Somewhere To Begin Chapter 13, a twilight fanfic

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Chapter 13: Uncertainly, Certain

Aiden

I had to go to the bathroom. I tried to hold it because I was having fun playing the game, but my stomach made weird noises. I guess I was in there too long, cause when I came back out Jake wasn't on the couch anymore.

I asked him if he wanted to play some more and he said we could, but Auntie Ali said. "There's somebody else here your age that can play the game with you. Here she is now."

It was Renata.

I thought I'd only see her at school.

"Mommy, why is she at my Auntie Ali's house?"

"Sweetie, remember our talk about cooties not being real?"

I shook my head slowly. "Yes. I remember."

She rubbed my 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?"

Hannah was really cool. I liked sitting next to her and her brother Sam at reading time. She made me laugh.

Maybe Renata's funny too.

I looked at Renata. "I will, Mommy, promise." She kissed the top of my head.

I stepped towards her. "You wanna come and play the game with me?"

She didn't say anything, just looked at her Dad.

Maybe she doesn't want to cause she thinks I still stink.

He smiled down at her. "Everything's going to be just fine."

She nodded her head. "Okay."

We walked over to the couch and I gave her the controller Jake used. I showed her how to use it and we played.

We didn't talk. I didn't know what to say. I peeked at her a couple times, but she only looked at the TV.

It wasn't bad, playing with her I mean, but it felt a little funny. I knew I should say sorry for telling her she had cooties and for pulling her hair, but I just didn't know how to start.

We finished the round we were playing; I paused the game and sat the controller down and turned to her.

"So, do you like the game?"

"It's okay." She frowned and set the controller she used beside her. "I thought you said you wouldn't play with me cause I had cooties."

"Shh. Don't say that, I don't want my Mommy to think I said that again." I looked around the room, but I didn't even see her.

She huffed but then whispered. "But you did say it." She folded her arms. "I just wanted to play with you guys, but you were mean to me."

I shouldn't have listened to Mike.

"Mommy told me cooties…" I bit my lip. "They're not real."

She rolled her eyes. "I told you my Coco was a doctor, and he said they weren't real, but you didn't believe me."

"I believe you now, okay?" I scooted closer to her.

She looked down at her shoes. "Really?"

"Yeah, my Mommy doesn't lie." I nodded my head. "Plus, I played with Hannah and I don't feel any different." I played with my fingers. "I'm sorry that I said you had cooties, that wasn't right. And I'm sorry I pulled your hair. It wasn't okay for me to do that."

She looked down as she swung her feet back and forth. "You mean it?"

"Yeah, I mean it."

She blew out a breath. "I'm sorry too, for kicking you, and saying you stink." She looked at me from the side of her eye. "You wanna be friends now?"

I nodded my head. "We can be friends now."

"At school too, not just here."

"Yeah. I'll play with you at school too."

She turned towards me and smiled but then frowned.

"Will Mike and them still say I have cooties?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "I don't know, but I'll tell'em to stop. We're friends now."

"You pinky swear, Aiden?" She held her pinky finger out.

"I pinky swear Ren." I hooked my finger with hers.

"Ren?"

"Yeah, we're friends now, we need nicknames. I'll call you Ren."

"What should I call you."

I thought for a moment. "I don't know, my name is short."

"What about Den?" she frowned. "It rhymes with Ren."

"That's cool." I picked up the controller again. "Wanna play the game again?

"Yeah, and Imma win too, I play this with Uncle Emmy all the time."

Edward

Think before you speak.

Apparently, I'd yet to learn that lesson.

After I stumbled through my apology to Bella, we got caught up in this weird standoff. I got a chance to look at her, really look at her. It's clear to see she's a beautiful woman, but I noticed things I hadn't seen the first time we met. She had almond-shaped eyes that seemed to change color. Downstairs in dimmer lighting they looked brown, but upstairs in a different light they looked green. Her top lip was a touch smaller than her bottom. She had pale, practically flawless skin, and her nose was small, cute.

Alice summoned us back down the stairs, which was probably for the best. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't have minded talking or looking at her more, but I didn't want to make myself look more like a babbling idiot. Even though I could have sworn for just a second, she smiled.

"Welcome back guys." Alice said with a broad smile.

