Bella's Point of View

For once I woke up feeling completely rested; and I was thankful for that. I knew that today was going to be stressful. There was a lot that I had to figure out and I really couldn't stall it any longer.

I had to return to my life.

As much as I had enjoyed my little vacation, it was time to get back to a normal routine. But at the very least I was returning with a clear mind, heart and soul. Not to mention I felt like my health was beginning to improve. My clothes were starting to fit better; I was filling out again. I didn't look quite so pale and thin.

After getting Darius dressed and getting myself dressed, we made our way over to Alice's room. Edward had mentioned that he wanted us to meet up there to have a little talk.

As we walked into her room, I instantly noticed the smell of pancakes and coffee. Darius must have smelled at as well; he went flying towards the mini kitchen.

Alice greeted us with a bright smile. "Good morning! Come get a plate. I've made dozens."

I laughed as I watched Darius. "You didn't have to make so much, there is no way we could finish it all."

"Well, we do have a little help today." Alice grinned, gesturing to the other side of the room; where Malcom and Will stood.

I was completely shocked to see them here. And at the same time my heart broke into pieces to see that Zac wasn't with them.

Of course I remembered Alice's vision yesterday, that Zac was going to pass away; but I didn't know that it was going to be so quickly.

Will looked towards us with a regretable smile. "I'm really sorry to intrude, but Malcom really wanted to see Darius again... before we left."

I hesitantly turned my sights on Malcom, feeling tears come to my eyes when I saw his expression.

He didn't look like the same Malcom that I had seen yesterday. He looked so... broken. His face was flushed and pink. Tears and snot ran down his face.

"M-m-my brother died last night." Malcom sniffed, looking towards Darius with a whimper.

Darius' expression mirrored Malcom's for a minute. And soon they were both crying. They embraced each other, sobbing. The room was quiet. Painfully quiet as we listened to the kids weeping.

I gasped, wiping my tears quickly as I looked to Will. "I'm so sorry, for your loss. If there is anything I can do for you... please just tell me."

Will smiled faintly as tears ran down his cheeks as well. "No, there is just one thing I'll ask for. Is there any way that we could have your contact information; so Malcom can stay in communication with Darius?"

I nodded. "Of course,"

Alice was quick to speak up. "But you are accepting my donation. I will not take the money back. I know that money won't heal your sadness, but you won't have to worry about anything for a while; until you can find work."

Will looked to Alice; his tears falling even more. "I still can't believe you would give me so much money. You don't even know me. You shouldn't even care about my problems."

"Helping out people who need it, gives meaning to my life." Alice said with a small smile.

"Bless you all." Will replied, looking to each of us.

Malcom and Darius had calmed down a bit, but they still quietly talked between the two of them; eating pancakes and trying to deal with this grief in their own way.

I didn't want to interfere with their conversation, I didn't want him to feel put on the spot or embarrass him in front of his friend. So I would speak with him about this later; so I could determine if he would be ok and hear his feelings.

There are some things that people have to deal with on their own. In their own time.

"Well, come eat everyone." Alice said waving us over to the tiny table; where the boys were sitting at.

I paused; glancing around the room before following Will to the table.

Alice bounced over to me; leaning up on her tip toes to whisper in my ear. "He will be here soon. He went to do a little something special for Will."

I blushed, swatting at her in embarrassment. "How did you know... that I was looking for him?"

"Your face is an open book my dear friend." She giggled, before dancing off.

We sat and ate for a while. Will and I talking and exchanged information so Malcom and Darius could stay connected. The boys played for a while; until they seemed to be in higher spirits. Unfortunately they couldn't stay for very long and as they were about to walk out the door; Edward showed up.

Edward gave them a calm smile. "I'm truly sorry for your loss, I know this will be an extremely difficult time for you, but maybe this will help you make it back home." He said, holding up a pair of car keys.

Will's eyes widened. "You're joking? Aren't you?"

