AN: S. Meyer owns The Twilight Saga.
AN: Thank you to my two awesome betas, Kalycakes and Roxiegirl. More at the end, see you below.

Chapter 25

-Alice-

Eighteen chapters in total were leaked.

Eighteen.

Six short background stories from her main characters, two chapters from book one, three chapters from book two, and seven chapters from, what looks like, book three.

Who the hell would do this?

After skimming all the chapters, I was convinced that this was not a hoax. Who ever stole her safe got that sucker open and was now exploiting her work. I mean, you should see the site that was made for these chapters, the amount of advertisement I had to bypass to get to the actual chapters was unreal. Someone is making bank from this.

I spent a few hours after closing up shop trying to figure out who owned the site, maybe we can catch our thief, but I came up empty...well, the site was registered to a Seymour Buttz. Yeah, I came up empty. So now the question is: How the hell was I going to tell Bella about this?

I couldn't do this by myself, I need back-up. I called Rosalie, she would know what to do...I hope.

"Oh, good, I was just about to call you, Al," Rosalie answered, "What's up?"

I put her on speaker so I could gather my stuff while I was talking, "We've got a problem Rose, a huge problem."

The windy sound from her end of the line stopped, so I assumed she was in her car and just rolled up her windows, "What kind and how big?"

I locked some paper work and money in the safe, "Bigger than King Kong, more like a King Dong size problem...and it's about the safe that was stolen from Bella's house."

"Shit," Rosalie cursed, "Okay let me have it."

"I was, um, surfing the net, you know, cause I was bored and all," Rosalie didn't know about my fanfic obsession and I would prefer to keep it that way, she would have no mercy on my soul if she knew, "anyways, I found this site dedicated to Bella's books, you know, like a fan site?"

"Yeah, yeah, I've checked out a few of those sites before," Rosalie said impatiently.

I locked up the safe and started packing all the samples I was taking home in a box and slipped my sketches in my leather portfolio, "Okay, well, this one in particular posted eighteen unpublished chapters...chapters, that I'm positive, were in that external hard drive that was stolen from Bella's house."

"Holy shit!" Rosalie screeched.

"I know! That's why I'm calling you, what do we do? I tried to get the name of the person who owns the site but I don't think that's his or her real name."

"What's the name, I'm gonna give them a new hole to shit from," Rosalie growled.

"Rose," I said, "I don't think the name is gonna help us out here-,"

"Name, Alice. Now."

I sighed, "Fine. Seymour Buttz." There was a few seconds of silence on her end, "Rose? Still with me?"

"Are you joking, Al?" She asked.

I rolled my eyes, even though she couldn't see me. Like I would joke at a time like this, "No joke. The site is registered to a Seymour Buttz."

"Fucking hell," she huffed.

"You see where I'm coming from? Now, the delicate situation here is-,"

She cut me off, again, "How to tell Bella. Shit."

I pointed at the speaker, "Exactly."

"Well, shit, I don't know. Should we tell her? I mean, wouldn't this cause unnecessary stress on her baby? I don't want her sick because of this."

I shook my head, "We can't hide this from her, Rose. She would kill us if she found out we knew about this, and besides, you don't think she'll find out soon enough? I'm sure her agent will get word soon if she hasn't already."

"Ugh! I hate this," Rosalie sighed, "Okay, yeah, we should tell her. It's better if she hears it from us, but I think we should discuss this with Edward first."

I crossed my arms, "Why?"

"Because, Al, I think he should be there when we tell her, just in case...I don't know, in case she needs a doctor? What if she has another panic attack? I rather be safe than sorry."

"Right. So, when do you want to do this?"

"Um, the sooner the better, definitely before her agent calls her...so I say.. today."

I choked, "Shit, Rose, I was thinking tomorrow, maybe this weekend."

"No, now, before we chicken out. Edward should be home, so I'll meet you at his place. I'll call Esme and let her know we're coming so she can distract Bella and Masen while we talk to Edward first."

Ah, she knew me well, I was already starting to chicken out, "Fine. I'm on my way out, see you in a few."

"Bye."

I clicked the speaker off and picked up my junk, set the alarm and locked up behind me.

God, I hope all goes well.

-Edward-

There is no better feeling after a long days work than to come to a home filled with laughter.

As soon as I stepped out of my car I could hear Masen and Bella's laughter filter in from the kitchen. I smiled and took a moment to soak it in. This was such a wonderful change from what I used to come home to.

Flashback

"Get out of my house! I don't want you here, you're not welcomed here! Ge out, get out, get out!"

I could feel the waves of rage rolling from inside the house.

