Somewhere To Begin Chapter 14, a twilight fanfic

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Chapter 14: You Got A Friend In Me

Bella

Our ride home was quiet. Aiden was asleep and jazz music played low on my radio. Chicago has one of the most beautiful skylines, especially at night. The city was always busy yet never too noisy; there was always something to do or see, one of the many things I loved about downtown. I drove slowly to take in the scenery. I saw uniformed doorman that assisted patrons, people that milled in and out of the restaurants along Michigan Avenue, the decorative lights strung up and the street sweepers on a Saturday evening.

I took a breath and felt a soft smile take over my face. I don't think I've felt this peaceful in a while.

I wouldn't admit it to Alice, but I'm glad she talked me into coming. With the afternoon I had, I needed something lighthearted.

I chuckled as I thought about the few times Edward spaced out. Although the deer in headlight expression was cute on him, it looked like he had a bit on his mind and maybe that's something I can relate to.

All in all, I believe everyone got along and we have established some new friendships tonight, including Renata and Aiden, or as they call themselves now, Ren and Den. I'm glad they worked it out among themselves and had fun tonight. Maybe Renata and Edward will go to story time with us next week

Would it be too forward if I asked Edward and Renata to join us for lunch afterwards?

That wouldn't be considered a date, right?

I mean it couldn't be, but the kids would be with us, so that doesn't count as a date.

It would just be two divorced adults with their children eating lunch together.

We had to eat; we would just do it together.

Totally normal.

I was overthinking this way too much.

I felt like I didn't know how to talk to men now. Not that I was incapable of it, or that it would go past friendly conversation, but sometimes I felt a little awkward, even if it wasn't anything romantic… or even if they weren't ridiculously attractive like Edward. Not that his looks proved a point or… Ugh, whatever.

What I meant was while divorce wasn't something I wanted to bond over, it would be nice to have someone that understands. Not to say that none of my other friends wouldn't be a listening ear if I needed one but, divorces were tricky, you married a person you knew or at least thought you knew, and then you blinked and you had a new address and questioned everything you thought you knew. In simplest terms, everything changed.

Change.

Prior to tonight, I never gave much thought to the word. I just accepted the situation for what it was.

Even if he rambled a bit, Edward made a valid point.

In this process, the only thing that felt certain was change.

At one point, I was certain that I would love Alec for the rest of my life.

That we would be together forever.

That he'd be an amazing father.

But the only thing I felt I could be certain of was… uncertainty, at least with Alec.

And there went that peaceful mood.

I entered the parking garage and pulled into my assigned spot and unbuckled my seat belt.

No, I won't let what Alec does or doesn't do affect my day or attitude, not anymore. I had to take control over my life, and that started with asserting my power. I wouldn't let anyone, or in this case specifically Alec and his Buttercup, ruin my day ever again. It's my day!

Yeah! To hell with the both of them.

If anyone ruined it, it'd be me!

Wait. That wasn't how that went.

You got my point.

I cut off the car, grabbed my bag and stepped out. It was quiet in the parking garage; the only thing that could be heard was the echo of my door closing. I opened the back driver's-side door and found Aiden slumped over and softly snoring.

It amazed me at times how he looked just like his father.

I unbuckled his booster seat.

"Aiden." I whispered. "Honey, we're home." He snored.

I ran my fingers through his hair. "Aiden."

"Mmm." He groaned and turned his head.

Looked like I'd have to carry him.

I grabbed the bag with the library books, placed my purse high on my shoulder, put my hands under him and bent my knees. "Okay." I exhaled. "Don't lift with your back, Swan. Here we go, one, two, three." I groaned out as I picked him up.

I didn't remember him being this heavy a few months ago.

I walk as quickly but carefully as I can into the lobby. "Hello, Ms. Swan." Steven, one of the night guard's greeted as he stood. "Do you need some help?"

"Hi Steven. Could you just hit the button for me?" I grunted out as I got closer to the elevator.

"Sure." He rushed to the elevator and pushed the up button.

"Thank you." A few seconds later and the doors opened. "Have a goodnight, Steven."

"You too, Mrs. Swan."

The ride thankfully went by quick, however the real trouble came when I got to the front door.

How was I supposed to unlock the door like this?

I looked around as if someone would appear out of thin air to help. Of course, no one did.

I sighed. I gently sat Aiden down in front of the door and leaned his still sleeping form against me, I quickly rummaged through my purse, one handed and got the key. With one hand on Aiden's back I opened the door, hoisted him up again, closed the door with my foot, locked it and quickly ran-dragged my feet to his room and set him on the bed.

I tossed my bag on the floor and my coat followed.

I walked back to Aiden and removed his coat. I went through his dresser drawers and got him a set of pajamas. I slowly changed his clothes; hoping to not wake him and pulled the comforter up. I hung his coat up in the closet, picked up his clothes and placed them over my shoulder and kissed his forehead. I grabbed my things and walked out of his room.

That was a workout.

I went to the laundry room and placed his clothes on top of the washing machine. I walked to my bedroom, set my coat and purse on the bench at the foot of my bed and changed into something comfortable. I jumped into bed and glanced at the clock. 9:30.

I guessed it would be an early night for me.

I placed my arms behind my head and looked up at the ceiling.

My phone chirped.

I frowned and went to my purse and pulled it out.

Alec.

I opened his text.

Hey Isa. Can I come over tomorrow and spend some time with Aiden?

Well, I guessed he may have been serious about making more of an effort.

That would be fine.

Then I remembered how earlier today went.

There won't be any surprise visitors this time, right?

He replied instantly. No, just me. That won't happen again.

I didn't feel the need to dissect his response. Whatever happens between those two doesn't really concern me.

What time works best for you?

Oh, he's being accommodating.

Anytime after noon. I quickly type.

Great, see you then .

We sent smiley faces now.

Okay, goodnight Alec. I felt it would be more accurate to send a confused or disbelieving emoji, but to keep things peaceable I just sent the text sans emoji.

He must have felt the doubt through the message.

I mean it, I've turned over a new leaf. Goodnight Isa.

Now I wanted to send the clown emoji. I guess I'm supposed to be boo-boo the fool.

I put the phone on the nightstand and got in bed. Maybe it's wrong of me to not want to give him the benefit of the doubt, but I couldn't help it, he's nowhere near the man I'd married and now I questioned everything he did. Don't get me wrong, I wanted him to be a wonderful father, but should it feel like this? Weird. Like the other shoe will drop, and when it does is won't be pretty.

My stomach quivered as I laid underneath the covers and tried to will myself to sleep. I couldn't fight the feeling of anxiousness.

What bumps or challenges could surface now that Alec turned a new leaf, and would it affect Aiden even more? Could it really be this smooth, a quick change of his mind and boom, he's a better father?

In the back of my mind, I heard it… my conscious… myself, I guess. The voice whispered so quietly I almost missed it, wanted to miss it.

Because you know the truth.

Maybe I did… maybe I didn't.

Or maybe I was just as confused as Aiden.

Because you know the truth.

You know the truth.