I think I saw all of her teeth.

This was a new place, with a few new people, and not to mention Aiden was here as well. I wanted to make sure Renata was doing okay.

"Well, would you look at that?" My eyebrows raised when I noticed Renata and Aiden were no longer playing the game but talking. I could tell by their body language and facial expressions they weren't arguing. I hope they're able to work through this and at least be nice to each other.

"I wonder what they're talking about." Bella said as she tilted her head.

I think they both have too much on their little plates. I've heard children are resilient, and perhaps that has some merit to it with what I've witnessed. Maybe I can mark this one as a win for my little Jellybean.

Bella turned to me and smiled. "It looks like they're getting along now."

"Yeah, it looks that way." I smiled back at her.

She turned back to the kids and exhaled. "This is a good thing, ya know." She stuck her hands in the back pockets of her jeans.

I swear I didn't look intentionally. My eyes had a mind of their own, however what I saw was quite nice.

Get ahold of yourself, Edward.

What? It was just a glance, harmless really.

Is it possible for my conscious to give me a pointed looked?

Either way, I'm sure it did.

For someone who's glancing harmlessly, you're noticing quite a bit.

Oh, come on. I am a man, and it has been six months since I've done… well, anything honestly. Besides, I'm not looking for a relationship, and we're both freshly divorced. I've got too much baggage to work through and more than likely so does she. It seemed our meeting was inevitable anyway, but I'm sure we can at least be friends.

Friends? Yeah, right.

Yes, just friends. I don't want any relationship right now.

She really is beautiful, though.

I felt myself nod. She really is.

If I continue to have conversations with my conscious, I will have to name it.

All-Knowing One would work.

A bit much, don't you think?

How about Oh Wise One?

Is this normal?

"Edward." Bella touched my arm. "You okay?

"Oh, um, yeah." I shook my head, trying to clear it. "I'm good."

"Are you ready to eat? Everyone is waiting on us." She pointed to the table where everyone sat, before taking a seat herself.

I guess I moved to slow for Emmett.

"Eddie, haul your ass over here. We wanna eat." Emmett boomed.

Rosalie elbowed him in the side. "Language Em." She waved her hand. "The kids."

Emmett winced and turned toward them. "Sorry Aiden and Renata."

I rolled my eyes, walked to the table and took the empty chair next to Bella. I winked at Renata, who sat next to Aiden across from me.

After Bella and I made plates for the kids, we served ourselves along with everyone else.

"I can't believe it. We all have some kind of connection to each other, and we didn't know until today." Rosalie laughed.

"Yeah, that's something, isn't it?" Angela said, forking more salad on her plate. "Alice and Jasper are dating, Rosalie and Emmett know each other, and Edward had encounters with both Bella and Demetri." She shook her head. "It seems very fate-ish."

"It really is something special." Demetri took a sip of wine as he side-eyed Alice. "However, Alice, I can't believe you've been hiding all these models from me." He set his glass down. "It really makes me question our relationship." He wiped a non-existent tear away.

She snorted a laugh and threw her cloth napkin at him. "Demetri, I just met some of them today." She took a sip of water. "Plus, you can be a bit much and Ivey said she would hook you up with someone, remember?"

He pouted. "How you hurt me." Demetri leaned on the table with his elbows and looked down at Ivey. "We're going to exchange phone numbers tonight, right?"

Ivey waved her hand dismissively. "I've got you covered, trust me." She smirked.

He blew her a kiss. "You're my favorite." He nudged Angela on the arm. "He's so gonna love me."

She chuckled at Demetri as she ate mashed potatoes.

"I hope everyone is enjoying their food." Alice said after a few moments of silence.

Jasper kissed Alice on the cheek. "Everything is great, Sweetheart."

"Auntie Ali, this spa-get-te is good." Aiden said. Renata shook her head vehemently in agreement, putting more in her mouth.

"This is a lot of food. Where are you going to put it?" Bella asked.

I glanced up and down the table. I wondered the same thing.

"Already taken care of. I have styrofoam carryout containers in the cabinet over there." She pointed. "Everyone—and that includes you, Bella—will take food home. There is no way, me and Jas can eat all of this food."

Emmett hit the table. "You won't get no argument outta me Darling, I'll gladly take the whole table home if you'd like." He beamed.

I chuckled. "Emmett, even you couldn't eat all of this food."

Everyone continued to eat and eventually got off into their own conversation, including Renata and Aiden.

"Are you enjoying yourself, Edward?" Bella asked.

I nodded my head. "Yeah, I am."

She jerked her chin towards the kids. "It looks like they're enjoying themselves too."

"This was good for them." I took a deep, satisfied breath. "Away from the school and other influences, you know." I furrowed my brow.

Bella put her fork down and turned her body towards me. "Who would've thought kindergartners would deal with peer pressure at such a young age. I have to admit," she paused, "I didn't think I would deal with this until later down the road."

I nodded. "Yeah. I know what you mean, I didn't think I would have certain conversations with Renata so soon either." I turned toward her. "Hopefully everything is settled, and there aren't any more problems at school, but unfortunately we can't make all the kids at school be nice to each other."

Bella leaned in closer to me. "Do you think we should meet with Mike's parents?" She bit her lip. "You know, just to be safe."

Damn, she smells really nice.

"That might not be a bad idea." I push back in my chair. "Or maybe we should see what happens Monday. We can call Mrs. Cope or Mrs. Murphy to see how everything goes, and then we can decide from there."

"I agree with that." She repositioned in the chair. "I don't want to go jumping the gun, but I don't want to be a sitting duck either. Hopefully, this has been worked out, but I'll definitely call Monday. If things are still the same, we may have to bring the principal in on this, along with Mike's parents and any others."

"Willow is an excellent school and Ms. Cope is a great teacher. So, I hope as well, that this is water under the bridge, I would hate to have to move her to another classroom; she's been through enough already."

Bella waved her hand. "I think they've both been through enough change, don't you?"

There's that damn word again.

"Actually, I hate that word." I blurted out.

Once again, my brain disconnected from my mouth and now I'll look like I spaz out and say the first thing that comes to my mind.

"Huh, what word?"

"Never mind, I actually didn't mean to say that out loud."

"Now I really want to know." She sat straighter. "What word do you hate?"

I exhaled. "Change." I uttered.

"Really?" She tilted her head. "Why?"

"I feel like that's all my life has been about for the last few months, change. And not all of it feels like good change. Like nothing is consistent or certain. I know nothing in life is always certain, but does that mean everything has to be so… uncertain?"

She looked at me and blinked.

I can't blame her; I may have confused myself.

She rocked her head from side to side with her eyebrows slightly raised. "Funny enough, I know exactly what you mean."

"Oh." I frowned, "Really?"

"Yeah. Like in one moment or one second, just like that." She lightly snapped her fingers. "Your entire world changes and you can't fix it or change someone else's actions or decisions."

"Yeah, kinda like that."

We stared at each other.

"Whew." She took a sip of water and set her glass down. "That got a little heavy."

"It did." I chuckled. "So, to move things to a lighter note, tell me about your day. What did you do?"

She smirked before she rolled her eyes, seeming to have a conversation with herself. I could tell, I knew all about them. "I took Aiden to our local library, Blackstone, for story time."

"Blackstone? That's the Gold Coast district, right?"

She nodded her head. "Yeah, it is."

"We recently moved in the district too."

Her eyebrows raised. "Wow, what a coincidence. If things go the way, they look." She gave a pointed look towards the kids. "Maybe we can meet at the library for story time next Saturday, if you think that's something Renata would be interested in?"

"I think Renata would like that and it would give her a chance to meet other kids, she's a little shy. I've been meaning to take her to the library to get a library card, anyway."

"Blackstone has a lot for the children. They do puppet shows, costumed characters that read the books, scavenger hunts, movies, even educational learning, and book bites; that's this thing where books are set out on different tables and each table has different snacks inspired by the story."

"That sounds like something she would enjoy; I'll mention it to her and see what she says."

"Okay guys." Alice stood. "Let's play a little ice breaker game. We go around the room and we all say four things about ourselves."

"Can I play too Auntie Ali?" Aiden asked.

"You sure can." She smiled. "The questions are: What is your job or career? What is something you like or like to do? If you could live anywhere, where would it be? And what is your favorite TV show or movie?"

