Disclaimer: To my own disbelief and pure greediness, I sadly don't own Twilight/New Moon characters, Miss Stephenie Meyer does.


January passed in a cool breeze, leaving the hollowness of Jacob's 'death' to just me and the kids. It had been tough, not financially as most expected, but physically. My back ached and feet swelled, the symptoms were as far worse than the other twos'. I refused to tell Carlisle, he would probably worry, at my next appointment. The baby was fine and I seemed to be fine, to him, although it was coming to a point of almost being unbearable, but I dealt.

One day, as Madeline and Mason were at school, Ben showed up at my door. I quickly invited him out of the cold; he sat in the living room as I sat across from him.

I talked to him some more, he was just catching up with me, seeing how I was doing.

Finally he asked me a question, which seemed to be his whole interest.

"Bella, I know you are dealing with Jacob's loss, and you're six months pregnant, but with Angela working, my law firm needs someone to close files, and I was wondering if you'd be interested." He finally spit out.

At first I was going to refuse, hands down, I was fine off financially, and I was going to go teach for next year, and to pick up work then leave…

"Don't worry about your baby Bella, we're going to hire as soon as you have the baby, so you don't have to worry about coming back. Just for a few months." He pleaded.

I smiled, I had been caught up with housework, baby work, I was usually just sitting around the house, and a little extra money couldn't hurt us, only help.

I smiled again, "Alright Ben, I'll do it." I sighed.

He got up and hugged me, "Oh Bella, you're great. Uh when would you like to start?"

"Uh well, how about tomorrow? Unless that's too soon, I fully understand…" I babbled.

He smiled, "No that's perfect Bella, tomorrow. My office is right near the police station, I'm sure who know how to get there…"

"Oh of course I do, Ben. Alright well, uh I guess I will see you tomorrow." I smiled.

He left with excitement, and before I knew it the next day arrived.

I dropped the kids off at school, then drove to Ben's office, parking.

I walked in, seeing how his legal office worked. It was small, filled with cheap carpet, and lots of folders. There were secretaries that were just sitting, enjoying coffee and the two attorneys, including Ben, were talking, both dressed nicely.

The two secretaries looked over at me, smiling; Ben finally looked over as I walked forward.

He walked forward and hugged me, "Oh good you're here Bella." He smiled.

He walked me towards the secretaries, "Anna, Gina, this is my good friend Bella."

I just simply smiled, Gina's mouth dropped, so did Anna's, they probably were staring at how 'young' I looked.

Anna finally cracked, "Did she graduate with you Ben, from uh high school?" She asked confused.

He smiled, "Yes, and I know, she looks so young, not a day over 18, but she's the same age as me, so let's pay attention." They stopped staring and looked at Ben.

"I've asked Bella as a 'paying' favor to close our files. She'll be working and hopefully you can show her how. I have to go to Port Angeles for a hearing, please excuse me." He squeezed my shoulder than grabbed his jacket, walking through the door.

The other attorney had turned back to his office and was on the phone, huddled over paperwork.

"Uh hi, I'm Bella Swan." I finally said.

Gina took a sip of coffee, "Oh I'm sorry, you just look so much like uh Bella Black…"

I looked down, "Yea, uh that's me. After Jacob passed away, the last name brought back so many memories… So it's actually Bella Black-Swan, but uh Bella Swan is simpler…"

They both looked sympathetic, "Oh I'm so sorry."

I just looked up, "Yes well, "I cleared my throat, "Where would you like me to work?"

They pointed me to another desk, filled with files and boxes, post-its and pens. They showed me how to close the files, all while getting to know me and talk about my family.

The first day passed quickly, I went and picked up the kids, which I had placed in day care till 5pm, because that's when I got off.

The week passed quickly as well, and then the week that followed. Before I knew it, it was mid-February, and luckily my appointments were at the end of the month.

Gina and Anna had become very friendly, it was regular that I'd cover for them, and they could help me when I needed it. Ben and the other attorney were always in and out, going to hearings, meetings, court, or lunches.

One day it was actually quite busy, the phone was ringing constantly; sometimes I even had to pick up the phone. Gina and Anna were busy with files and a huge case Ben was working on, but one day Ben came out to me as I was leaning over a file I was closing. I was reading paperwork and filling out dates.

