed her arms across her chest and waited for an answer.

She wasn't going to budge. I knew firsthand how stubborn she could be. Like I said, it was scary how much she reminded me of myself.

"If I tell you something, you promise not to say anything? To anyone. Even Emmett," I warned, pointing my finger at her. She nodded vigorously. "It's not that big of a deal, so don't make it out to be," I began. "Now, I don't know if this is what got him so upset, but the only thing I could think of is the parental termination document."

"What?" Tanya screeched, causing customers to look our way. I tried to calm her down. "You can't do that to him."

"Shut up, Tanya! I told you not to make a big deal of it. It's not what you think."

"This is a huge deal, Bella."

"Let me finish talking. Christ!" All these Cullens were becoming a pain in my ass. "I didn't tell him to sign them. We didn't even talk about them."

"So why even included it?"

"Because I wanted to give him the choice. Whether he stays or walks away, he could never say that I forced his hand." I rubbed my face harshly. I was exhausted, hungry, and tired of having to explain every decision I made. "How would you feel if you were put in a situation you never asked for? Being a father is a big fucking deal and all the years I've known him, I can't remember one time he expressed wanting children. Even if he does, I know that he never dreamt of having them with me. I'm giving him an out."

"But do you want him to sign them?"

"Honestly? No, but I also want Edward to want to be their father and I don't think he does."

"I guess it hasn't been the best between you two, huh?" I chuckled and shook my head. "And you still love him?"

"I don't know if I'll ever stop."

Tanya brought my head onto her shoulder and began cooing softly. I didn't know if she was trying to seriously console me or just being a moron, but I couldn't stop the hideous guffaw that came out of me. I pushed her away and watched as she tried to keep herself from falling off the bench.

"You're mean when you're pregnant," she scowled playfully. "Have you had any weird cravings? Does everything make you want to gag?" She was wearing an eager face that reminded me of a four year about to blow out their birthday candles.

"I wouldn't call them weird, just things I don't normally eat, like corn chips. They're gross, but I've craved them throughout this pregnancy. Then there's the cream cheese. I could eat it by the spoonful."

"That's disgusting." She made a face and stuck out her tongue. I agreed. "What about smells? I heard things start to smell gross."

"Cola. I won't puke or anything, but I can definitely do without the smell. Raw chicken smells particularly fucking nauseating," I shuddered.

She stared at me in amazement. "That's so weird it's amazing."

"You're weird," I laughed, trying to get up. My back was killing me.

"Wanna hang out at your place for awhile? Play some Zombie Dice?" Tanya asked as she helped me up.

"Sure. I'll probably fall asleep, but the company would be nice."

"Cool. I'll buy us a couple of cokes," she cackled. I shoved her and watched as she doubled over in laughter.

Cause I know that's a good place to start~

"Couldn't stay away, huh?" Lauren chuckled as she carried a few drinks on a tray.

I giggled with her, but vehemently shook my head. I always liked Lauren. She was quick and always minded her own business. I appreciated that she never asked intrusive questions about my pregnancy or the elusive father of my children. She helped with my tables when I needed it and even when I didn't. I actually missed working with her.

"No! My feet definitely don't miss it. Look what my I've been reduced to!" I held out my slipper clad foot.

"It's a fashion statement, all right," she laughed.

"I'm going to take the corner booth." I pointed to the booth at the very end. It was seldom used because the lighting wasn't that great and it was farthest removed from the rest of the diner. "Can someone bring me a decaf whatever? I just want to close my eyes for bit."

"No problem. I'll bring it over in a second."

"Thanks." I waddled over to the booth that I just managed to squeeze into. The diner might not have been the quietest place to go to, but I knew I wouldn't be bothered here. It seemed that I had a lot more time on my hands than I was used to. With no longer working at the diner and cutting my hours back at the grocery store I spent a lot more time at home. I was very close to gong stir crazy.

"Here you go." I watched as Lauren placed milk and a muffin in front of me. "You need more than a decaf whatever." Her look dared me to question her judgment.

"Thanks. I'll leave you a hefty tip, Mom."

She swatted my shoulder with a menu. "I hope you're taking notes. Holler if you need anything, but if your water breaks my shift is over."

I rolled my eyes, but began picking at the muffin. The muffins here were actually pretty good and before I knew it, I practically licking the crumbs off the plate.

"Are you fucking Jasper?" I heard from behind me. My hand froze midair with the glass of milk in it. With bulging eyes, I saw Alice take the seat across from me. My wide eyes stared and her red-rimmed ones.

"What?" I sputtered.

"You heard me. Are you sleeping with my fiancé?"

"Why the hell would you think that?"

"Because I'm not stupid. I know he's gone over your house by himself and you two talk on the phone a lot. Maybe trying to rekindle wherever the two off you left off." She snatched the napkin that was resting under the plate. I watched with rapt attention as she wiped at both eyes. "I just knew," she began, seemingly talking to herself, "this was going to happen if we came back."

"What are talking about?" I should have stayed home. "I thought you wanted to come back home?"

"I'm talking about you stealing Jasper just like you did in high school!" she exclaimed too loudly for my liking. Thankfully, no one seemed too aware of us. "If I want it you get it."

"I never stole Jasper in high school. How could I have stolen him from anyone when we were both single when we started dating." Holy hell. She was bat shit crazy.

"You knew I liked him," she accused.

"How the hell would I have known you liked him? We were never close friends or anything. We didn't hang out or talk regularly. If you told someone you liked him it sure as hell wasn't me."

"Just answer the question, Bella, please." There was a genuine sadness to her voice that I was not familiar with.

I sighed deeply, knowing that I was going to answer her intrusive question.

"Listen to me, Alice, because I won't be repeating myself." I stared her down, making sure that I had her full attention. "Jasper and I have never slept together. Not before, not during, not after. Especially, not after you guys moved back."

"Did you love him? Jasper?" she asked sadly.

"Do you mean was I in love with him?" I asked instead. She nodded and I shook my head. "I loved him – still do – but I was never in love with him. He was always a great friend to me and when he came back it was like the separation occurred."

"Is that why you never slept with him?" Her voice was soft which was probably why I was still indulging her personal questions.

"Part of it, I guess. When we were going out I just wasn't ready to take that step with him."

"What if he was Edward? Would you have?"

I smile ruefully. "Probably and that was the other reason. I wanted to save myself for Edward." I chuckle humorlessly. "I honestly thought that Edward would one day realize how important he was to me and suddenly feel the same way." I shrugged a shoulder. "I guess I was blinded by love."

"So I guess he wasn't your first?" she asked too innocently for my liking. The small amount of sympathy I had for Alice was quickly dissipating.

"No, Alice he wasn't my first," I sneered. "Do you remember when you told me about that girl Tia he was seeing?" I could see the recognition in her eyes. "Remember when you told me that you just so happened to walk in on them in a 'compromising position'?" Recognition turned into guilt. "That gutted me. Not only did I feel betrayed – and I get that I didn't have the right to since we weren't together – but I felt like you were rubbing it in my face."

Rightfully so, Alice looked ashamed as she twisted the used napkin in her hand. "They weren't doing anything," she whispered, "but studying." I watched as she placed the ripped napkin on my empty plate and steadied her eyes to mine. "When I found out about you and Jasper…I hated you so much. I convinced myself that you were going out with him to spite me."

"That makes no sense," I cut her off. "For one, I really didn't know that you liked him like that and second, I had absolutely no reason to do something that fucked up to you. We may not have been friends, but we were friendly enough."

"I…" She shook her head. She didn't have a good reason; no excuse.

"So," I continue just because I need to get this off my chest. She needed to know what her nastiness and bitterness helped cause. "There was this really nice guy, James. He used to go to school with Emmett. We became friends. I knew that he liked me more than I liked him and I used that against him." I became disgusted with myself just thinking about it. "In my head, sleeping with James was like getting back at Edward." My mouth twisted into a sneer. "So imagine my surprise when I found out that Edward was, in fact, a virgin. I gotta tell ya, it made me feel great to learn that I stole his virtue."

We stared at each other for a moment. Her red face to my angry one.

"I was just so…I hated you. I wanted to hurt you," she confessed. "But I never thought it would have such long term consequences."

"You were a bitch for doing that, but I realized a long time ago that I couldn't blame you for my actions. It just pisses me off when you come at me because you have this idea in your head that I'm trying to steal your fiancé."

"I miscarried, Bella," she stated matter-of-factly, but refusing to look at me. "That's why we came back home. We needed to be around family. We were at each other's throat every day. If we weren't fighting then we were crying." A round of fresh tears began. "I was only three weeks along and didn't even know I was pregnant, but the loss was still really hard on the both of us. I didn't want the it to be the end of Jasper and me. Despite all the fighting I loved him and still do." She reached into her purse and pulled out a new tissue.

I felt for Alice, but I couldn't imagine going through what they did. It would absolutely destroy me. The father may not have been on board, but I loved these babies. Before I could help it, I could feel a tear slip down my cheek. I wiped it away before Alice could see. I may not have liked the woman sitting across from me, but I still had the compassion to feel sorry for her.

