Author's Note:

Okay, I know a lot of crap is happening. Many authors stories have been posted on this site without any of our consent. This includes me and about 20 of my stories. Along with other author's amazing stories.

So, it is very frustrating. And disappointing. It makes me want to stop writing and take everything down.

But alas, I don't think that is the answer, so here is the next chapter.

* Another Note*

Take it easy on me please. I know many of you think that Edward is irredeemable. But keep in mind that these things do happen in real life. Court and all... Maybe not like this but they do happen.

So, be nice.

Anyway, enjoy.

I was correct in assuming that Edward wasn't going to sign.

No, he didn't want to make this easy on me. Never does.

So, imagine my surprise when I found out that Edward wanted to be granted 50/50 custody.

When Marcus told me this. I almost had an anxiety attack. Though he immediately calmed me down, by telling me that all that Edward was granted was visitation rights, and the visits had to be supervised.

Marcus also told me that both of us could go, or that he could go with Lottie with one of my parents.

His first visit would be on the first of next month and so on. He'd get four visits first, and he had to prove that he had the means to care for Lottie or he'd only get visitations. Along with a few other things.

The morning of the visit finally arrived.

I got up earlier than usual to shower, and put on a pair of shorts and a tank top.

Then I proceeded to bathe Lottie and change her before making her favorite breakfast, French toast with fruit.

I then went to change into a pair of jeans, a flowered, powder blue t-shirt, and a matching blazer. I did my hair in a messy bun, and put on my favorite white platform sneakers.

She was finished by the time I walked out.

"Are you done, muffin?" I asked her.

"Yeah." She mumbled as I pulled some wipes and cleaned her face and hands.

"Great. Then we can go..." I told her, kissing her forehead before helping her off the chair.

My mind went to the last few weeks, and everything that had happened as we grabbed our things and made our way out of the apartment.

I had spoken to Rose, and though our relationship was strained at the moment, I was trying to be the bigger person and act civil for the sake of my daughter and parents.

My parents had been asking to get together every week now on Sunday for a late brunch. Which they hoped would help us move past the strain. It didn't, and I have been skipping the brunches for a while now.

To top it off, I got the news that Edward had applied for his rights a few weeks after finding out about her. I immediately explained to Lottie about the situation as best as I could.

She knew who Edward was…why he was here…. And why he hadn't been here before, in a watered down version. I didn't add anything else. Edward would have to answer her other questions. Not me.

I chose to go to the first visit with Marcus. He said I could be in the next room, while they had their visit.

As I drove to the courthouse, my stomach was doing summersaults, and my hands began to shake.

My mind went to the day that I told him I was pregnant.

Four Years Ago:

Fuck. No. No. No!

This had to be a fucking mistake.

Who was I kidding? Ten fucking positives couldn't be wrong. Right?!

Wait. Jessica did say the Dollar Tree pregnancy tests were faulty.

Okay, Bella, now you're just grasping at straws. Put on your big girl panties. Let's go.

There was only one thing I could do. I had to tell Edward, he would tell me that it was okay. He always knew what to do. Even if he wasn't talking to me as much, we agreed we'd be friends, right? Friends give other friends advice, right?

Without a second thought I left my apartment, and made my way to Edward's.

There were a lot of cars parked in the front of the usually empty lot.

"Weird." I mumbled. "Maybe someone is having a party." I told myself.

I had so many questions, and so many emotions running through me that I didn't realize the party was in Edward's apartment.

Mike, Jessica, Ben, Tyler, even Lauren were here. I wasn't surprised, they were more his friends than mine.

I quietly walked through the throng of people in search of Edward.

I found him on the balcony, surrounded by a bunch of girls in bikini tops and cropped denim shorts.

As I stepped in, his eyes immediately met mine and his smile dropped. He mumbled something to his floozy flock and made his way towards me.

"Izzy Bee, what— what are you doing here?" He asked me, nervously.

I stared at him, before sighing, "I need your advice on something. Or your help... which ever works better for you." I told him.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"Look, I know it's been a while since we— were together but I'm late. I need your help getting to a doctor or hospital to confirm." I told him.