Oh, great, there is that question again… What do I like? The only thing I know I could confidently answer is the first question.

"It doesn't have to be anything too serious, just a conversation starter. I'll go first. I own Swan Realty and I'm a real-estate broker. I like gardening. If I could live anywhere it would be Oia Village in Santorini, Greece, and my favorite TV show is… oh, that's a hard one." Her eyes narrowed. "I can't decide between The Walking Dead and Grey's Anatomy."

"Oh, I love The Walking Dead too." Ivey said. "Daryl is my favorite."

"He's on my untouchable list and so was Rick, Carl, and Michonne." Alice said.

"Same." Ivey placed her hands on the table. "I just hate what they did to Glenn, Carl, and Rick."

"Me too, I wasn't going to even bring Glenn up." Alice rolled her eyes. "I'm always looking to re-watch the show. We should do a little marathon soon. No one else here loves the show as much as I do." She gave a look to Jasper, Bella, Angela, Demetri and Rose.

Jasper sheepishly shrugged. "Sorry, Ali."

"I watched that with you." Bella rolled her eyes. "You're just a sucky person to watch shows with, you kept watching without me."

"No, you're a sucky person to watch a show with." She stuck her tongue out. "You never had time to sit and watch it. It would have taken forever for me to finish the show."

"You know that show's not my thing." Demetri pointed his fork. "But I'll always watch McSteamy with you."

"I know you will." Alice laughed as she looked around the table. "See super simple conversation starter and now I have someone who will watch TWD with me." She placed her hand on Jasper's shoulder. "Babe, you go next."

He cleared his throat and leaned back in his chair. "Okay, I'm a history professor at Loyola University. I like playing the guitar. I don't have a favorite show or movie really, but I do like documentaries of any kind. And if I could live anywhere, I would go back home to Texas. Chicago is great, but I miss the open fields."

"I know you do, cowboy." She kissed his temple. "You go next Jacob and then Ivey and then we can just follow our seating arrangement." She sat down.

"I own my own business as well; I collect and work on exotic cars." He paused. "I like music, specifically 70s groups like Earth, Wind, and Fire, Chic, Parliament-Funkadelic, and The Black Byrds to name a few. If I could live anywhere it would be Colorado, I went out there to check out a potential seller and fell in love with the mountains. And my favorite show is Breaking Bad."

"Wow, I never would have pegged you for the disco and funk type." Rosalie said. "I loved the Commodores."

"Yeah, most people don't." He chuckled. "But they're great too."

"Breaking Bad was so good." Alice said. "I just didn't like Skylar too much."

Jacob nodded. "Most people don't."

"Well, I don't have his electric taste in music." Ivey bumped her shoulder with Jake's. "But I'm a veterinarian. I like painting, more landscape and abstract."

"Really." Demetri cut in. "You'll have to show me your work."

"I don't know." Ivey looked down.

"She's very shy about her work." Jake placed his hand on her back. "She's amazing though."

"I get that, I don't let everyone see my pictures, but how about this I'll show you my work if you show me yours."

Ivey slowly nodded her head. "Okay, that's fair." She took a breath. "Where was I… Oh, I don't think I have a specific place I'd want to live but anywhere with a lot of nature around you know, with lots of trees, water and fields. My favorite movie is Walter Mitty." Jacob groaned. "He hates that movie." She grinned and kissed his cheek.

"I don't hate it." He lightly chuckled. "It's just that we've watched it so many times that I don't like it as much as I use to."

Ivey shrugged her shoulders. "It was a great movie."

"Okay, my turn." Emmett rubbed his hands together. "I co-own Cullen & Cullen with Edward, but I handle the marketing side of the business. Something I like to do is travel; I like adventure and trying new things."

Emmett has always been the more outgoing one between the two of us. Maybe he could help me with my list.

"I think I could see myself in Australia and my favorite movie is anything Marvel, but I loved The Avengers."

"Endgame was amazing, I still tear up when Tony dies." Angela said.

"Me too, I wasn't prepared for what happened to him and Captain America." Bella said.

"I think I teared up a bit myself." Emmett nodded.

"A man in touch with his feeling." Demetri placed his hand over his heart. "Now I'm going to get teary."

Emmett smirked. "I put the toilet seat down too."

