When Love Throws you a Smile Chapter 10, a twilight fanfic

*edited as of 9/2017

Chapter 10

"It doesn't matter who hurt you, or broke you down, what matters is who made you smile again.

-unknown

Edward's POV

"You know I'm getting tired of showing up at your door like this. You can't just call me and expect me to show up after you've ignored me for the past week."

I ignore my brother's foolish attempt of blinking his eyelashes flirtatiously at me and let him into the room, nearing closing it in on my father's face that had seemed to appear out of nowhere.

"Crap! Dad what are you doing here? You aren't here to get me for the stuff that went on with the girl's right?" I throw a panicked glance over at Benjamin who was making himself comfortable on my couch. The traitor had already taken off his shoes and settled his feet onto my coffee table while simultaneously reaching for the television remote.

"Son if I was here to do that, I would have been here that night you stormed out." He laughed, ruffling my hair just as he had when I was a little boy.

"So what are you doing here then?" I ask skeptically as I close the door behind him. I was still a little weary given Dad took no crap when it came to Mom. He mimics Ben's position on the couch.

"Can't I just relax with my only two sons on this beautiful day?" His blue eyes twinkle in amusement and I suddenly get why he accompanied Ben when he winks at me. I groan and scrub my face roughly with my hands. I glare at my brother.

"You told him didn't you?" Benjamin shrugs his shoulders.

"Sorry bro, he stopped by the house this morning. I tried to make him leave but he wouldn't relent and then he gave me the look." He whines.

I knew the exact look my brother was talking about.

Throughout my teenage years I was on the receiving end of said look whenever I did something wrong or attempted to sneak out.

My dad was already an intimidating figure, but the "look" as we call it just made him come across as lethal. His usual bright blue eyes would morph into hard, cold, dark pools reminiscent of a midnight storm that made you feel like you were the lowest of the low. His posture would straighten and he would stare at you; almost without blinking until you revealed whatever you were hiding.

To us kids and a few past coworkers, it elicited fear and scared us to death whenever we did something wrong. For my mom, well she would just giggle and begin kissing him all over his face and yeah…. I'm going to leave that one alone because we all know how that turns out.

"So it's no wonder you've been out of it lately, a girl's got your undies all up in a twist." He chuckles. I shift uncomfortably on my feet.

This was dangerous territory.

I could talk to my dad about many things but sex just wasn't one of those topics. I mean how I could tell my father that his son likes to non committal sex, had a one - night stand and is now adamantly pursuing a woman who may or may not want me back.

Not exactly the conversation I wanted to have with him at the moment.

Especially if there is the chance he'll tell mom which I no doubt he would.

"Fine, I can see you're uncomfortable. I'll keep my mouth shut but the least you can do is let me listen in." I nod my head in agreement and go get the both of them a beer.

"So how did it go? Still stalking?" Ben asks when my father and I return nearly drops the bottle on the ground as I hand it to him.

"Stalking? Edward what are you up to?" I give him a pleading look to keep quiet although I can tell he's fighting the urge to intervene.

"Ok sorry, I'll keep quiet."

Hallelujah!

"But I still want answers." He gives me "the look".

Fuckkkkk.

I hated when he played dirty.

…

After being hounded my brother and father for the next two hours, they finally relented their questioning and left.

Benjamin I really didn't need to worry about, but my father on the other hand had a big mouth. I had to beg him to not tell my mother. At first he was hesitant but after telling him the fact that it might not work out, agreed on the condition that I show up at this week's family dinner or the next time he did visit me I would have to deal with him.

Besides, there was no point in getting my mother's hopes up if this all didn't work out.

Two days.

That's exactly how long it had been since I left the ball in her court by giving her my cell number in hopes that she would call me.

My phone had been glued to my side in anticipation of her call. The smallest noise from my phone and I would drop any and everything to check in hopes that it was her, but no such luck.

Man I needed another beer.

I grab another from the fridge and flop down onto the couch. I try to look over some details from one of my newer clients but I couldn't concentrate. My eyes read over the words again for what feels like the millionth time when I spot the little jeweled "B" charm from that night. The little token held greater importance to me that I had originally thought. It stood for Isabella or "Bella" as I found she liked to be called. I wondered if she knew it was missing although I wasn't sure I'd ever be given the chance to return it if she didn't call. I'd forgotten I placed it there all those months ago and I mindlessly began playing with it. All it did was serve as a reminder of what I was up against and what I could possibly lose.

I make a third attempt of focusing on my work, but after another ten minutes of reading the same stuff over without comprehending the information, I found it was best to stop while I was ahead.

I couldn't screw up my work.

My thoughts are interrupted by a small ping signaling that I had a text. At first I was excited that it could be Bella, but saw that it was just a text from Maggie asking if I wanted to meet up tonight and hook up.

I'd been evading her texts lately and admit it was weighing down on me just a little bit. I fought a frown.

This whole Maggie thing was just complicated.

On one hand, it was wrong of me to actively pursue Bella while Maggie and I had this "arrangement" going on, but at the same time, I considered the fact that I was indeed a single man.

Bella and I had no ties to one another and it has been three months since that night.

Three months.

It was hard to admit it to myself but I had to face the cold hard facts.

There was the chance that Bella may never call me back or want me the same way that I wanted her. I definitely didn't want to wait for something that may never be.

Patience was one thing, but after a while a line had to be drawn somewhere and I had an itch that needed to be scratched.

Ignoring the slight pang in my chest, I respond to Maggie's text, grab my jacket and keys, and wonder where in the hell had my life gotten so complicated.

…WLTYAS…

"You're not serious right? What in the hell am I going to do with the two of them for the night? Maybe I had plans! Don't you realize that we have other family members you can go to besides me?" I whine. I ignore the slight roll of Jane's eyes as she ushers Renata and Chelsea towards the direction of the guest bedroom with their bags.

"Yeah right brother, you had SO much to do. Marcus and I got invited out to a gathering with some friends and I really want to go, especially before the baby comes." She gestures to the huge bump she called a stomach. I press my hand to her stomach and feel a soft kick. The woman was seven and half months pregnant and here she was trying to go out. I told her as such.

"The doctor said it was fine. I went in this morning. Besides, you're closest to us in location and everyone was busy."

"I swear we have over thirty cousins and even more aunts and uncles and conveniently everyone's busy tonight." I bark under my breath. Jane must have heard as her eyes began to water and her bottom lip begins to quiver.

"Well excuse me if watching your only two nieces is such a hassle." I sigh.

Fucking pregnancy hormones.

"Fine…I did promise the girls a while back that I would take them out, I guess it's time to pay up and keep my promise." I answer. Jane bounces on her feet as much as her belly would allow and plants a wet kiss on my cheek.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you! Marcus and I couldn't pass this chance to go out up. You're the best brother ever!"

"Yeah I better be."

"Thanks little brother, I'll get the girls in the morning." Kissing the girls foreheads, she quickly leaves without another word. Closing the door behind me, I turn to see that my living room was already in disarray; the floor covered with the girls various dolls and clothes they'd brought with them.

"So I guess it's just me and you then." They both turned to me and glare.

What in the hell was wrong with them? I find that I'm slightly frightened as the image of the twins from the Shining pops into my head making me shiver.

Still trying to figure out what was wrong; I feel a sharp pain spread through my left foot. I begin bouncing on the right one and fight the urge to curse and scream every foul name in the book.

"Ouch! What was that for?" I continue hopping on one foot and hobble myself over to the couch.

"You left and didn't say goodbye." Renata pouts with an icy glare.

"I um…had some stuff to sort out." I hope that was enough to placate them.

"We didn't even get our ice cream." Chelsea buts in with her own pout.

Hmm…so that was what all of this was about. Kids and their sweets.

"I know and I'm sorry. How about this, I'll order us a nice sausage pizza with a lot of cheese, watch The Little Mermaid and maybe if you two aren't tired from the awesomeness that is Uncle Edward, I might have the fixings for some ice cream sundaes. Does that sound good?" I suggest. Renata and Chelsea look at each other and suddenly begin screaming about the various toppings they wanted.

I guess I was forgiven.

Thank heavens. One foot was already hurting; let's not add the other to the mix.

