Somewhere To Begin Chapter 12, a twilight fanfic

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Chapter 12: Coincidence, I Think Not

Bella

"Bella?" Edward said with an incredulous look.

"Edward." I said as I touched my cheek and felt my eyes widened.

My response caught Demetri's attention. He turned around and looked at Edward. "Hello, Mr. Menard."

9 hours earlier…

You know that feeling you get when you know you've had too much sleep, and then you have to rush to do everything.

It's an odd feeling really, to feel so rested but to know something isn't quite right.

I rolled over and looked at the clock as I squinted and rubbed my eyes, trying to make sure I saw the time right.

10:00am?

I've never slept in that late. Aiden never let me sleep in that late, especially on a Saturday.

I pushed the comforter off of me and placed a foot on the floor, but in my sleep fogged state, my other leg got tangled in the sheets, and I almost face planted. Luckily, my hands took the brunt of that fall. "Real graceful Swan, real graceful."

I stood up, balled the sheet up and threw it on the bed.

As I made my way to his room, I called out. "Aiden, Sweetheart."

He's still asleep.

With furrowed eyebrows, I touched his forehead. No fever.

I sat on the edge of his bed. "Time to get up, buddy." I gently shook his shoulder.

He rubbed his eyes and stretched. "Morning, Mommy."

"Good morning, Honey." I ran my fingers through his hair. "Are you feeling okay? You must have been tired. You don't normally sleep in this late."

"Yeah, I was just so tired Mommy, from school and everything."

I chuckled. "Oh. I didn't know kindergarten could wipe you out like that."

"Yeah, we do a lot." He widened eyes as he shook his head up and down.

I laughed. "Come on, get up. Go brush your teeth."

He hopped out of the bed and ran into the bathroom.

I can only image what he's going to be like when he gets older.

We had a late start, but I think we both appreciated the extra sleep. While we were having brunch Aiden asked, "Can we do something today, Mommy?"

I swallowed my food. "Sure kiddo, what would you like to do?"

"What about roller skating class?"

"That starts next week, but…" I paused, looking at the wall clock. "If you'd like, we can go to the library for story time and then pick out a few books."

"Yeah." He smiled before he took a bite of egg and ran out of the kitchen.

He really does run everywhere.

"Slow down, Aiden." I called after him.

Much to Aiden's dismay, I cleaned the kitchen before I got dressed. It was a relaxed day, so we kept it simple with our clothes. Aiden wore a pair of gray stonewash jeans with a navy and white sweatshirt. I wore a pair of light washed jeans with a white V-neck sweater.

As I sat on the bench at the end of my bed, putting my boots on, my phone vibrated on my nightstand. I walked over and looked down at my phone and picked it up.

"Hello."

"Hey Isa."

I rolled my eyes. He knows I hate that name.

"What can I do for you Alec.?"

"I'm coming to get Aiden, put him on the phone so I can tell him."

"You're coming to get him right now? Like you're in your car and on the way at this second?"

"Do you want to know what I had for breakfast too, Isa." He scoffed.

I felt my eyes narrow but remained quiet.

What do douchebags eat for breakfast, anyway? Probably something to enhance their douchey-ness.

"I'm coming to get him in a bit, there's a stop I need to make before I pick him up."

"Oh, okay." I forced a pleasant tone before I took a breath. "No. I will not put him on the phone."

He huffed. "Why are you being difficult? Let me talk to my son."

"Oh, now you remember you have a son." I said before I could stop myself. I couldn't help it; I imagined a miniature Demetri on one shoulder fist pumping and encouraging me to "go off" as he would say and a miniature Angela on the other giving me a pointed looked.

"What do you mean, now I remember I have a son?" Really? I believe I would call this willful ignorance. Miniature Angela frowned before she looked at Miniature Demetri, who pursed his lips at her, before she yelled. "Go off!"

"Alec, don't play stupid, you know exactly what I mean."

"Will you just give Aiden the phone, I wanna talk to him."

"Why? So, you can lie to him again and then not show up?"

He sighed. "I'm going to see him today. I'm serious."

"Oh, you're serious." I said, my voice was dripping with sarcasm.

"So, am I hearing this right? You won't let me see my son?"

How convenient of him to blame me for not seeing Aiden today. What excuses does he use to justify his reasoning for not seeing him the other times?

This was the fight I felt I've been having with myself for weeks. Did I decide for Aiden and cut Alec out of his life now before he can do anymore damage, or did I leave that door open and hope Alec gets his shit together so he can be in Aiden's life? Either outcome would affect him.

My head throbbed. Alec needed a warning label. Common symptoms included, but were not limited to: headache, frustration, lack of accountability, and occasional disappearances.

"Hello. Isa, are you still there?" His tone was sharp. "I'm talking to you and you're not even listening to-"

I cut him off. "Look, we'll be at the Blackstone library. Story time starts at 1:00. If you want to be there, then be there, but you will not make another empty promise to my child." I ended the call and threw my phone in my purse.

I released a heavy sigh, and I tapped my fingers on the nightstand as I reined in my emotions before going to Aiden's room.

I moved on from the shit fest that our marriage had turned into, especially the last few years. But the way he treats his son, that's a completely different thing. It's not about me or Alec. It's about what Aiden needed and if he wouldn't step up and be a man… a father, then he could step the fuck off.

I won't allow that, that… jackass to ruin Aiden's day. It's really exhausting to come up with adjectives to describe him.

I picked up my purse from the bed, walked out of my room and down the hallway. "Aiden, Sweetheart, are you ready?" I asked, peeking my head in his bedroom.

"Yeah, Mommy, I'm ready." He said as he stood up from playing with his cars on the floor.

I held my hand out and smiled at him. "Do you know what books you'd want to check out today after story time?"

He shook his head. "Yes. Mrs. Murphy started reading the Kung Pow Chicken to us during reading time, and it's funny." He smiled up at me. "Can I check that book out and you read it to me?" He asked as I got our coats from the coat closet.

After we put our coats on, he placed his hand back in mine. I squeezed it as we walked towards the front door. "You sure can. We can start reading tonight if you'd like to."

He whooped loudly. "Yes!"

I laughed at him as I locked the door and we walked to the elevator. After we exited the elevator, we were met with a warm greeting.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Swan and Aiden." Jonathan said.

I nodded my head. "Good afternoon to you, Jonathan."

"Hi Mr. Jonathan." Aiden responded.

Jonathan tipped his head. "Stay warm out there, the temperature is supposed to drop."

"Thanks for the heads-up, we bundled up pretty good. Have a nice day." I said as we approached the door to the indoor garage.

"Thank you, you all do the same." He said as the door slowly closed behind us.

I could hear my phone buzzing down in my purse, but I waited until we got in the car to answer it. I secured Aiden in his seat and pulled my phone out before buckling myself in.

I missed my mother's call. My phone automatically connected to the Bluetooth of my car; I called her back before I pulled out of the garage.

"The ringing is so loud Mommy." Aiden said, I glanced in the rear-view mirror and found him covering his ears.

"I know Honey, but I missed Nana's call. She'll pick up in a few seconds." Just then, Renée picked up.

"Hey Sweetie, how are you and my handsome grandson doing today?"

"Hi Nana!" Aiden shouted before I could say anything.

"Hi my Darling." Renée cooed.

I waited to see if Aiden would say anything else, but he didn't. "We're doing good. Actually, we're headed to the library now." I turned the heat on. "How are you and Daddy doing?"

"Oh, we're fine. The library sounds like fun. He's always enjoyed reading."

"Yeah, he has. He got it honest." I chuckled. "What's up? Is everything okay?"

"Um, yeah." She paused. "I hate to do this at the last minute, but I'm going to have to cancel for tonight. The American Pharmacist Association is having a fundraiser for the Academy of American kids or something like that, I can't remember that long name." She sighed. "Anyway, your Dad swore he told me about weeks ago, but you know he didn't." My Dad must have been close; I heard the sarcasm in her voice. "We have to go because he's one of the keynote speakers. I'm so sorry honey, maybe Rosie, Demetri or Angela can watch him."

"I told you weeks ago Ren, it's not my fault your memory is so spotty." I overheard my Dad as he whined.

"Spotty my behind. It's because of my amazing memory that I know you didn't tell me, ya old fart."

Aiden laughed. "Nana called Pop-Pop an old fart, Mommy."

"She sure did." I chuckled. "It's okay, Mom. They'll all be at the dinner too. Me and Aiden can stay in and relax tonight."

"I just feel so bad for changing your plans at the last minute. If it wasn't so important for your Dad, I wouldn't even go."

"No worries, Mom. You need to be there for Dad." I clicked my tongue. "What are you wearing?"

"Pfft, what do you think I'm wearing finding out at the last minute?"

"Something black?" I asked as I pulled into the library's parking lot and parked in the first spot I saw open.

"You got it!" She laughed. "I'm going to wear my Alexandre Vauthier turtleneck gown since it's simple yet elegant and will keep me warm."

"That's a beautiful gown. Take a picture and send it to me." I looked at the clock on my dashboard. "Mom, I need to go if we're going to make it on time.

"Hold on a sec." Charlie cut in. "Aiden can you hear me?"

"Yes, I can hear Pop-Pop."

"I promise to come and get you next weekend, okay?"

"Okay Pop-Pop. Maybe we can go bowling."

"You bet we can. I'll see you soon, buddy. Love you guys."

"Love you too." We said together.

"Okay, honey." Renée said. "We'll talk later. Love you."

I smiled. "Love you." I disconnected the call and unbuckled my seatbelt. I sent a quick text to Alice; letting her know I needed to cancel tonight. After I sent the text, I threw the phone in my purse and looked back at Aiden. "Are you ready for story time?" I asked in a loud voice.

"Let's go!" he grinned as he unbuckled his self.

I got my purse and keys, stepped out of the car and opened his door, I took his hand in mine. As we walked towards the library's entrance, I sang. "We're going to story time; we're going to story time." Aiden laughed and joined in. I scanned the parking lot and didn't see Alec's car. It would be very hard to miss that thing. I guess I wasn't as covert as I could have been.

"What are you looking at Mommy." Aiden asked looking up at me with a wrinkled nose.

"Oh, nothing. Honey. You know my eyes are a little twitchy." I said as I crossed my eyes.

He giggled.

I placed my index finger over my smile. "Shh." I said as we entered the library. Aiden mimicked me by placing his finger over his mouth and giggled softly. We walked past the main desk in the front and waved at the elderly Librarian, Mrs. Clearwater. She's worked here as far back as I can remember and has always been such a sweet lady.

We scurried through the computer section, turned the corner and headed to the reading room. Once we walked in, there were several children around Aiden's age already sitting at the tables. I recognized some of them and their parents, giving them a quick wave, since this is one of Aiden's favorite things to do on Saturdays.

I pointed Aiden towards a table with two other children already seated. "Do you want to sit there?" I asked.

"Yeah." Aiden headed over to the table. "Hi." Aiden said to the little girl and boy who were sitting at the table. "My name is Aiden, what's yours?"

The cute little girl with light golden-brown hair smiled and spoke up first. "My name is Hannah." She glanced at the little boy sitting next to her. "And this is my big brother, Sam."

Sam waved his hand. "Hi Aiden."

Aiden smiled as he pulled his chair out from the table. "Is this your first time here, cause I've never seen you guys."

Sam shook his head up and down. "Yes, we just moved here."

"Oh, okay." Aiden looked like he wanted to say more, but another voice interrupted before he could say anything else.

"Hi, Hannah, Sam and Aiden." She smiled down at them. "I'm so glad to see you all today." She set her gaze on me, extending her hand out. "Good afternoon, Ms. Swan, how are you?"

I shook her hand with a smile. "Good afternoon, Leah, I'm doing good. How are you?" I asked, releasing her hand.

"I'm doing well, thank you for asking." She said bouncing on her toes. "I wanted to come over and speak to you before we start story time."

I looked down at my watch. "Oh, it's about that time." I leaned down and kissed Aiden on the forehead. "I'll be right outside if you need me, Honey."

"Kay." I turned around one last time before exiting the reading room and saw Aiden, Hannah and Sam talking with each other. It's nice to see he doesn't have a problem with all girls.

I found a comfortable chair in the corner and just as I sat down, I heard the light chime from my phone indicating I had a text message.

"Oh, no Bella, you're not canceling on me. Bring Aiden with you."

"Aiden would be the only child there. I'll just have to come another time."

"So, what! I'll make sure to pull out all of his favorite games and toys. And bonus, I have Shrek. He's like six going on sixteen anyway, he'll be just fine. No excuses you're coming."

She had a point. He acts older than six at times.

"You got it all figured out, don't you?"

"Did you just meet me today? You know me better than that. Now, make sure you have your ass here by 6 so you can help me set up everything."

I rolled my eyes at her demand. "Yeah, whatever. We'll see you at 6."

I put my phone on mute and got lost in a game of Word Crush. About twenty-minutes into my game, a person cleared their throat as they stood too close to me.

"Excuse me, Isa," He smirked, "I can't believe you still play that game."

My eyes rapidly blinked as I tried to process that he actually showed up. "Well," I scratched my jaw. "I… appreciate that you showed up. Aiden's going to be surprised." I put my phone in my coat pocket and stood up.

"I know I've been messing up lately." He put his hand over his heart. "I promise I'm going turning over a new leaf to be a better father to our son."

I nodded my head and was about to comment when someone approaching us caught my eye.

What. The. Hell?

I had no idea what else he said after that because the only thing I could hear was my pounding heartbeat as I watched Chelsea grab Alec's hand. I looked at her with such a hard stare she lowered her eyes, suddenly finding the carpet interesting.

See what I mean? Warning label.

I entered Alec's personal space and smiled, talking through clenched teeth. "Meet. Me. Outside. Now." I snatched my purse from the chair and damn near stomped out of the door. Alec quickly followed me, whisper-shouting my name. "Isa! Where is Aiden?" I kept walking towards the door.

I pushed the glass door open and twirled around, meeting Alec's indifferent gaze. "Why is she here?" I squinted my eyes. "It's bad enough that you haven't seen him in weeks, but somehow in that mind of yours you thought this would be okay."

He shrugged his shoulders. "I just figured they would meet at some point."

My eyebrows had to be touching my hairline at this point. "So, you thought I was going to let Aiden go with you while she's there?" I pointed at Chelsea.

"Who are you—" Chelsea started before I cut her off.

"I'm not talking to you. You speak when you're being spoken to. This has nothing to do with you." I stepped closer to her with a raised brow. "Have I made myself clear, Chelsea?" She huffed and stepped back with her hands up in surrender.

Yeah bitch, you better back up.

I laughed with an edge. "Alec, have you lost your damn mind?"

"Isa I… I…" He tried to find his words. "I can never please you." He let out a huff. "First you bitch about me not spending time with Aiden and now when I come to get him, you're being all dramatic." He waved his hands around. "Making a spectacle of yourself in public, may I add." He looked around as if someone was going to pop out and take pictures. "I didn't come here for all of this, I just want to enjoy the day with my son, where is he?"

My lips curled as I shook my head. I envisioned taking the strap of my purse and choking some common sense into him right on the steps of the library. "First…," I took a breath to calm myself. "You are not taking Aiden anywhere with her. Second, it would do you some good to remember that you can't come here or anywhere for that matter, demanding to take him." I took a step towards him. "I am his mother, and it seems I'm his only parent that is protecting him for anyone or anything…" I looked Chelsea up and down, "that can bring more harm or confusion in this situation." I cleared my throat and squared my chin. "He is not going with you today and if you plan on spending time with him keep your…" I paused, I didn't want to call her a whore, at least not out loud. "Secret away from my son."

"Excuse me. What did you call me?" Chelsea hissed.

If only she knew that was the polite version.

I lightly shrugged my shoulders. "Did I stutter?"

She popped her lips. "I'm not some secret, as you say. I think you've forgotten that he chose me over you for over two years now."

I rolled my eyes. I must admit Alec is playing her well.

Alec put his hand on her shoulder. "Chelsea, stop." He sighed. "I just wanted Aiden to meet her. I didn't think you would have such a problem with it."

I stared at him. "Really Alec. That's what you thought?" I'm sure a vein would start bulging in my forehead. "You don't think, that's what the problem is!" My hands flailed. "Let me ask you this, what have you done to prove that your relationship is even serious enough for her to meet Aiden?"

"I am serious about this." He frowned.

"Oh really, okay." I nodded my head. "She wants to gloat about being together for two years, but where has that gotten either of you?" I raised an eyebrow. "Tell me this, do you live together? Has she met your parents or any of your friends? Have you told her you love her? Are you going to marry her?" I asked without taking a breath.

He was quiet.

I gave a curt nod. "That's what I thought." I pushed my shoulders back and stood taller. "The only way I will allow her to be around Aiden is when I know that this is serious. I will not allow you to parade people in and out of his life."

Chelsea snapped. "All of that means nothing, what you say means nothing." Her nostrils flared. "I love him, and I know he loves me."

"No sweetheart, that's not love." I said in a gentle tone. "That's what makes this whole thing comical." I tilted my head to the side. "You've met no one, literally no family or friends, but yet, we all know he's fucking you. Why do you think that is?" I hold her gaze. "Unfortunately, you seem to be the only one who doesn't know you're being fucked over." I finished, still in a gentle tone.

She shook her head. "You're lying." She glanced down, seeming to gather her thoughts in those few seconds. "You're just jealous because I did for him what you couldn't. You just hate the idea of him loving me more than he ever loved you.

"What exactly did you do, Chelsea?" I crossed my arms. "Hide out in a hotel room for two years? Everything you did was behind closed doors so the world couldn't see and so his name wouldn't get spread across the tabloids for sneaking out of a hotel in the wee hours of the morning. I scoffed. "Is that what you're talking about, Chelsea?" I asked with a pointed look. "What reason would I have to be jealous of that?"

"Bella you walk around like you're so high and mighty, but you forget he left you for me." She pointed to herself.

I looked at Alec. "So, is that what you told her?"

He shrugged his shoulders and looked away.

I tapped my hand against my leg. "Well, let me bring you up to speed, we can't have you walking around believing a lie, now can we." I laughed without humor. "I served him with divorce papers. Your love, Alec, didn't want a divorce, he wanted to work it out with me." I gave a false smile. "So, while you may think you won the prize, you have nothing. He cheated on me with you, remember?" I tapped the temple of my head with my finger. "What makes you think he won't cheat on you or if he isn't already? Do you think your snatch will keep him? You're nothing more than a plaything that he will eventually grow tired of and toss out like yesterday's garbage."

She stomped her foot and turned to Alec. "Are you going to let her talk to me like that?"

"This has gotten really out of hand; all of this was really unnecessary." He muttered.

I gave him a blank look before I looked down at my watch and noticed story time was almost over. Before he could say anything else, I interrupted him. "Alec let me know when you've really turned over that new leaf, okay?"

I turned to walk away when Alec caught me by the elbow. "Isa, please. I want to see him."

I pulled my arm and turned to face him. "You can. But there will be no introductions today." I looked at him. "Aiden is right through those doors and the only thing keeping you from him is you. Make your choice but know your decision will speak volumes." I sighed. "Alec this isn't about us." I pointed between him and I. "Aiden is dealing with enough right now. I can't allow you to add more to his plate in this transition by being carless about who is around him and how that could confuse him." I squeezed his arm. "Please start thinking about your son more than you think about you self." I said before I walked away.

Once I was back inside the library, I stopped in the bathroom and went in the largest stall. After I closed the door, I took my coat off and placed it and my bag on the hook. I looked up at the celling and took deep breaths in through my nose and out through my mouth.

Did I overreact?

Was I being unfair?

Fuck that! I was justified in not wanting Chelsea around Aiden… right?

After a few more breaths and when I felt collected enough, I put my coat back on, grabbed my purse and walked out of the stall. I looked at myself in the mirror as I washed my hands.

I hope I'm doing what's best for Aiden.

With that thought in mind, I dried my hands off and made my way to the reading room.

When I got there, I stepped into the room, standing to the side with the other parents. Leah was standing at the front of the room. "The end." She said slowly as she closed the book. "Well, guys and gals that concludes story time!" She said as she clapped, which caused the children to do the same.

"I hope you all enjoyed, and we'll see you again next Saturday when we'll read Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus!." She said animatedly. "Can anyone think of why a pigeon shouldn't drive a bus?" She placed her hands on her hips and looked at the class.

A little boy raised his hand. "Cole." Leah said as she pointed at him. "Tell me why a pigeon shouldn't drive a bus."

"Because pigeons don't have hands?" He said with a wrinkled forehead.

"That's right, Cole! They don't have hands." She smiled. "Okay, shorties you can go tell your Mommies and Daddies all about what we've read today." She said as each child walked towards their parent. "I'll see you all later." She waved before she walked out of the room.

"Mommy." Aiden said as he ran into my legs.

"Did you like story time." I smiled down at him.

"Yeah, we read Gaston." He rocked from side to side, still holding my legs. "Can we get that book too, Mommy?"

"We sure can. Do you want to tell me about the book?"

"Can I tell you later? I'm ready to go pick some books."

I chuckled. "Okay." I unwrapped one of his hands from around my legs and took it into my hand. "Let's get those books."

We browsed row after row of books. We picked up Gaston, Where the Wild Things Are, We Don't Eat Our Classmates and a few others.

"What about this one, Mommy?" Aiden pointed to the Dog Man collection.

I picked it up and inspected it. "It's a bit longer than the other books, is that okay for you?"

He grinned and nodded his head.

I placed the three books on top of the others. "Do you wanna keep looking?"

"Yes please, we still have to get Kung Pow Chicken."

"That's right." I said lightly, slapping my forehead in the duh gesture. "How could I forget?"

We started toward the next row when we heard. "How is my main man doing?" We turned around and there stood Alec with a hesitant smile on his face.

"Hi Dad." He said before he bit his lip and briefly glanced up at me.

"Don't I get a hug?" Alec asked with furrowed eyebrows and his arms wide open.

Aiden slowly walked towards Alec and hugged him. "We're picking out some books, would you like to join us?"

"Of course, let's see what we can find." He said as he smiled at Aiden.

"You're coming with us, right Mommy?" Aiden looked at me with a hesitant expression I'd never seen before; at least not when he's with his father.

"I sure am. Who do you think will hold all of your books?" I grinned and hoped to ease him. "I'm right behind you."

He nodded his head at me before he and Alec moved to another section. As promised, I stayed a few steps behind. We had a bit of time to kill before we needed to head to Alice's, so I figured I'd let them take their time.

Turns out the library was hosting a movie for kids; they were showing The Croods. Aiden was interested, and he wanted the free popcorn. I figured this would allow them to spend more time together, even if they can't talk, so we watched it. I sat on one side of Aiden while Alec sat on the other. Aiden seemed to like the movie. He laughed along with the others. I even laughed a time or two.

Once the movie was over, I glanced at my watch to see it was 5 o'clock. "The library will close shortly and we're going to auntie Ali's house." I said as I stood from my seat.

Aiden jumped from his chair. "Cool. Do you think she'll have Shrek?"

I nodded. "She has it waiting just for you."

"I'll walk you guys to the car." Alec said as he zipped up Aiden's coat and stood.

I took Aiden's hand. "Let's get going." I said before guiding him out of the movie room, Alec took hold of Aiden's other hand.

It was quiet as we walked out of the library. Once we were outside and next to my car, I unlocked and opened the back door. "Get in buddy." I said as I held it open.

