Before I start, let me just say that I have never been to court, so what I'm writing may not be totally accurate. Just humor me though, and go along with it. I'm doing my best, kay? So without further ado, Chapter 23!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters, although sadly, they do own me.

Week 32-June 1

Bella POV

My court date was next week, and every night I lay in bed awake, scared to death that Kyle will get custody. I mean, who knows what kind of bullshit he's gonna pull out. I mean, what if they make me look really bad and he gets full custody? I have not gone through all of this, not to mention I have not put my family through all of this just so Kyle will get my daughter. No fucking way. If he gets her I swear to God I'll shoot myself.

I rolled over onto my stomach and looked at my digital clock. It was 4 in the morning, but I doubt I'll be falling back asleep. I slipped on my slippers and made my way down to the kitchen. My stomach was really big now, and I didn't really walk anymore, so much as I waddled. I was about to boil water for tea when my eyes landed on the phonebook. I don't know exactly what compelled me to pick up the phone, but I did. I hadn't talked to my real mom since I saw her over a year ago. She told me to call her anytime, but since I got pregnant, I was scared to talk to her. She told me not to make the same mistakes that she did...and now look at me, I'm exactly where she was fifteen years ago. Mistakes and all.

I needed someone who got it though. Who really knows whats going on. "Operator." A dull voice picked up. My insides felt tight, "Renee...uh..." Shit, what was her last name? Fuck. She took her new husbands name, I knew that much, "Uh, it starts with a D, Renee and Phil D-something. In Jacksonville Florida."

"We have one Renee and Phil, last name Dwyer."

"Thats it!"

"One moment please." The line went quiet, and then the phone started to ring.

"Hello?" Her voice was just like I remembered it. Warm and comforting, but also with an air of authority.

"Mom...er, Renee, it's Bella." My hand was shaking, I was so nervous. What if she hung up on me? I mean, why wouldn't she? She has no reason to talk to me. God, this was so stupid. I never should have called. This is what happens when you don't get enough sleep.

"Bella! Sweetheart, how are you!" She sounded happy, and I began to relax a little.

"I'm okay. How are you?" I walked in circles around the island.

"I'm doing really well. I haven't heard from you in a while. Hows life?"

"Well, I'm in Seattle now. I've been adopted, and I am with a great family, and..."

"Thats so great! I'm so happy to hear that. And...what?"

"Mom, I guess I sort of called because I needed someone to talk to whos been in my shoes." I know I have all of my school friends and stuff, by I need an adult whos been though it and moved on. Who isn't living it, but rather has lived it. "Mom, I'm having a baby."

The line went quiet for a few seconds. "Oh," She sounded surprised, which I'm sure she is, "Well, congratulations." She tried to sound cool, and I imagined her sitting down some fancy couch, trying to regina her composure. "How far along are you?"

"Seven months. It's a girl."

"Oh Bella, thats so exciting!" She sounded genuinely happy, and for a moment I wondered what my life would be like if she was my mom. She's only thirty now, and I bet shes a lot of fun.

"To be honest, I'm not totally sure why I called you. I mean, we're in totally different positions, but I guess I just felt like I needed to call you."

"That really means a lot Bella. I love you a lot, and I think about you all the time."

"Do you ever wish you had kept me?" I think this was the reason I called her. I just needed to make sure that I was making the right choice. That I was going through all of this for a good reason.

"Yes, I do. I wish I hadn't been so scared of my parents, I wish I hadn't been so selfish. I wish I had been there for you." Just hearing her say that made me feel that my decision was right. "Bella, I have to go to work, but please call me anytime."

"I will. Or you can call me. Here's my number." I gave her my number and then hung up. For some reason talking to her made me feel a million times better. Keeping my daughter is the right thing to do. If I gave her up, I don't think I'd ever forgive my self. I'd spend the rest of my life wondering if she ended up like me. Abused and alone. I could never live like that. No, keeping her is the right thing to do, and talking to my mom confirmed that.

