Chapter 3 The Next Morning

"How on Earth do you manage to look like this when you have a massive hang over," I asked in disbelief as I noticed Alice's outfit.

"Well, I didn't want to look like crap," she winced gripping her head in her hand.

"Only you Alice, only you," I shook my head smiling at her will power.

"Beauty can't take a break," she tried to laugh but moaned. "Shhh, it hurts Bella. Quit making me talk."

I narrowed my eyes at her. "Ok prima donna whatever you say," I laughed as she tried to throw a pillow at me.

Smirking to myself I made my way across the living room and headed out to the balcony. Alice watched me as my hand rested on the doorknob. A smile played at the edges of my lips as her eyes widened.

"Don't-," she began as I slammed the door shut loudly. I could hear the agonized moan through the door and chuckled under my breath.

"That's what you get for last night," I muttered to myself as I felt the cool breeze caress my bare skin. The muffled sound of the neighbors tv upstairs drifted down to where I stood. This is what it was like not to stress over school and classes; boring apartment complexes and bills to pay.

Laughter drifted up from the playground that rested to the left of my balcony. I placed my hands on the wooden railing lightly. I was three stories up and I didn't feel like flying today. The sight of blonde hair in the sunlight caught my eye and I smiled. I always loved children and the sound of their laughter made my day. My gaze drifted down to the adult that was keeping the toddler steady on the thing that he was on. Something about him seemed familiar and I scratched my head as I racked my brain trying to figure out who it was. I took in a shallow breath as I realized who it was. It was the neighbor that had come to complain last night about Alice's obnoxiousness.

My smile brightened as I walked down to the playground where the man and the young boy were. The man had the boy in his arms and from what it looked like, he was tickling him. I laughed along with the little boy but instantly flushed red.

The man turned around smiling joyously as he bounced the toddler on his hip. "I remember you," he announced as he started to walk over to me.

"Yea, what a great first impression huh," I smiled shyly.

"Well it wasn't the best," he shrugged as he stopped in front of me.

"S-so I never got your name," I stuttered.

"I guess I forgot to mention it last night. It's Edward, Edward Cullen," he attempted to shake my hand but failed as the toddler squirmed in his arms.

"And I'm Isabella Swan, but you can call me Bella," my eyes met his gaze. Alice had it on the money when she said he had pretty green eyes. The toddler coughed, breaking our eye contact.

"And who might this be," I said brightly as I looked down at the little boy.

"Oh him, this is just Mason, my nephew." The little boy looked at me with bright blue eyes.

"You're a cutie," I told Mason. He smiled brightly and squirmed trying to reach me.

"Well I think he likes you," Edward laughed as Mason struggled to get out of his arms.

"Do you mind," I asked looking at the toddler.

"No by all means go ahead," he stated as he handed the little boy to me.

"Hi there Mason," I cooed. He tried to communicate back but it was just gibberish. "How old is he," I asked as I adjusted him on my hip.

"He's 15 months." Edward replied with a crooked grin. Wow Alice was right, he was hot!

Mason played with my hair that rested on my shoulder.

"He-" Mason sneezed and snot dribbled out of his nose. "Looks like he needs a nap," Edward grabbed Mason from my arms and headed to his apartment. "You can come in if you would like," he called over his shoulder.

I stood there for a second, deciding if I should. Taking a deep breath, I followed behind him and into his scarcely furnished apartment.

"Give me a sec," Edward called from a room. I hid in the doorway as I watched Edward tuck in Mason. It was such a sweet moment, that I couldn't help but smile. "Nighty night Mase," Edward whispered as he ran his hand on top of Mason's head before parting the room.

"He's starting to feel better," Edward's voice startled me as he stepped out of the room. "He's a good kid," he continued, "I love him to death." I smiled as Edward sat down on his striped couch exhausted.

I followed suit and looked around. "I know, I know. There's not a lot of things," He sighed looking around, "But it's enough for me and Mason."

"That's not a bad thing," I stated smiling at him. "So if you don't mind me asking," I began, "where are his parents."

"They died in a car crash when he was just four months old," he answered sadly, his green eyes clouding over.

"Oh, I'm sorry," I mumbled feeling bad.

"It's alright," he met my eyes.

"If you need a baby sitter or anything, you know where to find me," I added.

"Thanks," he yawned, his eyes drooping.

"I should let you get some sleep," I nodded as I stood up.

"Okay," he yawned again. "And Bella," I turned to look at him. "It was really nice to meet you."

"It was nice to meet you too Edward, I'll see you later," I added as I stepped out the door and headed up to my apartment blushing the whole way.