"Not at all. You are the proud new owner of a new Ford F350. You'll find it in the parking garage. It's black. It will have a blue bow on top of it." Edward said handing the keys over to him.

Will looked overcome with emotion. "That's my dream car, my father had promised me that he would buy me a truck like that when I graduated." He was crying again.

Of course Edward probably knew that after taking a look into Will's mind. It was incredibly kind of Edward and Alice both doing this for this man. It was amazing.

"Take good care of yourself and your boy." Edward said patting him on the shoulder. "If you run into any trouble. My information is in the cupholder."

"Thank you all so much. I can't even begin to believe all of this is happening. Bless you all." He said, bowing his head to us.

It wasn't to much longer that Will and Malcom left. They were heading back home. He lived in a small town in Alaska, called Skagway. It was a long drive back, but they haven't been able to find a way home... since their parents died.

Edward made his way to my side, sneaking a kiss on my cheek; without Darius noticing.

I smiled at him; feeling my cheeks get warm.

"Are they going to be ok?" Darius spoke up; his back was turned to his as he washed off his plate in the sink.

"I think they will." Alice said with a grin. "Their futures look bright."

Darius smiled in response. "I'm glad we were able to do something for them." He seemed content, but only for a moment. He turned his attention to me now.

Anxiety crept onto his face. "Momma, I wanted to talk with you able something... kinda important."

Now I was nervous.

"What is it honey?" I said, pouring myself a cup of coffee.

"I kinda... was hoping I could see my dad." He said in a low voice. "It's not like I'm not happy being here or anything. I just... miss him." He admitted.

I wasn't surprised by his words at all. I kinda figured that he was beginning to miss his father. He didn't even have to tell me. I understood. No matter how my feelings where, I knew that Darius loved his father greatly.

"Ok, how about, I'll give him a call here in a little bit and we can figure out a time for us to meet up. And you can spend some time with him." I offered.

A part of me hated to do this. I didn't want my child to be near his father. It sounded awful. But I knew what kind of man that Demetri was. He was so... rough and so quick to hurt others and kill.

Edward and Alice was great influences to Darius' life. Not Demetri. I just hoped that Darius understood right from wrong and would know better than to let his father influence him.

Darius smiled in surprise. "Yeah, that would be great. Thanks momma." He said coming over to give me a one armed hug.

I struggled to not show how bothered I was by this whole thing. "Anything for you kido."

"There is some things that we need to discuss as well." Alice popped up next to me; a serious look on her face.

I chewed my lip. "What is there to talk about?"

It was beginning to sound like everyone had something they planned on talking with me about today. For the past couple of days, no one really had important conversations that they wanted to share with me. So needless to say I was curious.

What has been happening since I've left.

"There was a incident. At your house last night." She started, looking over towards Edward. "I'll let Edward explain, he was the one who talked with Emmett about what happened."

I looked to Edward, feeling the tension building up inside of me. My heart was starting to raise. I couldn't handle the suspense.

"Three humans, had been trespassing on your property. They were believed to be members of the Dawn Guard. But we aren't completely sure." Edward explained; his eyes shining with concern.

"No one spoke with them?" I asked with a raised brow.

"No... they were... killed. On spot."

For some reason, I wasn't surprised. And I even had a good idea, as to who had killed them. But I wanted to hear it for myself.

"Who, killed them?"

"Demetri..." Edward said gently, glancing towards Darius for just a moment, locking his eyes back on me. "But, it was likely that they were Dawn Guard members."

Darius made a face, but didn't comment.

"So, they have found me." My heart was now bounding out of my chest. A tremble ran down my body as the image of Caius came to me.

What was I going to do? I couldn't just... move. I couldn't leave Rene, Charlie and little Greg behind. They would be in just as much danger. What if the Dawn Guard targets them? They could want revenge for the Cullens' killing off so many of their people.