"Oh, just pure perfection, I can't take it. You're so lucky, Rose." He sighed as he looked at her.

She glanced between the two of them. "Now that you two have had your moment." Rose grinned. "I'm a pastry chef and owner of Touch of Butter."

"You own that!" Ivey cut in. "I love that bakery; the chocolate croissants are my favorite."

We all collectively nodded. It really was the best bakery in Chicago.

"Yes, ma'am Touch of Butter is my baby. That actually how I met Emmett." She glanced at him and sighed. "Anyway, I like to thrift, and up cycle things whether it's a piece of furniture or clothes. It's always a lot of fun to take something and transform it into my style. If I could live anywhere, I would go back to Paris, I spent some time there for school and loved it. My favorite show hands down would have to be American Horror Story."

"The season about the coven was my favorite." Angela said. "I loved Angela Bassett as Marie Laveau."

Rosalie nodded. "She played that character really well."

"She did." Angela looked around. "Oh, I guess it's my turn. I am an executive assistant at Phases of The Moon fashion magazine for the lovely Ms. Swan." She winked at Bella. "I like tea and coffee. I'll try any kind of coffee, but my favorite is Smoky Butterscotch by Lifeboost." She groaned. "It's to die for. The beans are grown organically in the Nicaragua mountains. You all have got to try it." She shook her head. "I could talk about coffee all day, but I would love to live in Milan for a bit; we went there for fashion week a few years ago and I loved it. And for my favorite show, my boyfriend has just introduced me to Anime and I'm currently obsessed with Naruto."

"You should check out Black Clover, or Castlevania." Emmett said.

"Those are on my list too, but you know there are like twenty seasons of Naruto." They were the only two that laughed.

I guess no one else watches anime.

"Well, alright." Demetri looked at Angela, who swatted at his arm. "I'm co-editor at Phases of The Moon and a talent scout." He leaned on the table and placed his hands under his chin. "I like photography, but as I mentioned earlier, I'm selective with who sees my work." He dropped one hand and tapped on the table. "Honestly, I'm exactly where I want to be, I can't imagine myself living anywhere but this city. I love it. It has so much culture and beauty here, I never want to leave. My favorite TV show is Supernatural, and it's not just because of Sam and Dean's looks." He looked off to the side. "But they are extremely good looking."

"This is true." Alice said.

It was quiet for a moment. When I looked up, everyone was staring at me.

"What?"

"It's your turn, Edward." Bella whispered.

"Oh, um." I ran my fingers through my hair. "I am the other owner of Cullen & Cullen, but I work on the accounting and finance side of the business." I took a breath through my nose. "What do I like?" I paused.

I have no clue what I like, but I'm not ready for that to be revealed yet.

Well, say something!

Shit, what do I say?

I guess I'll have to be as truthful as possible.

"I like… lists and organization." I slowly nodded my head. That works, right? Those two things are likeable. No one seemed willing to object to my answer, well Emmett did; his eyes were narrowed, and his head was tilted to the side, but I continued before he could open his mouth. "I've never been, but from the pictures I've seen I think I would like to live in Edinburgh, Scotland and my favorite show is The Office." I finished quickly and looked at Bella.

She smirked and raised her eyebrow at me before she turned and faced the others.

"I'm owner and chef editor of Phases of The Moon." She bit her lip. "One thing I really like but haven't had the chance to do in a while is pottery, there's something about sculpting the clay that is so relaxing to me. I wouldn't mind spending some more time in New Zealand. Auckland specifically. Aiden and I spent a few days there a couple of years ago when he was about four. We went to the Auckland sky tower, and I just fell in love with the view." She bumped her leg with mine. "The Office is my favorite show as well, but since that was already taken, my other favorite show is Ozark."

"That's on my list to watch next." Jake said.

"You'll love it. There are so many twists in the show." Bella said.

"Is it my turn now, Mommy?" Aiden asked.

"Yes, Honey, you can tell us your answers."

"Cool." He smiled. "Um… I forgot the question."

Bella chuckled. "The first question was: What is your job or career, but you don't—"

"I don't have a job yet." He frowned. "What do I say?"

"You can say you go to school."

"Okay. I go to school." He looked at Bella. "What's the next question?"

