A/N Hello my lovelies. For those that have stuck by and waited for this update, thank you. I'm so sorry that it's taken me seemingly forever to get you all an update! I am really hoping the next one doesn't take as long. Real life kind of gets in the way sometimes.

I don't own Twilight, Stephenie Meyers does. I do own a Harry Potter wand and a Ginny Weasley doll.

And, thank you to the lovely lemonmartinis for helping me out with editing and being super patient with me!

EPOV

The first day of school had been one I'd dreaded from the get go, even when Irina was still alive to calm my nerves. When the end of the day arrived, I was ready to go pick Kailey up and was there in an instant, wanting to know everything she'd done.

I'd already been in the classroom for five minutes, playing with Kailey's new best friend Hope, when she said "Make my daddy go away" I was out of my seat. I didn't want to scare her too much, so I told her to wait for Kailey to come play with her.

"Excuse me, I don't believe we've met. I do believe though that you are invading my sister's personal space by being so close to her. I'm sure we can work something out here."

"And just who the hell do you think you are huh? That's my daughter in there, and this bitch won't let me see her!"

I was appalled by the mouth he already had on him, when Hope could clearly hear him.

"I think you need to calm down Mr. Black. Hope is at a very impressionable stage and does not need to be around that sort of language. Also, my sister is only doing what she was asked, and I would appreciate you not calling her any sort of derogatory name."

Where this confidence had come from, I was unsure. Be it that I was protective of Rosalie, or maybe even of Hope, I couldn't help but want to do everything in my power to make this Jacob character back down.

"She is my daughter. I have every right to see her."

"I believe you are under a breach of terms that have already been laid out for you by a lawyer. Therefore you shouldn't be here right now under any circumstance."

When I finally noticed Bella behind Jacob, it was too late for me to say anything else. She'd already released Kailey's hand and told her to get into the room.

"Jacob Black how dare you! Everything was settled, everything…and here you are, trying yet again a new way to take Hope away from me. Did you actually think this would work? Did you really think you'd get past all of it? Did you really…"

And that was when I heard a very loud crack, and saw Bella practically fly to the ground. I wasn't sure what else to do, so I took both of Jacob's arms behind his back and led him quickly to the ground. Emmett used to pull the same stunt on me when we were younger and he was angry at me.

I had to hold out as long as I possibly could, and hopefully it was long enough for the cops to come. I heard Bella as she shuffled away, and Rosalie as she closed the door. As I sat on top of Jacob, I suddenly got an elbow to the eye, but I didn't let my grasp weaken on his wrists. If I did, I knew I'd be a bloody pulp lying on the ground.

As soon as the cops arrived, they gathered Jacob from the floor and put him in handcuffs. I couldn't help the smug smile that was on my face as I saw him being dragged away, but then my attention returned to my sister's classroom. Kailey and Hope were both in there, and I could hear them wailing away.

Bella came running back to the room and we both waited for Rosalie to open the door to us. The girls were both clutching at her legs, begging her not to go anywhere, but as soon as they saw us they practically trampled us.

I could feel the stinging in my eye as Kailey tightened her grip around my neck, and I went to sit down with her.

"Daddy I was so scared. That was Hope's daddy and he isn't a nice man. Hope was crying and then I got really scared, and Auntie Rosie hugged us both the whole time. He won't ever hurt my best friend. Never never never!"

In that very moment, I couldn't have been prouder of my little girl for wanting to stick up for her friend, or for knowing automatically that Jacob was not nice.

I'd told Bella it was nothing that I was suffering a black eye for her, but damn it hurt. I'd only ever had one other black eye, and it had been when I was about seven so I didn't remember the feeling. I would definitely be wearing my glasses in the next few days since it would hurt too much to put the contacts in.

My sister was probably the best thing for that moment because I could hear her in low murmurs with Bella. She'd suffered a similar male presence in her life and though I was sure Bella was getting help for whatever she'd gone through, she could have a friend in Rosalie that would understand.

When Bella came and sat down next to me, Rebecca had returned with ice packs for both of us, and I immediately let the frigid pack do its best at keeping any swelling down.

"Why did you step in?"

It was a loaded question in my opinion, and I was glad Rebecca had taken both girls to calm them down a bit and get them to do something a little more normal.

