.CHAPTER THREE.

Bella.

How come, the days you're not working are always the days where you're at your busiest? With two kids, two cats and a lazy-ass husband, your work load is never clear. Recently Maddox had picked up his father's trait of leaving his dirty underwear on the floor and refuses to pick it up. I mean, come on. What did your last slave die of, Mini?

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I had hoped that, seeing as I didn't have to leave for the diner, Edward would have allowed me to sleep in, and he would look over the kids getting ready for school. Maybe a toasted bagel and Nutella would be waiting for me to devour. But no - fat fucking chance. The asshole was dead to the world and my 'good morning darling' came in the form of a sour fart that broke his throaty snores.

So the morning was no exception; I woke at the ass-crack of dawn, hauled my sleeping children from their slumber and tripped on Edward's fucking boot and one of the cats en-route to the kitchen.

"This sucks, Mama." Mini rubbed his eye and let out a loud yawn. "Why does school exist?"

With the bowl semi-full of Froot Loops I covered the colored hoops in milk and passed my son the bowl. "'Cause we'll all end up like your father if it didn't."

"But Dad is wicked cool!"

"You may think that, but you still have to go to school."

"Maddox has a point though, Mama - school is full of little fuckers that smell bad." India had her beloved kitten, Motley, clutched tight to her chest.

I waved my hands around me, "then don't hang around the fuckers that smell bad! It is as simple as that! And I don't care what you both say; you're going to school and that's the end of it."

Both children slumped their heads and glumly ate their breakfast.

I took that opportunity to slip outside for a morning smoke. Sitting on the back step with only Edward's t-shirt on and my hair messily pulled back with a bandana probably is not the sexiest sight to see first thing in the morning, but I didn't give a fuck. I believed in the 'if you can't see them, they can't see you' theory, so it didn't matter to me that I couldn't see the nosy bastards peering over from their pristine houses at our back yard that had more over-grown weeds than grass, and where you hear more arguments than a shitty sitcom.

I returned back to the kitchen to find that Edward had gracefully joined us with his presence. He only wore a pair of black boxer briefs, and I had to admit that I found it very difficult to gather my bearings. Colorful patterns and neat scripture covered at least fifty percent of his body. Just like our kids, he too helped himself to the Froot Loops and poured a large bowl. He sat beside Maddox at the bar and tucked into the noisy cereal. Milk dripped down his chin after every spoonful.

"Remember you're coming to my school today, Dad." India looked hopeful at her father; he had apologized for acting like a jerk, and to her that meant he had turned over a new leaf and started fresh. I, however, was not as hopeful. I know this man better than his own parents do, so I know when he is genuinely turning a corner.

Edward looked up from his bowl of cereal and over to our daughter, "huh? Oh, your school thing. Yeah, I'll be there, pumpkin. Two o'clock, yeah?"

"One o'clock."

"Right, right, one o'clock."

A shining smile lit up India's face at the thought of her father finally keeping his promise. "Remember to bring your pens and paper and one of the tattoo guns!" Her voice rose with excitement, and it was almost as if nothing could phase that little girl. "Oh! And a Sharpie and then you can give people fake tattoos!" India was dancing around the kitchen, I was scared for her tiny cat that undoubtedly feared for it's life.

"Okay, Indie, calm down and go get dressed. You too, Mini." After more persuasion the kids reluctantly went upstairs, leaving Edward and I alone.

"You swear on my life that you'll be there." I spoke in a firm tone and pointed a finger in his face.

He rolled his eyes and popped a smoke between his lips. "I said I would, okay? Get off my back."

"I have heard that so many times. I swear to God…"

"What?" He stood up with a jerk. "What are you going to do?" He towered over me, but I'm no weakling; he doesn't scare me.

There was plenty that I could say, but I decided not to. I shook my head, "just promise me you'll be there," and went up the stairs.

0-0

I had approximately two hours until the appointment when I got home from taking the kids to school, and as much as I wanted to curl up on the couch and watch the crap on television, I got stuck into the recently-ignored housework so at least then I could say I was fairly productive. I started in the living room and tidied away Maddox' various DVDs he had lying around; some discs lay out of their cases, other cases held the wrong discs. I sighed loudly, it was going to be one of those days.

Throughout the room, it was evident that a certain father and son had used this room to relax, what with the pairs of socks and shoes that littered the floor, and a cushion which had been chucked off the couch, onto the side table and managed to knock over some photo frames in its path. I often wonder what goes through my husband's child-like brain. How can he look at a mess that he made and not offer to clear it up? But then again, that's guys for you. I had the same problem with my Dad growing up. Fortunately he didn't leave his smelly underwear about the house.

I reset the couch and sat the frames back up in their rightful places. We had three frames on that side table - one of me holding a newborn Maddox - my hair fell in limp curls by my shoulders and I was dressed in another of Edward's large shirts. Maddox slept peacefully on my chest - his tiny lips pursed and a blush painted on his chubby cheeks.