"What is something you like?" She said gently.

"Um." He looked up. "I like the PlayStation." He smiled at her.

Jasper laughed.

"I bet you do." She chuckled. "If you could live anywhere, where would it be?"

His eyes widened. "The swamp, like Shrek."

"What's your favorite movie."

"Shrek, Mommy, it's the best ever!" He turned to Renata. "Your turn Ren."

Ren?

"For the first question you have to say school, cause we don't have a job." Aiden tried to whisper.

She bit her lip and looked down. "Um, I go to school."

"Now you have to say something you like." Aiden prompted her.

"I like to color and put puzzles together." She whispered and looked at me from under her lashes. I gave her a wide smile to encourage her, I know my Jellybean isn't too fond of being the center of attention.

"Where would you live?" Aiden asked.

I felt my heart speed up. This could go downhill quickly.

"The moon."

My shoulders slumped and I let out the breath I'd been holding. "What is your favorite movie Jellybean?"

"Moana. She's the best princess."

"Uh-uh, Fiona is."

"But she's green."

"She's still a princess."

She shrugged. "Moana's better."

"No way, Shrek is the best."

"Aiden." Bella interrupted. "Remember what I told you about it being okay for people to like other things than you." She raised her eyebrows at him.

He blew out a breath. "Yes." He turned back to Renata. "We'll have to watch Shrek later."

"Okay Den, but then we'll have to watch Moana, too."

Den?

He scrunched up his nose. "Fine."

Everyone chuckled at their exchange.

"Wasn't this fun?" Alice asked.

Everyone nodded in agreement and continued to eat while having separate conversations.

After dinner everyone was stuffed, so we packed up dessert with rest of the food Alice made us all take home. We talked about planning our next get together in a few weeks; we'd have to see what everyone's schedule looked like. We all volunteered to help clean up, but Alice kicked us out of the kitchen and said she and Jasper would handle it tomorrow. One by one everyone trickled out with their "take home" bags, compliments of Alice.

I bundled Renata up before we stepped outside and pushed the start button on the keyless fob so the car could warm up before we got in. I could tell the temperature dropped. I picked Renata up so we could get to the car sooner.

Bella and Aiden stood beside her car with the back door open.

"Bye Ren." He shouted.

"Bye Den." She waved.

Bella looked down at Aiden and then at me with furrowed eyebrows and mouthed. "Ren?"

I shrugged my shoulders.

Aiden got in the car, and she closed the door. "See you guys later." She waved.

"Alright, be safe." I waved back before she got into the car.

Emmett and Rosalie walked up to me. "It was nice to meet you, Edward." She said as she smiled at me.

Emmett displayed a wide grin with his arm wrapped around her shoulders. "Lists and organization? Really, dude?" He shook his head.

"Whatever Em." I rolled my eyes. "It was nice to meet you too, Rosalie."

Emmett chuckled. "We'll talk tomorrow." He whispered something in Rosalie's ear that I couldn't hear, she smirked.

"I'll see you later, squirt." He kissed Renata's cheek.

"See you later, Uncle Em."

"Goodnight, Renata." Rosalie wiggled her fingers.

Renata waved as they crossed the street to her car.

Jake and Ivey waved from their car, which was parked closer to Alice's house. "Good night everyone." they said in unison. I jerked my chin. "Good night."

Angela and Demetri parked closer to Emmett's car. They walked huddled together, shoulders hunched from the chilly wind. "Good night, Mr. Men—I'm mean Edward." Demetri said.

Angela hit his arm. "Have a good night, Edward and Renata. It was nice to meet you both."

"The pleasure was all mine, Angela." I smiled. "Good night, Demetri." I said with light sarcasm.

I got Renata into the car and after she buckled herself in, I walked around and got in the car.

Before I pulled off, I turned around and looked at Renata. I knew there would be no story time tonight; she was worn out, and I could see it in her eyes.

I smiled. "You had a good time, Sweetheart?"

Her heavy eyes glowed. "I had fun, Daddy."

"I'm happy you did." I buckled my seat belt. "Why did Aiden call you Ren?"

"We're friends now, Daddy and friends have nicknames for each other."

I chuckled. "Oh, okay." I pulled out of the parking space and headed home.

I have to admit, tonight was really great. It looked like Jellybean made a new friend… and maybe so did I.

On the other side of town…

Chelsea

I sat on the chase of my white sectional that Alec recently bought me; a gift from the last argument we had when I mentioned meeting his parents. I sipped on my favorite red wine, a 1951 Penfolds Grange. I can admit, I finished the entire bottle. No, I don't normally drink this much, but I think this anger is keeping me sober. So, I went to the kitchen, grabbed another bottle from the wine rack, dragged myself back to the expensive couch, plopped down and poured another glass.

I can't believe Alec, of all people dismissed me, ME!

Flashback:

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

She pulled her arm and turned to face him. "You can. But there will be no introductions today."

Is he really going to let her dictate this?

She 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." She sighed. "Alec this isn't about us." Bella pointed between herself and Alec. "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."

How is he being careless? The sooner she realizes that I'm a permeant fixture in Alec's life, the better this will be.

She squeezed his arm. "Please start thinking about your son more than you think about yourself." She said and walked away.

His shoulders were tense, and his back looked rigid.

Alec rubbed his hands over his face and let out a heavy sigh.

I took a few steps and was behind him. I placed my hand on his back and gently rubbed his back, but it remained tense. "It's okay, Al." I kissed his cheek. "We can figure something else out. We did the best we could, but if that bitch thinks she can keep Aiden away from us—"

"Go home."

I flinched back slightly; my hands dropped from his back. "Excuse me?"

"Go home, Chelsea." He didn't even look at me.

"What do you mean go home?" I crossed my arms. "We were supposed to spend the day together and now cause she…" I pointed to the library, "had a tantrum we have to cancel our plans?" I shook my head. "I don't think so. I won't let her win, she will not ruin our day, not if I have anything to do with—"

"CHELSEA!" He finally looked at me, but his eyes were cold, his nostrils flared, and a vein pulsed in his forehead. "I SAID GO HOME."

I took another step back. "You're picking her over me?"

He frowned but said nothing.

I laughed; I could hear the edge in it. "Are you serious?" My eyes bulged, and I looked around. "Tell me you are joking right now."

Alec sighed, and his shoulders slumped. "I want to see my son." He said in a tired tone, but now I was angry.

"SO, MAKE HER! GO IN THERE AND GET YOUR SON!"

He turned away from me and raked his fingers through his hair before he turned back and yelled. "I CAN'T!" He looked at me before he placed his hands on his hips and sighed, seeming to calm down. "And you know that, if I want to see Aiden, I have to play by her rules."

"So that's it?" I crossed my arms again. "You're not even gonna stand up to her? To fight for me?"

"Yes Chelsea, that's it." He closed his eyes and rubbed his temples for a moment before they opened. "Now I'm going inside to see my son." He pointed behind him. "Just go home and I'll see you later." He said before he walked away.

I stood in that same spot, almost frozen, until he disappeared from my sight.

He didn't kiss me goodbye.

He didn't hug me.

He didn't even apologize for yelling.

As I walked down the stairs into the parking lot, I found it funny that during our… conversation no one had walked in or out of the library. But it wasn't until I stood next to Alec's car that I remembered we rode here together.

And he went inside to his son… to her.

And left me out here in the cold with no ride home.

It was during my walk to the train that I felt my eyes water with tears.

It was during the train ride I felt some regret for a few of my words.

But it was the walk from the train to my apartment that I truly felt anger, maybe even rage set in.

End Flashback

And that's how I found myself pouring my fourth glass of wine.

Alec hadn't called or even text.

I saw him three hours ago.

And the library closed at 5.

I knew he'd show up. He always does. But I figured why not drink while I waited for him? By the time he got here, my alcohol-clouded mind would either add more fuel to the fire or mellow me out. I'm not sure which one would happen though.

Honestly, I wasn't sure I really wanted to meet Aiden. I never imagined having kids of my own, much less playing a second mom to someone else's. But I would be damned if she would keep me from Alec's son.

As far as I knew we were just going to have lunch and maybe see a movie, but I didn't know about Alec's other plans until I got in the car; he wanted Aiden and I to meet for the first time. It seemed important to him and I didn't want to disappoint him, so I agreed. But that really blew up in my face. And as far as I knew, Alec had seen Aiden not too long ago, so I'm not so sure why he was so insistent on seeing him today.