Alec scooped Aiden up, causing him to yelp, and kissed his cheek. "I love you lil man." He ruffled his hair. "I promise I'm going to-"

"It's so cold out here." I said as I shivered and smiled at Aiden. "I'm going to have frozen toes." Aiden giggled while Alec let out a heavy sigh and put him down. "Time for you to get in, tell your Dad later gator."

He looked up. "Later gator." He waved before he got in the car. I closed his door.

"I was just going to say I would do better."

I held up my index finger, indicating for him to give me a second. I quickly went to the driver's side to start the car and turned the heat on. I handed Aiden my phone. "I'll be just a moment, okay."

"Okay." He said, already engulfed in the screen.

I closed the door and turned back to Alec. "Don't tell him you're going to do better, just do it. Until you show that you can be consistent in his life, I'd appreciate if you'd keep your promises to yourself." I said as nicely as I could.

He placed his hands in his pockets and glanced down before looking off to the side. "I guess that's fair." He mumbled. "I'll prove you wrong, I'll show you I always think about my son, that I want what's best for him." He looked at me with his jaw set.

I slowly nodded my head. "Please, prove me wrong." I smiled tightly. "I would very much like you to do that."

He cleared his throat. "How has school been for him? I didn't get a chance to ask."

I puffed my cheeks and let out a breath. "Funny you ask." I quickly told Alec all about what happened at school and the conversation Aiden and I had. Of course, I left out the words Edward and I exchanged.

"Oh." His eyes were wide. "That's surprising, can't believe he would do that." He shook his head. "And that Mike kid sounds like an asshole in training."

You would know all about that, huh?

"Mrs. Cope handled it very well. And Renata's father was understanding, so as it pertains to school, everything worked out well. But…." I paused and stared at him. I wanted his undivided attention. "Your son thinks you don't like him." I waited to see if he would say anything or show any reaction. "That's unacceptable, and I shouldn't have to tell you that. You have a lot of work to do to fix your relationship."

He rubbed the back of his neck. "I know Isa, I'm going to do better from here on out."

"You better, he won't be six forever."

"What's that supposed to mean?" He tilted his head.

"It means just that. One day before either of us will know it he will be a teenager, a teenager who will have his own thoughts and feelings and will have no problem expressing them. So be hasty in doing better."

His eyes narrowed. "You don't have to threaten me, I said I would change."

I wasn't trying to start another argument. "Good." I said gently. "But know this Alec, this is your final warning." I kept steady eye contact so he would know how serious I was. "It's time to grow up."

His posture was rigid, and he only gave a curt nod.

I guess this conversation is over.

I opened my car door and put one foot inside. "And for the love of God please stop calling me Isa, you know I dislike that name."

He smirked. "I know."

I rolled my eyes. "Goodnight Alec." I got inside and closed the door. "Ready Freddy?" I asked Aiden as I buckled my seat belt.

He paused what he was watching. "Who's Freddy?"

I chuckled. "No one, Honey." I said as I pulled off and made my way to Alice's.

STB

Luck was on my side as I pulled into a parking space right in front of Alice's house. I turned Benny off and looked in the rearview mirror. "You ready to go in, Sweetie?"

Aiden looked around with wide-eyes. "We're here already? That was fast, Mommy."

I smiled and nodded my head. "Aunt Ali doesn't live that far from the library."

"Oh!" He handed me my phone and unbuckled his seat.

"Don't open your door until I come around to get you."

"Okay." He looked at his books on the seat next to him. "Can I take my books with me?"

"No, Honey. I don't want to leave them here by accident. Then we won't be able to read later tonight. Don't you remember Auntie Ali has plenty of toys and games for you already?"

He snapped his finger. "That's right, I forgot."

We made our way to Alice's door and rang the doorbell. We heard Alice squeal as she opened the door. No sooner than we stepped inside Alice scooped Aiden up in her arms hugging him and peppered his face with kisses. "How is my favorite nephew doing? I've missed you."

Aiden giggled as Alice tickled his neck. "I'm good, Auntie." He got out while catching his breath.

I stood there smiling as I watched the exchange between the two of them when I see a tall athletic built man slowly walk into the room, with warm hazel eyes and a glowing infectious smile that made me smile back at him.

Alice noticed my gaze fall on something behind her, and that brought her out of playing with Aiden. She turned around and waved Jasper over to where we all stood. "Jas, Honey, I would like you to meet my nephew, Aiden, and my little sis, Bella." She beamed.

Jasper bent down so he was on eye level with Aiden and extended his hand to Aiden. "Hi, Aiden, it's so nice to meet you. Your Aunt Alice has told me a lot about you." He smiled. "I just finished setting up the PlayStation for you."

Aiden's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree at Jasper's last statement. "Hi, nice to meet you too." He said with a wide grin.

Jasper stood up and walked towards me. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Bella." He smiled, extending his hand again.

"The pleasure is all mine." I smiled.

Can we say Adonis?

Alice grabbed onto Jasper's arm with a grin from ear to ear. "I'm so glad you all can finally meet." He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.

I'd never seen my sister like this before with any of her previous boyfriends. Something about this one was different.

"Um, Mommy, can I go play the game?" Aiden asked, bouncing on his toes. He turned to Jasper. "You wanna come play with me?"

Jasper nodded his head once. "Sure, I'll play with you."

I smirked at Aiden. "Let's get your coat off first, okay?"

I grabbed Aiden's coat from him and put both his and my coat in one of the guest's bedrooms. Jasper and Aiden headed downstairs while me and Alice walked into the kitchen.

Alice waved her hands enthusiastically. "So, what do you think, Sis?"

"Oh my God, Ali, he is gorgeous!" I squealed as I hugged her.

We held each other by the waist. "Bella, he is such a sweet, gentle man, and he treats me so good." I saw a glow in her eyes as she talked about him. "I think I could marry this one."

"Ali, I'm so happy for you." I cupped her face with one hand.