STB

I watched the sunrise from my bedroom window. Fall settled in well. The city slowly took on a warm glow of hazy amber as the sun's rays settled upon Lake Michigan. I closed my eyes and tried to shut my mind off and fall into the restful blackness and possibly dream. Instead, I tossed and turned all night. I picked a spot on my ceiling to stare at because I refused to look at the glowing red numbers from my alarm clock.

I threw the comforter off of me and sat on the side of the bed. The clock read seven o'clock, much too early to be up on a Sunday. I rubbed the back of my neck and took a few breaths. I think I slept three hours.

I abandoned the idea of sleep in favor of a hot shower. After I showered, brushed my teeth, washed my face and put on some sweatpants with a t-shirt. I threw my hair in a ponytail and walked back in my bedroom and stripped the sheets off my bed and threw them in the washing machine.

I busied myself with cleaning the bathrooms, washing clothes, and cleaning out the refrigerator to avoid the unshakable sense of knowing something was wrong, even if I couldn't put my finger on it. When I get to this place, I've always used cleaning as a therapy to help relieve whatever stress I'm dealing with.

I got so caught up in cleaning the mirrors I didn't hear Aiden walk up behind in the bathroom.

"Good morning, Mommy."

I smiled at his reflection in the mirror. "Good morning, Sweetheart. Did you sleep well?"

He rubbed his eyes and nodded his head. "Yes."

"Did you brush your teeth yet?"

"Nope, not yet."

I leaned down, kissed the top of his head and patted him on the bottom. "Go brush your teeth and then tell me what you want for breakfast."

Aiden darted out of the bathroom down the hall towards his bathroom. "Be back in a minute."

I wiped the counter down, put away the cleansers and washed my hands. I flopped down on the bench at the end of my bed with my head titled back facing the ceiling. I felt better after cleaning, as if that helped bring clarity to my thoughts.

I decided I wouldn't tell Aiden about Alec's visit today. If he showed up, great. If not, Aiden wouldn't even know he was supposed to come. I released a satisfied sigh after I made that internal decision.

"Mommy. I'm ready for breakfast now." He sang my name as he ran into the room.

I chuckled. "How about some cereal this morning?"

"What kind do we have?"

I counted off on my fingers. "We have Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Honey Nut Cheerios, Honey Smacks and Frosted Flakes."

He vehemently nodded his head. "I like cereal. I'll get my Shrek bowl." He ran towards the kitchen.

"Wait up Aiden, let me get the bowl for you, you can't reach it yet."

"Okay, Mommy." He yelled from the kitchen.

I walked in the kitchen as he bounced from toe to toe by the cabinet with the bowls. I opened the cabinet and reached on the first shelf and handed him his bowl. He ran to the panty and picked his choice of the morning, Cinnamon Toast Crunch. I watched him while he poured his cereal and milk while I poured myself Honey Nut Cheerios. I pulled out some grapes and apples out of the refrigerator to go with our cereal.

When we settled down on the stools at kitchen island, I brought up Saturday evening with his new friend 'Ren.' I nudged him with my elbow. "So, is everything okay between you and Renata?"

He looked up from his bowl. "Yeah, we're friends now."

I smiled. "I'm glad you worked it out."

"Me too. I like her." His eyes lit up. "Can I ask her to come to the library with me next time so she can meet my new friends, Hannah and Sam?"

"I already asked her dad, and he's going to see if she wants to come."

"I'll tell her about all the fun we have tomorrow at school, she'll wanna come then."

I ran my fingers through his hair. "Okay, Sweetheart."

After we finished our breakfast, we played a few board games while Cars played on the TV in the background. The home phone rang just as we were putting the games away in the cabinet.

"Hello."

"Good afternoon Ms. Swan, how are you." Jonathan asked.

"I'm doing well, thank you for asking. How are you?"

"I'm good." He cleared his throat. "I have a Mr. Alec Scott down here for you, is it okay to let him come up?"

"Yes, that's fine, send him up."

"Alright, thank you. You have a nice day."

"You do the same." I said as I hung up the phone.

I guess he was serious.

Aiden started Shrek and sat to watch it. "Aiden, Honey, your Dad is on his way up to see you."

Aiden's eyes widened. "Really?"

I smiled and shook my head. "Yes, really."

Moments later the doorbell rang, and Aiden stood behind me as he held onto my legs. I opened the door and Alec stood there with his hands in his pocket.

"Hi Dad." Aiden waved.

Alec bent down so he was eye level with Aiden. "I'm happy to see you, Son."

I stepped to the side to let Alec walk in. "Hey Isa, how are you?" He smirked, looking smug.

Right, because he would think he deserves a reward for being a parent.

I rolled my eyes while I closed and locked the door. "Hey Alec."

"Dad, you wanna watch Shrek with me or do you wanna play some board games?"

Alec ruffled Aiden's hair. "Whatever you want to do." He smiled.

"Let's look at Shrek, it just started."

"Cool with me." Alec followed Aiden into the living room.

I didn't feel like I had to stay in the same room as them, but I was definitely going to be in earshot so I could hear everything.

Yeah, we don't want him to say anything he shouldn't to Aiden. He's shown he doesn't always have common sense.

"Alec, there are still a few things I need to do around here, so I'll leave you to it."

"I'm good hanging with my little buddy, go do what you need to do."

I winked at Aiden and walked into the kitchen to load the dishwasher.

Aiden seemed to enjoy spending time with Alec. They played with his toys, watched Shrek again, and read a few of his books. When lunch time came around, I made us all simple cold cuts with a side of chips. We sat at the kitchen table, while we ate Aiden told Alec about Ren.

"It's good that you guys are friends now." Alec said.

Aiden nodded. "We're gonna watch Shrek together, but." He scrunched his face up. "I have to watch Moana with her."

"That's fair, that way you both get to watch something you like." He turned to me. "Do you have anything to drink?"

"Let me see what I have." I stood and made my way to the refrigerator and opened it. "I have lemonade, water, and almond milk."

"Lemonade would be great." Alec said. I grabbed the lemonade, closed the fridge and walked to the counter.

"Can I have some lemonade too?" Aiden asked.

"Sure." I pulled out three glasses from the top cabinet.

"What else did you do at your Aunt's house?"

"I played on Jasper's PlayStation; it was so fun! Mommy might get me one." He smiled at me.

Actually, I hadn't decided yet.

"I have one at my place, we can play it together when you spend the night with me." Alec said.

I spilled some lemonade on the counter.

What did he just say?

Aiden frowned. "Um, okay." He glanced at me. "Can Mommy come too?"

I grabbed their cups and walked back to the table and smiled at Aiden. "We can talk about that later." I placed Alec's drink in front of him, a little harder than what was necessary, and then I gave Aiden his lemonade down. "Here you go, Sweetie." I put my hands on the back of Aiden's chair and glared at Alec.

"Thank you, Mommy." Aiden said before he sipped his drink.

Alec stared at me while he drank his lemonade.

I should have spit in it.