"Bella, I feel very protective of you. Rose was in danger, and I protect my family. In turn, I was also protecting you. It was natural, especially after Hope said that it was her father. You gave me a short version of what he did to you, and that was enough to ignite a fire within me. I didn't want anyone getting hurt…and I figured I could handle it. The black eye will go away eventually…but had I not done anything, who knows what would have happened."

It was the truth, for all intents and purposes. I did feel strangely protective of the woman I barely knew, and yet she didn't shy away from it.

When she took the ice pack away, and a look of shock crossed her face, I could feel myself gazing at her. I snapped myself out of it quickly and took the ice pack from her hand, placing it gently against her cheek.

"It'll keep the swelling down. After you talk to the cops, I can call Carlisle and he can take a look…make sure nothing is broken…if you want that is."

When she'd agreed, it made me happy knowing that I could, in some small way, help her. It didn't take long for the cops to come back and start questioning us, and I felt horrible for leaving Kailey, but I knew I had to give a statement.

I was pretty straightforward with the cops, and didn't leave any detail out. I'd even let them know that I did know Bella's side to the story before Jacob had even been present in the school, so I knew part of what I was dealing with. They dismissed me after thorough investigation and I quickly went to check on Kailey.

Seeing my daughter coloring a picture with Hope was priceless. They weren't arguing over colors, there were no tears in their eyes, and it was just insane how in sync they were with each other.

"Hey princess, are you ready to blow this pop-stand?"

Kailey's giggle was the best sound in the world for the moment. That was enough for me to know she was ready to leave, but I didn't know if Bella was.

I quickly turned to her and smiled. I didn't want to scare her, or alarm her in any way. I'd already called Carlisle and let him know we'd be there.

"Alright Bella, are you ready to go?"

She still looked scared, and almost a bit childlike as she looked up at me. I could see the hurt in her eyes, and the way the event had marred her day.

Offering to drive together was different, but we'd already gone for coffee, and I didn't know if she'd be able to drive herself and Hope to the hospital. When she accepted, I let Rosalie and Rebecca know we were heading out.

As we drove to the hospital, I could hear Kailey talking quietly to Hope in the back seat.

"My mommy is going to watch over you and your mommy. I asked her to. She doesn't like it when people hurt. And I'll watch over you too Hope. You're my best friend. It's what best friends do."

How my daughter had become so wise, and so beyond her years was a myth to me. Irina and I had raised her like any other little girl – involving her in play groups, taking her to different fun things, teaching her the abc's, etc…

"And I will help with that princess. Bella and Hope are very special people, almost like family already."

I couldn't see Bella's blush as I was focused on the road, but I could tell by her reaction of an audible gasp that she was starting to.

"Edward, why are you th-o ni-the to me and mommy?"

I quickly glanced in the rearview to see Hope looking up to my seat. Her eyes were wide and it seemed that she was intent on figuring out some great mystery.

"Well…you and your mommy have been really nice to Kailey and I…and I think it's only fair to be nice to both of you. You make my little angel smile and that makes me smile. There should be a lot more kids like you…and a lot more mommy's like yours."

"Edward…you really don't have to…"

"Ah but Bella, your daughter asked why. I'm simply explaining. And you've meant a lot to Kailey and myself. I don't know that we'd be doing this well without you. Family help only goes so far."

Kailey reached up and tapped on a part of my arm that she could reach.

"Yes little princess in the back seat?"

She giggled when she heard me say it and the smile that seemed to be permanently radiating on her face was more than I could have hoped for.

"Daddy, can we have Hope and Bella for dinner tonight?"

I knew the routine. Usually she would ask if Alice or Rosalie could stay for dinner after babysitting, but this was new and we were with other people that would have to be asked due to possible plans.

"You'll have to ask Bella…"

Bella had been gazing out the window, and whether or not she had been listening, I wasn't sure.

"Bella…"

She turned her focus to the back of the car, and even I could see the hopeful look on both Kailey and Hope's faces.

"Yes sweetheart?"

"Will you and Hope please join me and daddy for dinner tonight?"

I'm telling you, the manners on my girl were impeccable, and this was no exception!

"That would be lovely. It will give you and Hope some time to play together too."

"Really? You'll come over?"

Bella let out her own shaky laugh. I could tell she was still in pain, but that she could put on such a façade for the girls was admirable.

