ARE YOU READY TO RUMBLE?!?!?!?!?

Sorry, don't know where that came from. Huh. How silly of me.

Anyway, I am seriously apologetic for how long I've let my multi-chapter stories go without updates. I have been lost in the land of one-shots for contests. If you would pleeeeeeeeease go read my entries for the Steamy Movie Crossover Contest, I have three: Never a Bride, The Boy With the Pig Face, and The Virginity Pact. For the Valentine's Day contest, I have Seducing Doctor Cullen.

Seducing Doctor Cullen and The Boy With the Pig Face are a departure for me, because they are both Edward/Jasper stories. Now, now, I know you girls secretly love seeing two cute boys kiss just as much as I do. And if you don't, that's cool. But just give these stories a chance anyway, will ya? Pretty please?

Anyway! I would like to say thank you to everyone who reads this story. It began in my head as a stupid little unlikely idea with a flimsy plot, and now it has tons of readers and reviews. It tickles me and makes my day every time I get a review. I am, sadly, addicted to your kind words. Oh well. I wonder if there's a replacement drug I can take for it?

For those of you who have read The Virginity Pact and liked it, please note that I have already finished the next chapter for it and will work on the third shortly. They will be up after the contest is over, so that's something you can look forward to if you wanted to read more.

Holy guacamole, this A/N is too long! Sorry!

BPOV

I awoke to a rare sunny morning, complete with the sun shining through the lace curtains and little birds singing sweetly. I wondered how the weather could be so beautiful when my internal mood was like a great big storm cloud.

I stretched my limbs and yawned, ready to get out of bed. I found my bathroom stuff and grabbed one of Esme's guest towels before heading to the bathroom so I could take a shower before I went and hunted Edward down for a good morning kiss.

I heard Esme and Carlisle's voices, along with Edward's smooth timbre coming from the kitchen downstairs. Even after reading Esme's welcoming words last night, I worried that they wouldn't want me here once they heard the reason for Charlie kicking me out.

I drug out my morning routine as long as possible, but eventually I ran out of things to tweeze, shave, brush, and primp. I'd officially spent more time on getting ready this morning than I had for my entire high school years combined.

With a great, gusty sigh, I descended the stairs like a man walking to the electric chair. Edward was seated at the breakfast table with his parents, and everyone looked grim, indeed. I felt the tension harden in my shoulders as I crossed the floor as quietly as possible; perhaps if I didn't make a sound, nobody would turn to look at me.

No such luck.

My foot hit a creaky floorboard, and the Cullens turned to me collectively. I tried to hide behind my hair before I remembered that I had it pinned back, away from my face...the very face that was currently afflicted with throbbing red cheeks.

"Good morning, Bella!" Esme chimed, her face open and welcoming while her eyes twinkled with amusement. I smiled back at her tentatively before turning to look at Edward and Carlisle. Edward's father was never stern, but his eyes held a slight frown that worried me. I was sure now that Edward had spilled the beans on the circumstances of my expulsion from my father's household.

"Did you sleep well, Bells?" Edward asked with a charming smile.

I nodded, afraid to speak.

"Isabella, please join us. We're having Esme's famous pancakes," Carlisle offered, his voice smooth and melodic. My nerves climbed higher when I noted the fact that he only ever referred to me by my full name when he was in a bad mood.

I took a seat at the table and shifted around uncomfortably. Esme placed a plate with a stack of steaming, fluffy pancakes in front of me. Edward handed me the syrup, and I smothered the plate with it.

Just as I was taking a big bite, Esme broke the silence. "So, Bella, what are you planning to do now?" she asked in a sweet voice.

"Mom!" Edward scolded.

I gulped, choking on my food. Edward, ever the helpful one, was ready with a glass of orange juice. I slugged down the entire glass before turning to face her.

"Why, Edward, I wasn't trying to be nosy. I was only trying to be open with Bella!" she exclaimed, her face scandalized by her son's tone.

"Er, it's okay. Um, I'm not really sure what I'm going to do now. I haven't really thought about it," I replied. My eyes were still watering from choking, so I probably looked pitiful.