He sat his glass down and continued to hold my gaze. I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow at him. He rolled his eyes at me. My eyes narrowed, and I tilted my head. He put his hands up as if to say he surrendered.

Good.

He turned to Aiden, who still had his straw in his mouth. "How about we watch one more movie before I go?"

Aiden put his cup down and slid out of his chair. "Okay, I'll go start Shrek over."

"How about a different movie buddy?" Alec stood.

Aiden pouted. "The Incredibles?"

"Yeah, lets watch that." He followed Aiden into the living room.

I rubbed my neck to lessen the tension that was there.

Spend the night at his house? Has he lost all of his damn mind?

I quickly washed the dishes we used for lunch and walked to the living room to join Aiden and Alec.

Hopefully, he doesn't come up with anymore bright ideas.

I plopped down beside Aiden. "A new movie, how exciting."

"Shh, Mommy. It's starting." Aiden whispered.

We watched the rest of the movie in silence and by the time it ended Aiden looked close to sleep.

"Alright buddy." Alec stood. "I'll see you later." He ruffled Aiden's hair before he kissed his cheek.

"See ya later." He said drowsily before he laid his head on one of the throw pillows.

Alec led the way to the door as I followed behind him. He paused when he got to the door and turned around with his gaze set on me.

"So, you won't let him spend the night with me, Isa?"

"I don't think we're at that point yet."

"Are you saying you don't trust me with our child?"

I crossed my arms and sighed. "No, what I'm saying is he's not spending the night with you just yet, so please don't do that again." I opened the door. "Goodnight."

Alec clinched his jaw but said nothing as he walked out of the door. I closed and locked the door behind him. I went back into the living room and laid beside the already sleep Aiden.

Since sleep was almost non-existent last night, I took advantage of this time to catch a few Z's myself.

"Mommy." Aiden shook my shoulder.

"Yes." I kept my eyes closed.

"Are you still sleeping?"

I chuckled. "Not anymore."

"Good." I opened my eyes and came face to face with Aiden who was smiling. "Can we get something to eat?"

I sat up and yawned. "What would you like?"

"Pizza!" he bounced.

"Okay, pizza it is." I stood and stretched.

"With peperoni."

"You got it." I grabbed my phone and looked up the number to Giordano's and placed our order, I went to my room, grabbed cash out of my wallet and threw myself back down onto the couch.

"The food will be here shortly."

While we waited for the pizza to arrive, Aiden played with his toys and I mindlessly scrolled on Facebook. I was just about to log out when I saw a friend suggestion.

Edward Cullen.

Should I send a friend request?

I know we had a great conversation before, but would I be coming on too strong?

The house phone rang. I reached over to grab it. "Hello."

"Good evening, Ms. Swan, your pizza is here."

"Great, send them up, please."

"Of course." He hung up, I put the receiver back on the base and sighed.

We could consider each other friends, now right. My sister was dating his best friend, after all.

Maybe we could at least be social media friends, and everyone knew social media friends aren't always friends, friends.

My finger hovered over the screen.

Worst-case scenario, he ignored it.

No, actually worst-case scenario, he declines it.

Thanks for that, really.

No problem, like you said, if anyone's going to ruin our day it would be you… me… us?

Was I really confused on who could ruin my day; whether it's me or the voice inside my head? Yeah, I shouldn't say that out loud.

There was a knock at the door. Before I could overthink it anymore, I pressed send request, tossed my cell behind me, jumped up and ran to the door.

"One thin crust Chicago Classic." The delivery guy said as soon as I opened the door while he looked down at the receipt.

"Yeah, that's me."

"That'll be $25.20." He held his hand out.

I gave him $40. "Keep the change." He handed me the pizza.

"Thanks." He jerked his chin and walked off.

I closed the door and walked to the kitchen. "Aiden, foods here." I called as I placed the pizza on the island and grabbed plates.

He ran in and climbed into a chair. "It smells good!"

I inhaled loudly. "I know." I groaned out.

I set his plate in front of him and sat down in the chair next to me with my food. We stayed quiet for a few moments while we ate our food.

I wiped my hands off with a napkin. "Are you ready for school tomorrow?"

He nodded. "I'm gonna sit next to Ren." He took a bite of pizza.

I chuckled. "Okay, I'm sure Ren would like that."

He frowned at me and chewed. "Mommy, you can't call her that, you're not her friend."

"Oh." I guffawed. "Well, I apologize."

"It's okay, you just have to ask her if you can call her that."

"Will do buddy, will do."

He smiled and took another bite.

After we finished eating, we lazed around some more, since I'd done all my cleaning earlier. We built a fort using the couch cushions and blankets, drew pictures together, played Go Fish and watched more movies.

At 8 o'clock I directed Aiden to his bedroom. "Get your PJ's and a pair of underwear and take a bath."

While he was in the bathroom, I picked out his outfit for tomorrow, a pair of gray and white joggers, with a white t-shirt, and a blue and white hoodie with stripes. I walked back to the living room and put the cushions and blankets back in their proper place and put up the Go Fish cards. After that, I put the leftover pizza in the fridge and washed off our plates.

Once I finished tidying up, I walked to the bathroom Aiden was using. I raised my hand to knock on the door when it opened. "I'm finished."

I ran my fingers threw his hair. "Time to get into bed."

"Will you read me a story?"

"I'd love to." We walked to his bedroom, and he picked We Don't Eat Our Classmate, handed it to me and got in the bed. I sat on the edge, opened the book and began reading to him. He was asleep before I finished reading, I kissed his forehead, turned off the lamp and walked out of his bedroom.

It wasn't too late, so I decide to do a little work. I grabbed my laptop and looked through articles, emailed a few photo shoot ideas to Demetri and started working on the cover for the upcoming issue. At 11 o'clock I called it quits.

When I got in my room and went to lie down, I remembered we needed a few items from the grocery store. I reached over to the nightstand to grab my phone but felt nothing.

Ugh, I left it in the living room.

I'll get it later, I'm too comfortable.

You know, if you don't make a list now, you'll forget what you need later.

I groaned as I threw the covers off of me and dragged my feet back to the living room. I walked to the couch and didn't see the phone; I even lifted the couch cushions. It wasn't under the couch or in one of chairs. To save myself some time, I used the house phone to call my cell. It took a few calls, but I finally found it inside the ottoman.

At least it wasn't in the fridge like last time.

I opened my phone and quickly typed the list of items we would need and walked back to my room.

It wasn't until I was back in bed that I saw I had one notification from Facebook. I opened the app and saw that Edward had accepted my friend request.

Maybe we were friends after all.

STB

Mondays can really suck.

Have you ever had a weekend where you felt like you needed a break from the weekend you just had?

That's how this Monday felt.

It was a struggle to get out of bed; even with Aiden doing his normal morning routine. We had another simple breakfast of cereal, did our hygiene, got dressed and made our way to the parking garage.

I can admit, I didn't put much effort into my choice of outfit but, hey everyone's allowed one bad day. I'm certain Demetri wouldn't agree, but at least I'm not in sweats.