"We aren't sure what information they have. But it looks like that is a good possibility. I strongly suggest that you relocate. Out of Alaska. As far away from the threat as possible." Edward concluded, watching my with pleading eyes.

I shook my head slowly. "There is no way that I'm leaving Charlie, Rene and little Greg behind. If the Dawn Guard did find me... than so be it. I'm done running away."

My words were strong, but I couldn't stop trembling. I was terrified. But I couldn't keep moving. Now that Demetri and I were split up, this meant that we would have to take turns with Darius.
traveling back and forth between countries to pass Darius back and forth, it wouldn't be possible. It wouldn't be fair to any of us. It was out of the question.

"But you will be in danger... you stay in Alaska." Edward protested lightly. "Please consider all your options."

"It's not an option Edward. Running away for the rest of my life, isn't the answer to the problem. I'm ready to deal with this problem head on."

Edward sighed with a look of defeat. "You truly are the most stubborn woman I've ever met."

Alice giggled, bumping Edward with her elbow. "I told you!"

"However, I am open to relocating to a different house. Maybe I can find a house closer to my parents. So I can keep a better eye on them." I said with a tiny nod.

Darius spoke up now, looking concerned. "But still close enough to dad's house."

"Yes of course." I said patting the top of his head.

I didn't really want to stay close to Demetri. I'd prefer it if him and that house just disappeared from existence.

The sight of that house... would just bring back all those bad memories. I didn't plan on ever setting foot in that place again.

"I'm sure that can be arranged." Alice said with a grin. "I've been checking out houses in the area for a while now. I had been getting a place of my own as well. This would be the perfect time to start hunting for houses." She sounded as though house hunting was the most fun thing in the world.

"I guess it's going to be a pretty busy morning." I said with a weak chuckle. "I'm going to have to make a few phone calls, before we start house hunting though."

Alice nodded with an eager look. "Take all the time you need. I'll clean up this mess." She said turning to the massive plate of pancakes.

Darius got himself comfortable on the couch; where he quietly colored. Edward sat in the recliner; watching between me and the television.

I decided to head out into the hall, in attempt for a bit more of a private conversation. Even though I knew most likely they all would still be able to hear me. It gave me peace of mind. Because what I was about to do would be embarrassing enough.

Slowly I reached into my pocket and began to dial the number. It only rang twice, before Rene picked up the phone.

"Hello sweetie." Rene yawned into the phone. "You're calling awfully early aren't you?"

I glanced at the clock in the hall. 9:45am.

"I don't think so, it's nearly ten." I said with a soft laugh.

"Oh sugar! I must have fell asleep again." She groaned.

"Sorry for waking you up." I said; stalling the conversation a bit. "I just wanted to talk with you about something. But only if you aren't busy."

"I'm never to busy for you Bella, tell me what's on your mind. It feels like I haven't seen you in so long. We did plan on stopping by the house a few days ago, but Greg had an upset stomach."

"That's ok. Is he doing better now?"

"He's doing much better today, I was getting worried. But anyway. Let's hear what's going on in your life." Rene said getting back on subject.

I swallowed hard. "I... um, Demetri and I have split up."

It was quiet on the phone for a moment. For a second I thought she had hung up.

"What did he do?" Was the first words out of Rene's mouth. She sounded concerned. And angry.

I wasn't going to tell her the complete truth. It would only make things worse. And as much as I didn't want anything to do with Demetri romantically... he could still maybe be a friend... in the future. He was Darius' father. I had to try to get along with him.

"It's not that he did something, per say." I said gingerly. "I just... don't love him... he changed... we both have changed. And we just aren't working out any more. It would be better for the both of us... and Darius... if we are seperated."

Again, Rene was quiet for a while. I could hear her breathing faintly into the phone. "How is Darius' taking the news?"

"He took it better than I thought he would. We talked, we cried. But ultimately he respects my choices."

"I'm glad that you two worked that out. But, what are you going to do... about the living situation? How are you going to divide your time with Darius?"

