The Ex Factor : Edward & Bella

by AngelAtTwilight

Edward & Bella are exes. 4 years later, fate gives them a new hand by reuniting them together in their father's joint cabin, with the assistance of their clashing friends. How will it end? Hmm. *AH, OOC, A/L, Canon/Uncanon couples.*

35. Directing Curveballs

Review, Review, Review!

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Chapter Thirty-Five: Directing Curveballs
Ahhhh, life. Every time you think you have something figured out, it changes gears on us. Like using a condom... or thinking your parents are happy... or clashing with exes.
(No Jake/Rose pov, for a reason. Will make up for it next chapter. Sorry JaRo fans!!)

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Disclaimer: I own nothing that is Twilight or Stephenie Meyer related. But I think she's a genius for creating these two characters that I can play with!
Special Thanks to:
- To My readers and loyal reviewers.... Ahhhh, here we are again. You guys are as important as daylight to me. I love you all. Thank you for your support.
- To My amazing beta, Jazz Girl (Caryn) for keeping me from drowning in panic and making sure I do the right thing with these characters, by following my heart. Without you to guide me, I honestly believe I'd be sinking to the bottom in anxiety, because we all know how I aim to please, even when I know it's impossible all the time. Thank you for all of your support, BB. You are the E to my Em!!
- To My Twilighted, A.T.T.E.F. Facebook, & Lexicon members -- Thank you for EVERYTHING YOU DO!!!

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"I look around at a beautiful life.
Been the upperside of down, been the inside of out, but we breathe...
We breathe.
I wanna breeze and an open mind, I wanna swim in the ocean, wanna take my time for me...
All me.
So maybe tomorrow... I'll find my way home."

~ Stereophonics, "Maybe Tomorrow"

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Baby Masen: 2 Days Old

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Chapter Thirty-Five: Directing Curveballs

BellaPOV

Edward drove us home from the hospital forty-eight hours after I delivered Masen.

It was strange being in the backseat of my own car, with our new son in the carseat beside me.

It was strange, period. Strange but beautiful.

He was fussy, it seemed, with his white onesie, which had a stethoscope and pen design on it, making it look like a doctor's jacket, with matching gray corduroy pants. The back of his onesie read "McDoctor". (Edward loved the outfit that I picked out though. He got a good laugh out of it. I had another doctor in training, apparently. Already.)

During my stay at the hospital, I realized that Masen's circumcision was more painful for me than for him. Edward had to calm me down several times because I couldn't stop crying. I just didn't like the idea of him being in any type of pain. I was his mother. I was supposed to protect him, and I couldn't stand to see him cry. Not when we were the cause of the pain. He didn't cry that much, though he physically looked like he should, since it was a bit swollen. But he was a trooper. Unlike his poor helpless mother.

They also tried to teach me how to breastfeed. That was something that might take some practice at home, because anytime that Edward or our nurse, Anna, wasn't with me, I couldn't really figure out how to help him latch on and stay engaged. We tried several positions, but for some reason the only one Masen seemed to like was one called the 'football cradle', which had him wrapped beneath my right arm at my side, with his head wound around to latch on to the right breast. The lactation consultant explained most babies weren't secure enough to stay in that position. So, of course, that made me beam that my baby was all ready secure.

Also, I found out that urinating sucked big time. I didn't want to do it ever again. And bowel movements were even worse. Plus, I didn't get much sleep, and I don't think I saw Edward sleep or leave my room from the moment we got there to the moment we left.

Our room was filled with so many flower arrangements and balloons, we had to have two nurses with rolling carts help us stick it all in the trunk. Edward said my car would smell like roses and 'green, shrubbery shit' for a month. We really had to work on this whole language thing, I thought with a smile.

Edward drove slowly for the first time in his entire life. Under the speed limit even. I was really proud of him. I noticed that he kept checking mirrors and windows, making sure no one got too close to us. Once we turned off the main stretch onto our back road, it really got interesting. There was a truck behind us and, according to my husband, he got too close to the rear of my car. (I think Edward was exaggerating.) Needless to say, the expletives that flowed high speed from his lips were just hilarious, because he was trying to cover them all up so Masen wouldn't hear. All I could hear was lots of growling.

When we arrived at the main gate, Tommy came out to greet us so he could see Masen. Edward invited him up to the house in a few hours, when our other friends and family would gather for a supper that my mom was cooking. As we drove down our long lane, I noticed that every five trees or so, there were blue balloons dancing in the light breeze. They all led to a big, colorful, sparkly sign that hung beside our mailbox near our house. 'Welcome Home, Masen Anthony Cullen!!", it read, with a picture of the three of us, Masen in his little hat and blanket, Edward sitting behind me. It must have been taken with Rosalie's camera in the hospital.

My heartbeat doubled once Edward parked the car and ran around to help me out. "I hope he likes the house," I whispered, shaking.

"He'll love it," he replied as he bent inside the car to undo the carseat.

My mom ran out to meet us, tossing a dish towel over her shoulder. "Hey!! Welcome home, sweethearts!"

"Hey mom," we both replied with a smile. Renee would only let me carry in a few balloons, while she held on in handfulls and Edward moved the car seat with a sleeping baby. By the time we made it across the bridge and to the front door, I thought I was going to pass out I was so anxious.

"Mom, where's the dogs?" Edward asked Renee before he turned the handle. I loved that he kept calling her mom... Loved how close they'd gotten.

"I locked them in the kitchen for now."

He nodded and opened the door, and as soon as the dogs noticed us behind the gate, they started bouncing and jumping up and down. Their barking woke up Masen, of course, before we even made it to the couch. "Welcome home baby," Edward chuckled as he sat the carseat on the couch and began to unfasten him. I was quick to help him and my heart felt as if it could explode when I watched him pull Masen out of the car seat and up against his chest.

I bit my lip and rubbed his back while Edward soothed him. I couldn't think of a prettier sight than that.

After an hour or so of getting settled and calming ourselves, we decided to show him around his new house. We showed him every single room, even the closets. Then we went outside by the pool, the lake, near the woods, everywhere we could. That in itself took another hour. By the end, I felt my legs go wobbly and knew I had to sit down. Between the lack of rest and food, and combined with my anxiety, I was running on about on empty.

I didn't want to close my eyes. Not with my son finally here. Edward told me he was going to let me spend some time with him while he took the dogs for a walk. We were worried that they would feel unloved with so much attention given to Masen, so he wanted to be sure they felt as much of a part as this adjustment as we did. They were family too.

My mom helped me adjust on the couch, throwing a cover over the two of us that I hadn't seen before. She fussed with the pillows beneath and around me. "Hey mom?" I yawned, "Where did this cover come from?"

"Oh... Alice brought it over. She made it herself... and she streamed the balloons for you guys. Did you see them all on your way in? Oh, and she purchased Masen another gift. It's in a bag upstairs. I put it on his dresser in the nursery."

I smiled. "Thank you. Did she say whether she was coming by tonight or not?"

"No," she frowned. "I didn't ask her, with everything going on. I felt it was none of my business."

"That's fine. I'll see if we can get a hold of her. I know Edward would like her to be here. I would too... It's easy to miss her."

Renee grinned. "That's because you both have huge, accepting hearts. Masen will have no trouble finding love in this family."

I nuzzled up against my baby, who was trying to sleep himself.

Before I knew it, the new and fresh smell of him surrounded me and I was out like a light.

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Two Days Later.
Baby Masen: 4 Days Old

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JasperPOV

I was sitting in the recliner watching television with Coleen and Alyssa asleep on the couch beside me when Makin got home from work. I gave him a welcoming nod, and he returned it, before motioning with his hands for me to meet him in the kitchen. I barely took in breath as I moved around. Alyssa was a really light sleeper and the last thing I wanted was for her to wake up and then wake up Colleen. I knew she hadn't slept well these past couple of days. "Hey man," I said when I walked in to the kitchen, watching as he tossed his stuff on the counter.

"How long have they been asleep?"

"About forty minutes or so."

"Mmm," he nodded, clearly still pissed off. "Any results yet?"

"Carlisle called earlier, told them he'd have them today."

Makin scoffed and walked around to the other side of the bar, where he could sit in a stool, "I still can't fucking believe she didn't tell me this shit. Prepare me or something. I'm the one she wants to spend her life with."

I nodded, sticking my hands in my pockets. Makin didn't know that I knew beforehand. No one did, but Colleen herself. She broke down and told me everything in my car after Bella's baby shower, and I promised her that I wouldn't say anything. To me, it didn't matter if Makin was my friend or not. Colleen confided into me, in only me, and I knew that took lot of courage for her to do in the first place, to speak up about it to someone. I wouldn't betray her trust.

"Has he called over here today?"

"Emmett?"

"Yeah."

"Not today. I'm pretty sure he's going haywire now, waiting himself."

Makin rubbed his face with his palms then slapped his hands on the counter. "The sad thing is... I feel more for him at this moment. I realize I'm her boyfriend and I'm supposed to support her. But, truth be fucking told, I feel bad for the guy. The one who didn't get a chance to know his own daughter. The guy who was left in the dark. She should have fucking told him the moment she saw him! She told me that she was afraid of what other people would think? Well screw that. This isn't about them. It's not about her. It's about that little girl in there, and I tell you, she's been without a father for four goddamn years, and regardless of his or her stupidity for a drunken one night stand, that is not Alyssa's fault."

I nodded, unsure of what to say.

"I'm truthfully sickened by this. Sickened about all of it. Alyssa is afraid of most men. She can't get as close to me as she did with Edward Cullen -- which I don't get at all, but that's a whole other story -- but that's fine. I'm not her father, whatever. But, supposedly Emmett is, and it's sick. It's just all fucking sick."

"Happens all the time though," I replied quietly. "People don't think, they get drunk, stuff happens."

"Yeah but she should have told him. Told me! Told you, told Bella, told fucking someone. That way something could be done about this way fucking earlier than it was. That's just pure immaturity on her part. She has a responsibility to that girl, yes. She protects her, yes. But she's making decisions for Alyssa when she shouldn't be."

I shrugged again, clearing my throat. "With all due respect, Makin, it's not your decision to make either."

Makin glowered at me for a minute, shocked that I said what I did. I didn't look away. He scoffed and moved out of the seat, heading toward his room. "Yeah, I forgot how close the two of you've been these past few weeks. Should have known that you'd see it from her side."

"Man, come on, don't do that. I'm trying to be the neutral party here, alright. You're my friend, yes, but seriously, I've got to give it to Colleen on this one. No one was in her shoes. No one went through what she did but her, and none of the choices she could have made would have been any easier than the one she made." I followed him down the hallway and was grateful when he didn't shut the door in my face.

"Besides," I continued, leaning against the frame, "could you imagine what people would have done if Colleen had dropped that bomb in the cabin? Truthfully? It would have caused mad hysteria. You were there for a few days, and you saw how crazy it was. Emotions were high as hell. And Rosalie is a fucking bitch. I'm sorry, but she is. She was screwing Emmett, and that would have seriously backfired for Colleen if she put Emmett in that position. Because it would have caused problems between the two of them. And if she told someone else, anyone else, then everyone would have found out. It took an afternoon for a rumor that Rosalie had sex to spread like wildfire. Everyone knew in a few short hours. Someone would have run their mouth, and since no one knew Colleen besides Bella and us... Shit would have hit the fan."

"She could have contacted him after the cabin. What about all this time? What about the wedding? They fucking made speeches together. They were best man and maid of honor! That little girl was dancing around all damn night and Emmett was there, having no fucking clue who he was to her-"

"Colleen was scared! Don't you get it, Makin? She found you. She'd been wanting you for years. Years of struggle and choices and being alone with a daughter to raise by herself, and then she finally had you, her fucking dream guy or whatever you want to say, and stuff was starting to get better for her! She probably thought to herself that you would be a better suit for Alyssa. You'd be willing to be in her life with no questions. No demands. She didn't need him so she tried to let it go and move on."

He shook his head, growing angrier by the second. "No. No, no, no, it doesn't work that way. You can't go pinning shit on people like that. I'm not Alyssa's father!"

"Makin, you're overreacting. You seriously need to think things through here before you blow up."

He rushed over to me. "Why are you defending her and not hearing me out?! I was left in the dark here! Why can't you see it my way, or Emmett's way?"

"Because someone needs to defend her."

He scoffed again and shook his head, backing up. "That's fucked up."

"It's true."

"Look man, I'm only going to ask this once, because shit isn't making sense around here. You and Colleen have grown pretty damn close in the past few months. I've tried to just let it be, because I know that I work longer hours than the both of you, and neither of you have a lot of friends, and you like to hang out together. Plus you're my boy. But I've got to ask. Are you fucking her?"

I tried to keep my voice calm as I stared at him. "If I was fucking her, I would have the decency to tell you about it, not run around behind your back."

"Are you lying to me?"

I shook my head slowly, trying to ignore the tightening in my body. It pissed me off that he would think it too, as if I didn't hear it enough from the mumblings of Edward's friends at the hospital the other day. But I knew blowing up would make things worse for everyone. He scoffed and turned away, heading toward his bathroom, mumbling about shit that he was still pissed off about. Clearly, I had done little to ease his mind.

"Are you going to go hear the results with her? She's going to want someone there."

"She seems to have done pretty damn good at keeping me in the dark for this long. I wouldn't want to spoil her routine now," he replied, slamming the door closed and locking it.

"That's really messed up."

I closed the door to his bedroom. When I turned around, I found Alyssa standing in the hallway, wearing her little brown corduroy dress and colorful tights, wide awake. "Hey," I knelt beside her. "Did you just wake up?"

She nodded with a frown. "I wet my dwess doh." Then she started crying immediately after her confession.

"Oh that's all right." I reached out my hand to her, which took tentatively, and brought her into my room. "Here, stay right here. I'm going to go get you some dry clothes and we'll take a bath and get you cleaned up. Don't cry, you're not in any trouble."

"Sees gonna be so mad ats me."

"Shh, shh, shh, shh," I soothed as I brushed my fingers through her hair. "We won't tell her, okay? It'll be our secret. Just stay right here, I'll be right back." When Colleen stayed over, she slept in Makin's room. So most of Alyssa's things were in there, meaning I had to go back into his room to find her some dry clothes. By the time I returned, the little girl's eyes were so swollen. It made me sad, knowing how different her life was going to be in just a few hours, and how helpless she was during all of this.

I quickly brought her into my bathroom and made a nice warm bath for her. I didn't have any of her bath toys with me, and I knew Makin was in the shower where her toys would most likely be. So, I settled for giving her a helicopter I had from high school, during my War-obsession phase. She liked it, quickly forgetting her accident as she pretended she was flying the helicopter over a lake.

After I washed her clean, she played for about twenty minutes, while I threw her clothes in the wash. Eventually, she allowed me to pull her out, and showed me how she dressed herself (which wasn't as quick at all) in her jeans and flowery shirt.

As soon as we were finished, the phone rang, waking her mother up. Colleen begged me to answer it, since Makin appeared to be throwing his normal hissy-fit and locking himself in his bedroom with the television too loud. I did, and it was Carlisle, confirming he had received the results.

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EmmettPOV

When I walked into the hospital, I noticed Carlisle, Colleen, Alyssa, and Jasper already there. I wanted someone to be with me too, but Alice was at therapy, and Edward had a new baby and a sore wife at the house, and none of my other friends knew about this. Actually, Edward didn't even know. Not yet, anyway. I adjusted my crisp, white, short-sleeved button down and the belt in my jeans before rounding the corner. As soon as I saw Alyssa in her blue jeans and flowery-looking shirt, my heart started pounding ninety miles per hour. I swallowed as Colleen looked at me nervously. Jasper's arm was behind her chair again, like it was the night of Masen's birth. For some reason, him being there both soothed me, and made me more nervous. He seemed protective of her. I'd hate to have to lose my shit in front of him. Or the little girl.

I gave him a nod, which he returned, and took my seat across from them in the waiting room, rubbing my hands together. My eyes bounced from Colleen to Alyssa, who was sitting on the floor with a few of those children's books spread out before her. She was holding Dumbo in her tiny left hand, a loose page in the middle about to fall out. I swallowed thickly and looked at the white tile beneath my sneakers. My stomach was turning in ways it shouldn't be. I hoped I didn't throw up.

Carlisle entered the waiting room shortly after, decked in dress slacks and a nice shirt. He cleared his throat and shut the door, before taking a stand at the end of the rows between us. "Hello, everyone... Before we open these results, and no I haven't looked at them yet, I do ask that you both keep an open mind about this, in either event. That way, there are no forced reactions or tension exploding in front of Alyssa. Because no matter how angry or hurt you are, that one there in the middle is the one who's going to make the biggest adjustment, the biggest change. Are we clear?"

We both nodded, looking at each other for a brief second, then back to Carlisle. He cleared his throat and dragged a chair over to where we were sitting. "Colleen, would you like it to be just you and Emmett in here?"

She shook her head and closed her eyes. "Once the results come back to prove what I've said all along is indeed true, I'm going to have to explain this to her anyway. And Jazz has supported me. They may as well be in here."

"Emmett, are you alright with that?" I nodded and exhaled shakily, trying not to look in their direction, focusing in stead on the silver watch around my wrist. You're okay... you're okay, you're okay, you're okay... My heart was racing, my palms sweaty, my chest tightened. I hadn't felt this emotional since... ever. I noticed Colleen's hand gripping Jasper's from my peripheral vision and shut my eyes as I heard him open the manila envelope. He cleared his throat, and then it was silent. After a staggering minute, I opened my eyes and looked over at him, as he looked back at me. Then he stood up and walked over, handing both Colleen and I a white piece of paper.

My hands shook as I took it from him, and turned it around so I could read it. It had our names and addresses, our case and customer number followed by a squared box that read Combined Paternity Index = 36,590, Probability of Paternity, 99.99%. Beneath that, it had a typed conclusion which read, "The alleged father, Emmett D. McCarty, cannot be excluded as the biological father of Alyssa Ivory Sanders. Based on the genetic testing results, the probability of paternity is 99.99%, when compared to an untested random man of the North American population. (Prior Propability - 0.5) At least 99.99% of the North American population is excluded from the possibility of being the biological father of the child..." Below that was a squared chart, with a whole lot of numbers beneath columns labeled, System, Mother, Child, Alleged Father, Paternity Index. Then there were the signatures.

In the single moment it took for me to read over the results, I felt my entire world flip on its axis. This wasn't a television show. Carlisle did not morph into Maury Povich. Colleen didn't go all ape-shit on me, though I kind of expected her to. There was no roar of the crowd. It was just real life -- my life, their life... And it was silent. I read the results a few more times, just to make sure I understood what the hell I was looking at. Cannot be excluded... All the others were, but I couldn't be... Shit. I gasped and shut my eyes, as a layer of sweat formed across my forehead. I heard Colleen sniffling, and Alyssa asking, "What tis it, mama, why is su sad?" The sound of her voice, the awareness of that little girl's presence... it was all different now. The test didn't lie. She was mine and I was hers.

What... the hell... What do I do now? I felt so lost, and quite frankly, I'm not the lost type. Even with girl issues, I'm at least somewhat aware of what step to take next. But not today. This changed everything I ever knew.

Colleen stood slowly and kissed the top of Alyssa's head. "Jazz, can you watch her for a second? I want to talk to Emmett outside." He nodded, and I followed her out the door, toward the same place Rose and I stood just a few days ago, before my world changed more than I ever thought possible.

She exhaled, wiping beneath her eyes. "Look, Emmett... I owe you an apology, okay? I'm sorry. I... realize that the way that I told you was wrong, the way I exploded... I was so angry and irritated, and I couldn't get control of my emotions. I knew you were around Alyssa during the wedding, but for some reason, I knew between Jasper, Makin, and Edward, that she was 'safe', though I know the way that sounds is awful too... But... Makin was working a double the other night, and Edward was with Bella in the room, and Jasper was trying to make sure I was all right, and... I felt really unguarded the whole night. I felt horrified, and scared, and sick. All I kept thinking was being in this hospital, with you, and my daughter... Knowing Bella was in there with Edward, and he was supporting her... and then realizing that when I gave birth, I only had my mom, and she barely made it in there from work. But now you were here, and so was Alyssa, and I... and I felt like I was living in this alternate universe, living her birth over again, alone, and I was just angrier and angrier as these thoughts jumbled in my head..."

"I was angrier with myself than I was with you. But it was much easier to cast the blame on you, because I never knew how to handle this. I threw the fact that you hadn't been around in four years in your face... But the truth of it is, it was my fault. I could have done more, I could have found you sooner, done something, said something when I saw you again... I know all of that. But as soon as you entered the waiting room the other day and my daughter was on the floor, I felt all my walls crash down, and I couldn't protect her anymore... No matter what I did, the truth would have still gotten out, because this was too real for me to handle. Those guys weren't there to help us this time, and it was just me, lying their, opened wounds and dealing with mistakes, and I tried to ignore it, but I couldn't, and I eventually panicked... Seeing you hold her was the last straw because my best friend and your best friend were sharing their child's first moments... and you missed hers. And I was just too upset to let it go, to pull back and fight for the secrecy."

"But I shouldn't have gone off like that. I shouldn't have snapped at you, panicked, freaked out, cursed at you. Shouldn't have blamed you for everything... It's not how I wanted it to be..." She paused to dig through her large purse and began pulling out sealed envelopes. "These are for you..." She handed them to me, with tears in her eyes. "The top two are ones written recently; one after the cabin, and one last night... I was going to tell you in a letter and chicken out about speaking in person, but I couldn't send it. I tried all the time. And the other one was just a written apology. But the ones beneath them are ones that I had written to you in the past, before I knew who you were... Bella and I were upset one night, lonely, freshman year in the dorms... and we decided to create these journals... She'd write to Edward, and I'd write to Alyssa's father... just things you guys had missed out on..."

I stared at her, shaking my head in disbelief as I held the big stack of letters in my hand. She took a step closer, wiping her face once more. "I'm sorry, Emmett... I'm sorry this happened, that you're saddled with this pain... I'm sorry if I've ruined your life in any way-"

"You didn't," I answered hoarsely. I cleared my throat, shrugging my shoulders, unsure of what to say, "...And I'm sorry too."

"You don't have to apologize. You didn't know she was yours and-"

"That's not exactly what I'm sorry for. I couldn't control that. I am sorry for blowing up at you, for calling you names. I know better than to behave that foolishly, to treat women like that. That's not how I am. I was just completely caught off guard."

"We both were."

I agreed, "But... really... I don't treat girls like that. I didn't mean it when I called you a slut, I swear, I was just upset, and I'm sorry."

"I know... I forgive you."

"I don't want you to be scared of me."

She nodded, hugging herself, guarded still. I looked down at the envelopes, all without words on the front, except for the last two, which had my name and address. "So... I want you to know, Emmett. You don't have to make any decisions about this immediately, and I'll fully understand if you just want to walk away. I wouldn't blame you. I wouldn't be upset with you. We could make a clean break-"

"No," I shook my head quickly, no thoughts in my head at all. "She's mine. I want to try. I want to have her as my own."

She looked up at me, her eyes red and puffy. "It's.. really sudden-"

"I know," I nodded. "But it's also been four years too late, and I'm not blaming you or anyone, but... Why waste another day and make it harder? Even if this is something painful for us to deal and accept the way it turned out, it's still not fair to keep her in the dark any longer. Not now that we both know the truth."

She ran her fingers through her long black hair, lost in thought. "There's... a lot to discuss, to sort out, to plan... We have to decide whether to take this through court, or handle it in priv-"

"Privately, please. We don't have to take this to court if you don't want to. If this works out, then I'll want her last name eventually changed. That's my right. With your permission and understanding, of course... But... Other than that... I mean.. I'm not going to sugar-coat anything. I could royally suck at being a dad. You may not want me. She may not. My dad wasn't there to really raise me. He mistreated me, and I didn't have anyone else's father around to look up to. My best friends are Alice and Edward and they both have shitty fathers as well. I don't know how to change diapers, or even if she still wears diapers. I know nothing about bottles or pacifiers or sleeping routines or what a four year old eats, does, says... But... I'm willing to know her... To try and make this work."

She nodded, taking a staggering breath, "Yeah... me too."

"Okay."

"Should we tell her now then?"

"Yeah."

She hesitated, starting to step. "...Let's go." She turned to walk back toward the room and I began to follow her, but then she skidded to a stop. Before I could blink, she twisted around, and I thought she might rage at me again. But then she just threw her arms around my shoulders and hugged me, burying her face in my right shoulder. She cried and shook, soaking my shirt. I was hesitant at first, not really sure what to do. Then I tentatively wound my arms around her and hugged her to my chest. "I really am very sorry," she whispered, her voice cracking. "For everything but her."

"I am too." This felt weird, but okay, at the same time... She was so tiny that I had to lift her up off the ground to keep her from straining her neck. But she was so warm and helpless, and I knew this was a big adjustment for her as well. I knew the guilt that must be racking her brain. Me, personally, I was sort of numb and standing outside myself... I definitely didn't expect to wake up today and be a father. I wasn't sure how to proceed as a father, or as someone who'd be permanent in Colleen's life... But my mother raised me to take responsibility for my actions, and I knew without a doubt that I had to do that. Alyssa was mine. Regardless of how many times I wanted to scream and punch and shout at God for taking this route with my life, it wouldn't change anything.

I rubbed Colleen's back and whispered to her that it was going to be okay. She nodded, still squeezing me. It was funny. Two days ago, we were so frustrated with each other, we were about to start swinging; and now, we were hugging one another like the apocalypse was at hand. We stood there for who knows how long, hugging our apologies and our fears into one another. At least, in a shitty, weird kind of way, I wasn't going through this alone. She would be there with me, to hopefully support me in this. That made me feel better. Made me feel like, just maybe, I could get through this.

I waited until she pulled away before exhaling. "I'm sorry," she whispered, chuckling nervously, "here I go again, keep apologizing. I'm just sorry, I don't know... I just don't know how to handle this, how to go about telling her. It'd be different if she were older, but I just know she's not going to understand this. She's going to be upset, she's going to ask questions."

"We're all asking questions," I replied uncertainly. "No one has any answers for you, for me, or for her. All we can do is listen really, and figure it out."

She nodded, leading me back to the waiting room. Alyssa was sitting on the floor on her knees still, between Jasper's legs, showing him a picture in a different book. He nodded, careful not to touch her. I knew I had to ask Colleen about that, made a note of it for later. I worried momentarily if he'd be a better father than me, if everyone would be. I had no fucking clue what I was doing. The only reason I was able to maintain my eerie calm was because I still felt like I was outside of my body. Colleen knelt in front of Alyssa and turned her toward her. "Come here, sweetie... Let me see you for a second."

Alyssa swiped her long, brown, curly hair off her face and stood up straight. "Where didsu go?"

"I was outside talking to someone," she said with a smile, fixing her daughter's shirt. "What were you doing?"

"Sowing Dazz a picture of Bambis."

"Ahhh, you love Bambi, don't you?"

"Smy favwit, duh," she replied, with a hint of humor behind her grin.

Colleen giggled, not jerking away when I sat in the chair beside the two of them. "She loves Bambi," she said, looking over at me. "I try and try to get her on some of the newer movies, and she may watch them but... Bambi's always the one she wants."

"I like Bambi," I said softly, and Alyssa's head cocked toward me.

"Su do?"

"Mmhmm."

"Me too," she nodded softly. "Dumper is my favwit. He dumps a lot."

I chuckled, the inside of my chest warming slightly. "Well... that's why they call him Thumper, isn't it?"

She nodded, turning back toward her mom. "Tan we go det ice cweam?"

Colleen looked over at me. "She has a real problem with R's at the moment. "Others too, but R's, G's, and Y's are the main troubles. Sometimes, the letter comes out right, and others, it doesn't... And she loves adding plural to any word. And she still mocks people..." Then she turned back to Alyssa. "Actually... you and I are going to talk for a moment, first. Mommy has something to tell you, and I really need you to try and listen, okay? Because it's important. Do you remember what important means?"

"Des. It means at da top of da list."

"That's right. It's the main focus. Good girl." She took a deep breath, and looked up at her daughter's big, greyish-brown eyes. Colleen's were more a combination of green and brown, where mine were more like Alyssa's. Cloudy. Colleen studied her daughter's face for what seemed like an eternity. I noticed her choking back tears, making difficult swallows. "Okay," she stated, her throat scratchy. "I know that you might not understand this, and that's alright... Um..." She kept looking at her daughter, trying to find answers she would never get. Minutes passed. She dropped her head, trying not to cry in front of Alyssa. "I can't do this," she whispered so low that she probably barely heard herself. "She'll hate me."

I rubbed my face and then moved off the chair, onto my knees beside her and a standing Alyssa. Jasper stood up and walked away, not out of the room, but over against the furthest wall to give us our space. Alyssa's eyes didn't leave her mother's.

Teeny tiny thoughts crept into my mind suddenly, while I tried to fumble my words. I saw myself in a black shirt, gliding down some steps, walking up to a girl in a black dress at a party. She smiled and turned around, throwing her arms around my neck, asking me where I'd been. I knew where I was. I was finding an empty bedroom. I whispered in her ear, told her I wanted to kiss her all over her body, how beautiful she was... None of those things were lies. The girl was very easy to get along with, and had a smile that stretched for days, one that hypnotized me. She took my hand after a few more dances, a glass in her other hand, and allowed me to pull her up the steps and into the room. Flashes of moments, kisses, breathing, clothes, pants, connections... I saw it as clear as day, for the first time since Colleen told me about us.

I remembered the majority of the night, in only a few seconds of thought. I remember waking up and realizing she was with me, still asleep, her head against my ribs. Feeling torn about leaving and not knowing why but knowing that feeling torn wasn't a normal reaction for me at a time like this. Realizing how big of a connection I made with her in that one single night, but reminding myself that I didn't really know the girl. I convinced myself to leave, and I did just that, forcing myself to not leave a number behind, though I wanted her to call me. I knew from mistakes prior to never leave a number during a one night stand -- and that's all I thought this was for her, that I was for her. Just a one-nighter on New Year's Eve. Someone to go home with, so you didn't have to be the only one alone on that night.

Well... this definitely wasn't one night. And standing three feet tall in front of me, with large eyes, a pouty lip, long hair, and a beautiful complexion, was proof that that one single night joined us forever, whether we chose that or not. Colleen turned Alyssa toward me and looked over at me herself, trying to find words, or help. I licked my lips and held back from touching the little girl, though I wanted to. I wasn't sure how she'd react. She wasn't used to me. She didn't know me, and I had to tell her the truth about who I was. I knew that children reflected emotions easily. I did it as a child. Whenever I saw my mom upset, I became upset. If she was fearful, I was fearful. I knew that if I showed her I was worried or tentative, anything that wasn't at ease, she'd catch on. Children are perceptive, and... well that's pretty much all I knew about kids.

"Alyssa," I said slowly, gaining her attention. She looked over at me, blinking slowly. This was so fucking hard! Every time I thought I had the words, they slipped right out of me whenever the girl looked at me... I'm sure it was the same way with Colleen.

I felt Carlisle enter the room, and then he leaned down and whispered in my ear. "The difficulty is yours, not hers. Children are unbelievably resilient, Emmett. They will deal with the world as it is presented to them. If we make problems with it, they will have problems with it. Telling them the truth may sometimes be painful, but children 'do' pain and fury just as they 'do' happiness and joy. It's not the facts that hurt them, it's that grown-ups have problems with the facts... You have to be serious with her, because the longer you linger, the more confused she will become. You'll lose her attention."

I nodded, not moving my eyes from hers. "Alyssa," I said again. "Who's your mother? Can you... point to her for me?"

Alyssa's eyes widened, and a smile formed on her lips as she jerked her arm out and pointed at Colleen, who smiled proudly through an audible gasp.

"That's right. She's your mama. Good job..." I swallowed, giving her a nod. "And can you tell me her name? Her real name, besides Mommy?"

