"They didn't agree on much. In fact, they didn't agree on anything. They fought all the time and challenged each other every day. But despite their differences, they had one important thing in common. They were crazy about each other."
- Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook)
Bella P.O.V.
The rest of the morning was followed by the usual routine. Dan and I had breakfast together – surprise, surprise the toaster spat his bread back out after realizing how disgusting it actually was. Sometimes, my son's thinking makes me wonder if I should have him checked. Anyway, so we had buttered toast, orange juice and eggs for breakfast. Then we both showered in our respective bathrooms before leaving the house. He had to go to his nursery while I had to go to work.
"Come here, give mommy a kiss." I cooed at him just as the driver of the limousine stopped outside of his school.
He made a face and I laughed at how child-like it made him look. Nevertheless, Dan took his backpack and walked over to my side. He gave me a cheeky smile, the damned dimples he got from his father clearly showing, before leaning down to leave a kiss on my cheek. "See you later, mommy. I love you."
My heart melted at his soft voice before I smiled back at him, his green eyes looking at me in adoration. Jesus, this kid's got me wrapped around his tiny fingers. "Love you too, kiddo." I ruffled his hair affectionately as he gave me a brief hug. "Please, Dan, don't let your teacher call me at work again. You really disrupted a good deal for mommy from last week's paint fiasco."
Dan let out a snort as his eyes danced in childish mischief. As much as I love my son, he sure is one hell of a kid. No day went by without him causing trouble. Though I must admit, despite it being completely annoying, it was also quite endearing. "It wasn't my fault, mum. That Charlotte threw a brush at me!"
"Yes, she did. After you drew a big red line in the middle of her painting."
He smirked. "She was bragging about how nice her work was. It was highly irritating."
I controlled my laughter, playing the motherly role. "That's no reason for you to ruin someone's hardwork."
His smirk widened. "Charlotte's an idiot."
Rolling my eyes, I was about to scold him about calling someone names when I noticed something off about his voice. My head tried to wrap itself around it until I realized what I detected. My eyes widened slightly as I looked at my son with a smirk. He must have realized where I was going because his eyes narrowed as he swung his tiny backpack higher. "You like her! That Charlotte, you have a crush on her, don't you?"
My son choked. "W-wha-at? Psh. Me liking her?" He tried to pull off looking disgusted, but his tainted cheeks confirmed my suspicion. My smirk widened. "Of course not. That's ridiculous, mother."
I laughed at how adorable Dan was being. "Uh-huh. Okay."
Dan huffed, glaring at me in anger now. "I mean it, mom. Jeez. She's annoying!"
"Right. But you like talking about her. And when you start, you can't stop." I wiggled my eyebrows teasingly.
Dan sputtered. "N-nooo." He cleared his through as he pinched the bridge of his nose, indicating his annoyance. "Whatever, mom. Think all you want but I don't like that idiot. She's ve –"
"She's very pretty."
"She's very annoying."
"And pretty."
"And stupid."
"And pretty."
"And selfish."
"And pretty."
"She's not pretty mom, okay?"
"No, she actually is."
"Darnit, ma. She's not pretty, okay? At least not to me. She's very ..." He trailed off, his words mumbling together as he ate his words. I couldn't hear what he said anymore but whatever it was, it caused him to blush wildly.
"What was that, Dan?" I said playfully.
"Erndhdkdnekd." I shook in silent laughter.
"What?"
"Aish! She's not pretty because she's very beautiful to me, alright? Jeez, ma. When'd you get so annoying?" His little outburst cost him a red face and when he realized what he said, his green eyes widened and before I could say anything, Dan mumbled a quick bye before getting out of the car.
Once the shock wore off, I couldn't stop myself. I burst out laughing. That son of mine, he really is something else. Shaking my head at his childish behaviour, I pressed down the button so I could speak to the driver and the bodyguard in front.
"Ms. Swan."
My chuckles were lessening now as I watched my son being ushered inside by his teacher. Through the window, I saw that he was seated next to a very cute dirty blond haired child. Charlotte. The moment he noticed her, he blushed and looked away but she held on to his arm and said something. He turned to her with a glare but softened his features once he took a look at her face. His eyes snapped to the limo. Though I knew he couldn't see me from here, I feel like he could see right through the tinted windows with the intensity of his green eyes.
I shook my head as he looked back at the blond child before whispering something in her ear, a mischievous smirk in place. Some things never change.
"Is Samuel nearby?" I asked my bodyguard through the speaker, referring to Sam, Dan's bodyguard.
"Yes, Ms. Swan. He is the one at the side acting as the gardener."
"Very well. Thank you." I spoke through the speaker before letting go.
After telling Charlie about my early pregnancy, I begged him to let me go to Renee. Naturally, he wasn't happy about this but eventually gave in, knowing how hard it would be for me to see the father around. I didn't tell him who the father was nor that said baby daddy wanted me to abort it. Instead, I told him that the father wanted nothing to do with the baby.