"Well, I was thinking about getting a house, closer to you guys. Alice said there are plenty of houses in the area up for sale. And I haven't really figured out the co-parenting schedule yet. That's something I'll be talking with Demetri about... today."

"If you want you could always move in with us. We do have a spare room... if you would want that?" Rene offered.

"Our doors are always open Bella."

"I know mom, but I really need a place of my own. I appreciate the offer though, I'll always keep it in mind."

"I just have one question." Rene said, sounding very serious.

I listened intently. "What is it mom?"

"Are you absolutely sure, that you can't work things out with Demetri?"

"I'm one hundred percent sure."

There wasn't one cell in my body that regrets my choice to leave him. Even though he was the one to call first and end things, I had been planning on ending things myself. And now that we are apart... I have Edward.

It was a bit to soon to even bring up Edward right now. Surely Rene wouldn't approve. She wouldn't think that our relationship was based off of genunine love. She would assume that I moving to fast and getting involved with another man just because I missed Demetri.

Which would never be the case.

That isn't why I was with Edward. But from her point of view, I could see how she would come to that conclusion.

"I'm really sorry you are going through all of this Bella. If there is anything that I can do for you please don't hesitate to call."

"Thanks mom and tell dad I said hi, I have a few more calls to make. But I'll talk with you later."

"Alright honey, I love you."

"Love you too,"

With that I let out a big breath; leaning against the wall.

That went well.

But the hardest call would be the one that I was about to make. I didn't want to speak with Demetri. Honestly I wasn't ready to hear his voice again. I'd be perfectly happy if I never heard his voice again. But I wasn't so lucky.

I promised my son, that he would get to see his father today. And I would stand by my promise. Even if this would kill me.

Slowly; reluctantly I dialed the number that called me last night. It rang for a long time. I was hoping that mention that he wouldn't answer. But unfortunately, he did.

"Hey babe." Demetri's voice sounded cheerful.

I cringed at his words. "I'd appreciate if you didn't call me that anymore. Please."

"Oh, right... sorry... it's a habit." He cleared his throat. "What are you calling for... Bella?"

"Darius would very much like to see you. I was wondering if I could bring him over to spend some time with you."

"You both can stop over and spend some time at home. You don't need my permission to come back home. I didn't want you to leave in the first place." he chuckled.

It appears that he has no idea what splitting up meant.

"Demetri. I hope you don't think that I'm actually going to come back to that house and live there... do you?"

"Well of course, where else would you go? This is our house."

"No, not anymore. That is your house. You paid for it. It's your property alone. I don't want anything to do with it." I said lightly.

I really didn't want to get him upset, but I wanted him to understand our situation. This was serious. And in this moment, it felt like he wasn't taking any of this serious.

"You have to be kidding. Where are you going to live? On the streets? You can stay at the house until you find a new home."

"That's ok, I'll most likely be staying with Alice, we are house hunting today. But that isn't why I'm calling. I'd like to figure out a good time to drop Darius off."

There was a rough sigh from the other end of the phone and Demetri's tone seemed to sharply change.

"I'll be home all day. Drop him off when ever it's convienet for you." He spoke with anger. "But this is a bit ridiclous."

"Hold on, for just a second." I muttered, before pulling the door open to Alice's room.

Right in front of the door was Darius.

Apparently he had wanting to hear what was happening.

"Mom," He grinned sheepishly. "Sorry..."

"It's fine honey, here, please talk with your dad. We would like to know what days you would like to stay with him. And what days you would like to spend with me." I handed him the phone with a slight smile.

Darius eagerly took the phone with a big smile. "Hey dad!"

I watched as they talked back and forth. I couldn't hear Demetri's responses, but Darius looked so overjoyed. It warmed my heart, but at the same time, it pained me. I was glad that Demetri was a good father to his son. But I wish that he was a better role model for Darius to look up to. I wish that Demetri was a good person. That man that would show my son the right path. But he wasn't.