He cleared his throat; Anna and Gina were talking on the phone.

I looked up, startled. "Oh hey Ben, can I help you?"

He smiled, "Bella this is a favor beyond no other, and I can't believe I'd ask you to do this for me, especially since even Angela can't watch the kids, but could you make a business run for me?"

I squinted my eyes together, and asked. "A business deal?" I was confused.

"I have to go to court in two days, but tomorrow I have to take another statement and Garret the other attorney can't take it, and Anna and Gina can't leave."

I shrugged, "Uh sure Ben, but do you have questions to ask and everything?"

"Yes, everything is prepared, but Bella, this is a two day trip, and you're like what? 7 months pregnant with two kids? Oh no bother, forgot I ask, how stupid and selfish of me, I'll send Gina, she's my secretary..." He went off.

I felt terrible for Ben, "Ben, it's ok, I can still walk and talk at 7 months pregnant, and I'll find someone to watch the kids, besides it will be what? Thursday and Friday? No problem."

He smiled, "Bella, you have no idea how important this is to me, how grateful I am for you doing this."

I smiled, "It's no problem, I'll just uh think of whom to call for the kids."

He handed me a few folders and pens, also giving me directions and hotel reservations. It was Wednesday, so I'd be leaving tomorrow. He thanked me again, as I left to go pick up the kids.

I pandered all through dinner who to leave the kids with for a night. I thought about Cheryl, the PTA mother, or even Charlie. I tried Charlie, but he was working an early shift and late shift tomorrow. Madison then told me Cheryl and her kids were gone all week on a family vacation to California. Ben had said Angela couldn't, because her twin siblings were at their house preparing for graduation. The only thought that came to my mind was… the Cullen's.

I didn't have Carlisle's cell phone, only Jake did, and it was in his coat pocket. The coat was still upstairs. I waited till I put the kids to bed, and then went upstairs. I saw on the bed, my hand on my stomach, staring at the closed closet doors that had Jacob's clothes in them. I finally got up and opened the doors; Jacob's scent pulsed through my blood… I wanted to cry.

I found his jacket and while it was on the hanger, I searched for the number, finding it.

I went downstairs and found the phone, taking a deep breath before dialing.

I waited while it dialed… the numbers resounding in my head.

"Hello?" Carlisle answered.

I gulped, "Uh hello Carlisle." I answered.

"Oh Bella, how are you, is everything ok?"

I bit my lip, "Uh yes, I mean no, I mean, yes everything is fine."

"Bella, what's wrong? Wait, do I need to come over?" I heard a door opening in the background, and other silent voice in the background, asking what was wrong. I heard the sound of a car motor.

"No Carlisle, everything is fine." I stopped before I knew it was moving.

The noise stopped in the background, I heard more doors in the background shutting.

"Alright Bella, if you insist, but is everything ok?"

"Yes it is, I just… oh never mind, I'm foolish to think such a thing." I sighed.

"Bella," he said calmly, "Do you need anything?" He asked.

"Well, I've been doing some favors for Ben Cheney, and well I have to go take a witness statement, and no one can watch Madeline and Mason tomorrow night, and I was wondering if I could drop them off, or at least someone could watch them tomorrow." I finally sighed.

"Oh well you should never think it's foolish for you to ask. Of course we will watch Madeline and Mason; would you like them to stay with us?" He asked nicely.

I smiled into the phone, "Yes, uh of course, I have to leave tomorrow early, but I can take them to school, so I was hoping someone could pick them up as well."

He laughed, "Bella, we have five children who are in this house sitting with nothing to do. Watching your children would be something they'd love to do, as well as Esme."

I smiled, "Thank you, so much Carlisle. This is a huge favor, thank you."

"No problem Bella, we'll pick the kids up tomorrow."

"Oh yes, okay, thank you again, bye."

"Bye Bella."

I pressed end quickly, and sighed.


Author's Note: Wow, this is probably the shortest chapter on here, ha ha. Enjoy it while you can!
Anyways, sorry I didn't post yesterday, I was watching the Olympics, which is totally enjoyable,
I forgot in 4 years how exciting the summer Olympics are :) Alright well enjoy the story,
I'll post another chapter today to make up for my forgetfulness from yesterday.

Till Then, Elizabeth