Hey I'm going to be away from my computer for a few days, so I wanted to give you guys a chapter of The Blessing before I went to work!

Huge thanks to Sherry and Paige! I couldn't create this story without you.

"When I was a child I had a fever

My hands felt just like two balloons

Now I've got that feeling once again

I can't explain you would not understand

This is not how I am

I have become comfortably numb"

-Pink Floyd-

EPOV:

Lining the road, I take to return home, are expensive homes that have miles of their own land. As I past each one, I stare out of my car window, past the gates, to get a look at each estate. I couldn't dream of owning such a large piece of property, even if I could afford it, I'm not sure I would be content. I don't gaze at them out of jealousy or envy, no, instead I look at them because I am fascinated. I've always been interested in architecture. When I was a kid, I would sketch houses to the best of my abilities, and when I say, "to the best of my abilities," I mean my sketches were horrible, consisting of lots of squares and random scribbles.

Nonetheless, I had enjoyed drawing in my younger and more innocent days. But, as soon as drugs entered my hemisphere, I was a lost cause when it came to doing anything productive. Now that my life is on the right track, I would like to try to further my education. I don't know how I could possibly find the time, with my new job and my new role as Charlie's guardian…but there are always online classes. It is an idea at least.

Pulling into my parent's driveway, I'm excited to see Charlie. Who knew a baby could ease my mind? I find mom holding a sleeping Charlie in her arms, watching a reality TV show and ignoring my entrance.

"How was your day?" I ask her, extending an olive branch.

She waits until her program goes to a commercial, before turning to me to say, "Charlie was great," she says with a smile that makes her look years younger. "He is just as handsome as his dad."

She means, 'he was just as handsome as his dad was,' but I know that she won't say it. Like dad said, she likes things 'tidy' and the death of her favorite child is not a tidy matter. When she finally looks at me, her eyes are distant and I want to comfort her, just wrap my arms around her so she knows that I will be here for the family, be here for her. But, I don't know how she would react.

I stuff my hands in my pockets and think of what I could say, but before I get the chance to respond, dad comes in and eases the tension in the room.

"Edward," he says, patting me on the shoulder, before walking past me to join mom on the couch. "How was work?"

I glance down at my mud stained shirt, jeans, and well-worn boots, "It was fine Dad. Thanks for asking. I'm starving, so I was hoping to just take Charlie home and eat some dinner."

"Well, why don't you join us for dinner?" Dad suggests.

I watch mom stiffen at his side and I instantly feel uncomfortable. "That's alright dad…I have food at home."

"Nonsense," he jovially states, "Your mother and I were just about to grab dinner. You and Charlie can come with us."

I'm hesitant for a moment, looking at the tight expression on my mother's face. She never liked when anyone ruined her plans. She would get a thought in her head, and it just had to happen that exact way for her to be happy.

"Carlisle, he already said he is going to eat at home. He is probably exhausted and just doesn't want to hurt your feelings," she says, feigning thoughtfulness.

"It's fine dad," I say, effectively suppressing my annoyance. "I'm too beat to go anywhere. Besides, I look pretty rough."

I don't know why I do this stuff for her. She could try to think outside of herself for once, but perhaps that is a dream of mine. People get stuck in their habits and it becomes hard to change. I should know. My mother's habit was being selfish, and my father's habit was being blind to it.

"Well, we will get together soon then."

Charlie stirs awake in my mom's arms and searches for me. When his eyes finally meet mine, he begins to cry and I immediately make my way toward him. Mom doesn't want to hand him over at first, and looks almost upset that her grandson prefers me, but she relents and hands him over as soon as Charlie begins to wail. As soon as I wrap my arms around him, his cries cease and he smiles at me and grabs my thumb.

"He loves you, Edward," Dad comments as he watches us.

"I love him too."

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I pick up a large cheese pizza on the way home, hoping that it will hold me over for the next few days. I thought I would splurge a little and get a taste of something that was not Ramen noodles or microwavable macaroni and cheese. As I wait for my order, I notice several women check me out. It's laughable how blatant they are about it. Even with their husbands right next to them, they eye me as if I'm something to eat.

I ignore them and play with Charlie. His eyes are wide and searching the restaurant, taking in all the brand-new sights and sounds. His face is so expressive and I can see my smile reflecting in his eyes. A few women comment on how adorable my son is, and I smile and refrain from correcting them. I love him as if he was my son, and I'm sure he will grow to look at me as his father.

On the way to my apartment, I contemplate the idea of sharing my pizza with Bella. She did cook for me the night before, and I do want to see her again. Just thinking about her puts a permanent smile on my face. In the short time I have known her, I find her to be the most warm, beautiful, intelligent, and optimistic woman I have ever met. She has this glow about her… I decide that I will invite her over; I will be a man and ask her.

When I do arrive at her door, with a pizza in one hand and Charlie in the other, I have to take a deep, calming breath before I knock on her door with my foot. The moments it takes for her to open her door feel like an eternity and the entire time I am spent second guessing myself. You can do this Cullen, don't pussy out! It's not as if I am asking her on a date, what a lousy date this would be, it is just a friendly…get-together.

She takes my breath away as she answers the door, with her hair in a messy bun and a pair of overalls on. She looks cute. I don't think I've ever called a woman 'cute' before, but Bella is so adorable, I want nothing more than to curl up with her on a couch and hold her in my arms for hours.

"I was wondering if you wanted to eat dinner with me?" I ask with a crooked grin.

She gives me a coy little smile before nodding her head. I can't ignore the way her grin tugs at my heart. As it turns out, pizza is her favorite food, and unlike other women, she wasn't afraid to admit it. As soon as we got comfortable and I opened up the pizza box and set out some sodas, Bella dug right in, giving me one cute, apologetic smile, as she finished her first slice.

I place Charlie comfortably in my lap and grab a slice for myself. She tells me about her day editing reference books. Bella seems to love her job, stating that it is perfect for an introvert like herself.

I chuckle at this, "You, an introvert? Bella, you marched over here to talk to me yesterday. That seems pretty outgoing to me," I tease.

"Well," she smiles, taking another bite of her pizza, "I'm outgoing when it counts."

I'm glad I was a good reason for her to leave her apartment. We talk until Charlie falls asleep in my arms, and then we talk some more. Time flies when we are together, and if I didn't have to get up in a mere few hours, I wouldn't have mentioned the time. She is shy all of the sudden when she realizes that it's past midnight, but seems reluctant to leave.

"Thanks for tonight, Bella."

"I had a great time," she says with a pretty blush. "I'm right across the hall…you know, if you need anything."

We stare at each other, the tension in the room is palpable, and I want nothing more than to reach out and hold her hand. Just that touch alone would be enough for me. But, we just smile at each other and I walk her to the door.

A/N: So, Edward is pretty swoon worthy. If only his mother wasn't so horrible! I know many of you guys want to strangle her right now. Please tell me what you think and review! I love reading your reviews so much!

I just wanted to say thank you for everyone who has been supporting this story so far! You guys all keep me writing. I definitely love this one, and I'm so happy to see that you love this one as well. It was so cool to go on fanfiction this morning before work and see that this story had already reached 1000 followers after only being published three weeks ago!

Song- "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd