One chapter will talk about the past, one about the present until we reach the point where we began with the present. Confusing much? It keeps things interesting. ;)

Same disclaimer applies-Twilight belongs to S.M., but the idea of this story is mine.

Many thanks to my awesome betas and friends - TeamAllTwilight and m0t0b33. And to my newest help: Momma Laura.

February 2011

"We're going out," Edward declares loudly right after the door closes behind Mr. Brown.

I'm so not feeling like celebrating, even though we just won. The latest project consisted in a simple yet meaningful advertisement for Valentine's Day.

It was a tight between our team and the Blue one until the store that asked for our help, decided our advertisement was better. I'm ready to see it on buses and buildings. Pink Day is over a week away.

While everyone packs up, Edward asks around where we should celebrate. I learned that he loves to take the team out—or who wants from the team—and have dinner. He gets to know them better and it's easier for him to choose who stays or leaves.

A few from the team go to Edward and decline his invitation. I decide to do the same since I'm really not feeling up to anything.

I'm coming down with something and I feel funny.

Once the three of them leave, I approach Edward, who's staring at his phone, looking amused.

"Hey, can I talk to you?" I mumble.

His green eyes jump to mine. "Yes, Isabella."

"I don't think I'm coming at the restaurant."

"Of course, you are! Despite…everything," he whispers, straightening up and leaning closer. "You're the best on my team."

"You know I like these get-togethers. Just not tonight." I feel feverish and my ears are ringing.

"Are you okay?" he asks alarmed when I sway.

"I think…"

"I'm taking you home."

"No, don't cancel on my behalf," I mumble, dragging the words out.

All I want is my bed and to sleep. For a week.

"Don't be stubborn, Isabella. I can't let you go home alone in this state!" He stands and wraps an arm around me. "Guys, we'll have to do this some other time. Ms. Swan is not feeling well."

Everyone agrees probably seeing me look like a ghost. I don't even care Edward's kinda my boss. I lean into him, trying to make my stomach settle and stay on my legs that feel like jelly. He mostly drags me along to the elevator, then to his car.

I think I'm dozing off on the way home, because I don't remember arriving to my apartment. He must have carried me. And looked in my purse for my keys.

I'm on my bed and I know I can't fight off the nausea anymore, so I dash to the bathroom.

Fuck.

I think I ate too much grease last night. Or maybe the mayo sandwich I had at lunch today.

Ungh.

I hate being sick.

After I finish emptying my stomach in the toilet, I flush it before curling on the soft carpet I have there.

If I knew where Edward put my purse, I'd call Mom. I don't even know if she's in town. She follows all kinds of groups she joins in, all over the country.

"What are you doing on the floor?" I hear someone asking worried. I'm being lifted and carried back to the bed.

Something cold and wet is set on my forehead.

I try to push it away—too cold. Firm hands push my hand away, telling me to leave the cloth there.

Sometime later, I'm raised a little and there's a thin tube stuck in my mouth. I immediately suck. Water is so good. It never tasted better.

I wake in the middle of the night, shivering and realize I have three blankets on me.

"Mom?" I breathe, not able to speak louder.

Instantly, a hand touches my lower back. I move closer to the warm body behind me, drifting again.

In the morning, I come around feeling a lot better. No feverish feelings, no shivers, no upset stomach.

A heavy arm is draped over my stomach.

Mom.

But why is she hugging me?

I choke up on my saliva when I turn my head and see Edward sleeping next to me.

Holy crap!

He stayed.

It was him this whole time.

His hair is in a complete disarray, there are dark spots under his eyes and his shirt looks rumpled. Poor guy.

I can't believe he stayed.

Deciding to let him sleep, because he needs it if he stayed up for me the whole night, I pick his arm and before I can slip away, his eyes open.

"Isabella," he says on a hoarse voice.

"I'm okay," I state. "You should sleep. Really. You look like hell."

"You scared me shitless last night. I stayed on the phone with my Dad half of the night to see what I can do. He's a doctor," he explains.

Oh, God.

Not only did he stay here, he kept his father up, too.

"You really shouldn't have."

"Maybe you should see a doctor."

"I'm fine, really. I know what happened. I think," I tell him. "Grease is not really good for me, and then the mayo. Plus, I've been coughing and sneezing for days. I'm coming down with a cold and the combination between that and my food choice…" I wave around, shrugging.

He nods, not looking convinced.