"Des. 'Tis Caween."

"That's good, it's Colleen. That's your mama's name." I nodded, looking from her to Colleen and back. Colleen gave me a hopeful smile, which I absorbed as energy. "Alright... Alyssa?"

She turned back toward me.

I didn't breathe. "Can you point out for me... Do you know who your daddy is?"

Alyssa blinked a few times, then shook her head slowly, before pointing back to her mother. That led me to believe Colleen had told her once, recently, that she was both parents, which ultimately confused her. I shook my head slowly, gaining her attention once more. "No. She's your mama..."

Colleen took one of her daughter's hands, and lifted it toward me, pointing her index finger at me for her, before whispering, "...That's your daddy, baby. He is."

Alyssa's eyebrows furrowed, and she was clearly confused, as she held her arm there in front of me.

I pursed my lips, unsure of how to proceed. I remembered all the times Edward and I would be hanging out in college, watching Maury when there was nothing else on, and making fun of the paternity test result shows. Cursing out the men who were never there for their children. I remember we'd become seriously pissed sometimes, and we watched that shit like an addiction, just to get pissed off and yell at those idiots. We would have never told our friends we watched it, hell no, but between us it was okay because we knew each other long enough that shit like that didn't matter.

Now I was here, and I was one of them. I felt judged. No one knew my situation. Alyssa sure as hell didn't. No one knew why I was there and didn't know my four-year-old daughter. I vowed to myself right then and there to have more sympathy for the sorry bastards that got brought up on the stage. Because finding out the results is trying enough... Explaining the results to a young child, the reasons for why you weren't there when you didn't have reason yourself... This shit was the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life.

"Do you understand what we're trying to tell you?" Colleen asked softly, rubbing Alyssa's back. "That he's your daddy?"

Alyssa shrugged.

"Do you know his name? Do you remember what it is?"

She shrugged again.

"I know you do... Tell him his first name, sweetheart."

She shrugged once more.

"Go ahead... What's his name? I'm Colleen... Who's that?"

"...Daddy?" she said tentatively, so soft... It broke my heart. She just called me fucking daddy. Damn, she was smart.

I gasped, my eyes widening. Colleen's eyes locked with mine, and we were both clearly shocked.

"Good," Carlisle intervened, helping us out as he squatted between us, "that's very good, Alyssa. He's your daddy."

Alyssa nodded, looking toward the ground.

Carlisle turned to us, "A young child's attention span is only so long... Let her absorb this. Don't tell her anymore right now... Her brain filters information, just as ours does. She'll absorb what she knows now, put some of it back for later. The questions will come to her when she's ready, and when she asks, try to give good, strong answers. The more you leave out, the more she'll ask, and then she may become confused."

I studied him, trying to figure out why the hell he knew so much, but did so little for his own son when Edward was growing up. And why the hell he was so involved with us. Colleen answered my unasked question. "He delivered Alyssa. It was an emergency and my doctor didn't show on time.." My eyes jerked over to her. It was a revelation, something I wasn't aware of. I didn't know Carlisle had OB-GYN training.

Carlisle nodded slowly. "Yep... Stranger things have happened, though." As I looked down to the ground, trying to wrap my head around all of this, I noticed his left hand was shy of a wedding band. Immediately, I wanted to ask him about it, but knew that not only was now not the time, but it was none of my business, and I had better things to tend to.

Colleen grabbed her daughter and stood up, and we followed her lead. "Emmett, uh... Jazz and I were going to take Alyssa out, she hasn't really eaten much today..."

I nodded, understanding where she was going. "Yeah. Edward's been doing good with Masen but I'm not sure either of them got any sleep... He said he was going to grab lunch around one, take him with him, give Bella some time to herself to rest up... I'll probably go have lunch with him."

"Well..." She bit her lip, looking toward Jasper who was walking toward her. "Then... Why don't you take Alyssa, if you want? You two could spend an hour together, grab something to eat... She loves french fries... That way you can spend some time with her, but not so much that it makes her uncomfortable? Baby steps and all. Plus Edward could be there to help you, and I'm only a phone call away if you get nervous. You know Jasper's cell number, and Edward has mine. We could meet around two-thirty? You don't have to-"

"I'd love to," I cut her off, nodding quickly, but suddenly nervous. "Uh... But... I brought my Jeep, left the Mustang at home. Is that alright?"

"If it's got seatbelts, then a child's seat can fit in there just fine."

"Okay then," I nodded, sticking my hands in my pockets.

Colleen smiled at me, the first calm and genuine smile of the day. "Okay then."

---

EdwardPOV

Masen hadn't sleep well the previous two nights, just as we both expected. It was a strange thing, trying to figure out what it was that he needed. It was difficult when he could not just tell you. Bella and I rotated around, but I was mostly in charge of the walking and moving, since she was sore. She shed a few tears, which broke my heart. She became too frustrated, saying, "I'm his mama, and I can't figure it out..." But I quickly explained to her that there was no way we could figure out everything in this short amount of time. Masen was already teaching us the value of patience, something the both of us have seriously lacked for years.

Family came and went, and even though her mom hung around, she made sure to give us our space so we could learn to depend on ourselves with Masen, rather than on our parents. So between that, the new adjustments, trying to make sure Bella was comfortable, and realizing that all my normal routines weren't normal anymore, life was certainly full of a whole new set of complications. Great ones, sure. But complications none the less. She fell asleep around eight this morning, after she nursed him, and I got up to try and relieve her. Bella, of course, tried to argue, saying she should stay up. But eventually I think her body told her that it was time to rest up some more, she had no other choice.

Changing Masen by myself was an adventure in itself. I'm not picky with my own clothes because anything I keep in my closet I know looks good on me. But changing him... It was our first day out on the town by ourselves, our first male bonding time. There would be no wearing adorable clothing for this occasion. It wasn't allowed. And his mother was not awake to argue with me. I spent ten minutes changing his diaper. I'd done it maybe twice to other people's kids, and once last night with Bella helping me and showing me things. The thing about working with babies in hospitals is, you hand them over to nurses and mothers to do all the dirty work. But not now. Now, I had to do it. And I couldn't figure out if I had to use everything on the changing table; all the wipes and lotions and creams and powders. Or did I use none of it at all, if that was too soon. It was like a whirlwind for me.

Eventually, I figured it out, then changed him into some brown cargo pants, sueded leather upper Quicksilver shoes, cream button-down long-sleeved cotton shirt, and a brown hooded jacket that read "I like to hit the bottle" on the back of it. The jacket was thanks to Emmett. Masen's Uncle Em took his responsibility to make the boy fly. I dressed similarly, because I thought it'd be cool to coordinate. I didn't want us looking like the bobsie-twins, but a little color coordination seemed appropriate for our first hang-out together.

After I found my wallet chain, my sunglasses, and my watch, I was out the door and in my Volvo. It was still strange, not having the Carerra. Most days I didn't think about it, but sometimes I did. Such huge changes, such a small time frame. But as I adjusted my mirror to make sure I could see in the backseat, I realized that the person in the carseat was worth it all. Emmett called me and told me where to meet him and told me he had a guest coming. I spent the next fifteen minutes in traffic trying to figure out who the new girl was that he was fucking.

Once I pulled into The Kingfish Cafe on the Seattle strip, I noticed Emmett's Jeep wasn't there yet. I was kind of thankful, since that gave me extra time to get Masen's carseat out of the car. Those things were complicated to me. I got him out and adjusted the shield thing over his face, before grabbing my cell out of my pocket. I'd been there almost five minutes already. Emmett answered on the sixth ring, not the first or second. "Hey man, where are you?"

"I'm on my way, man, almost there."

"What's taking you so long?"

He chuckled. "You'll find out when I get there."

"Tell the girl you're with to not blow you while you're driving. You're taking fucking forever."

"Dude... That's not even funny. Seriously, you... You'll understand when I get there."

I smirked and hung up on him. He teased me all the time when it came to girls. Now that I was settled down with one woman, it was time to get even.

Eventually, Emmett pulled in and parked a few spots down from me. I raised my eyebrow and walked toward his front door, but he hopped out before I got to it. He had a look of panic across his face. "What the hell is your problem?" I laughed. "Are you constipated or some shit?"

He glared at me. "Fucking traffic. I was scared shitless to drive with her."

"Why?"

He blew out a gust of wind. "Okay, so I guess I better get moving now... It's probably illegal to keep someone in a car that isn't moving for too long."

"Who the hell are you with?"

He walked around to the passenger side, and I smirked. He only opened the door for... maybe two girls, his entire life. The girl must be a keeper.

When the Jeep opened, I about passed out as I stared into the seat. Emmett nodded quickly, eyeing me down, "Now do you want to talk shit?"

I couldn't close my mouth, as I stared from her to hi. , "What... Are you baby-sitting?"

"Not exactly. Can you help me get her out? Her mom put her in, and I have no fucking clue what I'm doing."

"Yeah, hold Masen." We traded spots, and I furrowed my brows as I tried to unbuckle Alyssa from the entrapments of her toddler car seat. "Hey girly, how ya been?"

She shrugged, fiddling with the white belt of her long, cream cardigan jacket. "Su have to undo dat one first and I dust come out after that."

"Thank you," I said, doing as she instructed. She was more clever than I was when it came to the carseat business. I helped her down from the Jeep and took my son back from Emmett, still puzzled as hell. "Where's Colleen and Makin?"

"Let's get inside. We'll talk about it when we get out of the sun. I don't want her to get sunburned."

"She can't get sunburned in two seconds," I argued. But I gave him a nod and watched as he reached out his hand, which Alyssa took tentatively. I couldn't think straight as we waited for a seat, and was even more confused when we sat at the round table. I put Masen's carseat in a spare chair and after making sure it wasn't going to go anywhere and no one wasn't going to bump into it, I pulled back the visor. Alyssa needed a booster seat, so we waited for one, neither of us saying a word.

Emmett exhaled, looking across the table at Masen, who was staring at me. "Cute outfit."

"Thanks," I grinned.

"Boy's got immaculate taste."

"Ha! Yeah, that happens when he has us."

"True. I got that for him."

We nodded, then it became silent again. It was never silent with us. I glanced over at Alyssa, who was fiddling with her jacket. "Are you hot?"

She gave a nod.

Emmett jumped out of the seat and helped her out. "Okay... um... Hmm..." He grabbed the bottom, and pulled it over her head, completely dismissing the fact that it had very large buttons he could have easily undone. Her shirt started to come up with it, and as soon as he pulled it over her head, creating static in her hair, he gasped and quickly pulled her shirt back down. "I'm sorry, shit... I didn't see anything... No one did... Um... I'm sorry."

I was laughing so hard I had to cover my mouth. He looked so fucking spooked. "Emmett, seriously, why in the hell did Colleen trust you to babysit, and where is she?"

"I'm not babysitting," he sneered as he helped Alyssa back in the booster seat. "I'm... I don't know what I'm doing?"

"What do you mean you're not babysitting?"

He exhaled, rubbing his face. "She's... mine." I dropped the spoon I was playing with, and it clinked onto the empty plate, causing Masen to stir and fuss, but thankfully not to cry. Emmett glared at me and I gawked back at him. "Oh shut your damn mouth, will ya?" he hissed, shaking his head.

I closed it, staring from her to him. He rubbed his face, then pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to me. I read over it a few times. Paternity test results. I dropped the paper on the same plate, and looked from him to her again, shaking my head, "Wha-.... When.... Huh?"

"Yeah. I know."

I ran my fingers across my face, from my nose and around my lip, to my chin, where I steadied it. "Explain..."

"Four years ago, one night stand with... you know who."

"Huh? What, why didn't you tell me?!"

"I didn't even remember it until earlier today!"

"But... This doesn't make any sense."

He tapped the paper with his finger. "It's there. It's right fucking there, E. Read it. I'm not lying and this isn't a joke."

"Okay... Okay... Relax," I said, holding my hands up, "breathe for a second... I'm in shock."

"Now you know how I felt when you told me Bella was pregnant. Shit ain't that funny when the roles are reversed, is it?"

I licked my lips as Emmett ordered us all drinks from the waitress. Then I leaned in. "But... I thought you said you always wrap your shit... Wasn't that the main argument in your blow-up with me?"

"I did wrap it," he hissed under his breath, leaning toward me. "I don't know how this happened."

"Well... obviously, it broke."

"Yeah, no shit, dumbwad. I kind of figured that out when I realized there was a toddler sitting beside me."

Alyssa reached her arm out, tapping the table, to get our attention. "Tan I color?"

"Uh..." We looked at each other, waiting for the other to answer her.

"Did Colleen give you a diaper bag?"

"No. Do you have any crayons in yours?"

"Yeah, because Masen's old enough to be the next Picasso. No, dickweed, why would I have crayons?"

The waitress brought our drinks, and Emmett asked her if they had anything for kids. She handed him a few pieces of paper and different colored pens. That kept Alyssa busy making masterpieces. We ordered our food, Alyssa demanding fish sandwich and french fries, and then we settled back into our conversation. Emmett explained the gory details, minus some expletives for the sake of little ears. We really needed to learn how to watch our fucking mouths around these kids. Our kids.... Shit. We both have kids.

"So..." I leaned forward to him again. "You're telling me that we both came out of the hospital the other day with kids?"

"Yeah."

"Who would have fucking thought," I scoffed.

"I know. It's us. Who would be in their right minds to even hook up with people like you and me?"

We both laughed and shook our heads in wonder.

"I don't know what I'm fucking doing," he confessed, keeping his voice low enough so Alyssa couldn't hear. "I feel so numb, so confused... Outside myself, like this isn't real. I can't be a dad, can I? Really? I don't know how."

"Neither do I. It's just... They're here, so we'd better fu-... We'd better learn. Fast." I glanced from him to Alyssa, who was drawing what appeared to be a dinosaur... or a cloud... or something. "I can't believe I didn't see it before... Holy shit... She's really fucking yours."

"Yeah... I really thought I'd make ugly kids. Guess not, since she's pretty... Wait, are we allowed to call them pretty? Or does that make us like... child predators or something?"

I smirked and shook my head. "I think it's allowed. Just... don't do it when you're helping her bathe or something."

He glared at me, his eyes in shock. "I can't bathe her! That's, no, no, that's, no. That's not good. Men can't bathe girls."

"She's a child!"

"Nooooooooo. That's fucking wrong."

"Emmett," I hissed, "keep your voice down. And no, it's not wrong. You're not a sicko, it's not wrong. You have to take care of her."

"But..." He stared at me in complete disbelief. "That's... Holy fuck... God damn. What did I get myself into?"

I grinned at him mischievously. "Guess you should have wrapped it twice, huh bitch."

Lunch came and we ate in a comfortable conversation, trying to figure out how a year ago, we were somewhere, and now, we were here. I showed Em how to help Alyssa eat, and he cut her sandwich up with a knife, then had to cut the pieces down, because they were too big. He poured way too much ketchup on her plate, but she didn't mind, swirling her fries through it, making tiny little circles. I noticed Masen began to stir a lot, so I moved my plate to my right and took him out of his carseat, leaning him against my chest with his head on my shoulder.

"Maybe he needs to burp?" Emmett said with a shrug. "Do they do that at that age?"

"Yes but I don't know if he needs to... Bella nursed him before I left. Do they burp if they ate a while ago?"

"How the hell should I know?"

We both looked at Alyssa, who shrugged at us and stuck a fry in her mouth. I started to pat him repeatedly, looking through his diaper bag at the same time. "...Shit."

"What?"

"I don't have his-" My voice cut off as something warm and wet flew over and onto my left shoulder, and I closed my eyes, stopping cold, "...burp towel."

"Did he just... throw up on you?" Emmett asked in a whisper. I nodded, still not moving. Alyssa giggled, covering her ketchup coated mouth. "Man, that's sick," Emmett shivered.

"Shit," I whispered, unsure of what to do. "What do I do?"

"Uh, clean it up?"

"How?"

"Go to the bathroom?"

"There's no changing tables in the men's restroom."

"Go to da giwls bathwoom," Alyssa shrugged. "Dat's what Aunt Macey does with her baby."