"Well, dear, I'm sure that things will work out. It's okay if you need to stay here for awhile," Esme said as she patted my hand comfortingly.

Carlisle cleared his throat, and all eyes shifted to him. "Edward, Bella, it's not that I don't like the fact that the two of you have gotten together; however, I feel that it would be irresponsible to allow Bella to live here under these circumstances," he said, his voice grave.

Edward's hands dropped to the table, causing the cutlery and glasses to jump and clink. "Dad! I can't believe this; I could have lied to you about what happened, but I chose to be honest with you both and now you're going to turn this against Bella? She wasn't the only one caught, you know," he said in a raised voice.

"Now, son, just hear me out. I love Bella like she's our own. God knows she's been running through this house forever. All the same, we're also good friends with Charlie and I just think it would be undermining his authority over Bella if we were to have her here. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?" he replied.

"Dad, if she goes, then I go. I can't just leave her out in the cold. There's no fucking way!" he ground out, his fist clenching on the table.

Esme's gasp was audible. I wondered if Edward dropped F bombs around his parents often.

Carlisle's face went from shock to outrage and then onto concern in a scant moment of time. "If that's how you want it to be, then we won't stop you, son."

Edward's cheeks were flushed with anger, and I wanted to comfort him, but I knew that now was not the time. Esme's eyes were downcast, staring at her hands twisting around each other in her lap. I knew she wouldn't dispute her husband in front of us, because that was no way to present a united front.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Cullen," I whispered brokenly. I couldn't allow the desperate tears to fall in front of them, so I quickly pushed my chair back and ran upstairs to the guest bedroom. I shut the door tightly and laid on the bed, finally allowing the tears to fall.

My situation was looking hopeless, indeed. I was eighteen, a legal adult, but I was still in high school and I didn't have any money of my own. Trying to get an apartment or rent a room was entirely out of the question unless I got a really amazing part-time job.

However, I knew that would cause my grades to slip and I might lose out on some scholarships I would need for college.

A soft knock sounded on my door, and I sat up quickly, drying my tears. "Come in," I croaked.

Esme's head popped in the room, and I found myself welcoming her soothing presence. "I'm sorry about Carlisle, Bella. He truly does like you, but he doesn't want to anger Charlie because they're friends," she said sadly.

"I guess I can understand that, it's just that I don't really know what to do now," I replied honestly without looking her in the eye.

Esme's soft hand perched on my shoulder while her fingertips stroked the ends of my hair. I felt the tears threaten once more, because her gentle nature was nothing like my mother's flighty forgetfulness. I wished that, for once, my mother could be the one here comforting me with soft words and touches.

"I know you're probably feeling really lost and confused, but I have a solution that I think may help," she said quietly.

I sniffled, looking up at her. "...yeah?" I encouraged.

"Edward's looking at apartments as we speak, actually," she said with a bright smile.

My mouth dropped open. "I..I didn't think he was seriously considering moving out!" I cried in alarm.

"Bella, he loves you. We know this. Carlisle may be angry right now, but he'll see the light soon. After all, he is being a bit hypocritical," she said with a conspiratorial twinkle in her eye.

My mind jumped back to Edward looking at apartments. "Wait, so he's going to get an apartment?" I asked.

"Yes, and when he finds one I'll sign the papers with you. I know it's hard to rent without any credit history, so you'll need a co-signer to vouch for your dependability," she replied, still stroking my hair softly.

I was flabbergasted that Esme would be so willing to help her son move out with the Jezebel that had been caught boffing him in her father's house in the first place. I felt a tidal wave of love and gratitude wash over me.

"Esme... you're too kind..." I began, the tears returning full force now.

She waved me off with a hand. "Oh, shush. I love you like my own daughter, just as I soon expect you will be," she said as she lifted my left hand and touched my promise ring from Edward. I jumped and snatched my hand away in embarrassment.

I tried to change the subject. "Why are you being so helpful?" I asked, a little awed.