Aiden hummed with the music during the ride.

I pulled into the school and parked in the first open spot, cut the truck off and got out.

It was really warm today considering it was October.

Welcome to the windy city where usually our two seasons are construction and winter! But for some strange reason today feels more like Spring than Fall.

I opened the back door for Aiden and, as he unbuckled himself, I took my coat off and tossed it on the backseat.

"You're going to have a great day. Right, Buddy?" I asked him as he jumped out of the truck.

"Yeah, the greatest." He smiled at me.

"That's what I like to hear." I grabbed his hand and walked with him towards the building.

Just as we were about to go inside, we heard. "Den!" We turned our heads and saw Renata and Edward.

"Hey, Ren." Aiden said when they got close enough.

"Good morning." Edward said as he smiled at Aiden and I.

"Good morning." I smiled back.

"Morning." Aiden said as I opened the door for Aiden and Renata to go in.

"Hi Den's Mommy." Renata whispered as Edward and I walked in behind them.

I looked at her. "Hi Renata." I chuckled. "You can call me Bella."

She blinked at me. "Kay."

"Come on, Ren." Aiden said. They murmured amongst themselves while we walked to their classroom.

"Good morning." Mrs. Murphy said with a smile when she saw Aiden and Renata. "Mrs. Cope will be thrilled to see that." She said as looked at Edward and I.

"They're the best of buds now." Edward said. "But please don't hesitate to call if you feel there's a problem."

"Yes, please call me if you need to." I said.

She glanced down at the kids. "I think we'll be just fine."

"Aiden, I'll see you later okay." I held my arms out for a hug.

"See you later." He wrapped his arms around my legs.

Renata and Edward were hugging as well. "Have a good day." Edward kissed her forehead.

She nodded her head, turned towards me and waved. "Bye Bella."

Aiden tilted his head and looked at Edward. "What do I call you?"

Edward snorted a laugh and smiled gently. "You can call me Edward."

"Cool. Bye Edward." He waved before he and Renata walked into the classroom.

We chuckled, turned and made our way back to the parking lot.

As we walked in the hallways back to the parking lot surrounded by staff and parents as they guided children to their classroom, it remained quiet between Edward and me. Not uncomfortable, but quiet.

A man who had papers overflowing from his hands rushed by and bumped into me, knocking me into Edward. He grabbed my waist to balance me.

"Sorry about that." The man said as he continued walking.

I looked in his direction before I turned to Edward and smiled. "Good catch."

He still held my waist. "I guess I'm quick on my feet."

I inhaled. "Lucky me." He held my gaze.

He smelled so good. Clean. Not like the 'oh he showers clean' but fresh, like taking the sheets out of the dryer while they're still warm, fresh. He smelled like a cool summer's day. Like mint and vanilla. I had the urge to stick my nose in his neck so badly…

Ring!

A bell announcing that school had officially started pulled me out of my thoughts.

I shook my head and stepped back. "Sorry about that."

He let out a shaky laugh and stuffed his hands in his pocket. "Nothing to apologize for." He looked down.

My eyes darted around the hallway. "Right." I cleared my throat and jerked my thumb behind me. "I should get going."

He looked up. "Me too." We looked at each other.

"Okay." I let out a breathy laugh and made my way outside as Edward followed behind me.

Once I got to breathe in some fresh air, I felt I had better control of myself.

"I parked over there." He jerked his head to the right toward a gray Maserati truck.

"I'm right here." I pointed in front of us.

It was quiet for a second. "So, I guess I'll see you later." Edward said.

I bit my lip and nodded my head. "Yeah, I'll see you later."

He walked backwards slowly, but kept eye contact. "Have a great day, Bella."

"Thank you. You too."

"Be productive." He stopped walking and grimaced. From where I stood, his cheeks seemed a little flushed.

I laughed. "I will."

He rubbed his neck, opened and closed his mouth a few times before he finally said. "Bye." He turned and walked to his car.

"Bye." I felt myself smile as I shook my head and walked to my truck and got in and made my way to work.

I guess Monday's aren't so bad after all.

STB

"Don't you look comfortable." Demetri said as soon as I got upstairs.

I glanced down at my black sweater and jeans. "Actually, I feel really cozy." I smirked.

"Be quiet, Demetri." Angela threw a pen at him. "She looks cute."

"I'm not saying she doesn't, I just didn't know it was going to be causal Monday." He said as he adjusted his suit jacket.

"Well, I wasn't going to say anything but…" Angela looked at her computer and began typing. "Your tie is kinda gaudy."

Demetri gasped and turned to me.

I nodded and held my thumb and pointer finger close together and mouthed. "Just a little."

He turned back to Angela. "That was a low blow. I don't have to take this type of negativity." He turned to walk away.

Angela rolled her chair back from the computer. "Oh, come on, Babe. Don't be like that." She called after him.

He put his hand up, shook his head and flounced out of the doors.

I laughed. "You know you're going to have to apologize for that later."

"Yeah." She chuckled. "I'll let him stew for a bit."

"Have fun with that." I leaned against her desk. "What does my day look like?"

She rolled back to the computer. "You have a really light day. At noon you have a meeting with the editorial team to go over budgets for next month, and you just have to approve this month's layout, it's on your desk." She looked up at me. "That's all for now."

"That's unusually simple."

"Cherish it. Tomorrow you'll be busy all day and you have a meeting with the publication board."

I groaned. "That'll be fun."

She sucked her teeth. "Sorry."

"Thanks, Ang." I walked into my office and closed my door.

I looked over this month's issue and made suggestions to what I felt were needed. Since I'd worked last night, I had nothing else to do once I finished.

I looked at the clock on my computer. 10 o'clock, I had two hours to kill.

I opened one of my desk drawers, pulled out a sketch pad and my favorite drawing pencil, and worked on the piece that had been in my head for a while.

Only thirty minutes had passed when there was a knock on the door. "You have a visitor." Angela said.

I set my pencil down. "Come in."

Angela grinned as she entered. "She apologizes for not making an appointment, but she says she just had to see you."

I frowned. "Who is it?"

"Hello Darling." Donatella walked in.

I stood from my chair and walked towards them. "Hi, Dona." I hugged her. "How have you been?"

"Fabulous, just fabulous." She squeezed me and pulled back. "Forgive me for just stopping by but I wanted to see you and at the moment I had a little free time. Are you busy?"

"I'd always make time for you Dona."

"I'll leave you two to it." Angela said as she walked out of the office.

"Thank you, Angela." I said before she smiled and closed the door. "Have a seat, there's a lot I have to tell you." I guided her to the couch that was in the corner of my office and sat down.

"Yes, we have some catching up to do." She sat beside me and pat my hand. "Tell me everything." She gave me a pointed look.

Meanwhile…

Renata

When Daddy and Bella left, we walked into the classroom and put our backpacks in our cubbies. I sat down in my seat and looked at the pictures on the wall.

"I'm gonna sit here." Aiden pulled the seat out from under the table.

"You are?" I asked, biting my lip.

He nodded. "We're friends now, and I pink swore. Pinky swearing is forever."

