Kindness

For a long time, he stood slightly stunned, staring down at my baby boy. It had been an emotional year all because of the little four month old boy in his arms. Despite everything that happened, I love him more than anything in the world. He is my world.

Sensing the atmosphere change in the room, Edward's eyes scrunched up and he started to cry. I scooped him into my arms, cradling him to my chest. As his mother, I hated seeing anything but happiness on his face. I pecked his nose and nuzzled my face with his.

"I love you baby. Momma's here. Momma's here, you're safe."

It took ten minutes to settle him down, but I finally managed it.

"I'm sorry Miss Swan."

"It's fine. I love him and he's safe that's all that matters."

He nodded and gestured to the medical bed. I lay little Ed back on the bed and tickled his tummy to reassure him.

"Would you like me to look him over now?"

"Yes please."

I stood beside Dr Cullen as he checked over my little boy. Ed was very good as he didn't cry or fuss. Once it was all done, I pulled his coat back over his arms and blew a raspberry on his stomach. He giggled and clapped his hands above his face. I always knew how to make him happy.

"Esme knows."

"I assumed so. She has been so excited to meet the two of you. It's all she has talked about."

"She's a wonderful woman. Very kind and caring."

"That's why I married her."

A bright smile made its way onto his face as I looked up at him. There was so much love on his face and in his eyes as he thought of his wife. I hoped that one day someone would think of me that way.

"I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't tell anyone. My mom, dad, stepdad and I agreed that it would be better for me and Ed that no one knows the truth. It makes my life easier so that I don't have to face any problems at school. Little Ed here can also start his life in a calm and safe environment."

Tickling his tummy again, I lifted him into my arms. I swung him round once, causing him to giggle.

"Thank you for helping."

"Esme called as she was heading here and asked me to come in just in case everyone else would be busy."

I immediately felt bad. He'd given up his day off for my baby.

"I'm so sorry. You didn't have to give up your day off for us. We could have waited."

He put his hand on my shoulder and shook his head.

"It's okay. I was on call anyway. If you ever need any help I'll be here. I understand that it's difficult for young mothers to cope with everything. You've got the stress of caring for your baby and getting a good education."

"I don't like leaving him. Today was the first day I spent more than an hour away from him. He's my baby."

He'd opened the door and we headed towards the waiting room. Holding the door open, I stepped into the waiting room to see Edward Cullen and Esme sitting where I'd left her. They both stood up when they saw us and made their way towards us.

"Hey Bella."

I avoided looking at Edward, wishing he wasn't here. It's not that I don't like him. From what I've seen so far, he is really kind and caring. I don't want to get close to him though.

"Hey."

"I brought you your books."

"Thanks."

Taking them from him, I tucked them under my arm. He seemed unsure of letting go of the books at first but did. I just wanted to go home now and spend some time with my Edward.

"How's Edward?"

As Carlisle was about to respond, a confused Edward spoke first.

"I'm fine."

"I guess I should introduce you. This is Edward, my brother."

I emphasized the word, brother, to get my point across to Esme and Dr Cullen. My eyes caught Esme's and she gave me a sympathetic smile.

"He's beautiful Bella."

A tight smile formed on my lips and I looked down at my baby. He had his eyes closed whilst stretching his tiny arms.

"Little Edward is doing alright. I could see his gums are a little swollen. There isn't much you can do about that. Keep him on his medicine at least once a day and if he doesn't take it, bring him in."

"Okay. Thank you again."

"It was no problem Miss Swan."

Looking back at Esme, I gave her a gentle smile.

"I'll see you tomorrow Esme. Thank you for calling me today."

"I'll talk to you in the morning Bella. Be safe."

"Bye."

I whispered my goodbye before heading straight out of the hospital. They are not my favourite places in the world. They are full of people in pain or dying. I'd been in many hospitals over the years, my trips becoming more frequent in the last year.

Opening my car door, I realised that Edward's baby seat was in Esme's car. I closed the door and leaned against it, holding Ed tightly to my chest. The cold air circled us as I watched Esme and her son, Edward leave the hospital. I went straight up to them and quietly asked for the baby seat. She helped me get it situated into the passenger seat of my car before saying goodbye again.

By the time I got home it was already 6:30. Charlie would be home soon, and I hadn't gone to the supermarket. Guess we'd be having take out again.

Once I'd got Ed settled in a pile of pillows on the living room floor with a shaker, I started tidying up around the house. In the back of my mind I couldn't help but think that this was just a way to distract myself. But distract myself from what? All I seemed to be able to think about was the bronze haired beauty I sit next to in Biology.

He looked so lonely in the cafeteria; even his friends seemed to be separated from him. Then in Biology, he was the only one sitting alone. Everyone sat around him chatting to their friends, but he didn't. He was alone. Like me. When I sat beside him, his reaction was very different to what I was expecting. He was so kind to me and seemed to want to at least be civil with me. Then he was so caring when I dropped my books in my rush to get to my Edward. His kindness meant a lot to me. I couldn't get close to him though. If he ever found out that Ed was my son, he'd make rude remarks and before I could blink everyone would know.

A cry brought me back down to the world around me and I realised I'd been wiping the same spot of the dining table for almost ten minutes. I dropped the cloth onto the table and ran into the living room. My Edward had dropped his rattle and I assumed it had hit him on the head.

"Oh baby."

Stroking his head, I took one of his tiny feet into my fingers. I rubbed small circles on the sole of his foot. His cries quieted until he was just whimpering. This was all I wanted in life. I wanted my baby safe and happy and then I would be happy.