"I have to go to the women's bathroom?" I asked her in disbelief.

She shrugged again.

Emmett smirked at me, lounging back in his chair. "Guess you should have brought the spit-up towel, huh bitch."

I went into the ladies restroom, my heart beating out of my chest, and found the changing table that pulled down from the wall. "Okay..." I muttered, laying him on it and looking through his bag. I grabbed a few towels and doused it with water, before cleaning off my shirt. "Masen... You're just not going to make this easy on me, are you?" I said as he started to cry.

I exhaled, trying to keep my cool. This was when I got nervous and wanted Bella. Not that she'd know much better than I would at this stage. But having her there was my comfort. I walked over to him and cleaned off his chin, and he kept crying. "What is it?" I asked him with a shrug. He wailed louder.

I started tugging on my hair. The longer I stood there and debated options with myself, the longer he cried. His diaper was clean. He wasn't feverish.

An older lady with white hair walked in and stared at me, trying to figure out what I was doing in there. I smiled politely and pointed. "Sorry... No changing table in the men's restroom."

She walked over slowly, peering down at my son. "...Yours?"

"Yes ma'am."

She smiled politely, "Newborn?"

"Yes."

"...Very handsome."

"Thank you."

"Gas."

"I beg your pardon?" I chuckled nervously.

"His face, " she said kindly, pointing at his crumpled expression. "He must have gas in his tummy."

"Oh. Oh God... Masen, I'm sorry... Shhh.... Crud... Uh..."

I began to panic, but she pat my arm, shaking her head, "Wiggle him a bit," she winked at me. "It'll help."

I nodded, thanking her, as she left.

"I bet you want your mama," I said as I picked him up and gently did as she instructed, "...Yeah... I want your mama too right about now."

---

BellaPOV

When Edward called me to tell me he was on his way home and was brining me lunch, I noticed a bit of irritation in his voice.

"Are you all right?" I asked him.

"Yeah... I just... He has gas, I think."

"Masen?"

"Yeah."

"It'll be okay, come home... We'll figure it out."

"I feel so bad though... I mean, it's got to suck to have gas and be unable to fart or burp or something. I feel like an awful person."

"Awe, Edward," I chuckled softly, rolling to my other side in the bed, "it'll be all right. Are you almost here?"

"Yeah... It's just... I wanted to do this by myself and give you rest, but I think I need you."

"Okay," I nodded, enjoying the fact that he was now the panicked one, and I was the calm one, since our roles were reversed last night. "I'm here... Be careful coming home."

He hung up and I sighed, looking up at my ceiling fan, then over at Cora, who was laying beside me and blinking. I noticed she'd been laying around with me, anytime I did. She didn't want to leave my side, and that wasn't normal for her. Normally, she was all Edward's. But Spendor, he wasn't around too much yesterday, I think he was jealous and not adjusting well to Masen's arrival. I guessed everyone's roles were reversing.

I noticed Emmett come in behind Edward, holding Alyssa's hand. She ran toward me and hugged my leg. Edward gave me an apologetic expression and I smiled, hugging Alyssa, before Edward stole her away and Emmett helped me get Masen out of the seat. "I think Edward's panicking," Emmett whispered to me.

I grinned at him. "I can see that."

Emmett used our house phone to call Colleen, and though I wondered why he was with Alyssa in the first place, I heard him say a thousand "Are you sures?" over the phone, and looked to Edward as I rocked Masen in my arms.

He frowned, "Long story. In a nutshell, she's his."

I gawked at him and Edward freaked out, thinking I was going to drop Masen, reaching out his arms to me.

"What?!"

"Yeah... Told you, long story. It's true. Don't say anything now, just let him be. Maybe he'll explain it."

I shook my head slowly, dazed. Masen seemed to calm down quickly, and I wondered why Edward was so irritated and stressed out. It didn't take but three minutes to get Masen to burp for me. Strange.

As I sat on the couch with Masen, Emmett dropped down beside me, exhaling. "She said I could keep her longer, since we're with ya'll. Hope you don't mind company."

"We don't mind."

"Because I don't know what the hell I'm doing."

"We don't either," I giggled, looking down at my beautiful son, and glancing at his jacket, before rolling my eyes. I hadn't seen it before. "Really... Edward... He's only a few days old and you've all ready got him addicted to the bottle?"

"True trademark that he's my son," he winked at me as he sat on his knees in front of Alyssa and showed her a few of Masen's toys that she might want to play with.

As Edward played with Alyssa and I tended to Masen, Emmett began to explain to me about his and Colleen's past.

I was pretty much shell-shocked the entire time.

I couldn't believe Colleen didn't tell me this.

Alyssa looked over to Edward, then to Emmett, then to Edward, then to Emmett, then stood up, "I... have to potty."

Edward started to get up and help her, then he looked over at Emmett, and held out her hand to him. "Here, daddy," he smirked, "she has to potty."

Emmett swallowed and stood up, taking her hand slowly, and walking her to the bathroom.

"Edward, go easy on him," I said as my husband sat beside me and grinned to himself.

"No way. He's teased me for so long now. It's payback time for that little boy."

"Yeah, but this is different," I argued with a frown. "He has four years to catch up on, apparently."

"So? I had four years to catch up on with you and that didn't stop him."

I sighed and looked down to my sleeping son, whispering, "Please don't be as stubborn as your daddy."

---

The Next Day
Baby Masen: 5 Days Old

---

JasperPOV

Alice smiled as she walked into the restaurant, wearing a knee-length black pencil skirt with a slit in the back, and a bright yellow frilly shirt with a black belt wrapped around her petite waist. Her hair was pinned back, a few strands falling, her bangs covering one side of her eyes.

"Hey, Jazz."

I stood up and kissed her cheek as she took her seat, and helped push in her chair, before moving back around to mine. "How are you?"

"I'm wonderful," she smiled, her eyes shining through, "how are you doing? You look handsome."

I looked down toward my simple black shirt and dress jeans. "Thank you. I'm good as well. Lots of new things happening."

She nodded, folding her hands together. "I know."

I ordered us both water and a glass of white wine, then turned back toward her. "How's Emmett holding up?"

She shrugged, "He's... confused, mostly. He's pretty quiet around the house, and that's saying something. I think I've seen the man quiet maybe... twice in my life? Three times max. So... yeah."

"What was your reaction to it?"

She shrugged. "The night Bella gave birth and he found out, I... hugged him, first. We hugged for a long while. I think I was in shock, because Emmett is so cautious when it comes to sex, so there was a part of me that felt really awful for him, not knowing if it was truly his or if Colleen was confused or just flat-out lying. Because, though the little girl herself couldn't be considered a mistake, the condom ripping and him not knowing about it for four years was... pretty intense. But I think after he calmed down and we talked about things he could do, I think it made him a little more comfortable with the idea. I'm not sure how he slept though... He had to be up at his dad's club, Genre, at the crack of dawn."

"He works a lot."

"He does," she smiled. "All he's ever wanted was to own his own business, be that entrepreneur, prove he was something to his dad."

"I hear his dad's quite the dick."

Alice rolled her eyes. "Yeah, you could say that. Very mentally abusive. But... that's the one thing that he, Edward, and myself had in common. No fatherly support. We could bond that way."

I noticed immediately that she didn't even flinch when she said Edward's name. We'd had many conversations on the phone these past few months, and the first month was hard for her, but now... She seemed almost oblivious to it. "Strange that the weaknesses in ourselves are the things that can bond us with someone else."

She nodded, sipping her wine. "Tell me what you've been up to."

"Working," I smirked. "I didn't think I was going to get hired in, but apparently the English teacher, Mrs. Crocker, will be leaving mid-November on maternity leave, so I will officially be a working History teacher this year, by then."

"Oh my gosh, Jazz!" she squealed, clapping her hands, "That is AMAZING!" She leaned over the table, careful to not knock anything over, and kissed my cheek, her familiar scent crashing over me. "I am so proud of you!"

"Nah, it's just luck of the draw, really. Had to wait for someone to get knocked up."

"Well, that happens. But still, at least you got in!"

"I know," I grinned. "I can't wait."

We ordered our food, then immediately turned back to each other. "So tell me," she said, her palm holding the side of her face, "have you been seeing anyone?"

"Why do you ask?"

She shrugged. "We haven't discussed that part of our lives since... well... we were that part in each other's lives," she giggled calmly. "I'm curious."

"Should we discuss it?"

"You tell me."

"You go first."

She shook her head quickly, determined. "No. I don't need a man to make me feel good. That's what I'm learning."

I nodded slowly. "Self-assurance is good."

"It's more than that though. I'm learning more about myself, every day. What I should do, shouldn't do, could eat, shouldn't eat, can say, could never say before... And truthfully, this past week... It's been eye-opening. I don't know what it is. I can't describe it. Maybe it was Masen's birth or seeing it, but... in a sick, weird, strange way, seeing him in their arms, the combination of their eyes and their hair and their skin complexion in the form of another tiny human being... It was as if a weight had lifted off my chest. I went into that hospital thinking all the worst things, that I shouldn't be there. That they would be upset with me, that they didn't know how much progress I was making and would ultimately think me being there was masochistic or whatever, But they were so kind to me. For that brief second, they welcomed me with their smiles as if they were welcoming me back with open arms, and... it is something to look forward to, when I fully heal. It makes me think that some friendships can possibly be salvaged."

"Wow," I exhaled, blinking and smiling, "that's definitely amazing to think about."

"I know," she exclaimed giddily. "I swear, I haven't felt this light in God knows how long. I feel as if I could walk on water. I feel my strength coming back. I feel confident. I haven't felt this good about the way things could be heading with my life in years. It's as if the weight of the world is off of my shoulders."

"Have you talked to Edward since this revelation of yours?"

She shook her head slowly, "No. I'm allowing them to focus on what's important to them, what should be important. I want to tell him my plans. I want a chance to tell him goodbye. But I don't want to spoil what's going on in their own lives when I tell them."

"What do you mean, tell him goodbye?"

She took a deep breath and rounded her shoulders, studying my eyes before she replied, "I'm moving away."

Our appetizer arrived and we pulled ourselves back, since we'd been leaning over the table subconsciously, and cleared our throats.

"Thank you," Alice said to the waitress, before turning back to look at me.

I was speechless.

She smiled wearily.

"What do you mean... you're moving away?" I asked astonished. "How far away?"

"New York City."

"What?! When?!"

She chewed her lip and swallowed, looking toward her plate. "In a week."

"One week?!" I realized the sound of my voice caught the attention of a few other customers. But I couldn't help the shock emanating from my body. "Why?!"

"I need to get the furthest away from here possible for a while. I need to start fresh. I need to find myself."

"You are finding yourself! Look how far you've come!"

She shook her head slowly, calmly, even though I was clearly riled. "No. I need to go further. I need to be on my own for a while. I need... to stop depending on Emmett, like I did with Edward."

"Emmett doesn't care! You're his best friend!"

"I care, Jasper," she whispered softly, in an attempt for me to lower my voice too. "I care. I love them both so damn much, with every single fiber in my being. Those two men, they're what lights up my life... They're it. And I love Edward and I think about him, every day, still. Is it the same intensity of love? I don't think so. But, then again, I'm not around him like I used to be. I really think Masen being here was a huge step for us along our individual paths, but I don't want to take any chances with him yet. I don't want to hurt him, or Bella, or Masen, or myself. I care too much. And with Emmett... I just..."

She looked down and closed her eyes. "I'm really starting to love him. Not necessarily in a relationship way, but... We've grown excruciatingly close these past few months, closer than ever before, and... I can't go from one man to another. From one friend to another. From one best friend to another... It's not fair to him. He needs to be cut loose from me, figure out his own path for a while. He's got a lot to deal with, with Alyssa and Colleen now. It's the perfect time for me to go and finally do this."

I shut my eyes and shook my head, trying to ignore the burning in my chest. "You're going to rip their hearts out, Alice. Edward and Emmett both... They love you almost more than they love themselves. I know that to be true. Trust me, I do. You're going to fucking crush them, and in the midst of it all, you're going to crush yourself as well."

She nodded, and our eyes met again, both sympathetic and yearning, before she said brokenly, "...That's something we're all going to have to live with, isn't it?"

"What about me? Did you stop to think of what you'd be doing to me?"

She reached over and patted my hand, a smile breaking through her tears. "I love you, so much, Jasper. You were that first really great guy... This dream guy that turned my world into something amazing, if only for a while... You were too much, too good, and I knew I didn't deserve you from the moment I found you. Not with all the drama in my own life. It would have never worked out under those circumstances. I'm sorry for causing you pain. I know it hurts... Believe me.... But... You've got to move on too, Jazz. We all do. Not permanently, but... we're too dependent on each other right now. It's going to be hard on everyone... And... I'll always be here for you guys, if any of you need me. I'll come back in a heartbeat to support whomever. But... I can't be in this town anymore. Not right now. I know what I need to do, and no one is going to change my mind. I can't let them. I'm sorry."

I scoffed and shook my head, realizing I was crying as well. I didn't know what to say to her.

Like she said, I wasn't going to change her mind.

Nor would Emmett.

Nor would Edward, even.

...So what would be the point?

---

EdwardPOV

Masen. Was. Still. Asleep.

I stared up at my bedroom ceiling and smiled to myself. The past few days had been interesting, and enlightening, and beautiful. But... the selfish side was always reminding me that I missed my wife.

I knew she was sore. I knew she was tired. I knew that I was no longer first in her book. She was mine, yes, even with Masen... But the selfish side explained to me that she looked at him and her entire world lit up. And when she looked at me, she seemed almost there, but maybe not all the way there anymore. But Masen was new and that was okay. He was our baby, and that's okay. I could step aside. I wanted him and her to come first. But the arrogant, asshole, cocky, prick side of me chanted one thing whenever I thought about Bella, and that one thing was: I want my fucking wife, and I have to wait five to eight more weeks. Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit.

Did sex rule the main confines of my universe? Again, in the spirit of fuckall honesty, yes. Sex with Bella ruled everything. I thought about it all the time. Sure there were temporary distractions, like work, and beautiful additions, like Masen. But, when it came down to it, sex was just something that I craved more than oxygen. I'm a man, and I think like a man. I may be respectful to her and not tell her three-fourths of the dirty shit I think to myself. But she at least knows that I'm a man, and that's a start.

I closed my eyes, and thought about how our lives would be after Masen found some sort of normal routine, and things could be calmer. When he grew up just a little, and I'd have alone time with her again... I fantasized and fantasized about all the things I had planned for her when it came to our sex life. I wanted to explore things, do more, say more, feel more. Fifty years of sex with this woman wouldn't be enough for me. I knew that to be true, deep in my heart. I would never get over it. I would never stop wanting her. I would never stop needing her. It's not that I'm a sex addict. But I am a Bella addict. When I was without her, sex was just something to do to kill time and try to kill the pain. But now, with her, it's much, much more.

Was it just about sex? No. But nothing was just about anything when it came to Bella. Because anything we did, whether it be merely waking up and starting the coffee for the other person so they wouldn't have to rush around to get ready for work, or helping each other with work when we brought it home, or making love, or fucking each other senseless until we're blue in the face, it was never about one specific thing. It was about creating and hoarding that connection we had, savoring it, milking it for the last drop. Neither of us wanted to lose that, because quite frankly, what we had was fucking beautiful the way it was.

The sad thing was, Bella gave it to me the other day. I'd gone eight fucking weeks without it, barely, and she gave me that feel of her body again, the feeling of her heart pounding through her frame and against my chest. And one thing I've learned is that when you have an addiction for anything like I am addicted to my girl, and you try to hold off, and then you have the slightest taste, it blows every last bit of resistance you might have built completely to hell. You're fucked.

Exhaling slowly, I turned my face to my right, to notice the basinet a few feet away from our bed, Masen sleeping soundly inside of it. Motions moved the covers, and then Bella rolled to my side, her lips on the top of my ear as she whispered, "What are you thinking about so hard about over there?"

I smirked and reached for her, "You... and the fact that he's asleep."

"I know, it's about time," she smiled, kissing the side of my face. "What were you thinking about me?"