"I've decided that I'd like to stay with momma; Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. For the rest of the days I can stay with you." Darius said with a cheerful grin. "Is that ok with you?"

I was slightly relieved at Darius' choice. But it still made me a little sad. I wasn't sure how I was going to adapt to having days of not seeing my son at all. It was going to be extremely hard. But maybe this wouldn't be permeant.

That's at least what I'm hoping for.

"I'm not sure what time we will make it back home, but I will see you soon. Love you." Darius said, before passing me back the phone. "He wants to talk with you."

I took a big breath and tried to smile as I took the phone back and put it to my ear. "Yes?"

"I just wanted to hear your voice one more time." Demetri said, his voice sounded much lighter now.

"Ok, well... if that's all... I'm hanging up now. I'll call again when we get close to your place." I said in a flat tone.

I didn't wait for him to respond, I just hung up and stuffed my phone back into my pocket.

Well... that's enough phone calls for now. I wasn't sure how much more I could take in one day. But at least it's over now. Now I can focus on finding a place to live and preparing myself for a fight with the Dawn Guard. And Cauis.

Darius hugged me with a wide smile. "Can we leave soon?"

I nodded, leaning down to kiss the top of his head. "Yes dear, let's go see if Alice and Edward are ready to get back on the road."

His eagerness filled me with sadness.

He didn't hesitate to run back into the room; excitedly calling out for Alice. "Alice! Are we ready to head back home? Can we get going?"

Alice gave him a strained smile from her spot on the couch. "In just a bit kido. We need to figure out where your mom is going to live. You don't want her to be sleeping out in the woods tonight do you?"

That seemed to calm Darius down instantly. "No, I don't. Well... let me help you find a house." He said with a serious frown. "I kinda forgot about that."

I wasn't quite ready to return into the room. Thankfully Edward came out into the hall with me and closed the door behind him. He went to me, lightly pulling me to his chest to hold me close.

"Are you alright love?" He whispered quietly in my ear, before planting a cool kiss on my neck.

I closed my eyes, leaning into him more. "I am now."

His hands swept around my waist; pushing my body completely up against his. I could feel his every breath; and smell his intoxicating scent. He was perfection. Something closer to a god.

"Can I ask you something?" He searched my eyes for a moment.

"Anything," I said, holding onto him tightly.

"Would you consider... moving in with me?" He appeared to get nervous, his voice even trembled slightly.

My heart flew at his words. "Are you sure... I mean... you don't think this is all... to sudden, do you?"

He chuckled, lightly stroking my cheek. "Fast or slow, I love you Bella Swan. And I'm willing to take this at any speed you are comfortable with."

Of course he had the perfect response to my question. And I had to admit, the thought of getting to live with him... it filled me with hope and excitement.

"I'd love to live with you." I smiled widely, jumping into his arms with glee; like some love-sick teenager.

He caught me easily and held me close.

We were so busy laughing an enjoying each other that I hadn't noticed Alice and Darius wander out into the hall.

"So, you've come to a choice on where you're living?" Alice grinned, wagging her brows in my direction.

I blushed, quickly letting myself down from Edward's arms. "O-oh um yeah... I guess I did." I peaked nervously down towards Darius; who was giving Edward dirty looks.

Oh, no. Don't tell me he was catching on to what was happening between Edward and I.

"Excellent, that means we can get on the road now." Alice said, giving Darius a nudge. "Why don't you grab your mother's luggage, let's go down and get out stuff to the car."

Darius huffed, looking at me for just a moment, before following Alice with our luggage.

When they made it into the elevators I turned to Edward with a sigh. "Something tells me Darius is upset with me."

Edward gave me a small smile. "It's not you that he is upset with. He isn't... fond of me."

"Do you think that he knows... about us?"

