I adopted this plot bunny a year or so ago. It really intrigued me. I posted a poll in my group asking which story I should work on next and this was the winner. It's definitely a WIP. I've only got a rough outline figured out and I'm going back to my roots with this … writing with a vague plan. I hope that I can do this justice.

None of this is mine … I wish it was. Sigh …

Be prepared to meet our favorite leading man in the next chapter ... maybe?

Also, Bella, during present day, is twenty-nine turning thirty. She had Seth while she was eighteen. Seth is currently eleven years old, about to turn twelve. She left Forks when she was twenty-two, almost twenty-three.

Anyhow, on with it!

Chapter One

Bella

"Ugh, this thing won't load," I grumbled, scowling at my computer. "What's that faint whining sound?"

"That's because it's older than dirt, Bella. That whining sound is its last gasping breaths," Jasper, Rose's twin brother, and one of my closest friends, teased me. "You know, you can get a new computer. That money you'd earned from your books are collecting dust in the bank."

"It's for Seth's college fund," I argued.

"Isabella Marie, you need a new computer. You needed a new computer when you walked in with that hunk of junk. It's a glorified brick! No! I take that back. A brick has more functions than that dinosaur," Jasper sighed. "Will you let me show the ways of modern technology? You're going to need it."

I pursed my lips, wringing my hands anxiously. I hated to waste money. I'd always be afraid of being starving, homeless and bankrupt. You never know when the rug will be pulled out from underneath you. Jasper gently stopped my hands. "Stop, Bells. You're not going to be thrown out of the apartment. Emmett and Rosalie would never do that to you. You're not going to lose Seth if you buy yourself a new computer."

"Sorry," I whispered, hating that my insecurities were so easily identified.

"Come on, sweet girl," Jasper smirked. "You need a new computer since I don't want my best girl to stall out. You're on fire with the novels you've written. A new one will be published at the end of the month and you'll be back on the best seller list!"

"Okay," I sighed, closing my computer. "I don't want to spend too much."

"Bella, you will spend too much because you're getting a MacBook. It'll last you for forever," Jasper said. "Maybe. we can also update your cell phone, too."

"Jasper," I moaned, allowing him to drag me from the publishing house where I worked. When I wasn't writing for them, I worked as a copy editor to earn some extra money.

It all came down to money.

We got into his Toyota Rav-4 and drove to the Apple Store in Union Square. When we walked in, a chirpy sales associate asked us what we needed. Jasper prattled off some computer mumbo-jumbo and the sales associate scurried away. Another sales associate, a guy with hipster glasses and an iPad, approached us with a grin. Within an hour, I had a new laptop and cell phone. Honestly, I spent way too much money. I damn near had a panic attack when I signed the credit slip, but Jasper promised me tequila.

"I don't want tequila," I grumbled to him. "Chocolate, Hale. I want chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate."

"I think I know where I'm taking you after this, Bells. We have a date with Ghirardelli," Jasper smiled, hugging me. "We'll get you some chocolate, Bells."

Jasper and I met when Rose tried to set us up on a date. Rose's heart was in the right place, but I didn't date. My focus was on my son, and always would be. I also needed to keep my head above water. Dating divided my attention and I couldn't afford that.

Besides, as handsome as Jasper was, I wasn't attracted to him in that way. I thought of him more like an older brother. I loved him dearly, but not romantically. He was one of my best friends. Also, he was another person who was extremely protective of me. In addition to our friendship, he was my connection to the publishing house that had published my first novel. He was my copy editor, agent and sounding board.

"Here's your laptop and new phone. If you need any help with anything, please feel free to call me. I put my card in there along with my cell phone number," the associate grinned, handing me the bag. His eyes swept over me and I felt very uncomfortable with his attention. I took a step closer to Jasper.

"I think we've got it," Jasper replied coldly, taking my hand and weaving our fingers together. The associate's smile fell, but he nodded. "Come on, sweet girl. We have a chocolate sundae with our name on it." He took the bag from me, leading me out of the store. When we turned the corner, walking to his car. "You okay, Bells?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," I answered. "Thanks for getting him to back off. I know pretending to be my boyfriend is not high on your list of things to do."