I turned my head slowly so I could peer into her caramel eyes. "I was thinking about being inside of you, actually. I miss it. Dragging my tongue and my body from the inside-out and back, and I can't wait to do it again."

She pulled her face back an inch, clearly thrown by my revelation.

I cocked my eyebrow, nodding toward my grey sweatpants, and smirked as I watched her eyes trail down my body, toward my growing erection. The physical effect she had on me could not be helped.

Bella exhaled angrily. "Edward... Now... Why do you want to go and do that, knowing we can't have sex?"

"I'm sorry," I chuckled innocently, "he came out to play on his own, I didn't-"

"Ugh!" she scoffed quietly to keep her voice down, shaking her head. "This sucks! Why do I have to be sore?!"

"Because God is punishing me."

"Punishing you?" she quirked.

"Yes. He said, 'Edward, I'm finally going to give you a good life, with the woman of your dreams, and the perfect child... and since you can't fucking have everything and not be me, God himself, then I have to punish you in some way'... Then He shouted, 'Boom! No sex for eight more weeks. That ought to do it.'"

She giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. "You're stupid."

"I'm dead serious."

She groaned, moving down and pushing her face into my black t-shirt, inhaling my scent. "I hate this too. Do you think this is any easier for me?"

"I'm... not sure. Probably. You're the girl. Girls have it easier."

"It's not."

"Oh."

"Yeah."

I dropped my hand toward her back and patted her on her head like she was a puppy. "There there... We'll make it."

She growled, her hot breath going through my shirt, onto the hairs of my treasure trail, "Edward, right now, the only time I want you to touch my hair is when you're jerking my head back, biting my neck, and fucking me like an animal, as hard as you possibly can without ripping me into two."

My eyes bugged out of my head and my mouth dropped open. What the...

She pulled her head off my stomach and looked over at me, nothing but mischief and evil in her eyes as she grinned, "Gotcha back."

"You... fucking... suck."

"Shhh, don't wake up Masen," she teased. God she was evil.

"You really suck," I whispered, glaring pointedly at her. "I almost hate you for putting that image in my mind."

She smirked, "Serves you right, Mr. Arrogant."

"I'm only arrogant because I know I'll always win. I deserve my arrogance," I hissed back at her, "I earned it."

"How's that?"

"Because when I fuck you repeatedly, you don't shut your damn mouth once."

Her mouth dropped open, a smile trying to come out still, and her eyes grew wide. She patted me hard on my stomach, causing me to wince and chuckle at the same time. "Edward Cullen."

"What?" I laughed, "It's true."

"What am I going to do with you?!"

"Fuck me, soon. Hopefully," I winked.

She growled, pushing off of me so she fell on the bed on her back. Then she threw her legs over my stomach, so that we made an 'L' shape, and stared up at the ceiling with me. "Abstinence sucks."

"Yep."

"That's it... When I heal... We're having sex multiple times a day. Anytime we get a chance, we're doing it. I don't care if you make me so sore that I won't want to walk. I don't care if I'm on my period. I don't care about anything. I want you, inside me, buried deep, all the time. I want your fingers, and your tongue, and your dick. We're neve-"

"Bella," I growled, covering myself with my right hand, "you're making it hurt, it's so fucking hard right now. Quit it."

"I can't," she half-laughed, half-whimpered, "I'm aching too. You're not the only one."

I inhaled slowly, using my free arm to cover my eyes. "Maybe we shouldn't think about sex right now. Bad idea."

"Too late," she replied, her voice musically sing-song. Shit. She was going to taunt my ass. "...All I see in my head was that day on our honeymoon in the Maldives when you let me sit on your face when you were laying on the couch, and all I feel is your hot tongue slipping in and out of my wet-"

I cut her off with a loud growl, and before I knew what I was doing, I had flipped my body and turned sideways, up on my knees beside her body, my mouth an inch from hers. "Listen to me. Seriously. I can't fucking take this right now. We've got to stop talking about this or I'm going to make you one seriously sore woman in two seconds."

She smiled up at me, not frightened in the slightest, before licking her plump lips, the fucking cocktease, "...Mmmm... Make sure to remember this for later, Edward, cause... to tell you the truth, one day, I kind of want it rough."

I was starting to get uncomfortable, my erection pushed so far into my pants, and as soon as the words left her mouth, my first instinct was to not only bend down and bite the side of her neck, but to also cover her mouth, so she wouldn't scream and wake up our resting child. She moaned as I gave in to that instinct, sucking on her salty skin, laving it with my tongue, before nipping at it with my teeth. Her skin was flushed, I could see it clearly, and she tasted incredible. But she couldn't do much to stop me with the way I was hovering over her, holding her wrists up above her head with my right hand.

Bella moaned, her teeth squeezing my fingers together, heavy breaths coming through her nose. I adjusted my body a little, forcing myself to resist straddling her, to avoid that center I craved so much, and I brushed my hand across the thigh of her juicy couture pants and the heat there reminded me of how much hotter it would be in other places. "Fuck Bella," I gasped into her neck, "I'm losing the last of my restraint here." I dropped my hand from her mouth and pushed my face back into her neck, my saliva on her skin touching my nose, and inhaled her scent. "And you're not fucking helping one damn bit."

"I'm sorry," she panted, her chest rising and falling beneath mine, "I can't... I just... I wanted... to get you back for being so... narcissistic."

"It worked." I grabbed her hand, pinned it against my erection, and began to push myself against her palm. "Do you see how fucking hard you've made me? You're killing me, Bella."

She nodded and I pushed against her hand again, and a soft mewl left her lips. "Edward... We've got to stop."

I wasn't touching her hips or her waist, any part of her torso. I knew those were off-limits at all costs. I was beside her, but still, I had to ask. "Are you too sore? Am I hurting you?" Ahhh, reasoning was slowly coming back now.

"No," she shook her head quickly, "but you're making me throb... Ungh, I want you, damn it. Shit." And all reasoning was now fucking gone again.

I kept pushing into her hand, fighting with myself not to attack her as I bit down on her collar bone, releasing it quickly. "Bella... We can't do anything. You're too sore, you know you are. Seriously... I can't... I want you... fucking now."

"I don't know," she panted, shaking her head quickly. "I-I... I mean, you're right, I really can't... I don't know."

We knew there was no possible way. I knew there was nothing we would be able to do, and I knew somewhere in the back of my mind that I was being a fucking ass and I needed to quit... if only my dick would catch up to those thoughts. "I don't know either."

I moved her shirt up off her stomach, all common sense out the window, and as soon as I saw a hint of her blue cotton panties beneath the drawstring of her pants, I pushed my face into her stomach, inhaling greedily. "You smell so good. Just let me..." I tried to calm myself down. To quit. "J-Just let me... Um..." Stop, Edward.

As I moved her hand away from my body and began to breathe again, she became feisty. "No, don't," she demanded as she moved her hand back, and grabbed the strings to my pants, yanking roughly and shoving her hand inside.

She gripped me firmly, causing me to twitch, and I was right back to being horny as hell. "Fuck, Bella... Don't stop."

"I'm not," she panted, her heart beating through her chest as I licked through her shirt. "Mmm, you feel good, baby."

God I love it when she calls me that! Her hand was soft and tiny and perfect, pumping me hard until I was gasping, her thumb every once in a while gathering the fluid at the top of my head and rubbing it around. I knew it wouldn't take too long at all, I was too riled up. Every motion sent me higher, brought me closer. My heart was in my throat, pounding, threatening to jump out of my mouth. "Fuck, close," I gasped, moving to where I could bury my face into her clammy neck again. Her smell sent me overboard. "Almost... shit... Alm-"

And then Masen woke up. Crying, screaming, to let us know that he was demanding our sudden attention.

Bella's hand stopped instantly, losing everything she'd worked for with me. I fell over her chest sideways, making sure to catch my weight on my arms, effectively making a bridge over Bella's heaving chest, all common sense, all realities flooding back. "Fuck me!"

He wailed louder because I had shouted.

We had no choice but to wait. This was proof.

I was going to have blue balls. And my son was a cockblocker.

"Edward," she panted, "I can't get to him when you're on top of me."

I nodded slowly.

"He's still crying."

"I hear him," I exhaled, my heart still in my throat. Her hand was still on my dick. Christ.

"Edward... I can get him, if you need to... you know..."

"...I'll get him."

"I'm sorry baby," her voice sounded sad.

I sealed my eyes shut as I groaned and pushed off of her, walking uncomfortably toward the basinet. "It's probably a good thing. I'll manage."

She bit her thumb as she curled to her side in fetal position, watching me, crossing her legs carefully to alleviate some pressure for herself even though she was in pain.

I had to immediately walk out of the room, taking Masen with me. Or else Bella and I were going to kill each other.

---

EmmettPOV

Alice came into my house wearing a nice skirt and shirt, her hair pulled back.

"Damn girl," I slipped down the hall in my socks, snapping on my belt. "Why you so hot for?"

"Had a lunch date with Jazz."

"Oh. How'd that go?"

"Good," she smiled, sitting up at the bar, crossing her legs and pulling her skirt to keep it from riding up. "What are you up to?"

"Just good?" I asked, ignoring her question directed to me.

"Yeah. Just catching up."

"Did he tell you if he was fucking Colleen?"

"Um... no."

"Did you ask?"

"Not directly," she shook her head. "None of my business anymore. I just want him to be happy."

"None of us want to see our exes happy. That's why they're our exes. We're supposed to be the best they can get, so by not being with us, they shouldn't be happy."

She cocked her head, studying my expression as I fiddled with my shirt. "Em, please tell me you don't really think that way."

"Oh, I do."

"You're seriously disturbed."

"I just speak it as it is. People always say, 'I want you to be happy, I'm no good for you, you deserve better', but we all know that bullshit. That's just speeches, sugarcoating shit, so we don't feel that bad for dumping them. We're making our own asses feel better, not theirs."

She rolled her eyes, pulling a few cookies from my jar. "I swear, God must have slipped, busted his ass, hit his head, and lost a few brain cells before he created you. Because you ain't right."

I grinned and threw my peach Abercrombie shirt on, tucking the front behind my buckle clip.

"Where are you going?"

"Colleen called me and asked if I'd meet her at this little cocktail bar, so we could get a drink and talk about Alyssa and what we want to do about it."

"Are you nervous?"

"Yes."

"Is it just you and her going to be there?"

"Yes. Why?"

She bit her lip, looking like she was hiding a secret. "I just... worry. That's all."

"Worried that I'm going to fuck her?"

"Possibly. You're you, and from what I understand, Colleen's not shy either."

"Well, we've all ready got one kid apparently. I've learned my lesson in that."

"Don't make her cheat on her boyfriend, Em."

"Jasper's probably got that covered, Alleycat."

Sighing, she shoved an Oreo cookie in her mouth and chewed in silence, wiping the crumbs from the corner of her lips. She swallowed before she spoke again. "Are you wearing that?"

I looked down. "What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"

"It takes a confident man to wear a salmon colored shirt."

"It's peach."

"It's salmon."

"Besides, I am confident," I smiled, flashing my dimples, "and this looks good on me."

"Definitely shows off your muscles. I think you're trying to impress her."

"Alice, why are you on my dick tonight?"

"So she won't be."

"Why do you care?"

"Because I don't want you hurt. She likes Makin. Who knows what she's doing with Jasper. You don't need to get caught up in that mix any more than you all ready are. I'm asking you to please, please, please be on your best behavior tonight."

"If I didn't know you so well Alice, I'd say you were crushing on me and are jealous."

"Please. No."

"You know you want my body, and you think I'm sexy. Come on baby let me know," I sang, spinning around in a circle in my socks.

"I definitely don't want your body. You're only sexy to me when I'm drunk. And the only thing I'm letting you know is you're either going to get shot down or screw up your chances if you go there and put on the pimp moves."

I grinned, leaning over the bar, closer to her. "Al, are you... admitting that you think I'm a pimp?"

"No," she exhaled. "I'm admitting that you're stupid."

"Stupid is a stupid does."

"And you're it."

"I won't fuck up," I chuckled, wiping my hands down the front of my shirt to make it fit right. "I promise."

"We'll see," she sang to me.

"Seriously, Al. The last thing I want to do is screw up the shot I have to finally get to know... my …Alyssa." I met her eyes directly so she could see exactly how serious that statement was.

"Okay, Em," she smiled in quiet encouragement. "Oh, and don't forget that I want to talk to you about something important tonight. So don't be plastered when you get home tonight, and make sure it's tonight, not early tomorrow morning, got it?"

"Yes mother."

"Better get used to the nights being in at a decent hour if you're going to be a daddy Emmett. Goes with it."

*&*#!#$^%$^

I found Colleen sitting at the short side of the bar, wearing some sort of strapless, shiny, grey or someshit colored dress, a black jacket, black knee-high boots, and lots of those silver wrist cuffs thingies that take up half your arm. Oh, and a beady necklace. Her hair was down and curled in spirals, and she had a glass full of ice in front of her.

She stood up when I walked over to her, my heart beating out of my chest, and kissed my cheek as I kissed hers, before we took our seats.

"What are you drinking?"

"Triple shot of vodka and tonic, on the rocks."

"Damn girl," I chuckled, looking at my watch. "It's barely past five."

"Long day," she shrugged with a smile. "You look nice. I like that shirt."

"Thank you. What color would you say it is?"

"Uh..." she studied it, tilting her head, "it's kind of dark in here... Peach, maybe?"

"Ha, told Alice it wasn't salmon." I grinned as the bartender came over to me, "Uh..."

She looked over at me, fiddling with the lime on the rim of her glass, "What will it be?"

"Just a beer for now. Guinness, if you have it."

The bartender walked away and Colleen giggled. "Don't like liquor?"

"I'm under strict instructions to be on my best behavior tonight."

"Who gave you that rule?"

"Alice."

"Oh," she nodded, stirring her drink. "Ohhhhh," she said again, "I see."

I looked over at her, and she was smiling from ear to ear, amusement in her eyes.

"No. No, no, no it's not like that! We're not... I mean, she and I are just friends."

She giggled, waving her hands. "No judgments on my end."

I nodded to the bartender as he handed me my beer, "I swear, it's not like that."

"You don't have to explain anything to me."

"I know, but I don't want you to think I'm banging her."

She bit her glossed lip, staring at the glass still. "It's really no concern of mine if you were."

"Jasper would kill me if that rumor ever got out. I know you two are buddy-buddy."

"We are, but why would I tell him that? He's not with Alice anymore."

"I know," I took a sip, looking around at the crowd. "Let's talk about something else though. How was your day?"

"Eventful. Yours?"

"Boring. Why?"

"Makin. Why yours?"

"Nothing to do. What did he do?"

"Threaten to break up with me. Why was there nothing to do?"

"Because every one else was busy. Why? Because of me?"

"Something like that."

"Oh. Sorry."

She shrugged, "it happens. He's apparently a very insecure man, I've noticed."

"Quite a large curveball has been thrown at him. I'm sure it'll j-"

"He's been distant before the ball got thrown though. It's okay. I'd much rather learn about it now, before we go any further. If he can't handle me and the wrapping I come in, then it's best to get it out of the way before I get my hopes up that he's someone I might want to spend my time with."

"Are you... just unhappy?"

"Lately, yeah. I keep thinking it'll pass, we'll get better, but... it never does."

"Think he's fucking around or something?"

"No," she exhaled. "I don't think so. I mean maybe, but... He just seems to be trying to find a way out, I guess. First it was bills, then it was 'can we really afford all of this if we do it', then it was that he liked where his place was, and now it's you and Alyssa... I think he's chickening out."

"Are you giving him a reason to have doubts?"

She looked over at me, narrowing her eyes, the sweet girl gone and the sassy one coming out full-force. "Why don't you just ask me what you want to know, Emmett?"

I gulped, wondering if it was time to duck and cover. "...Are you fucking around on him? With... his best friend, perhaps?"

She didn't even blink, hastily replying, "No."

I nodded, swallowing again. "That's good."

"I find it very difficult to believe that no one understands how a boy and a girl can just be close."