I got a call from Mom about an hour ago. Evidently Tanya believes Mom is trying to push her out of my life. She thinks Mom wants to take over her place as Mom and lady of the house, which is just absolutely ridiculous.
Mom has been staying at our house for well over a month. She came here to help Tanya how to properly care for Masen and manage the house. After the fight we had over Tanya skipping Masen's feedings a month and a half ago, I called Mom for help. Tanya's been so tired she sleeps most of the day. She hardly eats, and she's so self-conscious of her body, she won't let me see her naked. To top it all off she cries all the time, she won't allow her family or friends to visit nor will she return their calls. I thought it would give Tanya a chance to relax and re-group if she had someone here that knew what they were doing. I thought I was helping, but I guess I was wrong.

Poor Mom has been taking the short end of the stick.

Mom was more then happy to come and help with Masen and the house, she knew Tanya was not raised to do this kind of manual work. Tanya is the baby in her family, the princess and God knows I continued treating her as such from the moment we started dating. So this is a drastic change from which she is accustomed to. Mom was willing to teach her and help her, step by step but Tanya is not willing to learn or participate in Masen's care.

Tanya has a problem with the way Mom does...well, everything.

She doesn't want to do it 'Esme's way' she wants to do it her way. And I would be supportive of her way, that is, if she had a way. Today, Tanya decided she's had enough of Mom's help.

I took a deep breath and walked into the war zone. I walked past the foyer and headed to the kitchen, where the screaming match was taking place. Mom was standing on one end of the kitchen with a basket of laundry in hand and Tanya was standing on the opposite end with one of her Ralph Lauren cashmere blankets in hand.

"Tanya," Mom sighed, "It's not ruined. I know how to wash cashmere. I have that same exact blanket at home."

Tanya narrowed her eyes, "You did it on purpose then, you don't want me to have the same things you have, you want me to have nothing! You want to take everything from me! I can't have nice things, huh?" Tanya put the blanket to her nose and sniffed then threw it on the floor in disgust, "That smells horrible! What did you use?" I noticed Tanya wasn't in her usual pajamas and house slippers, she was actually feeling well enough to showered, style her hair, put make-up on, dressed in her designer jeans, silk blouse and leather boots.

This was new.

Mom set the laundry basket down on the counter and walked across the kitchen to pick up the blanket, "Tanya, I want you to have nice things, how can I not? You're my son's wife."

I noted how she never one called Tanya her 'daughter' or 'daughter-in-law,' it's always been 'my son's wife' or 'Edward's wife.'

Mom re-folded the blanket and brought it up to her nose, "The blanket smells like Masen, I used his baby shampoo when I hand washed the blanket in the tub last night."

Tanya threw her arms in the air, "This is what I'm talking about! You just parade around here doing what you want to do! I have a specific shampoo for cashmere, I don't want my things smelling like...him. Why didn't you ask me before making that kind of decision?" Tanya didn't allow Mom to respond, "I'll tell you why, because you want to do everything your way, even if this isn't you house! Edward is my husband, he's not your baby anymore and this is my house...so we do things my way!"

I couldn't let Mom take Tanya's abuse for another moment.

I stepped into the kitchen, "What's going on here?" They both turned in my direction. Mom gave me an apologetic smile, though I had no idea what she was apologizing for.

Tanya smiled brilliantly before running to me and throwing her arms around my neck, "Hi, Eddie!" she pecked my lips, "I've missed you," she cooed.

This was definitely new.

Tanya had not shown any type of affection in...months.

I was a bit taken back, "Uh...I've missed you, too?"

She laughed, "Oh, Eddie, you're so funny."

I furrowed my eyebrows, "Okay?" I shook my head and stepped back from her to give Mom a hello hug and kiss.

Tanya's arms loosened from my neck but she got a hold of my wrist and held me back.

I turned back to her and cocked my eyebrow, "Tanya, what are you doing?"

But she wasn't looking at me, she was glaring at Mom, "She doesn't like me, Eddie. She's been mean to me."

I could hear Mom huff behind me. I placed my hands on Tanya's shoulders, "Tanya, Mom does like you and I really doubt she's been mean to you."

She stepped back and gasped, "You're on her side, you don't love me anymore!" she accused.

I stepped forward and pulled her into my arms, "Don't be ridiculous and I'm not on any ones side."

Tanya nodded and said, "Then prove it, tell her to go home."

"Tanya," I warned.

"This is my house, Eddie-bear," Tanya whined.

I looked over at Mom, she looked so exhausted, I felt terrible for putting her in this situation.

"I know this is your house, Mom knows this is your house, she's just trying to help."

Tanya wiggled out of my arms, "Fine. Let her take care of your son and take me out dancing."

I bristled, "Tanya, Mom is not the nanny or the maid. She is here to teach you how to handle Masen and the house, to help you transition into this new roll a little easier."

Tanya pushed me away and stomped to where Mom had placed the laundry basket. She picked up the basket and threw it at me. I jumped out of the way while Mom gasped. I turned towards the now scattered clothes on the floor, then Tanya and back to the clothes.

I couldn't believe she did that.

We were all trying to help her, make things easier on her. I brushed off all of her insults and tantrums because I knew change was difficult for her. She was very much a princess when she didn't get her way.

But this was taking it a bit too far.