I quickly order our dinner and passed the time with the girls by playing with their dolls on the floor. The three of us were currently acting out a scene from some crappy reality show involving fist pumping and meatballs. I make a quick mental note to remind Jane to stop watching that stuff around the girls and resume playing on the orders that we act out something else much to their disappointment.

Fortunately for me, our food quickly arrived twenty minutes later and I set up the movie for us to watch. The girls ate like they had a tapeworm and I was glad I got a side of cheesy bread and wings to go with it.

By the time the movie is finished, it's a quarter till ten and the girls are nowhere near tired and decided that it was time for some ice cream.

I head into the kitchen to fix the girl's their sundaes. I pull out my carton of pecan praline ice cream and notice that it wasn't as heavy as it should have been. I had just purchased it the week before and personally hadn't opened it yet.

My suspicions were confirmed when I remove the lid to see that it was indeed empty with only a small serving left for half a scoop. I pull out the rest of my ingredients that I used for sundaes, including a bottle of Hershey syrup noticing that it too was empty and that the nozzle on the can of whip cream broken.

I tried to hack my brain for any recollection of eating it but came up with nothing. Then I remembered who the culprits were. Angela, Jane and Jessica had stopped by earlier this week to make final preparations for our tux fittings and her bridal/bachelorette party. They had an appointment later that day for the venue and hung out at my place since I was closer to the location until it was time to leave.

I had to leave for a business meeting and told them to make themselves at home and to help themselves to whatever they needed. I guess that they took that statement literally and helped themselves to my food.

That was just perfect.

The one time I do something nice and my sisters eat me out of house and home with nothing but bones. They could have at least replaced what they ate.

Pushing the syrup aside, I throw away the rest of the ice cream and whip cream. When I return to the living room the girls both look at me with eager eyes.

"Uncle Edward, where's our ice cream?" They ask simultaneously.

"Sorry girls, it looks like I'm out of ice cream." I apologize. Chelsea and Renata look at me dejectedly.

"Lucky for us, there is an ice cream parlor down the street so how about you throw on your shoes and we'll head out." I smile. The twins squeal and run to put on their shoes. I throw on my own shoes and help them with their coats. I help them into my car and head over to the local Baskin Robbins.

I knew I was pushing it kind of close considering it was getting late, but it was Friday night and it wasn't like the girls had school to go to in the morning. Besides, I wanted to sugar them up considering their mother ate my ice cream. I'd give Jane and Marcus a taste of their own medicine by sugaring the kids up so not only would they crash tonight but be super active in the morning when she came to get them.

Fifteen minutes later we arrive and I order us a large banana split for the three of us to share. As the girls dig in, I reach into my pocket to check my phone for any messages and realize it isn't there.

I pat my pockets frantically and realize I'd left it on the kitchen counter. My initial reaction was to get up and run back home to grab it.

As much as I wanted to run home and grab it, I thought about how silly I was being. I still had to face the realization that she might never call me back. I push those thoughts aside and pay attention to my nieces as they chow down on their ice cream. They were more important at that moment and family always came first. Keeping those thoughts in mind, I dig into my own portion of the sundae.

After the girls stuff themselves, leaving me to finish off the rest we head back to my place. Just like I expected the sugar was making them restless. It was little after eleven and I could see the exhaustion become evident in their little bodies.

I tell Renata and Chelsea to grab their pajamas while I run their bathwater for them to bathe. They were old enough to bathe themselves but I left the door slightly ajar so they could have their privacy but open enough so that I could slightly see in, because eight or not, they were little kids and leaving them unsupervised in the bathtub was not going to happen.

One they were finished and dressed, I help them both into the guest bed where they snuggle against their pillows and stuffed animals with a sigh. I turn off all but one light and kiss their foreheads. I watch them for a few minutes until their soft snores fill the air.

I head back into the living room and begin picking up their toys while also sticking the lone pizza slice into my mouth. I carry the trash into the kitchen to throw away and catch sight of my phone on the counter.

It taunted me.

I contemplated leaving it there realizing I was becoming a mad man waiting for her to respond but the urge was to hard to resist and I eagerly pick the little black phone up.