"I think Edward and Alice ruined that type of scenario for everyone. If people only knew half the times that boy led that girl on. I swear, he's my boy, but I was front row to witness to all the times she'd be sitting in his lap and he'd be holding her and not letting her get up and just all these little things that led her to believe he wanted more than what he did -- if he didn't truly want more in the first place. But yeah, I guess people see you with Jasper, his arm around your chair, you guys connected at the hip... People are going to assume shit."

"I like him," she shrugged, motioning to the bartender she wanted a refill, "he's a wonderful man. He's always been around, since Bella and I have been friends."

"Which makes it worse-looking in the long run for us innocent bystanders."

She giggled, relaxing a bit. "Besides, he's Bella's ex. I would never do that to her. Girls don't do that."

"I doubt Bella would care. She's so far stuck up Edward's ass, it ain't even funny. This baby is going to make it worse I think."

She punched me hard on my right arm, her ring making contact with a bone somewhere. "You're such an asshole!"

"I'm serious! That girl, I swear, I love Bella, I do. But... she's in a whole other dimension with E. I bet he could fuck someone in front of her and she'd let it go this time."

"No she wouldn't. She's a strong girl and I don't care if Edward was Jesus himself, she wouldn't stick around for that shit. But, I don't think Edward will cheat on her now... He better not, if he knows what's good for him. I'll get there before Bella gets to him."

I chuckled, finishing off my beer. "You're quite the loaded pistol, Colleen."

"I know. I have to be. I don't have much I can lose."

---

EdwardPOV

While Bella and Masen hung out with her mother, I decided to swing by work, turn in my payroll, and thank Aubrey again for helping me with Masen. She was standing behind the nurses' desk, writing on a whiteboard, her hair about to fall down from the pen it was wrapped around on the back of her head.

I hushed Bree, who was sitting there answering calls, and tiptoed around, before grabbing Aubrey. "HEY!" I shouted, pulling her around.

She jumped and swung, almost hitting me in the face, her eyes and mouth open in shock. "You... mother... EDWARD!"

I smirked, making sure she was level before I released her. "I'm sorry. You looked like you were sleeping on the job. Thought I'd wake you up."

"Remember, I still own your job."

"Yeah, but I'm off the clock."

"You're still on the property," she exhaled, rounding her shoulders. "What's up?"

"Wanted to turn in my payroll and give you something."

"What?"

I leaned over, giving her a quick hug, making sure to hold on just long enough that it didn't seem to everyone around like I was banging my superior.

She patted me on the back, before adjusting the collar of my blue and green plaid button down that had caught on the pen in her hair, "Well... um... thank you. What was that for exactly?"

"Masen."

She giggled, rolling her eyes. "You two made Masen, I just helped you bring him home safe."

"Bella and I are very grateful to you."

"Tell her I say thank you as well. And tell yourself that kindness won't get you a raise."

I smirked and shook my head. "You're impossible."

"I know. I guess I should be thanking you for the hug though. Now I smell like... whatever it is you're wearing... a man. Should help me attract another man."

"You're still technically married."

"And my husband is still technically in Hawaii doing his business partner, Shavaghn. So... that sums that one up."

I leaned against the file cabinet, placing my sunglasses on the top of my head. "Work always appears so lame without me around."

"Yeah, well, that's because you're the pretty boy around here with the attitude that keeps it interesting."

"Pretty boy?" I cocked an eyebrow. "Doesn't that term qualify as sexual harassment? Kick in some clause about sexual innuendo?"

"Is giving your boss a hug sexual harassment?" she quipped back, not missing a beat.

"Not sure," I shrugged. "If it was, would that mean we're going down together?"

She opened her mouth to smart off to me, then closed it, shaking her head. "I'm... not even going to touch that one."

I chuckled. "Where's everyone?"

"Scotty's in medic, Anna is cleaning some of the exam equipment, and Aimee... I'm not sure where she is now..."

"Why's that?"

She looked around, then tilted her head toward her office. I followed her in and closed the door, before taking a seat on the opposite side of the desk from her. "This does not leave my office."

"Alright."

Aubrey nodded, crossing her arms over her chest. "She was in a pretty serious confrontation with someone. I tried to tell her not to come in today, but she begged me. Said she needed the money."

"Who? Someone here?"

"No, and not at a liberty to say."

"When did this happen?"

"Late last night, apparently."

"How serious was the confrontation?" I asked, my stomach knotting, though I wasn't sure why. I knew it didn't have anything to do with me. That was old news.

She pretended to zip her lips. "I'm not going any further, I shouldn't have even told you as much as I did."

"Come on," I replied smoothly, bending forward to put my elbows on my knees, giving her my crooked smile, "I'm not technically here. You can talk to me."

"Ask her yourself if you want to know. It's none of my business to tell you anymore."

"Where is she?"

"Last I heard from her was about ten minutes ago. She's not allowed to see patients today so I've been having her do odd jobs. But that gets pretty boring when your by yourself in the file room. She said she was going to the smoke shack."

"Aimee doesn't smoke." She raised an eyebrow. "What?"

She shook her head slowly, a smile on her face that I didn't like to see. "I heard something about that."

"Heard something about what?" Shit. "Her not smoking?"

"Just that she used to go out to the smoke shack with you way back when, even though she doesn't smoke."

"Was that a problem?"

"Not unless it causes a problem."

"It won't. It didn't."

"Okay," she let it go with a motion of her hand. "Well, that's the last place I know of, so maybe you'll see her if you go down there."

I stood up and handed her my paperwork, "Alright. Here's this. I'll see you."

"Okay. Give that baby a kiss on the cheek for me."

"Will do!"

*&*#!#$^%$^

I noticed her sitting on the far end of a bench in the empty shack. Her legs crossed, her chin in her hands, facing away from me. Her long blond hair streamed down her back, curling up at the end. "Hey Aims," I said as I entered, walking around to where she was.

She instantly stiffened and turned away from me. "Oh. Edward. S-Scared me."

"What's going on?"

"Nothing," she answered sharply. "What are you doing here?"

"Came to see everyone."

"Why?" Her voice was shaky, like she was scared of me. "What do you want?"

"To say hello. Everything... alright?" I leaned around, trying to see her, but she moved further away, almost cornering herself.

"Yeah."

My heart began to beat faster as I took a step closer. "Aimee?"

"I'm fine, Edward," she replied hastily. "Please go away." Nervously, I took another step, reaching my hand to her hair. I moved what was covering her face, and instantly noticed a scratch on her nose. She tried to cringe away from me, but my other hand caught her chin, pulling her face toward me. Her right eye was swollen and red, dark rings below it, a gash in the corner. She also had a faint brown bruise on her cheek and what looked like fingerprints on the side of her neck. Instantly, I felt the heat rise up on the back of my neck. She jerked away from me, almost cowardly, and slid the opposite way on the bench. "I'm fine. I asked you to leave."

"Yeah you look fine."

"It's nothing."

"It doesn't look like fucking nothing. Who did this? Was it here?"

"Edward," she exhaled, covering her face again, "this doesn't concern you."

"You're my friend, Aimee. You're face is busted. What happened?" She shook her head slowly. "Did he do this?"

"Why does it matter?!" She was growing infuriated with my interrogation. "Just. Go. Away."

I dropped to the other side of the table, leaning over angrily. "You're going to tell me the truth or I'm going to find someone who will."

"You don't need to worry about it! This doesn't concern you in any way. I can handle it."

"Yeah you look like you can handle it really well, Aimee. I see how easily you handled it. You'd better tell me right fucking now, because I won't ask you again. Did he hit you?"

"Yes!"

"WHY?"

"Because shit got stirred up at work and he heard about it."

"Like what?" She growled, pushing off the seat and trying to walk out, but I quickly cut her off, blocking her way. "Like what, Aimee?"

"Us," she hissed. "Happy now? Would you move!"

My heart steadied slowly as I almost fell backward. "What do you mean, us?"

She spun away from me, storming around the shack. "Your wife's friend, whoever she was, spouted something off about me and you having sex, and that little asshole Rocky overheard it. He blabbed his mouth after you and Bella went home. You know how much that creep hates me. And then Anna heard about it later that next night and came and asked me about it. I immediately denied it, but then Rocky opened his asshole mouth again and said, 'You're kinda low to be fucking your married arrogant mentor, Aimee. Does his wife know?', and before I could respond to tell him he was full of shit, I turned around and there was Dale leaning against the nurse's station, ready to pick me up. We went home last night and... we got into a fight about it."

"Does Dale know the truth about you and me? All of it?"

"No. I swore to you I wouldn't say, didn't I? I kept denying and denying and denying it, but he wouldn't believe me."

"Is there anyone here at work convinced?"

She scoffed, "Well, it's dick-head Rocky that started this and everyone here hates him. Anna won't say anything, especially since she believed me when I told her it was all a fabrication. So as far as I know, hopefully no one."

I tugged my hair in frustration, shaking my head. "I'm... really sorry, A-"

"So, I guess I should be thanking you, in a way?"

I looked at her, dumbstruck.

"For all of it," she motioned wildly with her hands. "Because you're such a 'good friend' to me, you say you still care, yet you tell Bella about us, which I understand... But then she goes and tells her friends, one of whom is a girl who decides to call me out on that shit at my own place of work. How very kind of her, by the way. Leave it to fucking Rocky to overhear, and... here we are. Fun, fun, fun."

"I didn't know that Colleen knew about you and I, Aimee. I didn't know Bella told her. But she's her best friend, I mean, I guess I should have known she'd eventually find out, but..."

"Well, she did. It was either Bella or Emmett that told that girl, and I highly doubt it was him, because he's always been cool with me."

I knelt down and rubbed my face vigorously with my hands. "Well, we'll keep on denying it at work, or ignore it completely until the gossip fades away -- if there is any gossip -- and... Dale's got an ass kicking coming his way some day."

"I don't need you to do anything about it, Edward."

"I didn't say I was going to -- though I'd like to. If I didn't have a wife and child, I'd be doing it right now. No man should ever fucking hit a woman like that. I've done some stupid shit myself, but this is sick. Karma will come around and kick his ass for me. Don't worry."

"It's our fault. Both of us. For sneaking around so long. It caught up with me. Knew it would sooner or later."

"Is all of your stuff still at his place?"

"Yes."

"You're not going back to him, are you?"

"I don't want to think about anything right now. Drop it."

"Aimee, no. You can press charges against him, place a restraining order against him. You still have plenty of time to do so. You don't have to see him. There is no need to give that asshole the time of day."

She scoffed. "Why do you even care, Edward? If your wife or her friends or anyone else has anything to say about it, you shouldn't give a shit."

"Okay, yes, I'll admit that she's not necessarily ecstatic about the idea of us being friends, because of past situations before you even came into my life. But she isn't the type to ever dictate to me who I should and shouldn't speak with, Aimee. She wouldn't be that cruel unless you or I gave her a good hard reason and I don't see that happening. If roles were reversed and she had a friend who was in trouble, she'd try to help them too, whether I liked the person or not. Because that's the kind-hearted person she is. No sense in bringing her into this argument because you're upset."

"I'm upset she told people, and her friend was stupid enough to say something to me about it when she had no business doing so! Why would that girl be so careless, especially where I work while I'm on the clock?!"

"I don't know what possessed her to-"

"I mean, I get that you told Bella. You two got back together quickly, and you and I had a past that you felt she should know for whatever reason, I get it. I really do. I never had a problem with her. But if she had a problem with me, because you and I were together while the two of you were apart, then why couldn't she just ask me if she were worried? Why would she be so upset with me, when she has no idea about my feelings or anything? I never gave her a reason to think negatively of me. I did my job well considering the oddness of the situation. I never called you after that one time unless I was asked by Aubrey to code you into work, and I nev-"

"It's a long story," I exhaled, cutting her off.

"It's not even that though, this isn't even Bella's fault. I shouldn't be blaming her. She was thrown into this triangle, no warning whatsoever. You should have told her, from the beginning, that you and I were friends. Eased her mind."

"I tri-"

"And worse," she continued. "I'm upset with you, for talking about me here too! Jonsen told me what you said, about your guys little name for me. How fucking disgusting was that?! He was trying to pry information from me so he could get in on the gossip, the stupid asshole. I told you he wasn't a good guy! Why would you be so cruel to me and say those things if I were truly your friend?"

I closed my eyes, frowning. "They said the names, I just... They were teasing me... I let it go too far. I'm sorry. I should have stood up and said something. But, I was worried that they would start shit, so I just let it slide. That was my fault and I'm sorry. And you are my friend. I'm going to be here for you and-"

"Why in the hell did they know in the first place?! I've never said anything to anyone. That was our pact, remember?! I had faith that you would keep it! I trusted you!"

"I'm sorry about the names and for telling them about you, I didn't think... I was stupid and in a rough place in my life, and I took you down with me, and I feel really awful about it. But there's nothing I can do about it now. You'll just have to take my word for it when I tell you that I'm truly sorry."

She wiped the tears from her eyes and cleared her throat. "I've got to go back to work. I'm probably late."

"I can tell her that you were out here with me, that I made yo-"

"Don't bother. I can deal with it myself."

I nodded slowly, sticking my hands in my pockets and moving out of her way. She walked past without saying another word to me. Guess I deserved that one.

---

BellaPOV

I stared at my mother in utter disbelief as she held my son. "What do you mean?"

She grimaced, looking down. "I meant exactly that. I was sure that they told you guys."

"Noooo, they did not."

"Esme said she'd been trying to call Edward for a week before this little guy was born."

"He's been working doubles. She didn't say it was important. But this, this is important."

"Yeah... I'm sorry, baby. I honestly thought you knew."

"Oh my God," I buried my face into my hands, shaking my head. "This isn't good. She should have told him."

"She didn't want to ruin your guys' happiness, with this little guy."

"Still."

My cell phone rang, and I quickly answered it so Masen wouldn't get fussy. "Hey babe, where are you?"

"On my way home. Can you do me a favor?"

"What is it?"

"Aimee got into a serious altercation with her boyfriend. He hit her several times. She won't go to the cops. I think she's scared, and upset. I tried to reason with her, but since I'm somewhat part of the problem, she's not going to listen to me right now. I can't get a hold of Tommy, I think he has his cell turned off since he doesn't work until tonight. Can you get on the walkie-talkie and ask him to be at the house when I get there, so I can discuss some options with him and maybe get her some help?"

"Crap. Is she all right?"

"Yeah I guess."

"Sure, I'll do it."

"And I need to talk to you about something when I get there, too."

"All right... I... need to tell you something also."

"Be there in less than five. I love you, Bella."

"Okay. Love you, too." As soon as we hung up, there was a knock at the door. I looked at Renee and she shrugged, so I just got up and answered it.

And there was Ryan, wearing nice jeans and a green t-shirt, with flowers in his hand.

"Ryan," I half gasped, shaking my head. "What are you doing here?"

"Didn't Colleen tell you I was coming by today? I texted you last night..."

I slapped my forehead, blinking several times. "I totally forgot all about that."

He stepped inside when I moved out of the way, handing me the white tulips. "For the new mother."

"Thanks," I took them and sat them on the end table.

"I can see you've lost some weight already. Told you it was all baby. You couldn't gain weight if you tried."

To avoid being overwhelmed, I shook my head, leading him over to the couch. "Umm, Mom this is Ryan Danvers. He's my partner at Leverage Marketing. Ryan, this is my mom, Renee."

Ryan shook her hand. "Pleasure to meet you, officially. You look prettier than you sound on the phone, and I didn't think that'd be possible."

She blushed and grinned up at him, "You're handsome as well. Bella downplayed your appearance."

"That's because my charm makes her flustered."

"Okay, Ryan," I exhaled, bringing them both back to focus, "to what do I owe this pleasure?"

"Wanted to see you and your kid... Holy hell, is that him?"

"Yes." Renee quickly handed my child over like he was a hot potato, and my eyes widened as Ryan held him in his arms. "Uh..."

"Damn, he's cute," Ryan smirked, tilting him from side to side, careful to support his head, examining him like he would an object for sale. "...pretty damn cute indeed."

"Thank you."

"Name's Masen right?"

"Yes."