Week 33-June 8

The morning of June 8th I woke up at the crack of dawn. This was it. The big day. The day that would pretty much determine the rest of mine, and my daughters life. I got up and showered and did my hair nicely. Ms Grayer has coached me on what to wear and what to say. I wore a green and brown floral print skirt and a brown lacey tank top. I curled my hair and did my make up and then went down to the kitchen. Esme and Rosalie were already up and dressed. Esme was wearing a nice skirt and blazer, and Rosalie was wearing a white tank top tucked into a plaid skirt with a shrunken navy blazer. The boys came down next, in dress plants and collared shirts, and then Alice was last. She's changed a lot since she and Esme got home. Her hair is longer and brown, and she replaced her lip ring with a tasteful little stud. I know that she still goes out and drinks, but she and Esme are getting a lot closer, and she's well on her way to recovery. Shes going to a summer camp in August for troubled teens, and I think that she's going to end up alright.

Edward looked gorgeous all dressed up. I wrapped my arms around him and soaked in his familiar scent.

"I'm so scared." I admitted.

"It's all going to be okay." He rubbed my back soothingly, and instantly I felt more relaxed.

"I hope so..." I put my hand on my stomach, "I just don't know what I'll do if..." I couldn't even finish the thought, but he knew what I meant.

"He won't. I promise." He kissed me softly, and then pulled away.

"Time to go." Esme called as she grabbed her purse. I felt like I was going to be sick, I was so nervous.

The ride to court was quiet. I just stared out the window, praying to God that for once in my life things go my way. Please God, I bargained, If you keep her away from him I promise I'll be the best mother ever. I closed my eyes and tried to block out the world around me.

The courthouse was quiet, with only a few cars in the parking lot. Ms Grayer promised that this hearing would be small. Just family.

I held Edward's hand as we walked inside. Ms Grayer met me right inside the front doors and led me to a small room. "This hearing will be very routine. They will ask both families some questions, they'll ask you about your future plans, very basic stuff. Do you have any questions?"

I shook my head. "Alright, are you reading to go in?"

"Will he be in there?"

"Yes, but Bella, it's going to be okay, I'll be right with you. You don't have to say a word to him." I nodded. I could do this. Not that I really had a choice...

I followed Ms Grayer into the courtroom, and kept my eyes focused on a picture near the front of the room. I refused to look around in fear of seeing Kyle. I heard some people whispering, but I kept walking with my head held high. I took my seat next to Ms Grayer, and then let my self look over at the other side of the room. There sat Kyle, next to his lawyer. He looked just like I remembered him. Big and tall, and those eyes...I quickly looked away. "I don't think I can be here..." I whispered.

"It's okay Bella. It'll all be over quick."

The judge called the court to order, and Ms Grayer and Mr Zyley stood up. At first it was very routine. I didn't have to say or do anything. They went over living conditions, and schools and family life. It wasn't until they asked why Kyle should not get custody that I had to stand up. Ms Grayer had coached me on exactly what to say, and I took a deep breath and then started talking.

"Kyle attacked me, your honor. He didn't ask me if I wanted to have sex, he just..." I took another breath, "He raped me. And your honor, I feel that because of this, Kyle is not a fit parent. To give him a child, after he raped me, would be just wrong. I am very concerned for the welfare of my daughter, and I'm afraid that if he didn't hesitate to attack me, he might not hesitate to hurt her either."

The judge nodded, and I sat back down. It was Kyle's turn next.

"Bella can barely take care of herself, let alone another child. She was sleeping with a different guy every week, and its no wonder she got pregnant. It just sickens me though that she is calling rape. I think she's crazy."

I smiled to myself. Ms Grayer knew he would use that, so she told me I should a full psychiatric exam, which I did, and I passed it with flying colors. His argument was useless.

Ms Grayer and Mr Zyley stood back up. They continued arguing back and forth, until the Judge finally stopped them. Everyone got really quiet as the Judge got ready to read his decision. "On the basis of what I've heard today I've chosen to grant Isabella Cullen full custody of this baby. Kyle can file for visitation in five years, unless he be convicted of rape, in which case Kyle will not be allowed within two hundred meters of Isabella or the baby, with no chance to re-file. As well, Kyle will pay two hundred and fifty dollars a month child support. Court is hereby adjourned."