The class filled with the other students; some of them looked at me and Aiden before they sat down. I tried not to look at their faces, but Aiden didn't seem to care.

I was a little nervous.

"You're sitting next to her." Mike said. His nose wrinkled and his eyebrows pinched together.

I knew he was gonna say something.

Aiden turned his head and opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, Mrs. Cope walked into the classroom. "Good morning, class."

"Good morning, Mrs. Cope." We all said together.

"Michael please take a seat." He frowned at Aiden. I watched as he went to sit with his friends. He whispered something to them, and they all looked at us.

"They're staring at you." I whispered to Aiden.

He looked at Mike and the others and turned back to me with a shrug.

"Okay class, today we are going to learn addition." Mrs. Cope said and walked to her desk. "If I have one apple." She held it up in her hand. "And Mrs. Murphy has one apple." She pointed to her. "How many apples do we have together?"

A few of us raised our hands.

"Joseph." She pointed to him. "How many apples do we have?"

"Two." He said.

"That is correct! We have two apples." They set the apples back on her desk. "Now Mrs. Murphy will give each of you a napkin and a pack of goldfish. I'll be handing out a worksheet for you to complete. You can work with the person sitting beside you if you'd like, then when everyone is finished, we will go over it together."

They gave us each a napkin, a pack of goldfish, and a sheet of paper.

"If anyone needs help, raise your hand and either Mrs. Murphy or I will help you."

"Wanna work together?" Aiden asked.

"Yeah." I said as we both opened our goldfish.

We worked on the sheet together and cause we were the first ones to finish, Mrs. Cope let us play with the Play-Doh.

An alarm went off.

"Okay class it's lunch-time." Mrs. Cope said. "We will go over the sheets when we get back. Everyone line up, Mrs. Murphy will take you all down to the cafeteria."

We all stood from our chairs and waited in a line by the door. "Who will be my line leader today?" She walked down the line. When she got to Aiden and me, she smiled.

"How are you two doing today?"

"We're great." Aiden said.

"What about you, Renata?"

"I'm good." I grinned.

"I'm happy to hear that." She smiled and nodded.

She stepped back and whispered something in Mrs. Murphy's ear. "Sarah, you will be my line leader today." Sarah walked to the front of the line.

Mrs. Murphy looked at Mrs. Cope and nodded. "Follow me, class."

We quietly walked to the lunchroom and grabbed our food.

They served a cheese sandwich with an apple and peas.

When I set my food down on the table, I scrunched up my nose.

"What's wrong?" Aiden put his tray down and sat.

"I don't like peas." I eyed them.

"Why?" He took a bite of his sandwich.

"They look funny." I stuck my tongue out.

He swallowed his food. "You should try it, so you can get big like your Uncle Emmett."

I shook my head. "It doesn't look good."

"What are you two talking about?" Mrs. Murphy sat across from us with her lunch bag.

"Ren won't eat her peas." Aiden said.

I rolled my eyes. "Cause they look gross."

Mrs. Murphy chuckled. "Have you tried them before Renata?"

"No."

"Then how do you know you don't like it?" She tilted her head.

I shrugged my shoulders.

"How about this, if you try it one time and you don't like it, you don't have to eat them again while you're at school?"

"Yeah Ren, just try it." Aiden said.

I looked at the both of them. I picked up the spoon and took a bite.

My face scrunched up as I chewed and then swallowed. "I was right. I don't like it." I took a sip of my juice to get the nasty taste out of my mouth.

Mrs. Murphy smiled. "Good job Renata, even though you didn't like it, you tried it and that was a great thing to do."

We finished the rest of our lunch and then we went outside for recess. We hadn't been outside for a while; we had to have recess in the gym cause Mrs. Cope said it had been too cold for us to be outside.

Mrs. Murphy played with Aiden and I. We used chalk to draw pictures on the ground, and then we played with the soccer ball.

While we were playing with the ball, Mike and his friends walked by and stopped. "Aiden, we're gonna play tag, you coming?"

"Ren, do you wanna play tag?"

I looked at Mike. "No."

He looked mean.

"No, I'm gonna play with Ren."

"Why do you wanna play with—"

"Michael." Mrs. Murphy said. "They would like to continue playing their game. You, Oliver, Noah, and William can play tag."

Mike narrowed his eyes at Aiden, but they walked away.

We played with the soccer ball until it was time to go back inside.

We lined up and walked back to the classroom.

Mrs. Murphy opened the door and stood beside it as we went inside.

Aiden and I took our seats.

"Why are you sitting next to her?" Mike asked with his arms crossed.

"Cause she's my friend." He rolled his eyes.

"If you stay friends with her, I'm not gonna be your friend anymore. She has cooties and your gonna catch'em."

"Don't say that anymore, she's my friend and cooties aren't real, my mommy told me."

"Yes, they are! Your mommy is a liar." He pointed at Aiden.

Aiden frowned. "No, she's not! My mommy doesn't lie." He pounded his fist on the table.

"Yes, she does!" He said, his hands clenched into fists. "I'm going to tell the guys not to be your friend anymore."

Aiden's face was red as he glared at Mike.

"Michael." Mrs. Cope said. "That is unacceptable behavior." She placed her hand on his shoulder. "You apologize to Aiden and Renata."

He blew out a breath and looked at the floor. "I'm sorry." He mumbled.

He doesn't look sorry to me.

"Mrs. Murphy, watch the class for me." She turned around with her hand still on Mike's shoulder. "Me and Michael will visit Principal Moore." They walked out of the room while Mrs. Cope spoke. "You can do story time while we're gone."

"Yes. Mrs. Cope." She turned to us. "Okay kids, let's go to the reading rug." We all walked to the rug and sat down; criss-cross applesauce and Mrs. Murphy started reading.

Aiden sat next to me again.

He kept his pinky swear.

Bella

Dona's mouth fell open. "Stai scherzando?!" She exclaimed.

"Huh?" I never learned more than the basic Italian words, like bathroom or food.

She shook her head. "I-I can't…" She blew out a breath. "I can't believe you didn't say anything about Chelsea when you saw her at my office, Bella." She laughed without humor. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I don't know." I sighed dejectedly. "I didn't want to seem petty or bitter, Dona. You know I like to keep personal issues separate from business." I clasped my hands together. "What does all of this mess have to do with your business, anyway?"

"Isabella Marie Swan, I know you didn't just ask me that." She pinched her lips together. "There is no way in hell I would allow some little slut to work for me that tore up your home. Contract be damned!" She crossed her arms over her chest.

I was at a loss for words. I thought I was being the bigger person by keeping it to myself, but obviously that plan didn't work out too well. She looked like steam would start coming out of her ears at any moment.

I slumped my shoulders. "I'm sorry." I pouted my lips and bat my eyelashes at her as I leaned toward her and laid my head on her shoulder. "I should have told you."

I felt the tension in her shoulders relax and she gave a small smile. "Bella, you know I love you as my own child and I won't have someone like that working for me."

"What can you do? She already has a contract with you."