"The dude was creepy, sweet girl," he scoffed. "I know that you don't see me like that, but we do give off that couply-vibe. I'll happily pretend to be your boyfriend if it keeps assholes like that at bay."

"If only I knew you all those years ago when Jacob and I got together," I sighed.

"Then, you wouldn't have Seth," Jasper murmured, arching a brow at me.

"I adore Seth. He's my everything, but I hate his sperm donor. Not once, after I left, did he send me one cent of child support. He kicked me out and then moved on with his fucking life," I snapped.

"Don't hold back, Bells," Jasper deadpanned.

"This is me holding back," I sighed. "You don't know what I survived, Jas."

"Only you know, Bella. I still think you should talk to someone. I know Rose has offered and the publishing house has awesome insurance. You could go to therapy," Jasper said, driving us to Ghirardelli. "Anyway, I had ulterior motives to get you out today besides getting you a new computer. Have you talked to that Laurent guy?"

"We've been emailing," I answered. "I was trying to respond to his latest email when my old computer crapped out on me."

"You know, you could call him. He gave you his phone number," Jasper snickered. "What are thinking about doing? Are you considering their offer?"

"I don't know. I don't want to sell the rights to my novel and then find out it's butchered by some hack screenplay writer," I sighed.

"How about this? I go with you," Jasper suggested. "I can go under the guise of representing the publishing house. I mean, I am your agent, Bells. Who better to represent you than your handsome, dashing, brilliant agent, best friend and protective older brother-ish?"

"Older brother-ish?" I quipped.

"Work with me, Swan," Jasper huffed out. We walked into Ghirardelli Square, getting in line at the ice cream shop. "Here's my take. I think you should go down to Los Angeles and meet with the studio, to see what their offer is. You can also try to get a director you respect and possibly become that hack screenplay writer so you have a say in your movie."

We stepped to the front of the line and Jasper ordered my favorite, along with his. Paying for our ice cream, we went outside to eat our treat. I idly ran my spoon along the edge of my Treasure Island sundae.

"Bells, you love that," Jasper laughed. "Eat your ice cream, woman!"

I rolled my eyes, taking a bite of my sundae. "I do love it. I'm just thinking."

"You think too much, sweet girl," Jasper sighed, pushing his finger between my brows. "I know you have tendency to get inside your mind. It's gotten better since you've joined our family. Hell, you actually smile!"

"I also don't look like a walking skeleton," I smirked. "It's amazing what regular meals can do for you."

"You were so skinny and I met you a couple months after you'd settled into San Francisco," Jasper chuckled sadly. "I can't imagine what you lived through, sweet girl." He slipped his arm around my shoulder. I snuggled to his side, leaning my cheek against his bicep. "You're stronger than anyone I know."

"I don't know about that," I sighed.

"I still think you should talk to someone," Jasper suggested.

"I'll think about it," I nodded.

"What about the meeting with Summit?"

"Do you want to book the flight or should I?" I asked.

xx Blockbuster xx

"Mom, make sure you take pictures of the Hollywood sign! You have to," Seth said as he sat on my bed while I packed my bag for the trip to Los Angeles. "If you meet Iron Man? You must get his autograph, and a picture and any deets about the latest Marvel movie."

"You're obsessed, Seth," I snickered, folding a pair dress pants and placing them in my suitcase. "I highly doubt I'll meet Robert Downey Jr."

"Who's that?" he asked.

"The actor who plays Iron Man," I sighed, tossing a pillow at him. "Though, I'm partial to Captain America."

"Meh, he's okay," Seth shrugged. "Iron Man has all the cool toys. Captain America only had the shield and super strength."

"I don't care about his powers. I'm talking about his looks," I laughed.

"Ugh, Mom. Just, no," Seth grumbled, falling back on the bed and covering his face. I lived to embarrass my child. He was so easily flustered, but he knew that he was my number one priority. He'd always be my number one priority. "Mom, will you call me as soon as you get in?"

"I will. I promise," I smiled, sitting down next to him and kissing his temple. "You be good for Aunt Rose and Uncle Emmett, okay?" He nodded quietly, laying down to put his head in my lap and slid his arms around my waist. He'd used to do this when he was younger while we were on the road. It wasn't the safest position while driving, but it was the best we could do if I was behind the wheel and he needed some snuggles. "What's this, baby?"