Right below a text from Jane asking about the girls, were two missed calls from a local number; a number I didn't recognize.

Suddenly it felt like my stomach was in my throat and I had to fight the bile that that was slowly rising in my chest. I frantically unlock my phone where I see two voicemails awaiting me. My fingers are shaking so badly that I nearly drop it on the floor. I hit play and turn the speaker as loud as it can go.

The first message is nothing but static and a few labored breaths before hanging up. I listen to the second message.

""Um…it's me and yeah…you must be really busy so I'm going to leave…I mean go since yeah you can't see me…ugh I'll hang myself up right now, I mean the phone. I'll try later. So stupid…" It cut off.

I felt like throwing up.

Of course it would be her.

The one time I leave my phone and she calls. This had to be karma and she was paying me back for all the shit I pulled.

I contemplate calling her back but think against it seeing the late hour. I throw my phone back onto the counter, not even bothering to check to see if it was shattered from the sheer force I had thrown it and head towards my bedroom I change and hop back into bed. I tried to fall asleep but it wouldn't come easy. I felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders.

When was I going to get a break? Somewhere around two I find sleep but I still wake up restless.

Jane comes around nine the next morning to pick up the girls, whacking me with her purse as the girls were still hyperactive from last night's treat. I try to head back to bed for some much needed sleep before I attempted to call Bella but my family had other ideas.

Less than two hours after Jane leaves, I'm dragged from my bed by an overly excited Jessica who ropes me into helping her set up the venue for her bridal shower/bachelorette party that would be occurring tomorrow on Sunday.

I bring up the fact that we have other family members who could help instead of me, earning another whack of a purse to the head.

What is it with women making weapons out of everything?

At least I'm not alone. Dad, Mike, Marcus and Benjamin are all suffering along with me. They all looked the same way I felt. After two hours, we're finally finished setting up the tables and chairs when Jessica "the dictator" Cullen enters with her wedding clipboard.

We all groan and try to make ourselves scarce to no avail. Jess grins victoriously and blocks the exit.

"Okay, tomorrow I need Edward to…" she starts.

"Wait a second; what do you need me for? I thought this was for all girls?" I asked.

"It is, but it doesn't mean I'm not going to take advantage of having free labor."

"This is why you pay people to do this. Its not like you don't have the money." Marcus groans rubbing his back.

"I want to do it myself, now be quiet and let me finish. Now as I was saying, Edward you and Marcus will pick up the fruit trays, wings, cake and drinks. Since I invited more people, we needed more food. As a result, we can't get it until like thirty minutes before and that gives us a short time to arrange everything. Benji, you'll get the favors from Mom's and pick up the rolls of toilet paper from your place that Ang bought." She rambles.

"Toilet paper? What in the hell do you need that for?" Benjamin pipes in.

"For one of the bridal games, duh! Now be quiet! Daddy you are in charge of getting here to making sure the doors are unlocked."

"Wait, why does he get the easy stuff?" Benjamin huffs.

Bad idea.

If Jessica's head could spin, it would at this moment as she slams her pen down hard against the clipboard; the noise resounding throughout the quiet room causing us all to jump.

"I swear you men are useless. Work with me instead of against me. Just show up. Dad is not off the hook Ben. When the bridal shower transitions into the bachelorette party you're playing babysitter. You know how mom gets when she gets a few glasses in. Everybody knows their duties and I expect them to get done. Don't make me find you!" She screeches. With one final glare, Jess storms out the room.

I looked at Mike and gave her a pointed look.

She may have been my sister, but Mike was the one marrying her. She was the one who have to deal with her for the rest of her life. Mike shrugs her shoulders and gets back to Jess's ridiculous tasks. If that wasn't love right there then I must be seriously mistaken.

After another thirty minutes of torture from the Queen Bridezilla we were let go.

Thank god.

I try to make a quick and speedy exit but the future Mrs. Mike Newton corners mer. Jess grabs me by the neck of my shirt and pulls me back.

"So…what's going on baby bro?" Jessica beams. I was used to her little tricks of trying to get information out of me. It wasn't going to work.

"What do you want Jess?"