She was not only being unbelievably rude...almost cruel to Mom but now she was, literally, throwing Mom's hard work back in my face. Tanya just burned through my last shred of patience.

"What the hell is wrong with you!" I shouted.

"I hate you!" she turned, picked up a vase full of her favorite flowers, red roses, from the counter and aimed it at me.

"Don't you dare," I growled.

"Tanya," Mom pleaded.

Tanya turned bright red and threw the vase against the refrigerator next to me. Pieces of crystal scattered across the floor, red petals sticking to every surface that was now wet due to the water the vase once held.

"I hate you, I hate all of you!" Tanya screamed, "You've ruined me! Look at me!" She pulled on her non-existing stomach and pinched her thighs, "You made me like this and she wants you to get rid of me! I hate you!"

With that she ran out of the room. We could hear the thunderous footsteps running up the stairs before she slammed the door to our room shut.

All that racket caused Masen to wake up, we could hear his cries from where we stood.

I turned to Mom, her eyes were wet from unshod tears, "Oh Mom," I sighed, "I'm so very sorry." I walked to where she was standing, pulled her into a tight embrace and kissed the top of her head, "So sorry."

Mom sniffled and shook her head, "No, honey, this is not your fault. She's just a spoiled brat that has to have everything her way."

I agree.

"I'm still sorry, if I hadn't asked you to come you wouldn't have been subjected to that, you shouldn't be subjected to that. I'm so sorry."

Mom took a deep breath and stepped back, "No more apologies, I'm glad to be here, I don't get to see my grand-baby enough. Now, let me calm Masen and then I'll clean this up."

"No, you make sure Masen's okay, I'll clean this up."

Mom nodded and turned to leave but stopped before she was out of the room, "What are you going to do about Tanya? She doesn't want to learn anything from me."

I groaned and rubbed my face with both my hands, "I don't know," I felt a hundred years old, "I have no clue, but something needs to change. This," I pointed at the mess in the floor, "can't happen again."

Mom nodded and walked out of the room.

I took the broom out of the broom closet and started sweeping the mess.

Why does it feel like this house of cards is going to come crashing down at any minute?

End of Flashback

Yes, times have changed.

I strolled through the door and walked to the brightly lit kitchen. Masen and Bella were looking at a small plasma T.V. the home security guys mounted on the wall.

"What are you two up to?" I asked.

They both jumped and twirled around. Masen's eyes brightened, "Daddy!" he ran and launched himself into my awaiting arms.

"Hey baby boy," I gave him a big bear hug and kissed the top of his head, "what are you watching?"

He gave me a mischievous grin, "Bella and me are tricking Nana."

I smiled at him then looked at Bella, she blushed and explained, "That sounds so harsh," she nervously laughed, "It's more like...um, keeping her on her toes?"

I walked to her and kissed her warm cheek, "Hi."

She smiled, "Hi. Did you have a good day at work?"

I nodded, "Yes, and you? How was your day?"

She shrugged, "Boring, slow."

"Hey!" Mase took offense.

Bella giggled and poked his sides, "That is, until Masen got home from playing with Lily all day."

Mase scrunched up his face, "I did not, I played monster trucks with Lukas, too."

Bella held her hands up in surrender, "My apologies."

I glanced at the T.V. and saw four separate window streaming live feed from various parts of the house. One window was from the front door, the next two showed the side of the house and the last was from the back yard.

"Are you two having fun with the surveillance cameras?" I asked, moving the little joystick on the side of the keyboard which moved the angle of camera four, the camera facing the back yard.

"Just getting familiar with it," Bella said.

"Mmmhmm," I agreed, "Where's Mom?"

Mase laughed, "There," he pointed to the corner of window four where Mom was crouching down behind a cluster of shrubs and roses.

I put Masen back on the floor to take a closer look at Mom. She was ducking low to the grass and kept peeking over the shrubs and, every so often, over her shoulders. Masen kept giggling next to me.
Without taking my eyes off the screen, I shrugged my coat off and threw it over the breakfast bar onto a chair, my tie soon followed. I heard a small whimper coming out of Bella.

I immediately took my eyes of the screen and looked at her, she was a little flushed. I touched her forehead with the back of my hand to check for fever, then I ran my hand down her cheek to her neck. She was warm but not feverish, nor was she clammy. Maybe her stomach is bothering her. Many women have problems with nausea in their first trimester.

"Are you okay, sweetheart?" I asked, my fingers were now on her carotid artery in her neck checking her pulse.

She looked a little dazed, her eyes were darting back and forth from my chest to Masen.

Bella shook her head, took a deep breath and smiled, "Yes, fine. I'm fine."

Her pulse was a bit high and she still looked a little flushed, "Are you sure?"

She turned around to face the counter and started re-arranging the fruit that was in the crystal bowl, "Yup, I'm good."

Bella was acting strange.

I furrowed my eyebrows, "Okaaay...if you say so, but you would tell me if anything is bothering you, right?"

Without looking at me, Bella said, "Of course."