"I want you to go, but I don't," he whispered against my belly.

"Oh, Seth," I breathed. "I can back out. Perhaps, have a phone conference with the executive from the studio? That way I don't have to leave."

"No, I'm sorry. You've given up so much for me, Mom," Seth said, sitting up quickly and hugging me tightly. "It's just that …"

"We haven't been apart since we left Forks," I finished for him. "I get it, baby. I promise to call you and if you need to get ahold of me, you can call me any time. Okay?"

"Okay, Mom," Seth nodded. "I love you."

"I love you, too," I breathed, brushing his hair back. "I need to finish packing. Don't you have homework to work on?"

"Yeah, I've got math," he grumbled, rolling his eyes. "I hate math."

"You and me both, kiddo," I laughed. He kissed my cheek and ambled back to his room to work on his math homework. I finished packing and zipped up my borrowed luggage. I rolled it out to the living room of my apartment. I made dinner for Seth and me. He asked for his favorite meal of spaghetti and meatballs and I happily obliged. After we ate our meal, Seth did the dishes and we watched some television before he went to bed.

On the couch, I did some research about the studio executive and verified our flight. I also double checked our hotel reservation, making sure that Jasper and I had two adjoining rooms. The studio was footing the bill for our trip. So, we'd booked everything and the studio sent me a check.

A very generous check.

They must really want the rights to my book.

That night, I'd barely slept. I was an anxious mess. One, I'd never been on a plane before. Two, I was terrified of leaving Seth. Probably, more than he was. He was right. We had never been apart since our departure from Forks and while I trusted Rose and Emmett, I just wanted to know that my son was safe and cared for.

When the alarm went off, I dragged my body out of bed. I checked on my son, waking him up to go to school. With a lot of prodding, he got up. He took a shower and dressed in a pair of jeans and a hoodie. As he was eating breakfast, I reminded him, "When you get back from school, get off the bus and come to the café. You'll go home with Rose and Emmett, okay?"

"Okay," he said, hugging me. "Love you and have fun, Mom."

"Love you more, baby," I breathed. "Don't grow too much."

"I'll try," he laughed. He slung his bag over his shoulder, galumphing down the stairs and getting on the bus.

Once I saw it turn the corner, I wiped a tear away before dragging my exhausted ass to our shared bathroom. I was lucky that Seth was an easy kid, not to mention fastidious. He picked up after himself and didn't leave the seat up. I showered and put on some light makeup. I put on a pair of grey slacks and light pink sweater. Finishing the outfit with a pair of ballet flats, I awkwardly carried my suitcase down the narrow steps to the café, where I was meeting Jasper.

"Hey Bells," Emmett said, waving at me. "You ready for your big trip?"

"I'm ready for some coffee," I sighed. "Triple espresso and a breakfast sandwich, please." I put some money on the counter.

"Bella, you know that your money isn't good here," Emmett chided.

"Put it in the register, Emmett, or I'll use my keys to put it in there myself," I smirked, sitting down at one of the booths.

"You are one of the most stubborn women I've ever met," Emmett laughed, shaking his head at me. "I'll get you that coffee and have Lauren make your sandwich."

Emmett and Rosalie had been a godsend for me. They were about ten years older than me. Emmett was a former professional football player. His career ended when he was tackled. He had a compression fracture that ended his career and decided to retire. He used his money from his time in the NFL to start this business. He could have opened it up anywhere, but he loved San Francisco. It was where he retired his jersey and built his home.

When I was at my lowest, five years after I'd left Forks, and barely subsisting, ready to give up; they saw me. They didn't see a vagrant or a failure. They saw a woman with a young child who desperately needed help. So, they opened up their home to me and Seth. They saved me when I was beyond exhausted and a week away from starving to death. I'd done everything to provide for my son with little thought to my own health.

When I was back on my feet and not about pass out from lack of nutrition, they gave me the apartment that we currently live in, rent-free. They owned the building that housed McCoffee Café, leasing about ten apartments and another retail space, a small clothing boutique. I also started working at McCoffee Café and when I was able to do so, I began paying rent. I also started to go to night school and got my degree.

It was when I finished school and published my novel that our luck really began to turn around.