"So a little birdie may have told me you're involved with a girl."

"I don't know what you're talking about." I try to deflect but her smile grows wider.

"Trust me; I know this little birdie is reliable." I pinch the bridge of my nose in frustration.

"Angela. I presume."

"Yep. Ben told her, who told me and…" she continues.

"See? This is why I don't tell you guys anything. You all are too fucking nosy. I'm involved with no one." I growl.

"Well if that's the case, I do have this friend I invited and…"

"No Jessica! No more trying to set me up with anyone. Now leave it alone or your bridal shower's going to be without food tomorrow."

-wltyas-

Isabella's POV

"You can do this Swan, you can do this." I repeat my mantra several more times as I eye the phone in my hand.

I've picked it up… and put it down.

Multiple times.

If there were an exercise regime for this, I would be in great shape instead of currently guzzling down a bottle of wine to ease my nerves.

I was just so freaking nervous.

I needed to breathe… just breathe.

Breathe!

I grab the napkin with a vice grip. My nervousness and sweaty hands had caused the numbers to smudge a bit but luckily it was still legible and even then I'd memorized that bad boy just in case.

Why was I so nervous?

He was just a guy and I was just a girl.

Yeah right.

He was just a guy that rocked your world.

I pour myself another glass of wine; my fourth in the past hour. I slightly tipsy or but it was the only thing calming me down since nothing else seemed to work.

I need to just relax and face the situation at hand; man up or whatever you want to call it.

I take another sip of my wine and dial.

"Ring…Ring…Ring….Hello you've reached Edward Cullen's phone, I'm sorry I can't reach your call as I may be busy at the moment. Please leave your name and number and I'll get back to you". *BEEP*

I'm stunned by the sultry tone of his voice that the words get caught in my throat and I begin to choke and gasp for air. I quickly hang up the phone.

Well that didn't go as planned.

I take another deep breath and dial again in hopes he'd answer.

I'm met with the same results.

Only this time I leave a message.

"Um…its me and yeah…you must be really busy so I'm going to leave…I mean go since yeah you can't see me…ugh I'll hang myself up right now, I mean the phone. I'll try later. So stupid…" I hang up the phone as if it's on fire.

That was just my luck.

The one time I do call and he doesn't answer, but then again it was a Friday night after all and maybe he did have plans.

He probably wasn't sitting at home like I was. The man probably had a life…friends…

Maybe a wife and kid…..or did you forget?

Either way I felt an odd sense of accomplishment for calling him.

Granted it took me a bit of time to do so but at least I did all on my own.

Okay maybe my lovely liquid courage played a factor, but it was still my mouth that spoke the words that he would hear or would he not understand the words I thought I said even though the words were there but not in the right order.

Huh….

Did that even make sense?

Okay maybe it was time to cut myself off. I was confusing myself even more than I already had and I didn't need any more of that going on in my life.

.… three days earlier…

"Thanks for coming to lunch with me, this wedding planning has got me going crazy. I needed someone not involved to chat with or I was going to go bonkers." Jessica giggles.

I think she was already there but of course I wouldn't tell her that. I didn't want to run away my new friend with my snarkiness. This was another milestone in my book.

"I understand. A little over a month and a half until the big day huh?" I ask and watch as her eyes get more animated. Jessica began rambling about various odds and ends she needed to finish and I could tell that she was genuinely excited about her big day. I didn't know her fiancé Michelle or Mike as she liked to be called but from what she told me Mike seemed like a great girl and was equally excited.

"I can't believe it myself. I mean little girls dream of this day and mine is almost here." She went on to tell me the details of her upcoming nuptials.

The way Jessica described everything had me infatuated and I secretly wondered if I would ever personally share her excitement and get married. Colors danced in front of my eyes along with various foods, cakes and decorations. Getting married as slowly but surely becoming an appealing idea and I saw myself picking out dresses, venues and flowers.

It was a bit of a stretch considering I had to find a man first…. one who would love me enough to propose and marry me but a girl could dream.

Jessica and I continue to talk for a little longer. Along with the details of her wedding she told me about her family. She was kid number three of four having an older sister who was pregnant with a third child with her husband, an older brother, married with an infant son and younger brother who was apparently a "lost cause" and had yet to settle down.