"Yes Kailey, we will. Maybe your daddy here will let us girls cook."

And then I couldn't stop the laughter that came out.

"Trust me, you wouldn't want me to cook. I'm the king of easy mac, and grilled cheese. That's as far as my culinary expertise goes though."

"Yea, daddy can't cook. Auntie Rosie and Auntie Ali usually make dinner. Mommy used to. I miss her."

"I miss her too princess. Let's go up and see Papa Carlisle."

We had stopped and I was already in a parking space at the hospital. I was not only going to ask Carlisle to take a look at Bella's jaw, but my eye.

We both had taken our girls out of the car and managed getting them to agree to walk instead of being carried up.

"Mommy, you won't leave me right? When you see the doctor I can come too?"

It broke my heart knowing that Hope was still so scared and seeing her tears. I felt the same way when I saw Kailey scared, and I knew Hope had a deeper etched fear.

"No pumpkin nose, I will not leave you. Doctor Cullen will be able to see me with you in the room."

"Hope, I'll stay with you too. You won't ever be alone. Daddy and I will protect you. And my mommy is watching over you."

Kailey took Hope's hand while we were walking and didn't let go. I knew therapy was one thing helping my daughter, but knowing she also had her best friend she could help and get help from was far greater.

My father was there to greet us as we made our way to the counter in his ward. Kailey was still holding Hope's hand, but she pulled her with gently.

"Papa! This is my best friend in the whole wide world. Her name is Hope. And that's her mommy, Bella."

Kailey gestured back to Bella while Carlisle got down to his knees to give Kailey a hug. Hope backed off and clung to Bella's legs. It was clear she was afraid of other men.

"It's very nice to meet both of you."

Carlisle offered Hope a genuine smile then got up to shake Bella's hand.

"Thank you for seeing me Dr. Cullen. I've been hit before, and I'm used to injury, but this is probably the worst thing that's happened to my face."

I could tell Bella was holding her jaw as stiffly as she could while she was talking. Her lips barely moved. Hope was also holding tightly to Bella's legs, trying to hide from Carlisle.

Knowing that Hope at least trusted me, I kneeled down next to her.

"Hope, are you afraid of Carlisle?"

I spoke in soft tones and let her react however she might. She nodded very slightly and I held out my hand to her. Hope not only reached for my hand, but ended up hugging my neck tightly so I picked her up so we could all go to an exam room.

"He's not so bad. Maybe one of these days when you come to play, we'll invite Rosalie and her husband Emmett. He's really big, but he's like a teddy bear. Carlisle is like a teddy bear too. Just ask Kailey. Are you scared because of what your daddy did?"

Hope wouldn't speak, just nod her head against me. It still astounded me that she trusted me, and honestly it was quite inexplicable.

"Daddy, can I go get a water from Lani?"

Lani worked at the reception desk on the floor, and even though Kailey was young, she knew her way around the floor. The room also wasn't far from the desk and if I stayed in the doorway, I would be able to see her the entire time.

"You may. Be polite. If she's helping someone else you have to wait okay?"

"Got it!"

She didn't even wait to see if Hope would go with her on this one, but skipped to the desk. I could faintly hear her talking to Lani, and noticed when Lani looked at me for approval. I just nodded my head and watched as Kailey started coming back with not just one, but two bottles of water.

"Excuse me princess, but I believe you are only supposed to ask for one from Lani."

"She told me to bring it back for my friend. Lani said we both should have one so we don't have to share it."

I walked Kailey back in the room and felt Hope growing heavier in my arms. She'd been through quite the emotional day, and I understood after having Kailey go through so many.

Bella looked up at me and smiled a little before wincing.

"It isn't broken, but the bone itself is bruised. It'll take a bit of time to heal, and it may be uncomfortable from time to time. All I can recommend is ice and ibuprofen."

"Thank you Carlisle. I really appreciate your taking the time out of a certainly busy day to see me."

"Don't think anything of it. I'm going to take a look at Edward."

Bella got up and walked over to me, taking the sleeping Hope from my arms.

"She's worn out from this. I can't imagine it's been easy on her emotionally at all."

"It probably hasn't. She does better, then things go down the tube again. I can't handle much more of this."

I could see the tears pooling in Bella's eyes. I wasn't sure if hugging her would be crossing the line, or if it would be appropriate for this situation. I just decided that I would offer my arms for her to come into. So, opening my arms to my sides, I let Bella make the choice, and she fell right into my arms.