I took a moment to really look at her, she had on a pair of black yoga pants, a deep purple tee and black Puma sneakers, she looked comfortable...like she was going out for a jog.

I really hope she was taking it easy and not wearing herself out.

Not wanting to come right out and ask her point blank if she was following, well...Doctor's orders, I walked to the refrigerator and took out the bowl of chopped fruit and some whipped cream.

"So...what did you do today, sweetheart?" I asked while setting down the fruit and the whipped cream next to her.

"Oh, I, uh, did a little reading and...stuff," she shrugged but still wouldn't look at me, "you know, nothing exciting."

"Mmmm," I nodded and pulled out some plates from the cupboard, Masen was still engrossed with the surveillance monitor, "Read anything interesting?"

"Ummm..." Bella was fidgeting, "nothing too interesting."

If there is one thing I was positive of after this conversation was that Bella couldn't lie to save her life. I didn't understand why Bella felt the need to lie to me. Was she scared of me?

Jesus, I hope not.

But if that's the case, I need to fix it right away.

I set the plates down and gently pulled her arm so she could face me, "Bella, do you not trust me?"

Her eyes widened, "What? Don't be absurd, of course I trust you."

I took both her hands in mine and pulled her closer, her eyes flickered to my lips and back to my eyes, "Then trust me with the truth."

Her shoulders sagged and she sighed, guilt in her eyes, "Okay. Okay, you're right. Sorry."

I kissed her forehead and smiled, "No need to be sorry, just trust me."

Bella nodded but looked a little nervous, "Don't get upset."

Oh, nothing good ever came from those words.

I know I was going to regret this but... "I won't get upset."

She gauged my eyes, making sure I was telling the truth, "Promise," she said.

I inwardly groaned, this was going to be bad but I needed her to trust me, so I nodded and said, "Promise."

She took her lower lip between her white teeth for a moment, "I was reading, I was telling the truth about that and about how it wasn't too interesting. I also took a nap, just so you know. Oh, and I ate breakfast and lunch and I took my prenatal vitamins. I walked around the house and the back yard, I was going to call Alice and Rosalie but they're busy and... I just, goodness, I was so bored and..."

I was trying not to get distracted, she looked so damn cute when she rambled on like this, "And...?"

She squeezed my hands, "Please don't get upset, it was all my fault. I can be very stubborn and grumpy and..."

I smiled, I know she could be, "Just tell me."

"Ugh," she grumbled then said, "I went out for a walk."

I started laughing.

Bella narrowed her eyes, "What's so funny?"

She looked really annoyed, pulling her hands from mine and crossing her arms.

Masen stated laughing along with me, even though he didn't have the slightest clue as to why I was laughing. The sound of Masen laughing softened Bella, a small smile played on the corner of her lips.

I calmed enough to try to smooth things over with her, "It's not funny, I'm sorry. I must be a real tyrant if telling me about your day is that unnerving. Okay, so you went for a walk, do I like it? No, not really, I would prefer you stay home and rest but I also don't want you getting cabin fever." Bella slowly relaxed and smiled, "Besides, it's good to get some fresh air, as long as you take it easy...and let someone know where you're going...and take your phone...actually, I really would prefer you not go out without someone. Remember, Mike is still out there and," I cradled her injured hand, the cast was an ugly reminder of what Mike was capable of, "it would be wise if we take every precaution we can."

Bella's smile slowly slipped away and she paled ever so slightly. I guess she had forgotten that little detail, "Oh God," her uninjured hand shield her tummy protectively, "I didn't think about Mike."

"Awww..." Masen grumbled, "Nana is coming back."

I turned to the screen, Mom was indeed on her way in.

"What happened pumpkin?" said Mom, walking into the kitchen.

"What were you doing out there?" I asked.

"Oh, hi honey," she walked to me and kissed my cheek, "We were playing hide and seek, Masen was doing really good, I got a little concerned when he took so long finding me this time."

Ah, now I know why they were laughing when I walked in.

I looked at Bella, she was blushing and looking sheepish, "Keeping her on her toes."

"Let's play again Nana!" Masen jumped up and down.

"Baby boy," Masen looked up at me, "time to fess up, tell your Nana what you ...and Bella," I playfully glared at her, "were up to."

"Awww," Masen complained, "Do I have to?"

"I think it's time, sweetie," Bella smiled and shrugged.

"Ooookay," Masen sighed, "Nana, Bella and me played a trick on you."

"What kind of trick?" Mom asked.

Masen grinned and pointed at the monitor, "We could see where you hid the whole time."

Mom looked at the monitor and gasped, "I forgot about those! Masen, you had Nana fooled," Mom laughed, "Oh, pumpkin, we need to use that trick when Papa comes to visit."

I was going to suggest dinner at the Four Seasons when Mom's phone when off.

"Hello?" she answered.

"Baby boy, why don't you go up to your restroom and wash up for dinner," he was already halfway out the kitchen, "And bring your coat down with you, we're going out for dinner."