The second, Edward cradling a newborn India. Both were asleep in that one, and both in the same state of dress. India in just a diaper, and Edward in only a pair of boxers. He had a lot less tattoos at that time - because he was barely legal to get any. You could spot the black rounds of ink spreading out from his shoulder but the arm of the couch covered the rest.

Our third frame held India as a grown-up-looking toddler and a chubby Maddox being held in her delicate hands. He had his father's scowl on his round face an obvious sign that he would have rather been anywhere else. But our Princess India with her brown hair similar to some Disney chick, head tilted to the side and a toothy grin on her face, couldn't have looked more happy. Even from that early age, you could tell who looked more like who. Maddox' hair was dark, but had the orange tints coming through, and those green eyes? Fuck me they were bright.

We don't have a lot of picture frames dotted about our home, 'cause we're not that sort of family, but perhaps I should start putting more up. We don't even have our wedding photo, like many married couples all around the world hang up and cherish. Nope - its stored in a box somewhere. Then again, our wedding wasn't your typical grand ceremony with pure silk dresses and dapper men in suits. It was in Edward's back yard (at the time) and I was in a white dress I had in my closet. He, in his 'smartest jeans' and a black shirt.

Fucking jeans.

At your own wedding

I remember Alice and I were on the look out for a simple dress India could wear, and Edward said; "no fucking girl of mine wears dresses." But I wear the pants in this relationship, so I bought one anyway.

And, yeah… that was our big day. I never stayed at the party long, and apparently Edward drank his body weight in alcohol and stayed in his bed for the next three days.

Oh well, start your marriage how you wish to go on, right?

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I wore some daisy dukes and my skimpiest black bikini top for my appointment with Rose. Mostly because my tattoo would be situated around my chest/rib area, but also I love to mess with Edward's head. And seeing that he doesn't know about my appointment, is going to be even better. Rose had the brilliant idea of writing down a fake name - an alias, incase Edward went snooping through the diary. Not that that would have been likely - he finds out when his first appointment is, and the rest are a mystery to him.

I loved walking into that parlour - the buzzing of the equipment sketching onto the skin, the hum of music playing on surround sound, and most importantly, the distinctive smell that all parlours have. (Some nicer than others, mind you). It's a hard smell to describe - it smelt sterile, but with a little mix of smoke that wafted off the artists clothes. I live around that day in and day out, so it's comforting to me, but to those that don't smoke, it can be a bit much to get used too.

Rose had decorated the place beautifully; she spent so much time and money on her new project. The main wall had red wallpaper with black roses on it, the other three were just red. On shelves up high, she put old, dusty candle holders and fake, dead flowers looking limp in vases. Hung on the walls were all the sketches that either she, Edward or Emmett did, and the occasional sketch that Rose liked and that fitted into the scene.

The reception desk was off to your right when you walk in, with the artists stations laid out around the perimeter. There were two doors at the back, one led you out to the bins and the smokers area, the other a private room for piercing, or a private room if the client was scared to get inked with other people watching.

Edward was leant over his desk with a mug of coffee and a copy of SkinDeep opened out in front of him. He looked up when the bell chimed as I walked in - his eyes bulged, either at my state of dress, or my presence. Probably both.

"The hell you doing here?" He looked me up and down. "You don't have food with you."

I rolled my eyes, "can I not come and visit my husband at work?"

"Yes… but I thought we agreed you only wear that little in the bedroom."

He tries so hard to charm…

"Well it's a good thing I'm not here to see you then, isn't it? Now, I better go - can't leave Rose waiting."

"You're getting inked? By Rose? Not me?"

Anymore questions you'd like to add?

I placed my hand gently on his broad shoulder, "you think I'd let you anywhere near my tits with permanent ink?"

His eyes grew larger and jaw dropped. "You're… getting your tits inked?" You could see the excitement grow. "Do I get a special viewing later?"

I shrugged, "maybe." I kissed his cheek lightly, "see you in a bit."

0-0

"Rose, I love you."

I stood before the mirror and checked out the dream catcher that now took place on my left side. Three feathers drifted under my boob, with a string of beads attached to each one. In the middle of the body of the charm, was the outline of a shark tooth. It's a symbol of power, ferocity and according to Rose, it suited me perfectly.

"Glad you like it, B. Come back during the event on Friday and I'll finish the shading and add some color." She added an ointment then covered the art in cling wrap.

"Excellent; I'll book that now."

With a departing hug, I left Rose to clear up and went to say goodbye to Edward. The time was nearing half-past twelve, so he had half an hour before needing to be at India's school. I don't want to parent him, but I felt it necessary to remind him. "Give yourself plenty time to be there."

He gave me a two-fingered salute with a cheeky grin, "don't worry, B. I've got this all planned out." He stroked softly over the cling wrap on my side. "She did an excellent job. But you've gone a bit red," he rubbed the skin over my ribs, "make sure you take care of that properly, okay?"