"I can't wait for you, Mom and Dad, to get to know him."

"Has he met Mom and Dad yet?"

"Yeah, we had lunch together about a week ago and they like him."

"Have you met his family yet?"

She shook her head. "No, not in person yet. His mother remarried and moved to New York with her husband, and his father moved back to Texas after the divorce since that's where he's from. But I have talked to both of his parents on the phone, though."

"You deserve a good man, Sis."

She pulled me in for another hug. "And so do you, Bella."

I chuckled. "Ali, that's the last thing on my mind right now."

She bucked her eyes. "You've sworn off men now?"

"I'm not saying that, but I'm not thinking about getting into another relationship anytime soon. My focus is on Aiden right now." I let go of Alice and walked to the refrigerator for a bottle of water. "Girl, I have to tell you later about my lively day at the library." I rolled my eyes.

Alice walked over to the stove and stirred something in a pot. "How exciting could the library be? You read or borrow books or… Actually, I'm not sure what else you could do at the library." She shrugged her shoulders.

I smirked. "Alec showed up there with Chelsea."

Alice dropped the spoon in her hand and spun around to face me. "Are you fucking kidding me?"

"Nope." I popped the p.

She sat down on the stool and patted the seat next to her. "Spill it."

During the next several minutes, I told her everything that happened. I would have finished sooner had she not kept interrupting the story. She always got ahead of herself and asked questions that would have been answered if she'd just listened. It was a good thing the food was done because Rosalie, Demetri and Angela arrived early.

I helped Alice set the dining table she'd moved downstairs, or more accurately Jasper moved downstairs. Once we were back upstairs and I'd seen all the food spread out on the island, countertops. I assumed she cooked enough food for a small army.

"It looks good if I say so myself." She said with a satisfied grin.

"It sure does. But how are we going to get this all downstairs?"

"We'll have plenty of helping hands."

"Hey Ali, where is the wine? It's not in its…" Rosalie froze for a moment. "Why'd you make so much food Ali?" She asked and scanned the room and stood beside Alice.

"What's going on? I wanna know." Demetri said as he walked in. "Damn, that is a lot." He nodded. "Ooh, is that your corn casserole?" He asked before he grabbed a plate from the cabinet and served himself.

She placed her hands on her hips and sighed. "I may have been a little nervous and Jasper said one of his friends could really eat." She rolled her eyes. "I just wanted to be prepared.

"I'd say you're more than prepared." Rose bumped her hip with Alice's.

"It's so delicious." Demetri moaned after taking another bite.

"Where did everybody go?" Angela asked. A moment later she stepped into the kitchen and immediately turned her head toward Demetri's sound effects. "Isn't it a little rude to eat before all the guests arrive?"

"You know what, Angela?" He put his plate down and walked toward Alice. "You are one hundred percent right, but you see I was just being a good friend." He placed his hands on her shoulders. "The poor girl was so nervous I did a taste test to help ease her worries. I just wanted to assure her she had no reason to doubt herself." He went back to his food and took another mouthful. "And I was right."

We laughed. "Help us get the food downstairs."

"Do I have to?" Demetri groaned as he chewed.

"Yes." Alice said firmly.

It took a few trips to get all the food down, but on the last trip I saw Aiden bouncing with a controller in his hand, while Jasper sat on the couch looking relaxed as he grinned.

"I won!" Aiden said as he threw his arms up in victory.

"You got me this time. How about we play best out of three?" Jasper asked.

I'm sure he let Aiden win.

I walked over to them while everyone else went back upstairs. "How's it going?" I sounded winded to my own ears. Those were a lot of steps.

"Mommy can we get one of these games?" Aiden asked.

"Mmm, I'm not sure Sweetheart. You're kind of young for one of those."

"Oh, please Mommy." He pouched his lips out at me. "We can play it together."

Jasper and I both chuckled.

He was really trying to bargain with me. "How about this, you let me think about it and I'll get back with you? Deal?"

He looked around the room for a moment and then smiled at me. "Deal."

"What are you playing?" I sat on the coach and looked at Jasper.

"Mario Kart." He held a controller out. "Wanna play?"

"Yeah, let's play Mommy."

"Sure, why not?"

We played one round and Aiden beat me, and surprisingly I wasn't trying to let him win. I had to admit the game was fun. "Alright, I've had my fill." I gave the controller back to Jasper. "Let me get back upstairs."

When I got back upstairs Alice, Rose, Angela and Demetri were huddled together whispering. "What are you all doing?" I asked as they broke apart and stared at me. "Is something on my face." I asked and lightly ran my hand across my cheeks.

Demetri spoke first. "Alice was just informing us about your library visit." He paused. "I must admit I'm very disappointed in Alec." He shook his head.

"Yeah, that is… you know what I don't even really know what to say." Rose said with a frown. "It's just a real fucked up situation."

"Ditto." Angela sighed. "Real fucked up."

"Don't I know it." I waved my hand. "Let's talk about something else, I'm sure something more exciting happened to one of you today."

"Sorry Hon." Demetri grimaced. "Nothing will top the ex-husband showing up with the person he cheated on his wife with to see his son, who he hasn't seen in weeks."

Thankfully, the doorbell rang. "That has to be Jaspers friends, I'm going to go get the door so please don't be talking about that," she waved her hands in circular motions, "when I get back, I want them to think we're normal." She said as she walked out of the kitchen.

"But normal is so overrated." Demetri scrunched up his nose.

She looked behind her. "It's not tonight." She said and stuck her tongue out at him before she left the kitchen.

"You better be on your best behavior, Demetri." Angela whispered and gave him a pointed looked.

"Oh, please, when have I ever been anything but a perfect gentleman?"

We remained quiet.

He looked at each of us. "Wow, I can't believe my own friends would insinuate that I act inappropriate." We all laughed. "Yeah, I couldn't keep a straight face either." He said.

We heard Alice's voice. "Right this way. Jasper is downstairs with my nephew, but everyone else is in the kitchen." I saw Alice but couldn't see the others behind her yet. "Guys this is Jasper's friends Jacob and his girlfriend Ivey and Em—"

Rosalie cut Alice off. "Emmett." She blinked a few times before she smiled.