"Maybe I should freshen up and change as well," Bella reached up, kissed my chin and followed Masen up the stairs.

"Okay...okay...I'll tell him...uhu...oh, no...yes, we'll be here...okay see you in a few Rosalie, bye." After ending the call, Mom sighed and took my hand, "Come, we need to talk...and we don't have a lot of time. Where's Bella?"

I furrowed my brows, "She and Masen when to freshen up for dinner, I thought it would be nice of we all went to the Four Seasons for dinner."

Mom shook her head, "I don't think that will be happening tonight. That was Rosalie, she and Alice need to speak with you."

I squeezed her hand, "Can't this wait till tomorrow? I was really looking forward to a pleasant dinner with my family."

Mom smiled, "And I would love nothing more, but this is really important," she looked over her shoulder, making sure we were still alone. Once she was sure no one could hear us she whispered, "It has to do with the safe that was stolen from Bella's house."

"What?" I asked, "Mom, we need to tell Bella, Detective Rae should be here as well," I was getting excited over this news, hopefully what ever Alice and Rosalie discovered was enough to make an arrest.

Mom shook her head, "No, honey, they want to talk to you first...in private...without Bella."

This is bad.

Bad enough for Rosalie and Alice to sneak behind Bella's back to talk to me first.

I remember what happened the last time I kept something from Bella, and I didn't want to do that to her again. I don't want to give my wife reason to lose trust in me.

With that in mind, I said, "I can't do that to Bella, Mom. I won't keep things from her, especially if it has to do with the case."

"I understand, honey, no one is asking you to keep anything from Bella, but I think you should hear them out."

"Mom...I can't, I don't want to keep anything from her," I rubbed my face with my hand, "I want this...our marriage to work out, and the only way it can is by keeping all lines of communication and trust open."

"I agree, but I also know that Bella is in a delicate state, I think you should hear what it is they've found and assess the best way to tell her."

Mom had a point, if what Alice and Rosalie discovered was truly bad, Bella could panic and...I don't want to think about that. I hated seeing her in the hospital.

I don't remember our wedding or the vows that were spoken but I'm sure I promised to protect her and her well-being. And this happens to fall in that category...Bella couldn't hold that against me. Could she?

Maybe.

But I had to put her and our baby's best interest first, with that in mind I agreed, "Okay."

Mom smiled, "This is the right choice, given the circumstances. I'll go up and distract them both. Alice and Rosalie should be here any minute now." She gave my hand one last gentle squeeze and left the kitchen.

"What a mess," I mumbled to myself.

A minute later there was a tentative knock on the front door. I glanced at the monitor, Alice and Rosalie were outside. I swiftly walked to the door to let them in, "Hello ladies, please come in," I stepped aside and closed the door behind them.

Taking off her coat, Alice said, "Hi, Edward."

Rosalie didn't bother with her coat and cut right to the chase, "Where's Bella?"

"In her room, Mom is keeping her occupied." I held my arm out for their coats, "May I? I'll put them away in the closet."

After hanging their coats and escorting them to my study, we sat down and Alice dove right into the problem, "Someone posted Bella's unpublished chapters and short stories online for the world to read."

I've never had the misfortune of having my home broken into and vandalized. I've never had anything stolen from me...well, that's not entirely true. Tanya stole years of my life, but that's neither here nor there. My point is, I don't know how it would feel to have something so private and sacred ripped out of your hands and put out there for the world to consume. Being thrown out there with no safety net or time to steel oneself, the thought is paralyzing. I know with out a doubt in my mind this will crush Bella. Her devotion and love for her work rivals my passion for medicine. The way she's spoken to me about her work and the creative proses, it's almost a religious experience for her. And by the devastating look marring Alice and Rosalie's face, I know the same thought is crossing their minds: This won't end well.

I leaned forward to rest my elbows on my knees and lie my head in my hands, "What are we going do?" My voice muffled by my hands.

"I say we just come out and tell her," said Rosalie. "There's no easy way to put it, someone invaded her privacy and there's no way of sugar coating that."

"Ugh," I moaned, "She can't have another panic attack, it's not good for her or our baby."

The squeaking of the leather chair let me know someone was fidgeting, "Rose is right." I pulled myself upright and looked at Alice, "I think we should tell her what's going on and show her we are all here for her. This will leave her open and vulnerable, Bella hates for anyone to read her work without having the green light from her editors. Bella will feel alone and she will try to isolate herself, we need to make sure she doesn't."

I ran my fingers through my hair, my temper getting the best of me, "This is such bullshit, she doesn't need this crap."

Rosalie stood from the chair and walked to where I was and sat to my right, she took my hand and said, "No, she doesn't need this and yes, it's complete bullshit. But what's done is done and we need to fix it...or, at least make it manageable for her to deal with. Will this hurt her? Absolutely." Rosalie squeezed my hand, her ice blue eyes were wet from unshod tears, "This is why we need to be here for her and your baby, that precious creature is first priority and I won't have Bella put in the hospital because of this. We will make sure of that."