"It's so easy for Jasper to pretend that the miscarriage still doesn't haunt him. Maybe it doesn't." She shrugged. "But it hurts me every time I think about it. I thought coming back home would help me…I don't know. Forget? Move on? But then on the first day back you announce you're pregnant." Schooling her features, she looked at me and continued. "I was over all the jealousy I harbored over you being with Jasper. It may have taken a long time to get over it, but I was. Until I found out you were pregnant. It was like you were getting everything I wanted. It was so unfair. I may not have been the best person to you, but I wasn't a bad person. I felt like I was being punished over and over again for how I treated you." Losing the pretense of the tissue, she wiped her eyes with the heels of her hands. "And now Jasper rather hang out with you then talk to me."

I wasn't sure what she wanted me to say. Was I supposed to promise that I wouldn't be friends with Jasper anymore because of her insecurities? Or was I supposed to tell her that the past was in the past and we should move on. Be best friends. Should I grieve with her on the child she never knew?

None of that seemed genuine. Our history may not have stretched out for years and years, but it ran deep enough to leave memories that wouldn't fade with time. I could tell her that I forgave her for her behavior in high school and beyond, but I could never forget. So really, I wouldn't have truly forgiven her. I could give her the only thing I really had to offer.

"Let me give you a little bit of advice. Do with it what you want." I made sure that she was ready to listen. "You and I really aren't that different. We both have someone that we love unconditionally. We've been through ups and downs in our short lives. The difference, though, is that your guy loves you back. If you don't believe anything I say after this, believe that. He's told me many times. The person coming between you and Jasper is you. Don't let your feeling – your insecurities – destroy what you have. The best I can hope for is being invited to Edward's wedding as the mother of his children. If I had with Edward what you have with Jasper I wouldn't let anyone come in between is. Not Emmett and not you. Don't let anyone doubt his love for you; not me and not yourself."

And I won't stop until you believe it~

"I told Rose about my brother," Emmett stated nonchalantly as he channel surfed. I knew he was feeling anything but relaxed. It was one of the rare times that Emmett and I were able to be alone in recent times. I was always working and he was always in school, taking summer courses. We were always with Rosalie. I had also made good on my promise to make myself scarce around the Cullens. It had been a month since Edward's birthday dinner and I hadn't heard from him since.

"Not Edward," I clarified.

"Not Edward."

There was a long stretch of silence. I wasn't sure what to say. There were no more words of comfort. I knew it was something he kept close to his chest. It wasn't something he liked to talk about.

"She brought up a comment that was made at Edward's dinner – about twins in every generation, or something like that." He wasn't looking at me, but I knew he wasn't paying attention to the TV either. "Claimed that it couldn't be true since Esme never had twins."

"What did you say?"

"Nothing. We were on our way to lunch so I took a detour to the cemetery and showed her my brother's grave."

Esme did have twins – two boys. Emmett was born big and healthy. He was a little early, but healthy none the less. Mason, however, was stillborn. When Emmett was old enough to understand, Esme and Carlisle sat him down and told him about his brother. For weeks Emmett claimed that it was his entire fault. He thought that he killed his brother. In his young mind it was the only reasonable explanation of why he survived and Mason didn't. After a lot of discussions with his parents, he was beginning to accept that sometimes these things happened for no viable reason. However, I knew that even though he didn't think about it often, he still felt some type of responsibility for his brother's passing.

"Do you want to talk about it?" I asked.

"No." That was always the answer and I respected that.

We remained lying together on his bed watching whatever movie he found interesting enough to keep on. He may have been able to shut his mind off and not think about the unpleasant, but I just didn't have that ability. How much had this family suffered as individuals? I wondered if they knew about Alice. It was likely that at least Esme and Carlisle knew, but I doubted Emmett or Edward knew. After all the times that Jasper and I hung out or talked over the phone, never once had he hinted that Alice was pregnant once upon a time.

I could feel my eyes and head drooping the longer I thought about how each Cullen privately fought their own battles. My head was about to hit Emmett's shoulder when a knock at the door startled me awake.

I sat up straighter when I saw Edward's head pop in. His eyes shot to mine before veering toward Emmett.

"Hey, Em. Can I borrow Bella for a bit?" He stood awkwardly as he waited for Emmett to respond.

"I'm right here," I replied sarcastically. "If you want to talk, ask me, not Emmett."

"So-sorry, Bella," he apologized. "Can I talk to you?"

I rolled my eyes, but struggled to stand up. "I'll be back, Emmett."

I followed Edwards blindly until I realized he was leading me into his bedroom. I hesitated at his door, unsure I really wanted to enter. I looked about the room I would have once loved an invitation into. I didn't get the chance to look about the room that night.

This was no longer a child's room. Posters of musicians were replaced with unfamiliar works of art. Comics that were usually visible were no longer in sight. A young Edward was always too busy to find the time to correctly make his bed. Adult Edward made the time.