Esme's smile amped up a notch and her eyes burned with amusement. "Well, Edward doesn't really know the entire story of how his father and I met," she began.

"Go on," I said, curious now.

"When I was a senior in high school, I went to a college party with one of my girlfriends. We were young, it was the seventies..." she trailed off, looking at me nervously.

I waved my hand. "I get it, you were totally stoned," I joked.

"Actually, yes, I was. All I remember from the party is seeing Carlisle for the first time. He walked in, looking so dreamy with his long blond hair and big blue eyes. He took my breath away..." she went on, but her eyes were dreamy instead of guarded.

"What happened?" I asked.

"Well, we flirted and I started seeing him, but he was a college student. My father didn't like me dating anybody, let alone an 'older man,' so we dated in secret until I was eighteen. About a week before graduation, he walked in on us having sex." Esme was chuckling now, lost in her memories.

"Oh man, what happened?" I asked.

"He went nuts, just like Charlie apparently did. The only difference is, I didn't get kicked out... I screamed that I was leaving since he couldn't respect my adult wishes. I stormed off into the night on the back of Carlisle's Harley, and that was that. We got married in Vegas two weeks later," she finished, her eyes bright with happiness and nostalgia.

"Wow," I breathed. "Did your dad ever come around?" I inquired, wondering if Charlie could ever get over my own similar situation.

"Oh, yeah... about ten years later, when Edward was born and Carlisle was a doctor making enough money to support us well. My father came to us, hat in hand, and admitted that Carlisle was a good man and he could see how good he was for me," she replied, grasping my hand to imply that Charlie would hopefully do the same someday.

"That's...amazing," I said, an unexpected bout of laughter welling up in my chest.

We both laughed until we had tears streaming down our eyes. I didn't stop until Edward rapped lightly on the door before poking his head in. He looked confused at first, and then smiled when he saw how happy I was. "Hey," he said softly.

Esme patted my thigh and gave me an encouraging smile. "I'll just leave you two to iron things out," she said. She stopped at the door and turned back to me. "Oh, and Bella?" she said.

"Yeah?" I said.

"Just so you know... Vegas is really tacky," she said with a wink and a grin.

After she left, Edward sat on the bed next to me, hugging me close. I buried my head in his shoulder and took a deep breath, instantly comforted by his scent. "What was thatall about?" he asked, his forehead creased in confusion.

I lifted my head and smiled at him with watery eyes. "Oh, Esme was just telling me about how your grandfather caught her in bed with her boyfriend and she rode off to Vegas on the back of the boyfriend's Harley," I replied with a mischievous grin.

"Ew! I don't wanna know that about my mom!" Edward exclaimed before slapping his hands over his eyes and shuddering violently.

"Oh, it gets worse! The boyfriend was totally your dad!" I said, pulling his hands off his face as laughing.

"Nasty! Oh god!" he shouted. His over-exaggerated antics gave me yet more reason to laugh, and soon we were both rolling around on the bed, clutching our sides.

After we calmed down a bit, Edward hauled me up against his side and we stayed that way while we talked. "So your mom said you were looking at apartments?" I asked.

He kissed my temple softly. "Yes. I know we're not married yet, but I think it could be okay if we lived with each other under the circumstances..." he began.

"I'm okay with living together. Besides, it's not like I have anywhere else to go," I said, feeling relieved and excited at the prospect of moving in with Edward.

"Are you sure? Because we can get a two bedroom, you know," he replied, sounding slightly nervous.

I pushed myself up onto my elbows and looked down at him. His eyes were worried. "Are you worried about us living together?" I asked.

Edward shook his head. "I was just afraid you wouldn't be ready," he said.

I thought about that for a moment.

"I'm ready," I responded honestly.

He sat up and brushed the hair away from my jaw before kissing me tenderly. "Good, because we already have a few appointments for today," he informed me.

I nodded and leaned into him for another kiss. I didn't know how we would work this out, but I figured we could find a way. I'd get a job, and I knew Edward had some money from his grandmother, so we would be okay.

At least I hoped we would.