"Thank God..." I breathed. Ms Grayer gave me a hug.

"Congratulations. You can rest easy now. I'll give you a call in a couple of weeks so we can get ready for the next trial."

"Thank you so much!" I felt like my face was about to crack, my smile was so wide. I was so thankful that Kyle would not be anywhere my daughter, for a while at least. I would probably actually get a real nights sleep tonight.

Esme and Carlisle were next to hug me, and then a woman in her mid thirties came over to me. "Hi Bella. My name is Kathy. I'm Kyle's mom." I took a step back. She didn't look angry, but I wasn't taking any risks. "Listen, I can't even begin to apologize for what Kyle did. I feel absolutely sick at what happened, and I agree fully that he should be nowhere near this baby."

I nodded. What exactly did she want me to say. "You have every right to refuse what I am about to ask, but, despite the horrible circumstances, this baby is my first grandchild, and although I'll probably never meet it--"

"Her. It's a girl." I interrupted.

"Her." Kathy smiled. "Although I'll probably never meet her, I love her. And you can feel free to say no, but do you think you could send me a picture of her, once she's born. Just for me, my son did something horrible, but I'm hoping that this baby can make some of it right."

"First of all, nothing will ever make it right. I love my daughter, but I didn't want a baby. If it weren't for Kyle, I'd be in public school right now, with friends my age. Not to mention what this has done to my family. So no, she will not make it right. However, I don't blame you for what Kyle did, so yes, I will send you a picture of her. If you'll excuse me though, I have to go. I'll see you at the next trial."

She nodded, probably not sure how to respond to my little outburst. I don't know what it is with moms these past few weeks, but there's Renee, and now there's Kathy, all these moms, and I have no clue what to do with them.

Week 34-June 15

The last day of classes was hot and sunny. I was hot and huge and uncomfortable and was just ready for the baby to come already. I pulled on a pair of shorts and a t shirt and pulled my hair up into a messy ponytail. Dani and Addison picked me up like usual, except today didn't feel normal.

"I can't believe today is our last day of school." I moaned as I climbed into the front seat. "I'm gonna miss these morning pick ups and starbucks runs so much."

"Me too, but we'll chill all summer, and I'll be there for you when she's born." Dani pulled into the drive thru line at starbucks. "Speaking of the baby, any names yet?"

I bit my lip. "Sort of. I've thought a lot about it, but I don't know, I mean it seems to final. Once I name her, it's like, thats it..."

"I totally get it." Dani looked in the rear view mirror at Addison who was staring out the window. "When you pick the right name though, you'll know it. It'll just like feel right."

"Yeah, that's what everyone's been saying."

---

The school was busy and loud. Everyone was excited that classes were over, but at the same time dreading exams. Classes were spent saying goodbye, and wishing everyone a good summer. I hugged all of my friends and teachers and promised to send them pictures as soon as the baby was born. Second block we were given time to clean out our lockers, which was quite the task. It's amazing how much shit accumulates over even a few months.

I peeled the pictures of my friends and me off of my locker door, and threw out all the crumpled papers and garbage, and then shoved everything else into my backpack.

Since today was the last of classes, school let out at noon. Dani and I took Addison to the mall to buy some clothes for my baby. Looking at all of the little dresses and shirts was shitting-my-pants scary. In just over a month I'm going to have a baby... and real live human being. The thought sent shivers down my spine. This was for real.

"Scary, huh?" Dani said coming up behind me. I looked at Addison who was smiling hugely, and then back up and Dani, who beneath her smile looked totally worn down. I felt my chest get tight.

"You have no fucking idea."

Sooo... did you like it? Please review!!! The second court date will be in the next chapter, so review with any ideas/suggestions for it! Aannnddd, only a few short chapters away... the baby!!!!! So if you want to see that, then review!!!!!

Love Alice !