"Rose." He smiled back, showcasing his dimples. "What are the odds?" He walked over and hugged her.

"Oh, is this the marketing guy you were telling us about?" I asked and wiggled my eyebrows at her.

She widened her eyes at me; her silent way of telling me to knock it off before they pulled back from one another.

"Isn't that just a coincidence?" Alice said.

"Well, I don't know any of you, but it's great to meet you all." Jacob said as he and his girlfriend moved around the room and shook everyone's hand.

"How rude of me." Emmett said before he did the same as Jacob and Ivey. "It's great to meet you all."

"Great indeed." Demetri said as he looked over Emmett's face. "Are you sure you're really into the Amazonian?" He jerked his thumb in Rosalie's direction.

His mouth fell open. "Um." He looked at Rose. "I'm pretty sure, yeah."

"Dammit." Demetri snapped his fingers. "Do you have a brother?"

"I have one." He cleared his throat. "But I doubt he's looking to get into a relationship anytime soon."

"What about a cousin?"

"Settle down Demetri." Angela said with a raised eyebrow.

"What? I'm just asking a question." He said before he turned back to Emmett with an expectant look.

"Can't say one comes to mind."

"That's too bad." He turned and looked at Jacob. "What about you? You're unbelievably good looking. Do you have an available brother or cousin who kinda looks like you?"

Jacob looked like a deer caught in headlights. "I don't really know how to answer that."

I laughed so loud that it caused the others to join in. "Down boy." I said as I patted Demetri on the back.

"I may know someone." Ivey said as she chuckled.

"Oh, really?" He moved to stand beside her. "I knew we'd be great friends the second I laid eyes on you."

"Okay." Alice clapped her hands together. "We're just waiting on one more person and then we can start dinner, but in the meantime, we can move this party to the basement." She said. "There are appetizers downstairs if anyone is hungry now." She pointed behind her. "And there is pop, water, and lemonade in the fridge, please make yourselves comfortable." She smiled.

"Well, lead the way." Emmett said as he rubbed his stomach.

"You must have been the friend that Jasper say's eats a lot." Rose said with a teasing smirk.

"I'm a growing boy." He smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

"Don't say a word Demetri." Angela said as she tried to keep a straight face.

"Come on." He waved his hands in Emmett's direction. "That was a perfect set up for me and you know it."

"Hush." She pointed at him.

We made our way downstairs.

"Hey guys." Jasper said, still engrossed in the PlayStation.

"Say hello Aiden." I said.

He glanced over. "Hello." He turned back to the game, but then turned back to us. "You're big." His eyes bulged as he took Emmett in.

"You think so?" Emmett asked as he flexed one of his arm muscles.

"Yeah." He nodded his head. "Did you eat all your veggies? That's what Mommy always tells me: to eat my veggies."

"Of course, dude. You've gotta eat your vegetables."

While we waited for the last guest to arrive, we all talked; learning basic information about each other. Emmett, Jacob and Jasper all took turns playing against Aiden, I appreciated all of them entertaining him, I didn't want him to get bored being the only child here.

The doorbell rang again, Alice popped up from the couch and pulled Jasper with her. "He's here!" She squealed. "Come with me to answer the door?"

He kissed her forehead. "Sure thing."

"We'll be back in a second, continue you to mingle." She said before they disappeared up the stairs.

Demetri, Angela and I continued to talk with Ivey while Jacob and Aiden played the game. Emmett and Rose were whispering in the corner before he went back up the stairs.

"Mommy." Aiden sat the controller down. "I'm going to the bathroom."

"Okay." I said as he walked away. I went to get a drink and continued my conversation. A few moments later, I looked around and saw Aiden wasn't back yet and went to check on him.

I knocked on the door. "Sweetheart are you okay."

"Yes, I'm almost finished." He grunted.

I frowned. "Are you sure, you've been in there for a minute?"

"Mommy." He whined. "I'm pooping." He whispered.

I pressed my lips together. "Oh, okay." I tried to hold in my laugh. "I just wanted to check on you."

"I'm fine."

I softly chuckled as I walked away.

When I got back into the room, I saw Jacob and Ivey huddled together talking amongst themselves and Emmett holding a small child's hand as he talked to Rose, their backs were to me so I couldn't see the kids face, but I assumed it was a girl from the hair that was peeking out of the hat. Not thinking much of it, I turned back to Demetri and Angela.

Shortly after I got back, I heard Jasper say. "Everybody, this is one of my best friends, Edward."

I turned around and my heart skipped a beat.

"Bella?" Edward said with an incredulous look.

"Edward." I said as I touched my cheek and felt my eyes widened.

My response caught Demetri's attention. He turned around and looked at Edward. "Hello, Mr. Menard."

It got quiet in the room.

"Mr. Menard?" I looked at Demetri with raised eyebrows. "Who is Mr. Menard?"

"This fine specimen." He pointed at Edward. "You know I go to hardware stores in search of talent."

Angela scoffed. "You mean you went to Menard's to check men out?" She asked with a lifted eyebrow and a cocked head.

He rolled his eyes. "Fine, you caught me." Demetri waved a dismissive hand. "Girl, yes. I go to Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Menand's, Lowe's, anywhere really. I'm always looking. You can find some nice things there and I'm not just talking about the power tools." He wiggled his eyebrows.

Jasper scratched his jaw. "So, you know each other?"

Edward turned to Jasper. "No, we do not know each other. He—"

Before Edward could finish what he was saying, Alice called out from the stairway to Jasper to help her with the wine bottles she had in her hand. "Jas, Honey, will you please help me with these bottles?" Jasper rushed to the stairs. "I got it Baby." He smiled. Jasper took the wine to the table and Alice walked towards us. She looked around the room with a bright smile. "Did we get all the introductions out of the way?"

"Well, I already know Mr. Menard over there." Demetri pointed to Edward.