"Dad can we get a minute…"

Carlisle just nodded and headed out the door. It wasn't as awkward as a person would think having Hope between us. Bella just broke down and continued to cry for a good five minutes. She kept apologizing.

"Bella, it's nothing to apologize over. Let it out."

"It's just…Edward…we don't know that much about each other. And you don't have to do this for me…you don't…"

"Bella, stop. We know more about each other than you'd think. And I want to do this for you. Please let me."

She finally stopped arguing it and just let me hold her for another ten minutes. Carlisle knocked on the door to signal his return and Bella stepped out of my arms.

"If you want, there's a lounge just down the hall that would be a little more comfortable."

I looked down to Kailey who was just waiting patiently for things to play out.

"You know where it is sweetheart….will you take Bella?"

Kailey took Bella's hand and walked down to the lounge.

"Son do you think it's a good idea to keep up the façade?"

"What façade?"

"Keeping Bella near, being her knight in shining armor. It's all a bit much for not knowing her very well."

"That might be, but she already means a lot to me. She's helped Kailey in a way I never could. She's helped me open up about losing Irina. I can only return that for her. Bella has had her own stuff to deal with, and I'm not going to let her go through it all alone. She needs a friend and that's what I am."

As Carlisle did a few things to check my eye, it got me to thinking – I was really starting to like Bella. Missing Irina had taken so much of time already, and it wasn't that Bella was filling the void, but putting pieces of me back together.

"Dad…it's different with her. I know Irina hasn't been gone that long, but Bella's helping put me back together."

"Just be careful. You both have little girls that could get emotionally attached. If anything would happen and you two have some kind of falling out, it could be devastating to them."

"It's not like anything has happened with us. We're friends. Why are you treating me like I'm a teenager?"

"Because sometimes I wonder how badly Irina's death is affecting you."

I sighed and closed my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose.

"It doesn't affect me as much as you'd think. I've learned to live with the fact that she's not coming back. If we're done here, I am going to take them home."

When Carlisle didn't check anything else, I got up.

"I'm sorry Carlisle, she means a lot. I'm not just going to force myself away from her, or from Kailey's best friend. They are both a part of my life now."

"Just don't hurt them in any way."

"I don't intend on it."

With that, I left his office and went to find Bella, Hope and Kailey. They were all curled up on the small couch in the lounge, sleeping.

"Bella…"

I whispered and gently shook her shoulder. I didn't want to startle her, and I wasn't sure what else I could do to wake her. She cracked her eyes open and smiled very slightly at me.

"Sorry I took so long. My dad was very thorough with my exam."

"Don't worry about it Edward. I'm glad you're okay, aside from the black eye."

I picked Kailey up from her spot on the couch and she curled against me.

"Like I said, I'll protect you. Let's go back and pick up your car then we'll head over to my house. Sound good?"

"Will you drive Hope if she's still sleeping? I'd hate to try and transfer her car seat while she is."

"That shouldn't be a problem."

"Do you have everything to make chicken teriyaki at your house?"

"Honestly, I have no idea."

We got both of the girls into the car without either waking. Bella and I continued being somewhat chatty until we got back to the school. Fortunately, Hope was still sleeping so I kept her in my car.

"How about I follow you to the store and I'll wait in the parking lot with the kiddos?"

"I think that would be favorable. I don't know where you live so it wouldn't be conducive for me to try and get there afterward. I won't take more than ten minutes inside."

Following Bella was pretty easy since we went to the same store. I stayed in the car with the girls, and as Bella said, it only took her ten minutes to get everything she needed. She followed back to my house, and upon arrival, both girls were wide awake and asking where Bella was.

"Girls settle down she's right behind me. Kailey, I expect you to be a good host for Bella and Hope."

"Duh daddy! I am always a good host."

When I let the girls in, they raced off to Kailey's room. I helped Bella with the minimal groceries she had, and we started working on dinner together.

A/N I realllllllllllllllly hope you all liked this chapter. I'm so sorry it took so long to get this update in. In the meantime, I have done a LOT of book blogging. If you'd like, you can check us out over at www (dot) memyshelfandi (dot) com

You can also follow me on Twitter AT Rosmelie is my name.

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