Noah was a pretty good baby the rest of the day. I could feel he knew something was happening. Jacob almost never took care of our son. I did everything for my baby's wellbeing. I didn't mind doing it at all, but I was sas for Noah. It wasn't easy to grow up with a single parent or a similar situation. He would miss so many things. I was trying to give him all he needed but with school, I was really busy. Even though my son was my priority, school was important to me. I was able to graduate from high school while four months pregnant.

Charlie insisted that I go to college only a couple of months after giving birth to Noah. Jake was furious, but it was the one thing I wouldn't compromise on. I wanted to give him a good life so I needed to pursue my education. Si I had been accepted at the University of Washington, Seattle. I was lucky to have my father pay for it and to play babysitter. I was going part-time, studying English. I would have time to take care of Noah and I had a chance to maybe become a teacher some day.

That night, I laid down with Noah. I needed to hold him. I was clueless as to how everything would turn out with Jake. My father still hadn't call me with news of his conversation off duty. Knowing Jacob, he would do everything to get me back. I knew he wouldn't accept my decision to leave him. He was a man of power over women. He would probably try to sweet talk me into coming back and then, punish me. I knew him too well.

Still, I wasn't sure I wanted to press charges yet. I wasn't feeling confident enough to walk into court and tell them everything. It was my fault. Part of the situation anyway. And I knew very well they would ask questions I wouldn't want to answer about Jake's behavior. I didn't necessarily want Jake to go to prison. I only wanted him to let me live my life.

I didn't sleep much that night. My mind was going overdrive. "I can't believe it's February already…" I muttered. "Noah is 15 months old!" I was sitting at the edge of the bed, looking through my stack of important documents. It was early morning. I was searching for my emergency only credit card Phil, my mom's husband, had given me. I had never used it. Nevertheless, I thought it was fair game to use it now. I needed a new cell phone since Jake had smashed mine. It was such a chance I had never told him about my secret emergency card and had always kept it hidden.

Edward poked his head through the opened door. "I thought I heard shuffling" he whispered.

Noah was snoring lightly. Edward's hair was a mess of bronze locks. I was struck by his handsomeness. He sat down by my side, smiling softly.

"Seems important" he said, nodding towards my pile of papers.

"Yeah…" I continued to search for the card, but I heard Edward's intake of breath. He had Noah's birth certificate between his hands. His mouth was hanging opened. Damn!

"Noah Anthony…"

"Edward, I…"

"Bella?" His voice was shaky. "Did you really name your son after me?" I almost didn't hear him.

"Yes…" I whispered, looking everywhere but at him.

"Why?" He asked, softly turning my face so he could see my eyes.

I took a deep breath and didn't hesitate.

"You know why, Edward. You've always been so important to me…"

A strange flicker passed through his emerald orbs and suddenly, his lips were on mine. Edward was kissing me fiercely and my mind was barely comprehending what the hell was happening, yet my mouth was kissing him back with equal fervor. We finally broke apart, breathing heavily.

"I'm so sorry!" He exclaimed, his voice breaking.

"Edward!" I said, but he was already gone.

I definitely didn't handle this well, I thought.

While Noah was still peacefully sleeping, I resumed my search for the credit card. After a while, I gave up. It was nowhere to be found. I must have forgotten it at Jacob's. It would be a problem. Maybe I'd ask Charlie for help to retrieve some of my things from the apartment.

Noah woke up late. I was dying for a cup of coffee but I waited until he awoke to go to the kitchen. He was smiling. It was surprising considering our difficult times, but it made me smile. Esme greeted us with a warm welcome in the kitchen.

"Coffee for the mommy and milk for the good little boy!"

"Esme, you're a life saver!" I was so grateful. Her smile warmed my heart. I felt some butterflies in my stomach as I looked at Esme giving Noah breakfast with so much love. She totally looked like she'd be an awesome grandma.

When I glanced at the clock, I wondered where Edward was. I was a little nervous as I asked Esme. She knew instantly how I was feeling. She sighed.

"I feel this is not really what you want to talk about." She knew me so well.

"You're right. I… need some advice. I know it puts you in a difficult position…"

"So it's not about Jacob, then?"

I shook my head no.

"Edward came to my room this morning. He… He saw the birth certificate."

I looked into her eyes. A small smile was trying to break free on her face. She nodded her head slowly.

"I know… He came to me right after…" My heart skipped a beat. "My boy was mad I knew and he didn't even after I told him I hadn't known all this time."

It's just a name, it doesn't have to mean this much" I stuttered.

Esme shook her head and took my hand.

"I know you don't really believe that, Bella. Don't lie to yourself."

She knew me too well indeed.