"What's sup, little man?" he wiggled his fingers, "I'm Ryan. I work with your mom." Masen stared up at him in complete silence. "You look like you're having fun, all cozy in this white blanket of yours. Quite cozy."

I bit my lip, crossing my arms over my chest as I sat down. "My husband is on his way home, so..."

"Okay, cool."

I licked my lips nervously. My mom looked at me strangely, but I tried to ignore her. No sense in telling her Edward didn't like Ryan because I'd messed around with him in the past. My mom didn't need to know any of that.

Ryan continued, "I would be all cozy too if I was in that warm blanket... Would you share?" Masen blinked. He grinned, "Yeah, I bet you would."

The door swung open and my husband entered, immediately looking stunned to see Ryan in our house.

Shit. "H-Hey babe," I hopped off the couch and met him at the door, hugging him.

"What's he... What's going on?"

"Remember, Colleen told us Ryan was swinging by today? I totally forgot about it, I'm sorry. I would have told you."

He cleared his throat and inhaled slowly, before walking across the room to greet Ryan. I grew more nervous when they shook hands, afraid they'd never let go until someone broke a knuckle. Thankfully though, they did.

"What's going on?" Ryan asked him, bouncing Masen in his chest.

Edward looked from him to Ryan. "Uh... Not much." He looked over to me, scratching the back of his head. "Did you... do what I asked, Bella?"

"Oh, no, I forgot, I'm so sorry. He showed up after we talked and I did-"

"It's fine," Edward exhaled, forcing a smile. He took a seat and I sat beside him, Ryan and Masen on the short side of the wrap-around sofa.

"This is a cute kid you have here, Edward. Didn't do bad for yourself."

Edward rolled his eyes, and I hit his leg, causing him to straighten up. "Thank you."

"How big is he?"

"Inching closer to seven pounds."

"You're like a little bowling ball, Masen. Seven whole pounds!" he mused. "I'm good with kids, man... Kids love me."

"I don't see why not," Edward quipped beneath his breath. "Referring to children as inanimate objects is always a compliment to them. They love that shit." I cleared my throat, but Edward didn't stop. "I guess, if Masen were able to speak, he's most likely refer to you as the pin, then."

"Why's that?" Ryan smiled, not even looking insulted in the slightest.

"Used to being knocked over and with no brains on top."

Ryan smirked as I glared up at my husband, mouthing 'be-have' at him.

"Yeah... But quite frankly, I figured if I were to be compared to a pin, that'd be because I have a tiny head compared to what I'm packing elsewhere."

My eyes widened but before I could say anything, Edward cut me off. "Don't be mistaken, Danvers. From what Bella explained, it isn't big at all. In fact... I believe at one point she laughed when she told me that she could barely see it unless the light hit you just right."

"Oh my God," I said, standing up. "I'm not listening to this. Both of you should grow up."

Edward chuckled and Ryan seemed equally amused as I pulled Masen from his arms and went into the kitchen to avoid it.

After a few crass comments, Edward entered and found me sitting at the bar, cradling my son. He planted himself against the counter next to me, crossing his arms and his ankles. "Sorry, couldn't resist."

"Try."

"He started it. I was somewhat behaving."

"Edward," I growled. "You asked me to help you do something for Aimee, and I agreed with no problems because that's a serious matter. Please don't make this Ryan appearance something it's not."

"I'm not, but I'm not going to kiss his ass, either. Besides, you didn't do what I asked, because Ryan the cocksucker showed."

"Well you need to tone it down a little bit, please. I don't want to feel like a hoochie or an object of possession, and right now, that's how you're making me feel. I'm asking you, please. Try to get along with him, because when it comes to me, he's not going anywhere, just as Aimee's not going anywhere with you. He's a good partner. Alright? He's only copping an attitude because you're doing it first. Don't egg him on."

"I'm not trying to make you feel any way, just him. Besides. You're not a hoochie unless you're my hoochie...." He wrapped his arms around me and kissed the back of my neck, "I'm just playing baby. Don't be mad... It was too hard to resist."

"I thought we had an understanding to 'agree to disagree' that we didn't like them, but we'd be cool with them, for the sake of you and I?"

"I'm not going to be cool when he's talking about his dick in front of my child, Bella."

"You were talking about his dick in front of your child, Edward. And I never told you any of that about him so stop bringing me in on your pissing contest."

He smirked, "It's probably true though."

I rolled my eyes, "You're irritating me and not listening, so go away. You're missing my entire point."

"No," he kissed my neck. "I'm sorry. I'll be on my best behavior. Besides, you have a guest. I'm here to force you to go back in there and entertain him..."

I growled and moved out of the chair, storming toward the living room, muttering about how much of a prick he was being. All he did was laugh. Cocky bastard.

Edward followed me in and took his seat beside me, while I handed Masen to my mother so she could change him for us since she volunteered. Before I could blink, my smug husband threw his arm around my shoulders and pulled me into his chest, kissing my cheek while Ryan asked him about how work was going.

"Just fine," Edward murmured against my skin, before slowly turning to face him. "How has work been for you these days? You managing all right without my wife doing half of your job for you?"

Ryan chuckled and I flushed at the utter embarrassment of this situation, gripping Edward's knee with my fingernails. He didn't even flinch.

"Yeah, I handle myself well without your girl, Cullen. I worked there before her, I know what I'm doing. Though, ...I must say, when she is around, I do have better views to look at than my computer screen. I'm sure you understand that much though..."

I glared at Ryan as Edward clenched his jaw. Oh fuck. Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck. "Yeah... I understand."

Ryan grinned at him, smug that Edward let it go. "So, Bells. When you coming back?"

"Two weeks."

"Mr. Colberry keeps asking. I think he likes you more than he led on."

"Then tell him to give me my account back."

"Girl, that account is long gone. Don't worry tough. I've got my eyes on something much better than that... I think by the time you get back, we'll have introductory meetings on it."

"What's the account?"

"Mozilla."

"Mozilla Firefox?"

"Yep."

"Cool! That brings in a lot of business."

"Yep, and we'd get a percentage anytime someone downloads it or adds a new add-on or any other new feature."

"Wow... I hope we get it. We'd bank."

"Me too. He knows that you and I make the best team, so if Leverage Marketing picks it up, I guarantee he'll toss the ball to us. No one else can handle that type of revenue like you and I, and the funny thing is, we're the youngest there, besides Colleen."

"Ryan, that would truly rock," I smiled anxiously. "I really hope we nail it."

Edward ran his fingers through his hair, relaxing into the couch finally. My mom entered while Ryan and I continued on about work, handing Masen over to Edward, causing him to remove his arm from around me. Edward kissed him a few times, then put him to his chest, where Masen's head was buried in his neck. It warmed my heart, watching how he was with him.

...Then I remembered what my mom told me about Edward's parents, and my heart sunk. I had to tell him before Carlisle or Esme did. I made mental note to do that tomorrow.

Ryan hung out with us for about forty-five minutes longer, then I walked him to the door. Edward offered, but I politely refused, knowing he'd get Ryan riled up again, and that was the last thing I needed. I didn't feel like washing blood off the side of my house today. Besides, after that one comment, they both behaved themselves well. Surprisingly.

---

EmmettPOV

After a few hours of drinks and a lot of conversation (thankfully, so we didn't get plastered), Colleen asked me if I wanted to dance with her.

I hesitated, thinking of all that could go wrong with that... and not trusting myself at all. The girl was fine. Sue me.

"Come on," she begged, sitting her drink on the bar and taking off her jacket. "Makin hates country music, even though he's from the south. I never get to listen to it! Please, Emmett? We can talk out there, it's a slow song!"

I took a deep breath, watching the people around us dancing in the small area to Taylor Swift's 'Crazier'.

I really was crazy, contemplating this. I should glue my ass to the stool, if I knew what's good for me.

"Alright," I sighed, caving into her dimply smile and batting lashes, "because you're begging and I love when girls do that."

She took my hand and led me through the crowd of bodies that just got off of work and were having a good time, to the middle of the tiny dance area. Colleen was quick to spin around and face me, throwing her arms around my neck. She was so short, her arms were fully extended.

I bit my lip, trying to figure out where to put my hands. Normally, I'd lock my fingers around a girl, on the small of her back, or her ass if we had a few more drinks in us. But that could be bad. So like the chump I was, I put my fingertips on the sides of her, not close to her hips, like in middle school dances when everyone's afraid to touch each other.

"So," she inhaled as we began to move slowly, "...is this weird? A few days ago we were fighting, and now... we're dancing. Brings back some memories.... blurry, faded ones."

"Yeah," I chuckled, not meeting her eyes too much, "it's a litle weird, but it happens. We're over it, we got the results. No sense in being pissed off for the rest of our lives. Won't change anything."

"I agree," she moved an inch closer and I stepped an inch back, nonchalantly of course. "The more I see Alyssa now, I find myself staring and finding pieces of you in her. She definitely has your features."

"Thankfully though, she's a sweetheart. I can be, but not always," I admitted. "Sometimes I can be a royal dick."

"I know," she giggled. "But it happens. I think we all can be when our guard is down. I'm really sor-"

"No more apologies," I shook my head, smiling warmly down to her, "it's over."

"So... are you thinking that you want her, then? Officially?"

"Yes. I mean, like I said before... I could really blow at this. But I'm willing to try if you're willing to be patient with me."

"She deserves a chance with her father, Emmett. Of course, I'll be patient. I've waited four years for her to have someone she could look up to."

"She looks up to you, though. She loves you to pieces. Me... I'm not a role model."

She blinked slowly, moving closer to me, as we kept swaying. "You'll be surprised how quick you'll learn. Babies are hard, because you can't figure it out, and it's all new. But children, every day, it's something new to learn. You watch them grow, and notice how their speech changes and their personality develops... it's the best part of my day, being with her. I never knew in a million years that a four year old could be my best friend, but... she really is."

I smiled, the desire to tuck her hair behind her ear rising to the point that I had to fist my hand at her side, "I like that about you."

She blushed slightly and looked down while I moved an inch closer, testing my limits. "Emmett... I'm really looking forward to this. Alyssa needs someone to... grow with. She's so skiddish and it's my fault."

"What happened with that?" I asked carefully. "Why is she so afraid?"

She sighed, still not meeting my eyes, "...My ex. For about four months of last year, I dated this asshole... Real sweet for a couple of weeks, until I let my guard down. He used to shout at me in front of her, whenever we couldn't take it behind closed doors... I was scared and alone and he was helping me pay for things my mom and I couldn't afford, so I stayed with him... One time, it just got to be too much. She was sitting on the couch, watching in horror as his fist made contact a few times... I don't remember a lot of it, but when I woke up, the cops were there. Apparently Alyssa crawled out the doggy door of his house, ran to the neighbor's house... The yards were really small. They had a hard time understanding what she was saying, because she was so young and shook up... but she told them that he hurt me and I wouldn't talk to her. She... saved my life. We got out of there and never looked back. But, unfortunately, she had to witness weeks of him being awful to me. It... scarred her. And that's something I have to live with. It's my biggest mistake."

I shook my head, frowning, pulling her closer so I could stop dancing and hug her. "I'm really sorry, Colleen."

"I'm just glad she listened when my mom and I tried to explain to her what an emergency was. At that age... she understood it. I'm really thankful for her."

"You're a great mom. And at least you got out and didn't go back to him again."

"She is my strength." Colleen lifted her left wrist, and Alyssa Ivory was written in script across her wrist. "She's my everything. I call her my arms, my legs. I can't function without her... so that's why I was so cruel and overprotective with you, with everyone, at the hospital. Sometimes, it just... it's hard, still. I worry that any little movement can frighten her. She's a lot stronger than I am, thankfully. She only gets scared with men she doesn't know, especially those who move too quick."

"We'll try to work on that."

"Thank you," she smiled, rubbing my back as I continued to hold her. "Wanna keep dancing?"

"If you do."

"Yeah... it's nice." We pulled slightly away, and kept moving as the song changes to 'Where I Stood' by Missy Higgins. I finally brushed the hair behind her ears, and she looked up at me, comfortable but stunned. It told me instantly that Makin hadn't been showing her affection.

"I haven't... besides Jasper when he's kind... I haven't been touched in a while..." She cast her eyes down, clearly upset by it.

Licking my lips, I brushed my fingers across her cheek, "That's just senseless," I whispered gently. "Everyone needs to be reminded of their importance."

She shrugged, moving her hands from my neck, down to my shoulders. "I guess... my importance isn't as strong as it once was for Makin."

"Then Makin's a dumbass."

She smirked, "...I told him that today."

"Good for you."

"Thanks."

*&*#!#$^%$^

When I got home, it was only half past one. Alice was sitting on the couch in her fuzzy pink bunny pajamas, a laptop atop her legs.

"Hey," I yawned, dropping my keys on the table and closing the door. "What's up?"

She shrugged, looking me over. "Not bad... I didn't expect you until at least three."

"You told me to come home at a decent hour."

"Yeah but you never listen to me."

"Maybe I'm starting now," I walked over and dropped myself beside her on the couch. "What are you looking at?"

She quickly closed the laptop and moved it beside her on the cushion. "Not much. You smell like beer."

"I had a few."

"How many is a few?"

"Six."

"And you drove?!"

"Do you see me hurt?"

"Still, Emmett! I could have came and got you. Was Colleen drunk too?"

"Yeah we left her car there and I took her home."

She rolled her eyes. "That makes it worse. Now you're endangering two lives behind the wheel, not just one."

"Oh, suck me, will ya?"

"No," she scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Look, I'm not drunk, I promise. It takes a hell of a lot more than six beers to get a person with this much muscle drunk."

"Still, Emmett... I'm not even..." She shook her head, waving it off. "Well, I'm glad you're not drunk, because I have something I need to tell you. It's important."

"You're gay?"

She elbowed me in the ribs and turned toward me, muttering about how I was a dick. "No, Emmett. Are you going to be serious, or should I just forget it and let you figure it out on your own?"

"Alright, alright," I yawned, motioning for her to continue. "Let's hear it."

"I mean it, Em, it's important."

"Alright! Damn. I'll be good. Go."

She inhaled and exhaled slowly, staring at my face. "I'm... moving out."

I stared at her, stuck in my place.

She nodded slowly, frowning. "This isn't a joke... in case that's what you're thinking."

"What do you mean, you're moving out?"

"I'm going to New York City. In a week."

"Oh really?" I asked breathlessly.

"Yes."

"For how long?"

"For a while. I'm not sure just yet. It all depends on how it goes there."

I nodded slowly, rubbing my clammy palms down my jeans. I felt as if I was living in a parallel universe again, like when I found out about Alyssa. All the air was out of my body and I was beside myself once more.

"I'm sorry," she stated softly, her voice cracking.

I nodded again, and forced myself to climb to my feet. I walked around the table slowly, in a haze-like state of mind.

"Aren't you going to say something?" she asked, hopping off the couch and following me. "Anything?"

I shook my head, kept walking, blinking away tears.

"Emmett, please," she grabbed for my wrist, but I pulled away and shook my head.

"Emmett," she whimpered again, and I felt her standing behind me as I opened my bedroom door, "this is really hard on me as it is... I need to know what you're feeling. You're my only real friend these days. I don't want to hurt you and I'm sorry..."

"I don't... have anything to say right now," my voice a soft rasp as I entered my room. "I'll talk to you in the morning."

"But-" she started, taking a step in my room, then stepping back out, so she wouldn't invade my privacy. "Is there... anything I can do, or say... to make this any easier?"

I shook my head, pulling off my shirt in the darkness. I was completely fucking numb.

I couldn't remember the last time I was this shell-shocked. It was too much. I was in overload.

She wiped her eyes, standing in the doorway. "I... love you... so much."

"Okay," I whispered, walking toward her and gently closing the door between us.

I felt the world rocking from side to side.

I didn't like this.

I've never been one to show my emotions, ever.

I didn't know what to do or say to anyone.

...I just needed to be by myself.

---

BellaPOV

Three in the morning.

I couldn't sleep.

As I lay in bed, I stared at the two equal loves of my life, with a radiant smile upon my face.