I was a little jealous and wondered what my life could have been like if my mom and dad had another kid. Not now of course, but when I was growing up. Being alone had its perks but also its downfalls. Her family was huge while all I had left was my mom and dad. Both were only children themselves with no other living relatives.

I guess I had zoned out a bit during Jessica's ramblings because I only caught the end of her sentence as she gestured wildly with her hands.

"….want him happy you know?" I smiled and nodded my head, hoping she wouldn't question me any further.

"…he needs a good girl….you should come….Sunday…will you?" she rambles.

Crap, I'm still not paying attention. I nod my head again.

Bad move.

"This is awesome, you can meet my sisters. You'll like them. Here let me give you an invitation. I'm so excited!" Jessica begins digging in her large bag.

What in the hell had I exactly agreed to?

Jessica stands from the table. "Crap I need to meet my mom and sisters for our mani-pedi appointment. See you Sunday! Bye Bella." Jess throws a piece of cardstock covered with parchment and a few bills onto the table. She kisses my cheeks and nearly runs out the door.

I pick up the medium sized piece of paper and read.

They've made the plans and ordered the cake and they're anxious for the vows that they'll make
Help pass the time and
shorten the wait
a shower is planned and here is the date.
We're throwing
a Bridal Shower/Bachelorette party for
Jessica Eliza Cullen and Michelle "Mike" Newton
on Sunday, May 16th 2011
at 5:00 p.m.
Athenadora's Tea House
468 Windwood Circle
Seattle, WA

We hope you can make it!

RSVP: Jane Voltaire (212)555-6172

It even had a frilly little bow glued on the end with lace trimmings. Maybe I should have paid more attention so I could have said no when she asked me if I wanted to come to her shower.

Despite only knowing each other for a brief moment of time, I was touched that Jessica had invited me to something very personal. I could see her and I becoming good friends although I wasn't sure if she and Bree would get along.

While elated at the thought of a new friend, I was nervous at the idea of meeting new people. Old Bella would be hyped but new Isabella was an anxiety-riddled mess at the thought.

Maybe I call her and back out.

Damn it, I can't. It'll be rude considering I just agreed less than a few minutes ago.

Am I even off on Sunday? I wonder if Bree or Diego could cover for me if I am.

What was I going to wear?

Shit! Screw me; I needed to find her a gift!

…..

"Bella you came!" Jessica beams running over and grabbing me in a hug.

I pat her back awkwardly, my gift for her squished between us. She introduces me to Mike who is a stunning blonde with sharp features and bright blue eyes. They're both dressed in similar colors, Jess wearing an peach off shoulder dress with heels and Mike with a matching peach blouse, shorts and high top sneakers.

I didn't know what to get for an impending bride let alone two. I never done this kind of thing before and relied on Bree to grab something for me since her mom worked at a bridal boutique. Goodness knows what may be hidden in the bag as Bree had questionable ideas when it came to these kinds of things but I hoped she would like it.

Bree even dressed me as if I couldn't do it myself. Dressed in a navy cotton dress with a pair of black tights and flats instead of heels (I had liked to keep my teeth in my mouth thank you very much), claiming that I had to make an impression just in case (her words not mine). I felt like she was setting me up for something she had no clue about.

I place my gift onto a table where I spot several others. I take a moment to admire the beautiful decorations that cover the room. The room was something out of a Martha Stewart magazine. Tables aligned the room with varying shades of peach and periwinkle tablecloths with fresh flowers on the table. Soft music was playing and I could see that food was slowly being brought in as more people entered. I was just about to inspect a tasty tray of macaroons when Jess appears out of nowhere and grabs my hand.

She introduces me to everyone like I was her shiny new toy. The tables are filled with various women, children and a few men. By the time I reach the third table I'd forgotten whom half of them were already so I knew it was futile. Plus it wasn't like I was going to see any of them after today.

We finally stop at the last table that was situated closer to the middle of the room, where three women, two little girls and an infant were seated.