"Yes, he does. Although, he is concerned that I'm taking advantage of you." Edward said with a glum look. "I'm honestly disappointed that he thinks so little of me."

"I'll have a talk with him. I should have talked with him sooner. There is just so much going on right now, I didn't want to pile up more things for him to worry about. But this is important."

Edward carefully took my face in his hands, making me look into his eyes. I was lost briefly in his gorgeous topaz orbs.

"You both, are going through so much. I wouldn't ask you to burden yourself with something like this, for my own sake."

I closed my eyes for a moment, ejoying our closeness, I leaned forward and rested my forehead against his chest.

"It wouldn't just be for your sake Edward. You are going to be a very important part of my life... forever... and I'd like Darius to know that and understand that."

We stood there for a while; just holding each other. We didn't have to speak or even make eye contact. And in this moment I've never felt so close with something. Our connection felt soul deep.

Unfortunately we had to release each other and make our way down to Alice and Darius. I held his hand as we walked; something that Demetri and I rarely ever did. It felt nice. However, it brought on a lot of unwanted attention.

As we walked through the hobby; everyone seemed to pause and stare as we walked past. They probably where just as shocked and confused as I was; that a beautiful man like Edward would be seen involved with a plain, ordinary girl like me.

Either way, I did my best to ignore them all.

I was relieved when we finally made it to the car. Alice and Darius was patiently waiting in the back seat; talking animatedly back and forth. But the moment that Edward and I entered the car their conversation instantly stopped.

The car was completely quiet now; and they were both facing away from each other and out the windows. Their actions made me very suspicious.

"What where you guys talking about?" I asked nonchalantly as Edward began pulling out of the parking lot.

"Oh, nothing really." Alice said, not looking towards me.

"Nothing at all." Darius shrugged his shoulders; he didn't look at me either.

There was now a knot twisting in my stomach as their silence continued. I glanced towards Edward; hoping he might know something. But as our eyes met, I saw frustration on his expression.

Maybe their where blocking their thoughts?

I sighed, letting my head fall back against the seat. I hated being left in the dark. It annoyed me. But at the same time... my son is allowed to have private conversations. He had the right for privacy. I shouldn't be overbearing.

It was going to be a long drive home; so I had to distract myself. "So, Edward, where exactly do you live anyway?"

Edward looked to me with a small smile. "It's about three miles from Demetri's house. Just a small cabin in the woods. There is a pond; and a small field in the back yard. Nothing extravagant. I wasn't really expecting to live in it very long." He gave me a nervous look. "I hope that you will like it."

"I'm sure I will." I gently patted his hand, that was propped in my lap. "I prefer... simple."

Suddenly Edward's phone started ringing; ending our conversation.

Edward answered it; with a serious expression. "What is it Emmett?"

I watched him anxiously.

Did Emmett have more news about the Dawn Guard? Would it be safe for us to return to Anchorage.

There was a long pause and Edward's expression changed from seriousness, to annoyance.

Alice began to laugh from the backseat, obviously hearing what Emmett was saying on the other end of the phone.

Instead of answering, Edward just simply hung up his phone; mumbling under his breath.

"What was that about?" I wondered, glancing between Alice and Edward.

"Emmett just called to hear details about your 'adult time' last night." Alice whispered in my ear.

I felt my cheeks instantly heat up and I felt the urge to hide my face. But I fought the urge to peak over to Edward. His expression mirrored mine; he appeared just as embarrassed as I was.

"Leave it to Emmett to find enjoyment in making others feel uncomfortable." Edward spoke with a nervous chuckle.

"I'm sure he means no harm." I spoke with a small smile.

I just hoped that Darius wasn't connecting the dots in our conversation. The last thing I wanted was my son knowing that I was... sleeping with Edward.

If he even understood what that entitles.

Things were complicated enough as it is. I still had a lot on my mind. But at least I had a place to live. And I couldn't be happier about that, I couldn't want to get to my new home and start my new life.

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