Edward refused to put Masen in the basinet tonight. He preferred to hold him on his chest. And Masen... well he preferred it too, because he was being held. That was when he was the most content, we found. He had us wrapped around his finger, easily.

Edward said there was something magical about feeling our son's heart beat from that tiny chest, into his own. I stared at them in awe and giggled slightly. They both had their mouths in a little pout. Edward's left hand rested on Masen's tiny back, warming him with the contact. Masen was swaddled in a light baby blue blanket.

Every once in a while he'd nuzzle against his father's white t-shirt. But besides the slight occasional whimper, there was no sound aside from their light breathing.

They were both calm.

It made me calm.

Over the past three days that we had him here at the house with us, we found ourselves constantly monitoring him, especially when he slept. We were worried parents... leaning close to hear his breath, or sticking our finger under his nose to make sure. He was just so tiny... we had to make sure he was perfect at all times.

Suddenly, the dogs began to rouse and move around in the bed, then they took off out of the room.

They began to bark down stairs, and I quickly got up and walked out, closing the door behind me so Edward didn't wake up.

"Shhhh," I hissed as I walked down the stairs, lifting my pajama pants because the bottoms were too long and covering my feet.

I didn't want to trip.

Cora was bouncing at the door, yapping.

Spendor started growling but I snapped my fingers and he quit as he ran around my legs and back toward the front door.

"You guys, hush!"

I peered outside the side window and noticed Tommy standing there, and a cab in the drive, it's headlights still on.

Furrowing my brows, I opened the door, trying to figure out what he was doing up here so late.

Then my heart stilled.

Because standing next to him was a blonde girl with her arms crossed, her head almost hung in shame.

Aimee.

"Aimee," I blinked, dumbfounded, "Tommy..."

Tommy smiled abashedly, his hand on Aimee's back. "I'm sorry, Bella. I tried the walkie talkie several times, but there was no response. Edward's cell phone is also turned off and I was worried the house phone would wake up Masen. I knew who she was, didn't think you'd be upset if I brought her down here."

"It's fine," I shook my head, still blinking. "What's going on?"

Aimee looked up at me, and I gasped, noticing her face was all bruised on one side, marks on her neck. I covered my mouth, staring at her, even though it was impolite.

"I'm sorry," she replied, her voice so shaken that I thought she'd physically break if she spoke too much. "I... I-I didn't have anywhere else to go... I know it's really late. His phone was turned off, and I needed to see if Edward could do me a favor. My mom kicked me out when I chose to live with Dale, and he wouldn't let me have any real friends, and I couldn't tell my boss... I have no money. He took it all because we were sharing an account..."

"Come in," I moved out of the way, snapping my fingers at the dogs as they both stepped past me and entered our house.

She looked so guarded, so scared.

"I am so sorry, I know how this must be uncomfortable... I-I just..." She turned her head toward the ground, tears falling from her eyes to the wooden floors.

"It's okay," I stepped toward her, tentatively putting my hand on her left arm.

Tommy looked at me, asking with his eyes if I was okay with her being there. I gave him a warm smile and nodded slightly.

He relaxed and removed his hand from her back.

"Is Edward here?" she asked softly, swallowing hard. "I only need him for a second, and I can be out of your way."

"He's asleep, but he won't care that you've come over," I reassured her, looking at Tommy. "Tommy, why don't you tell that cab driver that he can go ahead and take off." I walked over and pulled some cash from my wallet. "Give him this."

"No," she shook her head quickly, "you don't have to d-"

"I insist," I nodded, handing it to Tommy. He left then with a nod, going to pay the cab driver.

"I'm so sorry," she whimpered an apology, "I swear, I just didn't have any one else to call. Anna was the only other one and she took off for the weekend to go to Clearwater, Florida to visit her family. I didn't have any-"

"It's really okay," I said calmly, motioning her toward the couch. "Edward told me a little of what happened..."

She nodded, carefully wiping the bruises where the tears slid down her face.

"Were you able to get any of your things?"

She shook her head, sniffling. She still couldn't look at me. She was too upset, too ashamed. Her eyes were trained on the floor.

I've been there before.

"Okay..." I stood up slowly, rubbing her back. "I'm going to get you some water, and then I'll get you some fresh clothes... You'll stay here tonight."

"No," she shook her head quickly, "I can't do that. That's disrespectful. I was just going to see if Edward could talk to Aubrey about maybe advancing my check so I could have some money, go to a hotel. He's my superior. I can't go to her unless I go through him-"

"Stop," I said calmly, giving her a smile. "I insist. You stay here tonight and we'll figure things out in the morning. There's no sense in your spending the money you'd get in your check on a hotel room."

"I don't want to pry though. I don't wan-"

"You're not," I shook my head, rubbing her arm before I took off for the kitchen. I quickly grabbed a glass and filled it up with some ice water, bringing it to her. "Okay... Let me go and get some dry clothes, I didn't even know it was raining outside."

"It just started," she said meekly, before inhaling the water like she'd been wandering the desert for years.

I quickly moved upstairs and was quiet in the bedroom, grabbing a pair of my pajamas. I pulled a few blankets and some pillows from the adjoining closet, then carried it all back downstairs.

The glass was empty. Spendor was keeping his distance, glaring at her from the steps. Cora was closer to her, laying on the floor in the middle of the living room.

"Okay," I gave her another reassuring smile as I handed her some dry clothes, "I want you to relax and go change into these. The bathroom is right there. You don't have to worry about anything. As you can tell, we have full security, so Dale won't know where you are. You can sleep in here, or I can make up the other guest bedroom for you upstairs, whichever you prefer."

"Here's fine," she shyly replied, still looking uncomfortable. "I don't want you to go out of your way for me."

"It's no problem at all," I said, grabbing the remotes. I watched as she quickly walked toward the bathroom, closing the door as lightly as possible.

I didn't know why I was so calm right now.

My brain should be screaming, 'Hello, idiot, this is your husband's ex, the one that's young and beautiful and blonde, the one that makes your nervous!', ...but it wasn't.

I guess the fact that Ryan was here earlier and Edward somewhat behaved himself gave me a little hope. Plus, with all our talks and the lessons our therapy was teaching me, my trust in Edward had never been stronger. The fact that her face was bruised up and she was scared half to death of her own shadow at this moment might have been the final factor. I had been attacked by a man and knew what it felt like to feel so alone and have no one. I could no more turn her out in that moment than I could walk away from any other kind of suffering. She needed our help. What else was I supposed to do?

I just wanted to help her. Regardless of who she was.

Aimee came out shortly after, her hair still soaked, but in my pajamas. She quietly put her clothes on the floor, beneath the end table and not on the furniture so they wouldn't get it wet. "I... really appreciate you doing this for me... It's embarrassing, but... I still appreciate it... Mrs. Cullen."

"Bella, please," I walked over to her and handed her the remote. "Here's this... We get all the channels, even the pay-per-view. Watch whatever you want to watch, stay up as long as you want. You know where the bathroom is, and the kitchen is right over there. Help yourself to anything, alright?"

"...Yes..."

"My mom is staying with us. She's in a guest room. She looks like a witch when she wakes up, her hair's all over the place. Try not to be frightened of her. Masen's been waking up off and on throughout the night, but hopefully you won't hear it too much from down here. I'll turn the security alarms on so you'll feel safer. The phone's right there behind you. Free long distance, if you need to use it. Tommy, you know him, well, he runs our security gates, so he may be in and out in the morning. We usually make him fresh coffee and I make him omlettes. His daughter Vanessa comes in occasionally... So basically, if you see him, his daughter, or my mom, don't worry. They're all supposed to be here, okay?"

She giggled, finally smiling half-way, and nodded as she sat on the couch.

"The dogs are annoying sometimes, just shoo them away if they get on your nerves. Our bedroom is upstairs, to the right and down the hall, on the far end. Knock on the door if you need something and can't find anything. Okay?"

"Yes. Thank you, Bella. Please tell Edward I say thank you as well. I promise not to disturb-"

"Make yourself a home," I reassured her, throwing the covers on her. "Please."

"Thank you."

I nodded and called the dogs. Spendor quickly bolted up the stairs, dying to get away. I didn't know what it was about that dog. He didn't even like my mom, or Edward's mom. Or Alice. I didn't know what it was about me that he liked so much.

Cora lingered around, walking in a circle then dropping back on the floor. She liked it because it was cold on her stomach. I left her with Aimee. Maybe she'd feel a little safer still?

When I went into the bedroom, I thought about waking Edward up and telling him what had happened, but I didn't want to disturb him or Masen.

I was praying they'd both sleep through the night for once.

---

EdwardPOV

When I woke up around seven-thirty, I noticed that Bella had Masen now, laying beside her, one arm above him and holding him protectively against her chest as she lay on her side next to him.

I blinked and was careful not to wake them up. He'd only woken once in the middle of the night, but Bella got to him and quieted him before my brain even comprehended.

I was dead weight. I hadn't slept that good in weeks.

Yawning, I adjusted myself in my pants and flipped on the bathroom light, wincing at the brightness.

"Jesus," I muttered toward my reflection. My hair was spiked in every which direction. I looked like I had been electrocuted.

I took a quick piss, washed my hands, splashed water on my face, and brushed my teeth. I'd shave later. I had the day off.

Whistling quietly for Spendor, he shot up out of the bed and took off down the steps. Cora wasn't in there. Bella must have left her out in the middle of the night. Probably wanted to lay on the cool floor.

Yawning, I galloped down the stairs and went into the kitchen to turn on the coffee maker.

Spendor ran around my legs and started jumping, demanding his breakfast.

"Hold your horses, you little impatient bastard," I teased, my throat scratchy from the morning. I nudged him out of my way so I could open the fridge and grab the orange juice.

He kept bouncing and panting at me, jumping so high he almost touched my chest.

"Quit," I hissed at him as I poured me a glass and gulped it down. "Spendor." He still wouldn't stop.

Exhaling, I snapped my fingers as aggressively as possible, and he skidded to a stop, sitting on his butt and staring up at me.

"You need to start listening better," I threatened him as I put the orange juice back in the fridge, "or I'm going to send you away to the factory where they make shiny new girly boots out of your fur."

Finally gaining some common sense, he knew better than to move. I quickly poured him some hard food and dropped in a can of soft, mixing it together, before giving him the okay to eat it. That dog ran for it and inhaled like a vacuum, while Cora slowly sauntered in, as calm as can be.

"Oh, hey Miss Princess," I yawned, patting her on the head. "Too good to sleep with me last night?"

She blinked at me, waiting for her food, always patient. I sat it down in front of her and gave them a big bowl of fresh cold water.

Yawning again, I rubbed my stomach, waiting on the coffee to finish. Then I poured myself a cup, kept it black, and inhaled the smell greedily. I needed to wake up.

I finished the cup after the dogs finished their breakfast, and then I fastened the chains to their collars to take them out. We'd made it a habit since we moved in that they'd go running with me in the mornings when I didn't work. They liked having a yard and wide open spaces to play around in. A good change from downtown Seattle.

I grabbed my shoes from the coat closet and moved into the living room, sitting on the steps that lead up to the front door. As I shoved my right foot in a sock and slipped it in my shoe, I glanced up.

Then my heart began to pound, and I slid on my butt, moving until I hit the front door.

"What the..." I said, cocking my head toward it.

Aimee was here. She was asleep. On my couch. In my house.

I looked around the house, then scurried to my feet, looking outside. There were no other cars, just the foggy mist from the daylight breaking.

I looked down toward the dogs and they were calm. Why were they so calm?

And... wait... is she... wearing Bella's clothes?

Dropping the leashes, I left the dogs where they were and hauled ass up the steps, only one foot in an untied shoe, the other bare.

Opening the door, I rushed toward the bed and shook Bella by her arm, trying my best not to wake up Masen in the midst of my panic.

I didn't know what was going on. This was utterly strange.

"Bella," I said, shaking her harder. "Wake up."

She stirred and moved slightly, moving her arm from over Masen.

"Bella," I hissed, "wake up. Now."

"What is it?" she muttered, blinking as she lay on her back.

"Wake. Up."

"I'm up, I'm up," she mumbled, lifting herself on her elbows as she looked at me. "What?"

"Why is Aimee in our living room, asleep on our couch?"

"Oh," she dropped on her back and nuzzled back against Masen, who was still asleep. "She came last night. Didn't have anywhere to go," she paused to yawn then closed her eyes and nuzzled some more, "she was really shaken up and so I told her she could stay here with us until you helped her figure things out."

I blinked, trying to figure out why she was so calm, my brain not catching up to this. "You... you told her she could stay here last night?"

"Yes."

"You."

"Yes, Edward," she yawned. "She was upset, she needed somewhere to go. She didn't want to stay here, didn't want to disturb us, but I kept insisting. She just wanted you to call Aubrey and get an advance on her check so she could get a hotel. But I told her no. Dale has all her other money apparently, and there was no sense in her using the last of her cash to stay somewhere when she could easily just stay here with us in the mean time. It's not like we don't have the room."

"But," I shook my head, running my fingers through my hair, "I thought... you didn't completely trust her, that you didn't like her."

"I thought you said I should trust her and I should like her," she countered.

"Yeah, I mean, but..." I sat edge of the bed, waiting for my brain to wake up further. "Are you... sure you're okay with this?"

She was getting annoyed with me, exhaling loudly. "Edward, I said I'm sure, and I'm sure. That boy put her through hell. You should see her face."

"I saw it."

"Good. Then stop asking me. You know how I am. I can't help but help people."

"...I know, but..."

"No buts. Get over it. She's your friend, she needs help, so we're helping her. Stop arguing with me and let me go back to sleep before you wake up our son. You don't want to feel the riptide of Bella from that one."

Groaning, I got out of the bed, rubbing the back of my neck. "I'm... not sure what to do here... I'm a little nervous about this. I don't want you being uncomfortable with her being here, and I don't want her being uncomfortable about being here."

"The only one that's uncomfortable is you. She is asleep and I'm trying to sleep. Just grow up and handle your business, Edward. She's your friend and I'm your wife, and you're going to listen to me whether you like it or not, because I am tired and you have the day off and we need to do the right thing here. When I say help her, help her. And when I say to leave me be and let me sleep, I mean that too. There will be no arguing, do as I say and please just do it with that beautiful smile that I love. Got it?"

"...Yes."

"Good," she smiled, all calm again, sassy vixen gone. "Love you baby. Good night."

I stared at her in disbelief.

I never, never, never expected this change of events.

Life has a way of throwing its curveballs, that's for damn certain.

---

----AUTHOR'S NOTES----

So there we go, Chapter 35!

-- How strong is Bella?? Come on. She's really grown! Don't start throwing daggers please. Bella is doing what Bella does. Next chapter will be a fun one, wouldn't you think? (And do I even have to ask that you trust me still? Come on. It's me here. I'll never purposely steer anyone wrong.) Only 1 more chapter left guys, then a special tidbit after that... and then the sequel coming soon! YAYAYAY!

-- I was wondering how you guys would feel about the sequel having other POVs added in? I'm thinking of making Colleen a 'regular', and I know some people have asked for other pov's.... It would NOT be an every chapter affair though. Let me know your thoughts! Thanks!

-- Sequel title should be revealed by next chapter!

-- ALSO, reminder to check out the TEF outtakes, which will still be updated during downtime between TEF & the sequel. Bella and Edward's sad break up, along with some other moments, are all ready posted, so be sure to READ & REVIEW if you have not done so all ready. ;)

Random Question for my readers to answer at the bottom of your review:
-- Are their people you envy enough to want to trade lives with them? Who are they, and why?

-- My answer: Of course, Kristen Stewart, because HELLO! Uhhh, yeah. Who wouldn't want Robert Pattinson?? ;) But truthfully, if not her, then I'd love to trade lives with someone like Stephenie Meyer or Nicholas Sparks. They have my dream job. Every day, they get to wake up and define characters and stories, get lost in them for hours, and make them a reality... They get to touch people's lives. That's all I dream about doing.

Thoughts? There's still more to come, so stick around!! AND REVIEW because...

Reviews are better than the day Masen finally stops cockblocking Edward ;-).