"Guys, this is my friend Bella. Bella this is my mother Elizabeth, my sister Jane, her daughters Chelsea and Renata and my sister in law Angela. The little guy on her lap is her son Joham." She introduces.

You know the deer in headlights look?

Well I'm pretty sure I had that look on my face as I recognize Angela as the woman who was with Edward in the park.

And the baby!
Damn them for making the cutest kid I'd ever seen.

He had grey eyes, chubby cheeks and the sweetest little button nose. What really stood out were the little tufts of reddish brown hair on his head that peeked out the cutest little baby beanie.

I feel my mouth turn upward and hoped it resembled a smile instead of the grimace that was trying to make itself known.

It was his fucking wife!

"Nice to meet you." I clear my throat.

"Nice to meet you as well Bella. It's nice to meet the friend Jessica's been gushing about and boy aren't you a pretty little thing." Elizabeth compliments and I feel my traitorous blush spread.

"Awww…you're blushing! Are you single? I know a gu…" her voice abruptly cuts off when Jane prods her with her elbow.

"Here sit down next to me." Angela gestures to the seat next to her.

Oh god kill me now.

This was going to be so awkward.

If only she knew.

The woman that slept with her husband.

I quietly take the seat beside her and smooth my dress out, checking for any nonexistent fibers.

Angela turns to me and smiles.

"So how did you and Jessica meet?" She asks. The baby in her lap suddenly reached for me. I wait to see if it was okay and Angela nods her head. She places baby Joham on my lap where he begins playing with a lock of my hair. He smelt faintly of baby powder and his mother's perfume.

If my biological clock wasn't ticking before it definitely was now. I play with the baby's soft fingers for a moment before answering.

"Um in a coffee shop, we were both complaining about the line being long and it went from there. What about you?"

Duh Swan that was a stupid question. You know how she knows Jessica.

"I married her brother." Angela laughs.

"Yeah sorry, she said you're her sister in law." I retort and suddenly bells go off in my head.

Sister in law… as in she married her brother.

As in Edward.

As in Jessica's brother.

Jessica Cullen.

Edward Cullen.

Holy freaking shit on a cracker.

They were related!

Cullen!

It was right in face on that damn invitation….and I had heard it on the voicemail. Why hadn't I associated the two until now?

Oh god, if she was here then that meant…..

"Oh goody the rest of the food's here!" Jessica gushes. Trays of food begin being placed on one of the tables when a tall figure comes up behind us. Angela grins broadly and I look up to see a man wrapping his arms around her as he presses a kiss to her lips.

The baby in my lap began wiggling excitedly and I hand him over to the man who begins planting kisses all over his face.

"Bella, this is my husband Benjamin. Benj this is Jessica's friend Bella." I swear he looked at me with bit of recognition before casting his eyes downward.

Wait he was her husband?

This was the brother?

Dressed in a plain t-shirt and jeans he looked nothing like Edward. He was slightly shorter and bulkier. His eyes were a piercing blue and I could see a few tattoos littered down one of his arms. Benjamin scratches his head and that's when I catch sight of the reddish hairs peeking out the back of his baseball cap.

The hair…

Looking at Benjamin's face more intently, I see the slight similarities in the nose and slight cleft of his chin…

"Hey baby brother come here for a moment." Jessica giggles. I hear a moan of protest and she runs over towards one of the tables and grabs him.

I couldn't see his face as he was looking backwards at something behind him but it wasn't hard to figure out who it was coming my way. He turns his attention towards our table and stops mid step nearly slamming into Jessica's back.

There he was.

My mystery guy.

Edward.

Same build, same jawline, same crazy hair, same suckable lips and the same green that left me breathless.

"Hey Edward I want you to meet my friend..."

"Bella." Edward whispers.

And that is when my world came crashing down as Jessica looks between us. Recognition dawns in her eyes.

"Holy smokes, Bella is the girl you slept with!"

Thoughts? Leave it in a Review!

Did I really leave it there?

Yeah I think I did.

So what do you think is going to happen next?

Did Edward really go to Maggie?

What will Bella do?

Is there some meddling involved?
I guess you'll have to wait until next Sunday to find out.

Until then,

Xoxo Sylvia Cullen