She smirked with a gleam in her eyes. "No need to worry about that my dear."

"Auntie, what are you going to do?"

"It's not your concern."

Just as I was about to say something, there was a light knock at the door.

I gave Dona a pointed look. "This conversation isn't over."

She waved her hand dismissively. "See who's at the door."

I pursed my lips and shook my head. "Come in."

Angela stuck her head in the door. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I wanted to remind you about your meeting." She looked down at her watch. "In the next ten minutes, everyone is already in the conference room."

I nodded my head. "Thank you, Ang."

She smiled as she closed the door. "You're welcome."

I turned my attention back to Dona. "Now—"

She put her hand up with a devilish smile. "You have a meeting in less than ten minutes, Bella." She stood up from the chair. "You don't have time."

I squinted my eyes at her as I stood. Donatella gathered her purse, stood, and hugged and kissed me on the cheek. "I'll talk to you later this week, Darling." She waved and sashed out of my office.

I snorted a laugh, picked up my folder for the meeting and walked out of my office.

The budget meeting went longer than expected and was very boring. I'm not sure why I have to sit in those, I really only have to say yes or no. Maybe they can email me everything next time? I am the owner, after all. Unfortunately, the meeting was nowhere near being complete and we had to schedule a continuation for another day because it was almost time to pick Aiden up.

I made it out of my meeting just in time, the traffic was a heavier than usual. I pulled into the first parking space available. The school dismissal bell was about to ring in less than a minute. I jogged to the parent pick up area.

Edward was already there, waiting.

I smiled. "Hey, Mr. Productive."

Edward jerked his head up from his phone. "Hey Bella. I didn't even hear you walk up."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." I stood beside him and our hands brushed against each other, but he didn't seem to notice.

Is my hand tingling?

He chuckled. "No worries."

I moved my hand and looked down at it. Nothing looked out of place, maybe my hand just fell asleep.

"Bella?" He stared at me.

I blinked. "How was your day?"

"It was kind of long, I had meetings all day." He put his phone in his pocket. "I'm glad it's over, I'm ready to relax for the rest of the evening."

"Yeah, I hear you. I didn't have a lot of meetings, but the one I had before coming here was too damn long."

Edward nodded but before he could get his thought out something caught his attention.

"Hmm, that's odd." Edward said.

I followed Edward's gaze and saw Mrs. Cope walking with the kids. I tried to gage her facial expression before I glanced at Aiden as they approached.

"Hey, Mommy." Aiden ran into my legs. "Hi Edward." He turned and waved.

"Hi Daddy." Renata said.

"Hi Aiden." Edward leaned down and picked her up. "How's my Jellybean doing?"

"I'm doing good, Daddy." She grinned. "Hi, Bella."

"Hi Renata." I saw Mrs. Cope out of the corner of my eye standing off to the side waiting for us to finish greeting each other.

"Hi Ms. Swan and Mr. Cullen. I just wanted to let you know we're going on a field trip next week." She smiled. "You should find the permission slips in their backpacks. We're asking a few of the parents to volunteer as chaperones." Mrs. Cope turned and looked me in the eye. "If I can have just a moment of your time, please?" She pointed in the direction she wanted us to walk.

Aiden grabbed my hand before I moved. "All I did was sit with my friend."

I cupped his cheek. "It's okay, Honey. Let me talk to Mrs. Cope, okay?"

He nodded his head. "K."

I looked over at Edward. "Do you mind standing here with Aiden while I talk to her?"

Edward waved his hand. "Go ahead, we'll be over here." He thumbed the bench behind him.

I walked a few steps to where Mrs. Cope stood. I clinched the purse strap. "Is everything okay?"

She offered a small smile. "Ms. Swan, I apologize if I alarmed you, but Aiden didn't do anything." I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. "I wanted to inform you because of the situation that happened prior. I'm sure you remember the name Mike coming up in previous conversation?" I nodded my head in agreement. "Well, it seems he had an issue with Renata and Aiden being friends."

She told me about the words they exchanged during class.

"Wow." My eyebrows raised. "That's…" I trailed off.

"Yeah." Mrs. Cope sighed. "I talked with the principal and we've decided that it would be best to move him to another classroom to prevent any further disruptions."

"I'm not sure what to say."

"It's okay, I don't think there is much to say. I just wanted to keep you informed."

"Well, thank you for telling me, Mrs. Cope. Have a good afternoon."

"You as well, Ms. Swan."

I walked over to the bench where Edward sat, and the kids were laughing and chasing each other around.

Edward raised his brows. "Is everything okay?"

I bit my lip and nodded. "Yeah, I'll tell you about it later."

We stared at each other for a brief minute.

"Hey, Mommy, can we go to the park today?"

Renata jumped up and down. "Yeah, Daddy, can we go to the park for a little while, please Daddy, please?"

Edward shrugged his shoulders. "Okay, Sweetheart."

"Can we go too?" Aiden asked.

"Come on Bella, if I'm going, you're going." Edward chuckled.

"Alright, alright. Which park?" I asked

"The Lakeshore Park is the closest." Edward said.

"Okay, let's go."

"Yes!" Aiden and Renata high-fived each other.

"Grab your bookbags and let's go." Edward said.

The kids grabbed their bags that were on the side of the bench and we walked towards our vehicles. I didn't notice I parked next to Edward until we were about to leave.

"That park is huge, you can follow behind me, so we don't lose each other." Edward said after securing Renata in her seat.

"Sounds good to me." We got into our vehicles.

Edward didn't pull off until I got in my truck and I followed him out of the parking lot.

We arrived at the park in less than ten minutes; we parked right next to each other. Aiden and I got out of the car and waited for Edward and Renata to get out. Once they did, we trekked our way to the playground.

Aiden and Renata walked in front of us while Edward and I lagged behind. We sat on the bench while the kids ran to the slide. We watched them play for a moment as we sat in silence and enjoyed the strangely pleasant weather in the middle of October.

"Kids are pretty amazing, aren't they?" Edward asked.

I turned to look at him. "What do you mean?"

He sighed and looked back to where the kids were playing. "Take them, for instance, they had a…" he paused, "rocky start but look at them now." I turned to see them running up the stairs together so they could go down the slide. "You would have never thought that one week ago they didn't get along."

"The joys of being a kid, I guess. All it takes is a conversation and nicknames, and everything is right as rain." We chuckled together.

"If only it was like that for adults." He ran his hand through his hair. "If someone would have told me a year ago, this is what my life would look like I would have laughed."

"You could say that again." I sighed. "The person I was three years ago wouldn't have believed that Aiden's father's and my relationship would be in the…" I puffed my cheeks out, "state it's in now." I crossed my legs. "I wouldn't have believed it, but despite all of that, Aiden is the best thing that happened to me."

"I can't imagine my life without my little Jellybean. I've accomplished a lot, but none of it compares to being a father to her."

"That's refreshing to hear." I toyed with my necklace and looked down. "But it seems, in my experience, not every father feels the way you do."