I'd managed to pay back everyone who had helped me along the way, in our journey away from Jacob Black and his hateful, despicable father. The rest was put into a trust fund for Seth for his college education.

I was also forced to use some of that money to purchase my new MacBook Pro and iPhone 12. But, in retrospect, they were good purchases. Too expensive, but needed.

"Here you go, Bells," Emmett said, putting a large travel cup in front of me. "The sandwich will be ready in a bit."

"Thanks, Em," I smiled, taking a sip of the coffee. "I couldn't sleep last night."

"Why?"

"I'm anxious about this trip, about leaving Seth," I answered honestly.

"Your little man will be perfectly safe with me and Rose," Emmett grinned.

"I'm not worried about that. I don't want to leave him," I whispered, tearing at the napkin in front of me. "I can handle going to work and going to school, but I'm going to be so far away." Lauren came out with my sandwich, placing it on the table with a friendly smile. I picked it up, nibbling on it and avoiding Emmett's gaze.

"Bells, I love you and I'd do anything to protect you and Seth. He'll be fine. You'll be fine," Emmett said soothingly, taking my hand. "I know that your whole world is Seth, but other than going to school, what have you done for yourself since he's been born? And, don't say the computer and phone because those are necessities you should have, little one."

"Being a mother is my first and only priority. My mom left when I was a baby and all I had was my dad and when he died, I had nothing. My childhood home was foreclosed on and all the memories I had were lost because …" I trailed off.

"Being a mother is important, but so is self-care," Emmett chided. "Bells, Seth is getting older and you shouldn't shut yourself away from …"

"I don't want to date," I said sharply.

"Not everyone is like Seth's sperm donor, Bells. Look at me. Look at Jas!" Emmett countered. "We're good guys, yeah?"

"You're the best," I replied, giving him a tiny smile.

"Then, we're proof that good men still exist, Bells. If not for you, then for Seth. He has a kick ass mom, but doesn't he deserve a father, too?" Emmett suggested.

"He has you. He has Jasper," I offered.

"We love Seth. He's an amazing young man, but we're not his dad," Emmett grinned. "I just would love for him to have … I don't know … Please, think about it. You deserve to be loved and so does Seth. You deserve happiness."

No, I didn't. Do you know what had I had to do in order to survive? I should be in jail.

I have blood on my hands.

"Sweet girl, are you ready to go the City of Angels?" Jasper asked, strolling into the coffee shop. He was also a welcome distraction from the conversation I was having with Emmett. "There's a limo waiting outside for us to take us to the airport. Then, we're off to sunny southern California. I think I want to try surfing. Have you ever been surfing?"

"I grew up in the Pacific Northwest. We had some intense waves, but the water was as cold as ice," I snorted. "So, no. There's a limo?"

"Yep. Em, I parked my car in the alley," Jasper said. "Can you move it to your place?"

"Will do," Emmett agreed, holding out his fist. Jasper bumped it with a crooked grin. "Have fun, you two. And, Bells? Remember what I said." He kissed my forehead.

With a nod, I hugged him and followed Jasper out of the coffee shop to the waiting limo. The driver took my luggage, putting it into the trunk. We settled into the backseat. Jasper took out his laptop, opening up whatever book he was editing. I watched as we drove through the city, arriving at San Francisco International Airport.

"Are you going to do some work on your latest novel?" Jasper asked, typing rapidly on his computer.

"Maybe, once we get settled," I shrugged. "How long is the flight to Los Angeles?"

"About an hour and a half," Jasper replied. "We'll be landing at around noon and it'll take about an hour to get to the hotel. Traffic is a bitch, or so I've heard. We could do some touristy stuff today and tomorrow before our meeting at City Club Los Angeles with the studio executives … hold on, wait a minute."

"What?"

"I got an email from Laurent and he said they found a director who is highly interested on working this project," Jasper explained. "Holy shit!"

"You're giving me heart palpitations, Jasper," I growled. "What's going on?!"

"Have you ever heard of Edward Cullen?" Jasper asked.

"No. Should I?" I retorted.