He wore a tight smile. "Edward is fine."

"Yes, he is." Demetri winked.

Edward rubbed the back of his neck. "But, um, I do know Bella."

Alice spined around to me. "You do? How is that?"

"Well." I started. "There was something that happened at school with Aiden and his daughter, Renata, that I haven't had a chance to tell you about yet."

Jasper walked up beside Alice and wrapped his arm around her waist. Jasper cleared his throat and looked at Edward. "So, let me get this straight, you two know each other?" He waved his finger between me and Edward.

Edward nodded.

"For how long?"

Edward shoved his hands in his pockets. "I saw her on the first day of school, but we weren't formally introduced until recently."

I knew the instant an idea popped in Alice's mind. Her eyes shifted between me and Edward as a devilish smile appeared on her face. "This is quite interesting, wouldn't you say, Jasper?"

"I think so." He nodded with a knowing smile.

I blew out a breath with the awkwardness between Edward and me. I didn't know what to do next between Edward standing across from me starting at me and Demetri staring at Edward like he's a tender steak.

"I'm back, Jake! Let's play some more." Aiden yelled as he ran from the bathroom.

"That's him, Uncle Emmy. The one who said I had cooties." I heard a little girl's voice from the other end of the room.

Edward turned in the direction of the voice and walked towards it.

The little girl was Renata.

Could anything else happen today?

"Jake, you wanna keep playing?" Aiden asked again.

He looked between Edward, Demetri and I. "Uh, sure."

Before Jacob could move, Alice leaned down to Aiden. "There's somebody else here your age that can play the game with you." She smiled. "Here she is now." She said as Edward approached, holding Renata's hand.

Aiden gasped. "Mommy, why is she at my Auntie Ali's house?" In a few quick steps, I stood by Aiden and whispered in his ear. "Sweetie, remember our talk about cooties not being real?"

He slowly shook his head. "Yes. I remember."

I rubbed circles on his back. "Good. I know you can be nice to Renata the same way you were nice to Hannah at the library earlier today, alright Sweetie?"

He darted a glance at Renata. "I will, Mommy, promise." I kissed the top of his head.

Aiden stepped towards Renata, who still held Edward's hand. "You wanna come and play the game with me?"

Renata looked up at Edward, biting her bottom lip. Edward smiled down at her as he squeezed her shoulder. "Everything's going to be just fine."

She nodded her head. "Okay." They walked to the couch, sat down, and Aiden handed her a controller.

Edward and I watched the exchange for a few moments. "I hope this doesn't backfire."

I sighed. "Me too, but I think Aiden will be just fine now." I turned to him and found he was already looking at me. He had the most inviting green eyes I'd ever seen.

Have you ever had that moment when you just stared at the sun too long? You know you shouldn't keep staring, but you can't pull your eyes away. I wasn't afraid he would blind me, but there is that rule that staring isn't appropriate.

He cleared his throat.

"Excuse me." Emmett smiled as he approached us with Rosalie. "Ed, is everything okay now?" He asked with Rosalie standing beside him.

Edward nodded, answering Emmett's question, but he was still looking at me. "Yeah,

everything is fine now." Rose moved to stand beside me.

"Need me to run interference?" She whispered in my ear.

I turned to her. "It's all good, we'll talk later." I squeezed her hand.

Emmett chuckled. "Okay, if you say so little bro." He held his hand out to Rosalie. "Come on Rosie, let's get something to eat."

"More food?" She laughed as she poked his stomach and then took his hand.

Emmett and Rosalie walked towards the appetizer table where everyone hovered in their own conversations. Edward and I stood next to each other watching our kids play the game together.

"Um, Bella, can we talk, please?"

I nodded my head. "Sure. Would you like to go upstairs for more privacy?"

"Yes, I would like that."

We went up the stairs and I guided him to the living room. We stared at each other for a bit.

"This is awkward." He let out a shaky laugh and ran his fingers through his hair. "I just wanted to apologize for what I said the other day, that was way out of line." He put his hands in his pockets. "My brain totally disconnected from my mouth and before I knew it, I was talking like an ass and didn't know how to fix it." He took a breath. "Kinda like now I'm rambling and can't seem to stop." He trailed off and looked around the room. "Again, I just really wanted to apologize."

I tried to fight the smile that wanted to take over my face. I'd never seen a man ramble or should I say stumble over an apology like that. It was really cute.

"Thank you." I inhaled. "I appreciate your apology but…." I played with my fingers. "I owe you an apology, I shouldn't have reacted like that. It wasn't right. My emotions took over before logic did, so I totally understand the disconnect of the brain." I pointed to my head. "And I can guarantee there will be no more hair pulling."

"Great, I promise no more kicking incidents." He placed his hand over his chest. "So clean slate?" He asked as he held his hand out.

Could his eyes get any greener?

"Clean slate." I shook his hand. We stared at each other again as our hands shook up and down.

He's really good looking.

I thought you weren't looking to get into a relationship…

I'm not, I'm just pointing out the obvious.

"Bella the foods getting cold!" Alice yelled.

"We better get back downstairs, or she'll come up." I smiled and pointed behind me.

We were walking out of the living room and towards the stairs when Edward said. "From what I've been told, we have a lot in common."

I looked behind me. "Really, and what would that be?" We walked down the stairs.

He snorted through his nose. "Apparently divorce."

"That's a really ice breaker."

"Welcome back guys." Alice said when we entered the room. I ignored her cat-that-ate-the-canary smile.

"Well, would you look at that?" I turned to Edward, but he was looking behind me.

I turned my body in that direction and saw Aiden and Renata talking; the controllers forgotten.

"I wonder what their talking about." I tilted my head as I observed them.

A/N: So, it seems Chelsea had some things to get off her chest. How are you liking Alec? What are your thoughts about Edward and Bella's conversation… and Aiden & Renata's? Let us know we love to hear all of your thoughts!

REC: A Bastard's Girl, by CaraNo if you're into motorcycle gangs and thrugward, this is your story!

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