Edward cleared his throat. "I don't… I'm sorry—forgive me if I speak out of turn again, but I don't know how you don't put your children… your family first." He squished his eyebrows together. "I mean, isn't that why we do the things we do? For our family?" He shrugged his shoulder. "I'm not saying I've done everything perfect, but I saw my father work his ass off putting in long hours at hospitals, sometimes sleeping there between shifts." He shook his head. "But he never forgot his family. He always made sure he spent quality time with us, so that's all I know. You sacrifice for your family. My father is the type of father I want Renata to have."

Is that the problem? Alec is mirroring what he saw his father do, but has yet to catch up to the man Garrett is today?

"Edward, I'm sure you've had some bumps in the road, but it sounds like Renata is lucky to have you as a father."

"Thank you, Bella, I appreciate that." He smiled. "I'm sure you're an amazing mom yourself."

"Thanks for that—"

"Mommy, Mommy" Aiden called.

"Daddy, come here." Renata yelled.

We both looked at the sliding board they were on but could barely see the top of their heads peek out between the stairs and the sliding board. We rushed over to them to find what looked to be a brown and white bulldog without a collar or tags.

"Can we keep him?" They asked in unison.

The small brown and white dog barked, as if he wanted an answer to their question.

Edward and I glanced at each other and then back at the kids.

"What should we name him?" Aiden asked Renata.

"What about Sparkles?"

"No, that's too girly."

"It could be a girl."

"Nun uh," he shook his head. "It's a boy."

Aiden and Renata continued to go back and forth over what to name the dog.

I turned to Edward. "What do you think we should do?" I asked as I gripped the sides of my head, looking around to see if there was anyone else out there who the dog could belong to.

Edward shrugged. "The dog looks pretty harmless." We looked at the dog as it sat on hind legs and looked between Aiden and Renata. "It's clean, maybe it just got separated from its owner."

"I suppose you're right, but there aren't any tags on the dog." I said, checking the dog's neck.

"Some people insert chips in their animals." Edward said.

"Egg Roll!" Renata and Aiden yelled.

We turned towards them with wide eyes.

Egg Roll?

"We named him Egg roll." Renata smiled.

"Can we keep him?" Aiden asked again. "Me and Ren can take turns with him."

"I don't think we can keep him, Honey." I said to Aiden.

He frowned. "Why not Mommy?"

"His owners may be looking for him." I said with a strangled-sounding laugh.

"But how did he get here?" Renata asked as she tilted her head.

"I'm not sure, Jellybean." Edward said before he sighed. "Why don't I call Jacob? Maybe he can have Ivey check him out and then we can go from there?" He looked between the two of them.

This is hard…

They both gave sad looks as he pulled his phone out. "Hey Jake." Edward turned his back, talking low, and the kids turned their sad faces to me.

"So, we can't keep him?" Renata asked. Her eyes looked so big and disappointed.

She's good.

"We have to find out if his owners are looking for him." I sighed.

Aiden perked up with a sparkle in his eyes. "If they don't find him, we can keep him?"

"Um." I scratched my forehead at a loss of words.

Thankfully, Edward turned around and cut in. "Ivey said we can bring the dog to her clinic; she'll check to make sure everything is alright and to see if he has a chip." He put his phone in his pocket. "She said she can keep him for a few nights and hopefully his owners will come forward."

Whew, that was a close one.

"We wanted him." Aiden groaned and crossed his arms, pouting.

"I'm sorry, Sweetheart." I walked toward him. "I know you did." I kissed his cheek.

Edward gave a nervous smile. "I'll drop him off to Ivey and if you give me your cell number, I can give you an update?"

"Okay." We quickly exchanged numbers while the kids ran around playing with the dog. You would think they've known the dog for a while with the way they instantly connected.

It wouldn't be so bad having a dog, would it?

Edward stood with his hands in his pockets, watching the dog bark as he ran behind the kids. I could tell he was close to giving in, just like me. "Let me go see if there is something in my car that I can use as a blanket for him." Edward ran off in the direction we came.

The dog whimpered, walked toward me and sat at my feet as the kids tailed behind.

He was pretty cute.

I bent down and pet him on his head. His whole butt moved as he wiggled his tail, which caused us all to laugh.

"I have this old shirt." Edward said as he ran toward us. "We can use this."

He picked the dog up and wrapped him in the shirt before we walked back to our trucks.

"I'll text you later." He said after he got the dog settled in the car.

"Okay, I'll talk to you later." We all got into our vehicles and pulled off.

"We're going to make a quick stop at the grocery store." I said to Aiden as I looked in the rearview mirror.

He sighed. "Okay." And looked out of the window

"I know you're not happy that we didn't keep the dog, but that was the right thing to do. His owners could be worried about him."

He stayed quiet.

That didn't work, I could compromise. "How about we get you a—"

"Dog?" He turned to face the front.

"What about a fish?"

"I want a dog, Mommy." He stuck out his bottom lip.

Would it look suspicious if I just got the PlayStation instead?

I didn't know what to say, so I said nothing. We pulled into Whole Foods, quickly went inside and grabbed a basket.

I pulled out my phone and looked at the list that was in my notes. We got the few items I needed when I asked Aiden. "Would you like to get a snack?"

He looked at me and rocked from side to side. "Yes, please."

"What would you like?"

"A cookie."

"I'm right behind you." I would have done anything to get that sad look off of his face, including buying cookies.

Aiden jogged off towards the bakery. "Slow down Aiden." I said just as he bumped into a tall man. He had a salt and pepper beard with dark hair and brown eyes.

His items fell to the ground. I rushed over and picked them up. "Be careful, Buddy." I said to Aiden as I picked up his things. "Can you apologize?"

Aiden looked up and said. "I'm sorry."

"No problem." He smiled down at Aiden. "Accidents happen all the time."

Aiden nodded and went to go pick out his cookies.

"I'm sorry about that, he's on a mission." I gave him his toothpaste, vitamins, deodorant and a candy bar back.

"Really, it's okay." He stopped talking and waited for me to give a name.

"Bella."

"Bella." He stuck his hand out for a handshake. "No harm, no foul."

I put my hand in his. "I'm sorry I didn't catch your name."

"It's Lucas."

I let his hand go. "Well Lucas, thank you for being so understanding."

"Don't sweat it, besides even at that young age no one should get in between a man and his food I should know." He laughed.

I turned and watched as Aiden picked up container after container of cookies and inspected it with a serious face.

"Maybe I'll see you guys around." I turned back to him.

He looked at me with raised eyebrows, I gave a half-hearted smile and shrugged my shoulders but said nothing.

He smiled. "You have a goodnight." He turned to walk away.

"Goodnight." I said before I made my way towards Aiden. "Have you picked one yet?"

"I think I want this one." He held up a clear container with chocolate chip cookies.

"They look perfect." I said and waited for him to put them in the basket.

We checked out, I put the groceries in the trunk, and we went home.

When we got home, Aiden took a bath, and I made us a quick dinner of tacos, since it was a school night, I let him watch Shrek once and let him play with his toys for a while, but by 8 o'clock he was sleeping soundly in his room. I tidied up the kitchen, took a shower and went to bed early myself.