"Bella, I love you, but you live under a rock," he laughed. "Edward Cullen just won an Academy Award for his latest movie, some World War II epic." He tapped a few keys on his computer, turning it to me and I saw a black and white picture of an extraordinarily handsome man. He had long-ish hair that flopped onto his forehead, strong eyebrows, an angular jaw and pouty lips. His smile was easy, relaxed, but genuine. "This is your director. He's fucking phenomenal. You have to watch D-Day. It's the movie that won the Oscar." He took back his computer, fingers flying over the keyboard. "It's on Netflix. You're watching it tonight, Bells."

"Why don't I watch it on the plane?" I suggested.

"It's almost three hours long," Jasper replied. "We'll get some room service and watch it tonight."

The limo pulled up to the airport and we clambered out of the back. Jasper gave the driver a tip. I followed his lead, walking to an outdoor kiosk. Jasper and I checked into the flight, giving our bags to the TSA agent. We walked through the airport, sailing through security and we sat down at our gate. I took out my computer and I logged into the airport's Wi-Fi. I did some research, looking up information about Edward Cullen.

He was thirty-two years old and was a former child actor. He'd starred a popular movie series when he was a teenager and young adult. During his last movie as an actor, he'd done some directing and producing. He loved that aspect far more than being in front of the camera. He stopped acting and went to university to get his degree. The rest, as they say, was history.

He was described as the next Ron Howard, but with hair and a jaw that could cut glass.

He'd been on People's Sexiest Man Alive list at least six times, topping the list two years ago.

He was sexy. There was no denying that.

"Checking up on your director?" Jasper quipped. "Or ogling him?"

"Shut up, Jasper," I muttered, closing my computer and stuffing it into my carry-on bag. I felt my face flame and I looked out the window, watching the planes take off and land. "I'm going to get some more coffee. Do you want some?"

"Bella, I didn't mean to make fun of you," Jasper said softly. "I'm sorry. I just thought …"

"I'll take that as a no," I interrupted, standing up and putting my purse over my shoulder, along with my carry-on. "I'll be back." I didn't wait for him to respond. I found a Seattle's Best Coffee and got another espresso along with a parfait. I sipped my coffee, idly eating my treat. I was embarrassed by Jasper's comment and angry that I'd taken so much offense to it. I shouldn't be so sensitive, but it was hard not to be. I had walls upon walls protecting me. It was the only way I could survive, in the past and looking forward to the future. I stayed in the café until my cell phone vibrated.

The plane is boarding. I'm sorry I gave you so much shit. Forgive me, sweet girl? ~ J

I'm on my way ~ B

I threw away my rubbish and walked back to the gate. Jasper was waiting for me, a sheepish look on his face. "I'm sorry about being so sensitive," I sighed, hugging him.

"You have no reason to apologize, Bella," he responded. "I know your touchy topics and obviously I pressed a button. I should know better by now."

"Well, to answer your question, I was researching Edward Cullen, but I was slightly ogling him," I admitted. "He's handsome, but he's probably arrogant and rude."

"From my research, he's one of those down-to-earth types. Genuinely kind and hard-working," Jasper said as we had our boarding passes scanned. We walked down the jetway. The flight attendant guided us to our seats, which were in front part of the plane. "Damn, they are pulling out all the stops. First class? This is sweet. You are having a mimosa."

"Jasper, I don't want to drink," I groaned.

"It's a rite of passage," Jasper said. Once everyone was seated, he flagged down a flight attendant. She eagerly agreed to get us a mimosa, arriving a few moments later with two glasses with orange juice and champagne. "To the making of the movie, Long and Winding Road." He clinked his glass with mine.

"To trying something new," I added, sipping the bubbling drink.

"How do you like it?" he asked.

"It's good," I answered. "A little bitter."

"Well, finish that up. It'll relax you, sweet girl," Jasper said.

There were a couple of thumps and I squeaked, grabbing Jasper's hand. "What was that?"

"They closed the doors," Jasper explained calmly, threading his fingers with mine. "We're okay, Bells. Traveling by airplane is safer than traveling by car." He talked to me the entire time we taxied to the runway. When the plane sped up, pushing us into the seats, he let me squeeze the hell out of his hand until we leveled off. "You okay?"

"Yeah," I mumbled. "Sorry about freaking out."

"I get it. The first time I flew, I hyperventilated and Rose smacked me stupid," Jasper laughed. "Granted, I was ten and we hit an air pocket, but I panicked."

"I can see Rose smacking you stupid," I laughed.