Once in Phoenix, I wasted no time to reacquaint myself with Renee and her new husband, Phil. I told them both about my situation and they accepted me whole-heartedly. Renee taught me everything I needed to know about pregnancy, prepared the room in their three-story house and other newborn necessities. I enrolled in pregnancy yoga class and all those other jazz that Renee insisted I participate in.
The day of delivery came and I gave birth to a healthy baby boy whom I love with all of my heart. I couldn't have been any happier to give birth to Dan.
After a few months, I went straight back to studying, taking up online courses to get a degree in Electrical Engineering. I spent my afternoons studying while my mornings and evenings tending to my son. It wasn't easy, but I got around it. When I did get my degree, Phil lent me some money to start off a small business with the daughter of one Phil's friends, Rosalie. We met at one of Phil's functions – Phil was a known doctor around Phoenix and was known to plenty of people – and instantly hit it off. It was weird how we became such fast friends. She was extremely beautiful but her love for mechanics brought us to work together. We named our business DanMarie for Daniel and Marie from my name. I told Rose we could change it but she said that she wanted me to handle the name. Also, she said that she wanted me to be the founder. She just wants to be the second in command. I tried to persuade her to be my partner, but she wouldn't budge.
Our business started off small but eventually more and more people in the industry heard about our work and offered to fund us with high technology until eventually, we became one of the most sought after technologists. However, we made sure to keep our names a secret, not wanting anyone outside our company to know about our personal lives.
In a way, I'm a little grateful for Edward Masen. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have strived so hard to achieve as much as I did at such a tender age.
As much as I wanted my son to have a normal childhood, being one of the world's best technologists would not permit him. I have discovered many chips and devices that manufacturers would like to have. It isn't easy, being wanted by all these businessmen. Sometimes though, I do have to decline. I can't just give out my products to anyone who is willing to buy it. It would beat the purpose of competition. First come, first serve.
This is where it gets tricky. Some business men don't seem to understand the meaning of no. Despite my efforts to tell them that it is not possible for them to have my work, they force me to hand it over. Sometimes even harass me for it or worse, blackmail my son into it. But I can't hand it over to them when I have already signed a contract for another company.
Thus, the bodyguards. Many top people in the business industry want to have my head for denying them my work which is pretty insane because I have every right to say no to them. It is my work, after all. But not only are they threatening my life, they are also threatening my son's. That's why precautionary measures are taken to keep Dan safe.
My thoughts were interrupted by my phone ringing. I picked it up without looking at the caller I.D.
"Swan."
A tinkling laugh. Rosalie. "You are so weird. Who the hell answers their cellphones with their last name, B?"
I rolled my eyes and sighed. "Is there a reason for your call, Rose, or are you just ringing to antagonize me?"
Another laugh. "No, no. I actually do have a reason. Listen, I got a call this morning from a Demetri Volturi. He said that his boss was interested in our latest nano chip. I told him I'll call him back. Are we giving it a go?"
I thought this over. "Who's he working for?"
"Cullen Corp." I've met Carlisle Cullen last year and worked with him roughly around three times. Nice man. Very smart and impeccably handsome, too.
"I know the owner. Alright. Set up a meeting with the CEO tonight. Tell him I'll be in Port Angeles for dinner. Bella Italia at around seven pm. Are you coming with?"
"And miss a chance to shop? Hell, no. Yeah, I'll go with you. I have to see Jasper for my overdue visit anyway. The last time I saw him was when he proposed to his fiancée Alice like, three months ago."
I laughed, chastising her for not meeting up with her twin more often. We chatted for a bit more before saying bye to each other. After I put her call down, I looked out the window and smiled.
I could honestly say I was contented with my life.
But you know what they say; when you've got your life sorted out, something always comes and ruins it.
Author's Note: Hello! Well, first of all, I apologize dearly if the beginning is slightly slow. I just wanted you, my dear readers, to know what has been going on in Bella's life for the past six years, ya know? I find it a little fast-paced to just go right ahead and let her reunite with Edward. Besides, I wanted you to see the kind of relationship Bella had with Dan.
Second, I'm aware that I've been updating relatively fast this week for this story but I have to let you all know that it won't always be like this. I have to think of my words carefully and I do get writer's block. Okay, no. Like, I know what I want to happen to the story, but I can't find words to express it so I get frustrated and just stop for awhile. It's no excuse, but I need a little breather. Lol. Anyway, I'm telling you this because I don't want you thinking that I abandoned this story because I've been updating slowly. Because that is NOT the case. Okay?
And lastly, well. I just wanted to thank you all for reading and the support I've had for the last two chapters are amazing. I love you all. :) Hopefully, I'll have another chapter next week. 'Til then! :)
Questions are still very much welcomed. And please, please Review. Leave me something to smile about, yeah? :)