After Bella explained to me why Rosalie was so emotional the night we told them about the baby, I felt horrible for flaunting our blessing in her face even though it wasn't intentional. As hurt as Rosalie might have been, she never once took from our joy, if anything, she celebrated our blessing. And she was an angel to Masen, how can I not admire her for that? I knew, if nothing else, Bella truly has loyal friends on her side.

I looked at Alice, she too had wet, red rimmed eyes, "We're here for you too, you know," she said.

I took a deep breath and nodded, "Thank you, both of you." I cleared my throat and stood, "I'll get Bella."

They both nodded and straightened themselves. I slowly made my way up the stairs and to Bella's bedroom. I could hear muffled voices from the other side of the door.

I knocked twice, "Bella?"

"Come in," she said.

I opened the door, Mom and Bella were sitting on the overstuffed, white love-seat having a chat. Mom had Bella's injured hand between her's, both were smiling.

"I'm sorry," said Bella, "Esme and I got to talking and time slipped, I'll just be two minutes," she got up and started for the bathroom.

"That's okay," I took a quick glace at Mom then trained my eyes on Bella's, "Actually, Rosalie and Alice are here, if you'll come with me..." I held my hand out for hers.

"Al and Rose are here?" Bella's eyebrows furrowed.

Mom rose from the sofa and quietly said, "I'll go check on Masen."

Bella watched Mom leave the room before turning her attention back to me. "Lets go see what those two are up to," she smiled and took my hand. I softly pulled her to me and enveloped her in my arms, as if to give her strength for what she is about to encounter. Bella wrapped her arms around my waist and sighed contently.

I kissed the top of her head, keeping my lips against her hair, I said, "Come, let's get this over with."

Bella pulled back and looked at me questioningly but didn't press, I smiled and led her out of the room.

As soon as we walked in the study, both Rosalie and Alice jumped out of their seats and pulled Bella into their arms.

"Well, hello to you too," Bella laughed.

"Shut up," giggled Alice, "we missed you."

Rosalie stepped back a bit and placed her hand on Bella's tummy, "How's the baby?"

Alice jumped back and mimicked Rosalie's actions, "Yes, how is the little bugger?"

Bella smiled and shrugged, "Good, I think," she looked up at me, "we still need to find a Obstetrician to make sure but I feel fine."

I smiled at her, "I'll ask my colleagues for recommendations first thing tomorrow morning, if you'd like?"

Bella sighed and nodded, "Please, the sooner we find a doctor the better." She turned back to the girls and pulled them to the sofa, "What are you guys up to?"

Rosalie and Alice sat to Bella's right, I sat to her left and pulled her close to my side. Bella smiled at me over her shoulders and melted to my side. With one hand resting on her tummy and the other draped behind her on the sofa, I nodded for them to continue.

Alice, who was closer to Bella, took her hand and squeezed gently, "Bella we...I...well, I was at work today and while I was on the computer I...I...UGH!" Alice groaned, "I don't know how to say this, it's so hard."

Just then the door bell rang, I hoped Mom would answer it for me as I was not going to move from my place next to Bella.

Bella glanced at me, "Are you expecting someone? Should I get it."

I shook my head, "No, Mom will get it."

Rosalie stood and pulled Alice back, making room for her next to Bella, "What Alice," she rolls her eyes, "is trying to say is that..." Rosalie looks at Bella eyes, then down to her tummy and back to her eyes again, "What she's trying to say is that...shit." Rosalie wiped her forehead with the back of her hand and grumbles, "This is harder then it looks. Okay, what we're trying to say and are too chickenshit to come right out and tell you is...that...uh..." I could see Rosalie was having as difficult time telling Bella as Alice did.

I could hear Mom's heels, clicking against the marble floor, on her way to the door. I really hope she took a peek at the monitor in the kitchen to make sure it was safe.

Alice slapping Rosalie in the arm brought me out of my musing, "See it's not that easy, is it?" said Alice.

Rosalie, rubbed her arm, turned to Alice and glared at her, "I've got it, just give me a minute."

"Whatever it is, just spit it out," suggested Bella, "What happened at work Alice?"

Alice glanced at me then back at Bella, "Uhhh...okay, I'm just gonna come right out and say it because we," she swirled her finger in a circle, signifying us, "all think you deserve to know and we don't want to keep anything from you. But please, please, please think of your baby, okay? Don't get all worked up...we will fix this, it will be okay."

Bella's body tensed hearing Alice's words. I slowly stroked her tummy, hopefully reminding her to stay calm.

Bella stiffly nodded, "Alright..."

"No, you can't go in there," I could hear Mom's voice just outside the door.

Just then the door flew open, we all turned to see Emmett walking through the threshold.

"Em, what are you-," I started to ask.

"Bro, I need to talk to you," Em had a grim look on his face.