Just when I was about to drift off, I heard the text alert for my phone. I reached behind me and blindly grabbed for it.

With squinted eyes I saw Edwards name.

I opened the text.

Dog is in fact a boy; he has no chip, but everything looks good health wise. Ivey says she'll keep him a few days and put out flyers and post something on social media to see if any owner will come forward. We'll see where things go from there.

Thanks for the update. Do you think an owner will show up?

I don't know, Ivey said it could go either way, hopefully they do. I don't think I'm ready for the responsibility of a dog.

Me either, but did you see the look on their faces, how could I say no?

You're going to have to dig deep, we have to be a united front. I don't want to be the bad guy here. LOL.

Ha ha. Very funny. I'll see you later Goodnight Edward.

Goodnight, Bella.

I liked his smiley face.

I tossed the phone on the other side of the bed and turned over to go to sleep.

Your about to become a dog owner.

I know, I know.

Alec

Life hasn't been the same.

Not too different, but not the same.

I'll be the first to admit I never expected Bella to divorce me.

I didn't think she would actually go through with it. I thought we'd to counseling, work through it and go back to the way things were.

I would've continued to see Chelsea, but I would've been more discreet, even though I thought I already was.

Fucking P.I.

I stayed in the house; I bought Bella out and she and Aiden moved out. I thought about letting Chelsea move in, but I didn't feel like hearing my mother's mouth, and I didn't want Chelsea to get the impression that we were something we weren't.

Chelsea.

I met Chelsea on a Thursday night at a lounge after work while I was with a few co-workers. Bella and I just had an argument the night before about her feeling like I didn't spend enough time with Aiden. So I didn't rush home that night.

I would be lying if I said it was love at first sight the moment I laid eyes on Chelsea. It wasn't. Chelsea was a beautiful, charming, entertaining, and committed. Yet she was also naïve.

I didn't expect to keep her around for as long as I did, but over time, I got to know her a bit and can admit that some part of me cared for her. I don't think I could say I loved her, but I cared.

She told me about how she grew up in foster care and how'd she felt like she never was loved, and how'd she do and be anything for the man she loved.

At that time, she willingly accepted whatever I gave her. That's what I liked most about her. I didn't have to try too hard. There was no pressure and at that point in my life, I felt that pressure was all I knew. Pressure from work, pressure from my Mom to live the life she envisioned me living and pressure from Bella to be a better father, to be the father she grew up with.

How was I supposed to do that?

Garrett was a good father now, but that's not the man I grew up with. He wasn't bad, he just wasn't around, and didn't make time for me or Mom. His focus was doing whatever he needed to do so he could become the Senator one day. He got his wish.

It was when I was 13 years old my eyes were opened.

Flashback:

I got off the school bus and walked home.

I heard the loud music from the driveway.

I opened the front door and followed where the music was coming from. I found my mother sitting on the couch with her head down and the glass full of brown alcohol in her hand.

The mini bar was ruined. Bottles were everywhere.

I walked to the stereo and cut it off. "Mom." I paused. "What's wrong?"

When she looked up at me, I saw her tear-stained face. Her eyes were red, and her makeup was smeared.

I frowned. She always looks put together.

"What's wrong?" I asked again.

"You'll never leave me, right?" She slurred.

I walked towards her. "Mom, what are you talking about?" I stood in front of her, took the glass out of her hand and set it on the coffee table.

I saw tears roll down her face. "Your father…" She sniffled. "He doesn't love me anymore." She reached for the glass and I pushed her hand away. "He's been fucking some whore." She cackled and shoved my hand, grabbed the glass and gulped down the rest of her drink.

I blinked. "What?"

"Your father," she said louder, "is cheating on me." She stumbled as she stood. "He threw me away like I was dirt; like I don't matter anymore." She turned to me. "He doesn't love us anymore, but it's okay I'll love you enough for the both of us."

"Mom, calm down." I sighed. "You're drunk and not thinking clearly. I'm sure it's not like that."

"Of course, it's like that! Where do you think he is now?" She held her arms out and looked around. "With that slut!" She wiped her nose with the back of her hand. She picked up a Bourbon bottle that was close to her and held it to her chest. "He's not here, he doesn't love us." She whispered.

I swallowed.

Her body shook as she cried. I walked to her and hugged her. "It's okay, Mom, it'll be okay."

She pulled back and put both her hands on my face. "You'll never leave me, right? It'll always be us." She rasped.

I placed my hands on top of hers. "I'm here for you, Mom."

Her hands dropped, and she kissed my forehead. "I know you are. I love you so much, Alec." She placed her head on my shoulder. "You won't hurt me like your father." She sighed before she blacked out.

I dragged her back to the couch and laid her down. While she slept, I noticed things I missed before: she'd lost weight, her hair looked thinner, and she looked like she aged.

I stayed in the same spot all night. I waited to see if my Dad would ever show up. He didn't.

It was while I sat on the floor in the dark living room and watched my mother sleep restlessly that I decided I would never do to a woman what my Dad did to my Mom.

End Flashback.

For a while it was just us against the world, against my father. I supposed it was during that time I was no longer her son but became her husband. Surprisingly, my parents stayed together, and she acted as if that day never happened. She had become controlling of my father's life and mine. I let her dictate every aspect of my life; what sports I played, my friends, what college I would attend… Until Bella.

Being with Bella made me feel like I could do anything. She was carefree, funny and feisty. She always fought for what she wanted. That's what drew me to her; she was so sure of herself, she never hesitated to do what she wanted. Of course, my Mom hated her from the very beginning. In her eyes, I rebelled and broke my promise. She blamed Bella when I didn't go to the school she wanted me to and damn near had a heart-attack when I pursued a career in journalism instead of law to follow in father's footsteps. That was the first time I felt I had control over my life.

I'm not entirely oblivious to the fact that I'd become the person I vowed to never be…

Just like my father… like he used to be.

A/N: REC: Spinning Bottles, by Knicnort3 This twist of fate story finds Edward Masen, CEO of Cullen Enterprises, getting a thrust into the life that he would have had if he never left for college in New York after high school. *Author's take on "The Family Man." This story was soooooo good!

These are the names Chelsea was called in the last chapter, that made us holler!

Douche canoe

Dragon cunt

Twit waffle

Toe fungus

Bunny boiler

Wench and a half

Deluded

Of course, deluded was the nicest one, but it would be interesting to see how your opinions of her may vary as we progress in the story.

Where is the weirdest place you've misplaced your phone?

What are your thoughts on the glimpse of Alec's mind?

What about the dog's name?

We know some of you wanted Bella to tell Donatella about Chelsea… now that she knows, what do you think Donatella will do?

We hope you all enjoyed the chapter. We can't wait to hear your thoughts. Thank you all for reading and reviewing on FFN & FB, we appreciate it!

If you'd like to see pictures of "Egg Roll" and outfits, we would love for you to join our private group: The Moon Writers

See you next update!