I shook my head in disbelief, "I know what I'm doing."

"I realise that, but it's been a while since you were last inked. I'm looking out for you, babe." He put his arms around my shoulders and brought me in for a hug.

"I know - thank you. I better go and make sure Alice hasn't burnt down the diner. See you later?"

"Of course." He dropped a kiss on my lips and swatted my ass when I walked away.

That's the Edward I enjoy - the young, care free, flirty Edward. Not this asshole who had taken his place.

0-0

I was sitting on the back step again, when a car was heard pulling up in the front yard. Before I could reach the front door, it swung open to reveal a very angry looking India. Fresh tears were present in her eyes.

"What's up baby?"

Her little arms were around my waist in an instant. She shook her head, in a way to say that she wasn't ready to talk. Edward and Maddox appeared up behind her, and from the look on his face, I knew instantly, that Edward was the reason for her tears. I did my best to control the anger that raged through me.

"Indie, why don't you and Maddox go play upstairs? I'll come find you shortly."

The kids know this protocol - if mommy and daddy have angry faces, they get out of the room.

"Tell me why she's crying." I said, as steadily as I could, in the privacy of our kitchen.

Edward stood at the back door with a USA Gold burning between his fingers. He released the smoke in a loud breath through pouted lips. "I forgot she said it started at 1…"

Fucking unbelievable.

"But she told you this morning. I heard her say it." I was trying my best to keep my anger under control, but I found it exceedingly difficult.

"I know," he said with a sigh.

"Well, for her sake, I just hope you're telling the truth." I had had enough of his bullshit lies.

"You think I'm lying? That I couldn't be bothered going?"

"Maybe! You couldn't be bothered the other night when you went to the bar with Emmett!"

We inched closer and closer to one another, spitting out our frustrations in each others face. "So you think, after promising you and promising Indie, that I changed my mind? As simply as that?"

"I don't know what to think, Edward!" I flung out my arms, "I don't even know who you are anymore! The man I saw at the tattoo parlour? That's the man I married - not this." I pointed straight at him.

"I'm still the same man your married! Christ."

"Really? Because I don't remember marrying some asshole who would make a promise, to then destroy it."

"Oh, cut the crap, B! This isn't even about our relationship; it's about our kids."

I scoffed out my laugh, "the only reason we have a relationship is because of our kids." I shook my head and rubbed my eyes with my fists. A tingling sensation filled me, my throat felt tight with emotion. I didn't want to cry in front of him, but the tears came at their own accord. "I don't know what to do." I whispered, mostly to myself, but he answered anyway.

"About what?"

I took a cigarette from his packet (because it was closer that mine) in hope the nicotine would help. "This." I answered after a pause. "We promised to stay together, for the sake of their upbringing, but is it worth it? Are we really making their lives better by staying together?"

For the first time in a long time, I saw worry etched to his forehead. "What do you mean?"

"Look at us, E - we fight more than we talk. And that's not healthy for anybody."

"So you're just giving up?" He asked. "One thing goes wrong and you say 'fuck this' to the past eleven years of our life?"

"It wasn't one thing though, was it?! It was a series of things."

"What series of things have I been doing?"

"Ha, where do I start?"

"Seriously?"

I looked at him pointedly "Yes." I play with the ring that felt like a weight on my finger.

"So that's it, is it? You're giving up?"

"No, Edward, but it just seems like you don't want us anymore."

Edward grabbed a handful of his hair in aggression. "What do you want me to say, B? That I fucked up as a father and a husband, and I always break promises? Is that how you see me?"

I never said a word, because I didn't quite know which word to say. My silence spoke for me. "I get it." He spat.

"I don't think you know how much this hurts Indie; with you telling her you are going to help her in a project or go to an event with her and never show up."

"I didn't mean to! You know that!" Edward tired so hard to defend himself, but I couldn't see past the negative.

"Do I? 'Cause the man I married always cared about his family and dropped everything to put them first and now I don't see that."

"Of course I care!" He shouted, "everything I do is for this family. I work my ass off all day long for you guys, so don't you fucking dare turn around and say I don't."

"And that is exactly why this has to happen." I play with the ring more, until it's off my finger and clutched in the palm of my hand. "We need to do what's best for them."

Edward couldn't look anywhere but the floor, and I couldn't look directly at him. Both the silence and the atmosphere, you could cut with a knife.

I left the ring on the counter and left the room without a word.

I knew this day would come at some point, I just never expected to feel so numb when it did.

A little separation, that is what we needed. See things in a different light and clear our minds.

I found refuge on the couch and the picture of India and Maddox together.

This is for the right reason.

I hope.

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Trust me, a HEA includes EVERYONE.
I know some will be happy with what just happened, and some won't be. But tell me how you feel :)
A picture of Bella's dream catcher tattoo can be found on my Facebook page, RosieRathbone FanFiction
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