Mom stood slightly behind him with her arms crossed, "I told this big oaf you were busy and needed privacy...and to phone you later."

"Sorry Mrs. C, but this is important," Em smiled apologetically to Mom.

I stood and shook my head, "Em, not now."

"Ed, you really need to hear this," Em stressed.

"Not now, Emmett," I nearly growled, my temper getting the best of me.

"Yes. Now."

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

Bella, Alice, and Rosalie's heads were bobbing back and forth, as if they were spectators at Wimbledon.

Emmett glared at me and turned to Bella, "I know we haven't known each other that long, but you're my best friends..." Em glanced at me quickly before returning to Bella, "my brother's wife and that makes us family. With that in mind, I would never keep anything this big from you, as I hope you will never keep anything important from me."

Bella looked utterly confused, "I...uh...okay?"

Emmett gave her a small smile, "Cool, okay."

"Okay..." Bella slightly nodded, her brows still furrowed, "You were going to tell me..."

"Oh, right," his face became serious, "I'm not one to pussy foot-,"

"Language Emmett," Mom scolded.

"Sorry, Mrs. C," said Emmett, never once taking his eyes off Bella's, "Bella, someone leaked your unpublished work on the Internet."

God all mighty.

Bella paled and whispered, "What?"

I rushed and sat next to her, pulling her into my arms. I kissed the top of her head and rubbed her back soothingly.

Emmett ruffled his hair and sighed, "There were a few chapter posted on this one site today, um, some short stories too...and, I guess some chapters of a new book?"

"They...they stole my work and posted them on the web?" Bella whimpered.

I glanced at Alice and Rosalie, while keeping Bella tucked to my side. Alice stared wide eyed at Emmett while Rosalie was concentrating on Bella's reaction.

Bella's body started to shake, I held her closer to me, "Sweetheart, please, take a few deep breaths for me." I looked at Mom, "Mom, can you please get Bella a glass of water?"

Mom smacked the back of Emmett's before responding, "Of course, I'll also get some chamomile tea started."

Bella turned her head so her face was hidden in the crook of my neck. I could hear her sniffling between her deep breaths. She was trying to stay calm and regain control.

This was breaking my heart.

"It'll be okay, sweetheart," I whispered in her hair between kissed, "We'll figure this out." All I got from her was a nod.

"How did you know this, Emmett?" asked Alice.

All of us, with the exception of Bella, were intently staring at him.

Emmett reddened and looked away, after clearing his throat he said, "Uh, what?"

This piqued my interest, so I said, "How did you find out about the chapters, Em?"

Not meeting our eyes, he said, "Oh, that. Uh...I came across it while surfing the net?"

Rosalie snickered, "Huh, that's exactly what Alice said to me."

Fidgeting and blushing, Alice said, "Oh, what a total coincidence. What are the odds?"

Rosalie cocked one eyebrow while eyeing Alice and Em, "Spill."

"What," Alice and Em said in unison.

Rosalie crossed her arms over her chest and pointedly looked at both of them, "You know what. Don't act dumb. What are you two hiding?" They both shook their heads and said nothing, "Alice you can't keep a secret to save your life, and by the looks of it," she looked at Em, "neither can you. So do me and my four inch Valentino's a favor, don't make me kick your ass' ...SPIT. IT. OUT!"

"Ladies first," Em said, extending his hand towards Alice.

If looks could kill, Em would be pushing up daisy's.

"Asshole," Alice hissed at Em before addressing us, "Fine. Bella knows I adore her books, and she also knows I'm her biggest fan," she said defensively.

"The point, Alice, get to the point," said Rosalie.

Alice huffed but her cheeks were still stained crimson, "Ugh, after I finished the second book and re-read them like, I don't know...so many times the pages were coming off the spine and Bella didn't have a clue if she was going to write a third book or not. I was so invested with the characters, I couldn't just let them go. So one day while I was in my morning yoga class, I overheard two women talk about Bella's characters but the things they were talking about weren't in the books. I got curious and asked them what they were talking about, they said it was a fan fiction story were Bella's characters were used. I asked for the address and lo and behold, thousand of stories with the characters I love!"

Bella whipped her head around to face Alice, "You read that stuff?" Alice guiltily nodded, "Alice! They make Stella and Derek do things...I wouldn't make them do."

"Sorry, Bella, but...God, some of those stories are so hot and...you know I like my...bed time stories," Alice tried to whisper the last part but didn't quite succeed. Em snickered and earned another of Alice's death glares, "What about you Emmett? What's your story, because as far as I know, only the people who subscribe to MsSwansbitch got that email."

Bella's eyes widened, "'MsSwansbitch?' Oh, that's horrible," she wrinkled her nose. "Emmett?" Bella eyed him curiously, "I didn't know you read my books, why didn't you tell me?"

Emmett read books...for pleasure?

Not to underestimate Emmett's intelligence but he was never one for reading for pleasure, he only read the material required for his career.

So he knew who Bella was all this time and didn't tell me?