Medical journals and thick novels filled the bookshelves that once housed Star Wars action figures and games. If I had to guess, all the things that made Edward a nerdy child were now hidden in his closet.

"We'll get the most privacy in here." He sat at his large desk as I stood, unsure of where I should sit. Sitting on his bed wouldn't be appropriate, but I would feel like an idiot sitting on the floor. I walked and stood at the side of his desk, seeing as it seemed like my only option. "Oh, sorry," he apologized for the second time in one day. He shot up from his desk and retrieved an extra chair I hadn't noticed before.

"Thanks," I said as I sat. I couldn't help but sniff as he took his seat again. He smelled…sterile.

"Did you just get off work?"

"Um…about an hour ago."

The silence that followed was stilted and awkward as it usually was when the two of us were together.

He cleared his throat. "I took these papers to my lawyer." He motioned toward the all too familiar manila envelope. "I looked them over the night you gave them to me and I'm still not sure what to make of them."

"Okay." What else was there for me to say?

"He seemed pretty confounded by them, too. I let him keep them for a couple days so he could go over them thoroughly."

"Okay."

"Eventually, he urged me to sign them. Quickly."

"Did you?" I asked nervously. I may not have wanted him to sign the termination papers, but I needed him to sign the rest.

"No. I wanted to talk to you before I signed anything."

"You've had them in your possession for almost a month," I pointed out which seemed to annoy him.

"Was I supposed to make a decision in a month that may or may not affect the rest of my life?" he countered. "To you this may seem cut and dry, but it's not. I had a lot to consider," he argued.

"You read the papers and so did your lawyer. It's all moot if you're proven not to be the father. Why even discuss it if you know you're not the father?" I sneered.

Edward pulled at his hair in frustration before removing his glasses and rubbing his eyes.

"Look, I don't want this turn to nasty," he replied calmly. "I really do just want to talk to you."

"What, exactly, do you need clarification on?"

"Your underlying goal."

"What?" I spat, insulted.

"Look at it from my point of view," he tried to rationalize. "If a DNA test proves I'm the father you're not asking for any child support from me."

"Okay?"

"You don't benefit from that and it seems a bit suspicious."

"How? I don't get child support, but you can't sue for custody. We both win. You keep your money and I keep my children."

"But you're willing to grant me visitation."

"Maybe I really am stupid, but I don't get what the problem is," I sighed. "You don't want to be their father…"

"I never said that," he cut me off with a finger in my face.

"You didn't need to say those words. Your actions are enough. That's beside the point. I'm not asking for anything, but in return I don't want you taking anything."

"It makes no sense," he muttered.

"Why not?" I dipped my head so I could look him in the eyes. "Is it so hard to believe that I'm looking out for the both of us? That I'm not the selfish person you think I am?"

"I don't know what to believe anymore."

"I never wanted your money, Edward. I've told you that before."

"What do you want from me then?"

It was a loaded question. I wanted him to parent with me. I wanted him to come to appointments with me. I wanted him to break up with Kate. To ask me on a date. I wanted him to love me.

"Just sign the papers," I sighed again.

He opened his mouth to reply, but instead reached for the envelope. Silently, he pulled out the papers in question.

"I'm not signing this." He grabbed something from the bottom of the stack and slid it to me. It was the termination of parental rights. I looked up questioningly. I may not have wanted him to sign it, but I wanted to be sure that he knew what he was doing.

"Are you sure? This is your out. This allows you to walk away."

"If they're proven to be my children, I'm not giving away my rights," he replied heatedly.

"Fair enough." I nodded. "What about the rest?"

"I want to amend it before I sign them."

"What kind of changes?" I asked skeptically. In my opinion, there was no way he could benefit anymore.

"Just one. If the babies are mine I want them to have my last name. I want them to be Cullens."

"Then everyone will know I had your babies," I laughed. He wasn't. I sobered quickly. "Won't you be embarrassed?" I asked seriously.

"Of my children? Never." The mother of his children was a different story.

I nodded slowly, quietly agreeing in my head before I agreed out loud. "If that's what you want, I can agree to that. The only thing is that you're going to have to go through your lawyer to make any changes. I can't afford it."

"I'll speak to my lawyer tomorrow."

There was nothing more to say. We talked about the papers and hashed out whatever hiccups he found within the documents. Ultimately, I was getting what I wanted. I should have been happy. I should have been able to walk away confident about the future lives of myself and my children.

But this felt so final. He'd go his way and I'd go mine. My way being the babies, me, and my working class life. His way would be a prestigious medical career and a picturesque Home and Garden type life with Kate.

Was is so bad for him to want to come my way?