"It's what she does best," Jasper shrugged with a lazy grin.

The flight went by smoothly. Jasper kept me distracted by talking about what we should look for while we were at the meeting with Laurent, Edward and his representation tomorrow. The publishing house had given Jasper a list of stipulations that the studio had to meet in order for us to agree to selling the rights of my novel.

Landing at Los Angeles International Airport, we got off the plane and picked up our luggage at baggage claim. There was a man waiting for us, holding a sign with my name on it. I blushed and introduced myself. He smiled at me warmly, reminding me of my father with dark eyes and solid frame. The man was also about the age my dad would be if he was still alive. He introduced himself as Liam and would be our driver for the duration of our stay.

Liam took my bags from my hands, guiding us out to the waiting limo. We got into the back and like Jasper said, drove about an hour to The Standard Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Liam pointed out a few things as he drove, giving us a brief tour. Liam gave us his cell phone number and said if we needed him to call anytime. Arriving at the hotel, we checked in. Jasper asked about nearby tourist attractions and the front desk receptionist gave him a few ideas.

We rode up the elevator to our floor. Our rooms were adjoining and we went inside, opening the doors. "Since we don't have to be anywhere for the rest of the day today, I think we should be tourists. Liam is great and all, but I want to wander around the city," Jasper explained. "Then, we'll get room service and watch D-Day, okay?"

Changing into some more comfortable clothing, we left the hotel. We decided to go to Grauman's Chinese Theater and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On our way back, we stopped at In-n-Out Burger and ate a late lunch. We made our way back to the hotel.

I called Seth and he told me about his day at school. He just prattled on. His raspy and deepening voice settling my nerves better than any other thing I could fathom.

My son was safe.

My son was happy.

My son was loved …

Even at our darkest moments, he always knew that I loved him and I would do anything for my boy.

When I finished talking to Seth, Jasper and I set up in my room and we created a strategic plan for following day. When we were happy with our plans, Jasper hooked up his computer to the television while I ordered us some snacks from room service. I was still full from our lunch.

D-Day was a phenomenal movie. I was not one to enjoy war movies. They were too violent and bloody for me. I'm not saying that the movie wasn't bloody and gory. It was, but the story behind it was amazing. Edward Cullen had managed to bring out the human element, even while the actors fought in the muck and the shit, with bombs exploding and people dying on screen.

"Do you think that Edward can do your novel justice?" Jasper asked as the movie ended.

"He managed to tell a nuanced story with that blockbuster. It definitely deserved the accolades it received," I breathed, curling up on the bed.

"You still seem hesitant, Bells," he said.

"My first novel is so close to my heart," I shrugged.

"You wrote every word, nurtured it and created a beautiful tale of adversity, pain and hope," Jasper smiled, sitting so he could face me. "Charlotte and her little boy, Peter, they survived so much but came out on top in the end. They were hurt, but were so much stronger because of it. Plus, the romance aspect of it? It could have been contrived, but it was so organic."

"Well, we'll have to see what the studio has to offer us and if they'll follow my storyline," I said. "I really like your idea with me being on the writing staff to ensure the integrity of the script."

"I do have a few functioning brain cells," Jasper laughed. "I lost a few when I went through my pot phase, but those days are long gone." I arched a brow at him. "Okay, they happen on the weekends, but I don't get completely stoned."

"Whatever works for you, Jas," I teased. "Anyhow, I'm tired. Go in your room and let me sleep."

"I see how it is," he quipped, kissing my cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow, sweet girl. You're going to kill it!" Picking up his computer and his shoes, he walked out of my room with a wink. I got up and made sure the doors were latched. When that was done, I changed into my pajamas. I left the light on in the bathroom and I tried to fall asleep.

But, I couldn't.

My fears kept me awake. Despite my exhaustion, my brain wouldn't shut down.

It was going to be a very long trip.

A/N: Here's your first real chapter of the story, Blockbuster. For the most part, the story will be told in Bella's point-of-view. Periodically, we'll hear from Edward. Now, will he get a full chapter? I'm not sure. I'm already moving away from my very rough plan.

Anyhow, pictures from this chapter are on my blog. There's a link for that in my profile. I'm also on Facebook: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. I'm on twitter, too: tufano79.

Leave me your thoughts!