I reach to stroke his hair and his cheek. "Thank you, Edward. Sleep. I'm going to make a light breakfast."

"I can't sleep. I'd kill for a coffee, though." He gives me a small smile.

April 2011

"Chill, woman!" Edward groans from the bed.

I'm running around his room, picking my clothes. "Don't tell me to chill!" I shriek. "I have to meet the guys from Pepsi! Pepsi, Edward! Why did you decide to send me talk to them? We won't get the deal!"

"Fucking calm down, Isabella. They're just people. Uh, your panties are inside out, by the way."

I throw him a murderous look for even joking about this. If he hadn't decided on a Bella snack this morning, I wouldn't be running late on my very first—most important—meeting of my life.

"Do my zipper," I order, going to stand next to the bed.

He gets dressed quickly. On the way downstairs, I slip in my shoes.

"You can buy coffee from the shop near the office, or the vending machine. You have to drive me there," I ramble.

"I'm giving you a Valium if you don't calm the fuck down. Seriously, Isabella. It's just a meeting. You're trembling. Get a grip of yourself."

"I'm so going to fail. James will fire me."

Edward turns me to him, smashing his lips on mine, keeping his hands on my shoulders.

I guess this is all I needed, because my nerves disappear just like that.

My meeting goes smoothly and I get out of it successful. We're going to work on a Pepsi commercial.

Holy shit!

This is huge.

My smile is so wide as I step in our building, I can't wait to see Mr. Brown and Edward.

It's lunch hour, but Edward promised to wait in his office for me.

"I got it!" I squee as I rush inside his office.

Seeing a dressy blonde on the chair next to him, his hand on her back, I realize I should have knocked.

Who's she?

I shouldn't really care, but we're exclusive fuck buddies.

He smiles at me. "I told you not to worry about it."

The blonde woman gets up, wiping her eyes. "I'm telling Mom this weekend. Can you be there, too? Please."

"Of course, honey. Are you sure you're okay?"

"I can't be fucking okay! I just learned that I can't have kids. Ever. I'm feeling fabulous, asshole!" she yells. "Why do I even bother?"

She storms out, nearly knocking into me.

"Rose!" Edward rushes after her. "Wait in there for me," he adds over his shoulder for me.

Super.

Who the heck is that woman?

But I can't stop and feel sad for her. I really don't want children, not any time soon anyway. But someday…probably. I guess.

I sit in a comfy chair, waiting for Edward to return.

He looks dejected when he reappears in his office, closing the door softly behind him.

"Sorry about that. You met one of my sisters—the one hosting that crazy party. Where we met… It should have been a few close friends and it ended up in that madness."

"And you got plastered and ended up dressed as Santa, on the receiving end of many kisses." I giggle.

"True." He slumps in the chair next to mine, sinking low on it.

"I'm sorry for her," I mumble, not knowing what else to say.

"She's been trying for a while, and like always she blamed her husband. Turns out she's the problem," he explains. "So…Saturday…we have to cancel the trip to Boston."

"Don't worry. I'll ask around if anyone else loves Linkin Park."

He pouts, taking my hand. "I promise I'll make it up to you."

"Don't worry," I repeat. "Go, spend time with your family. I rarely hear you speak of them." I stroke his palm with my thumb.

"I talk with them more often than I speak of them. I'm actually close to them."

I shrug. "You never mention anyone."

"That was Rosalie, my oldest sister. She's five years my senior. Then there's Vic, my youngest and favorite sister—nine years younger than me. She was a total surprise to my parents and my favorite toy when I was young." He laughs. "Until I got banned from TV for nearly killing her. I was simply tossing her around with one of my friends. Apparently babies don't make good balls."

My eyes are so wide they're about to fall out, but I'm also laughing at his story.

"My parents?" He adds. "I love them and even though Mom can be a little crazy at times, I don't deny some mommy time. Aaaand you didn't hear that."

I zip my lips, beaming at him.

So he's a softie under this façade. Aww.

"As I told you that day when I got sick…Mom lives here in New York. Dad's in Philly with his new wife. Mom's new husband, Phil, plays baseball. She's absolutely crazy, and I'm the adult out of the two of us." I keep playing with his fingers. I love his hands. "I don't have any siblings sadly. Just step ones—who I don't really know."

"Sometimes, it's for the best."

"Do I detect an embarrassing story behind that comment?" I tease him just as the door opens.

We drop our hands.

"Another time." He winks.

See you next week! :)

PS: Don't jump on judging Rose.