I know Alec is a package deal; having a kid and all, and mostly I'm willing to deal with that and even the kids' mother because I love Alec.

But does that mean Bella will dictate certain parts of Alec's and my relationship?

As time passed, I continued to drink, much slower but still drinking. I paced as I drank and waited for Alec to get here.

What felt like hours later, I heard the front door open and close. I stopped pacing.

I looked at the clock in the kitchen. 7:30.

I sat the glass down on the coffee table.

"Hey Buttercup." Alec said as he walked from the entryway and towards the living room.

I eased down onto the couch.

"Buttercup." Alec stepped into the room and smiled once he saw me. "Didn't you hear me?"

I placed my elbows on my knees. "Where have you been?" I stared at him.

He frowned. "I was at the library, remember?" He intoned, as if he was talking to a child.

"The library closed two hours ago."

He stayed quiet.

"Were you out playing house," I put quotes around house, "with your ex-wife?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Are you crazy?" He tugged on his earlobe. "I was not playing house; I was spending time with my son."

"Okay, that's nice." I nodded. "But the library closed at 5." I glanced at the clock in the kitchen. "So, I'll ask you again. Where. Were. You?"

"God, I just can't win today." He covered his mouth with his hand and turned away. "Chelsea." He turned back around. "I really don't have it in me for another fight. After I left the library, alone, I went to my parent's house to talk. That's it, okay?"

I remained silent.

He sighed. "Look, I'm sorry I yelled at you, I was out of line." He walked to the couch and sat beside me. "I had to stay, to prove to her I care about Aiden." He wrapped his arms around me. "I know today didn't go as planned, and I apologize." He kissed my temple. "I had to spend some time with my son, then I made a stop at my parents, but you know you're my girl." He kissed me again. "You know that, right? You're my number one girl."

I stared at the wall in front of me. "Do you mean it?"

He pulled me closer. "Of course, I do."

"Don't dismiss me like that again Alec, I didn't like that. She's going to have to learn how to respect me as someone who is in your life." I looked him in the eyes.

"It will never happen again." He kissed my forehead.

I knew he didn't actually agree with what I just said, but I guess for now it's enough.

I placed a kiss on his chin. "I love you Alec." I leaned into him and placed my head on his chest.

He rocked us for a moment before he said. "You know how I feel about you. I'm going to make this up to you. How about we go to Tiffany's tomorrow?" He nuzzled his nose against my ear. "I think a pair of diamond earrings would look perfect."

"That would be nice." I whispered.

We stayed wrapped around each other for a little longer. "I'm starving, let's get some takeout." He pulled away and stood up. "Are you in the mood for anything specific?"

I gave a halfhearted smile and shook my head. "You decide."

He walked into the kitchen, opened the drawer that held all the menus and went through them. He held up a white menu. "What about Monteverde?"

"That's fine with me."

He smiled. "What do you want?"

I shrugged. "Surprise me."

I loved this man, I really did. And I couldn't imagine my life without him.

I could see an amazing future with him, and I knew Bella was wrong, but…

But…

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't seem to shake that one thought out of my head. Her voice… words.

As I stared at Alec while he placed our order, I kept hearing the words over and over again like a never-ending loop. 'You seem to be the only one who doesn't know you're being fucked over.'

A/N: What do you all think about Ren & Den's conversation? What are your thoughts about Edward and Bella's conversation? How about the ice breaker game they played? Who had the most interesting answers to you from the ice breaker game? Who had the least interesting answers?

We had to hear from Chelsea and Alec after the library incident. We are tickled pink to hear your thoughts… we already know some of our wonderful reviewers hate Chelsea's guts and has come up with some of the most creative names for her that literally have us crying laughing. Please share your thoughts…

RECS: If the Boughs Break, Blood Will Flow, by heartfortwilight. You can find this awesome story at if you're looking for Mobward with twists and turns, this is your story!

Unplanned Perfection, by littlecat358. Bella and Alice were best friends, which made Bella the only girl off limits to Alice's brother Edward. When a party the summer after graduation gets out of control, Bella's world is turned upside down. "He doesn't know. I don't want him to."