EPOV

I was the last one to sign the rental papers for our brand new apartment in downtown Forks, right next to the high school. It wasn't exactly a nice place, but it held a certain charm.

Considering the fact that it was over the only operating auto mechanic shop in the entire town, it was surprisingly tidy, if a bit dated. The kitchen looked like it was out of a 1960's Sears catalog, complete with the pea-green appliances and Formica counter tops. There were little frilly curtains hanging throughout the entire apartment, but at least it came furnished.

I finished signing my name and handed the manager a check for the first and last month's rent. Bella's hand gripped mine and I squeezed hers gently in return. "Edward, I hate that you're paying for this," she said worriedly.

"Shh, it's fine," I soothed. Esme smiled at me approvingly, and I mouthed "thank you" to her for helping us get the apartment. She nodded and quickly swiped a single tear from the corner of her eye.

Carlisle was standing next to the front door, his arms crossed over his chest as he frowned slightly. I could hear him muttering things like, "Just wait 'til Charlie...can't believe my son is...she's a nice girl..."

I stood up and walked around the apartment as Bella called Alice and Rosalie. I stopped short when I realized something entirely serious that we had forgotten.

"Bella! Have you talked to Rosalie or Emmett at all this week?" I asked.

"No, why?" she replied, before gasping. "Oh no!" she said. She dialed Rose's phone number and we both waited as everyone watched us curiously.

"Are you still in Vegas?" Bella asked breathlessly. Her eyes shot to mine as she shook her head at me.

"Did you...?" she trailed off, and I saw she was too afraid to even ask if they'd actually gotten married.

She breathed a huge sigh of relief and smiled at me. She again shook her head and we slumped down onto our new orange couch together. "Thank god!" she exclaimed.

Rosalie must have taken offense to this sentiment, because I could hear her angry squawking through the phone. I grabbed it away from Bella and spoke over her deliberately. "Heya, Rose. If you'd like to see our new place, you should come over now," I said.

That shut her up, as she'd had no idea about what had happened in the past couple days. Tomorrow was Wednesday, and we had the entire rest of the week off due to the teacher conferences. I knew we could probably expect a five-day party at our new place once everyone showed up.

We didn't have to wait long, obviously. Carlisle and Esme had left just a few moments before Alice, Jasper, Emmett, and Rosalie all came storming up the stairs. Rosalie led the pack, pounding on the door with great force. "Bella! Edward! Open up, you secretive assholes!" she shouted.

I winced and looked out the window to see if she'd disturbed any neighbors. Nobody stirred, so I left to let them in. Jasper and Emmett pounded me on the back as they entered and the girls ran to find Bella in our new bedroom.

The only piece of furniture that was entirely new was the bed. It was a king-sized gaudy monstrosity of wrought iron and crushed red velvet. The velvet had to go, but the bed was comfortable, so we were okay with it.

I sat on the couch and turned the T.V. to the football game while the guys asked me a ton of questions. I gave them the quick and dirty version, and both of them laughed and joked at my expense for getting caught with my pants down in front of Bella's father.

The girls came out of the bedroom and settled into the living room with us. We decided to order a pizza and watch a movie, so I walked into the kitchen to call the pizza place. I turned around when Alice crept up behind me.

"Hey, half-pint," I teased.

Alice's face scrunched up comically as she said, "Very funny, Red-ward!" Alice was absolutely horrible at making up nicknames, but they never failed to amuse. She'd tried to dub me "Red-ward" last summer after I had my growth spurt, because I was now officially about a foot taller than her. She said I was like a redwood tree, but the nickname was just too silly to fit.

"What's up?" I asked her.

"I was just wondering how you guys plan on affording this...this life," she said with concern in her eyes.

I smiled and pulled her into a brotherly hug. "Don't worry, Ali Baba, Bella and I will be just fine," I said, using one of my own countless nicknames for her.

She hugged me back tightly before pulling away. "Yeah, I guess you could always sell that huge fucking blue diamond masquerading as an aquamarine on Bella's finger," she said with falsely innocent wide eyes.