"No! No, no, no, no," Em shook his head and brought his palms up, "I never actually read you books, per say." The tips of Em's ears turned bright red, "You see, there was this girl I was banging," as soon as the words left his mouth, he turned his panic eyes to Rosalie and started back peddling, "But this was a long, long, long time ago. I don't even remember the girls name or what she looked like or-,"

Rosalie cut him off with a wave of her hand, "Stop digging your own grave and continue, we'll discuss this later."

Em nervously nodded, "Okay beautiful-,"

"And stop sucking up," Rosalie snapped.

Alice snickered and stuck her tongue out at Em, he glared back before continuing, "As I was saying, I was ban...uh, I was with this girl, a long time ago," he stressed and we all rolled our eyes, "anyways, one night she left her laptop on her nightstand, she was...you know, getting cleaned up," Alice gagged and Rosalie narrowed her eyes, I groaned and put my head in my hands, Bella didn't make a sound, "What?"

I shook my head and looked at him, "Just...get on with it, Em. Please."

"Well, let me finish," he growled, "She left it on and I was bored because she was taking so damn long...seriously, I don't know what takes you girls so long in the bathroom. Anyways, I'm curious by nature and so I checked out what she was looking at. She was on this Fan Fiction site and she was reading this story that...wow, they had whips and chains and floggers and nipple clamps and-,"

Bella finally spoke up, "Okay, okay, okay! Down boy, we get the picture, it was a BDSM based story."

Em furrowed his eyebrows, "What? No. This guy, Derek, had Stella handcuffed to this big wooden cross and he was spanking her with his cane and, get this, she was crying for more." Em's eyes glossed over, "It was fucking hot."

Rosalie smiled at Em, Bella blushed and looked away, I think Alice might have moaned and I was just fucking stunned.

Em snapped out of his Dom/sub induced stupor and said, "After that I was kinda hooked. It was like free porn...but the kind you have to read and use your imagination and junk. Heh, junk." I groaned while Alice, once again gagged, "Anyways, I opened an account and well...the rest is history. Like I said Bella, I never actually read your books. I found out you wrote those books after your girls here told us and I didn't feel the need to disclose my little...guilty pleasure. So, I kept quiet. But I couldn't after I got that email. So, yeah." We were all quiet, thinking of what was just said.

All of a sudden Bella stood and walk determinately to the desk.

"Sweetheart?" I stood and followed, "What are you doing?"

She sat on the leather chair and started up the computer, "I need to see it for myself." She pulled out her cell phone from her pocket and started scrolling through it, "I need to speak with my agent," she looked at all of us, "alone."

"But, sweetheart," I glanced back to see our friends worried expressions and then looked back at Bella, "maybe-,"

"No, Edward," she stated, pressing the phone to her ear, "I need to take control of this or I'm going to lose my mind. Please, give me a few minutes to myself." She turned her attention to the computer.

Everything in Bella's life had been thrown every which way, and this made her feel like she had no control. I knew that feeling well, and I understood the need to take hold of the situation and beat it into submission. And she looked okay, her eyes were still red and swollen from crying, her skin was still a bit blotchy and still, Bella was the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.
She needed this and she looked composed enough for me to step back. I'll still be close once we left the room, but I would give her the space she needed.

I kissed the top of her head and stepped back, "We'll be in the living-room if you need anything."

She simply nodded and went back to her business.

I turned for the door, motioning our friends to follow, "She needs a few minutes alone."

Before I closed the door behind me I heard Bella talk to her agent.

"We've got a problem, Irina."

Irina?

AN: Sorry I took soooo long with this but I just had to step back and take a breather. The words weren't coming out the way I wanted them to but I think we're all good now.

I posted some teasers on Twitter for those who are following me, for those who are not...get with it, will ya? Just kidding, but seriously, I do post teasers there and to all those who review. Just saying. You can find me there as Soleil2Much, easy right?

Rec's: There Will be Blood by johnnyboy7, oh this story...Mmmm. You want to slap and fuck Edward at the same time (Ooops, did I really just say that? Yup, sure did.)

Go read anything and ever thing author Betty Smith has written, she makes my heart go thump, thump.

Green by Bratty-Vamp (All her stories are awesome too) This Edward is the geek you just want to hold hands with...or jump. (Heh-he, yup, said that too.)

The author, ladyinblue6, has two kick-ass stories on FF, The Beautiful Letdown (Inspired by Juno) it's smart and very funny. This one is all BPOV but her other story is all in EPOV called Learning to Breathe. This Edward is soooooo the high school guy we all had crushes on.

And last but not least, I just found this one, it's called Pistols and Petticoats by Saltire884, Charlie is a bastard and Edward is a 'half breed' that won Bella in a poker game. Go read, I can't describe this story, wont do it justice.

Okay, that's it. I am working on the next chapter (promise)...and the outtakes (Twitter followers get snippets of the outtakes)...and I'm working on TMA.

See you soon and thanks to everyone who is still with me,

Soleil xoxo