"Wait. We always used protection." He told me.

"Look, I'm well aware. But who else could it be? I haven't slept with anyone else." I told him.

He sighed and shook his head as one of the girls walked over to us.

"Come on, Eddie, the guys want to do shots." She cooed.

"Hang on, Tan." He mumbled before pulling out a wad of cash from his wallet and shoving it into my chest. "Here. Get rid of it. Keep it. I don't care what you do. But leave me alone. This is your problem not mine…" he told me.

"Are you being fucking serious , right now? If I recall correctly I wasn't the only one there when this shit happened." I snapped.

"Well, you're the one who's going to deal with this. Take care of it." He told me.

I laughed in disbelief, "I was always told you were an asshole. I didn't believe them until right now."

"Oh please, you know very well what I am. Now, fuck off." He told me.

The girl next to him cackled as I stared in disbelief.

"Well? Aren't you going to leave? It's clear he doesn't want you here." The girl said in a nasal voice.

"Right." I said. "I'm leaving… right after I do this." I told them as I grabbed two drinks and threw them at them. "Now, I'm leaving. Have a nice life, asshole." I called as I rushed out of there.

"You fucking, bitch!" I heard her call after me.

I rushed out of there and went to the post office. I grabbed an envelope, and rushed back to my car. I stuffed the money into the white envelope and drove back to Edward's apartment. I was fully going to stuff the money into his mail box…

But as I got to the complex, something made me hesitant.

'Keep the money. You'll need it for your kid.' my Subconscious snarked.

It took all of my strength to swallow my pride and keep the money. I knew he wanted me to get rid of it… but how could I?

That little thing wasn't at fault for my fuck ups or the fact that I got knocked up. It was all on me. It didn't ask to come here.

"Fuck. What should I do?" I mumbled, tapping my fingers on the steering wheel.

I briefly entertained going to the clinic and getting an abortion but I knew I couldn't do that to an innocent, defenseless baby. It wasn't right.

With a sigh I decided to bite the bullet and call my parents. They'd know what to do.

As I left that parking lot, new determination set in me to do whatever it takes to keep this baby safe. Come hell or high water.

I didn't call my parents until I was back in the safety of my own apartment. Though my nerves had me keyed up, I followed through and called my parents.

That call changed my life forever. The following day my parents flew down to Florida and went with me to the clinic, where it was confirmed that I was pregnant.

I cried so hard when I first heard her little heartbeat, and I knew I couldn't get rid of her. Even if my parents told me that they'd support me no matter what.

Before I realized it we arrived at the Courthouse.

I quickly found a parking spot. I could feel my hands shaking as I set the car in park, and reached down to untie myself.

As I exited the car, and took a deep breath, looking up at the sky, blinking away tears as I tried to get ready for what was about to happen.

I unbuckled Lottie, and kneeled down to her level to speak to her. "Bug, Mr. Marcus is going to take you to the room and stay with you, okay? Mommy is going to be in another room waiting for you to finish, but if you need me, I will be there immediately, okay?" I told her.

She frowned, "Why? Can't you come wif me, momma?" She asked, her big cat eyes widening as she looked at me.

I swallowed thickly. "I— You don't—" I began to explain, but struggled as I saw the nervous expression on her face. I sighed,"Sure, muffin. I'll go with you." I told her, as I straightened up and grabbed her hand.

I pulled out my glasses and slid them over my eyes as we walked, and I slowly made our way up the ramp and to the front of the building.

Marcus was already waiting for me with a dark haired man.

"Bella, this is my legal and life partner, Aro. He came just in case. You don't need to speak, unless you wish to. Caius, a court representative, will also be in there to observe so that he can get everything back to the judge after today's visit." He informed me.

I nodded, as we began walking towards the entrance of the building.

We passed the security section, before walking down the massive hallway towards the elevator. We took the elevator to the second floor, and walked down another two hallways before arriving at the room.

"Ms. Swan, the room where you can sit is just over there. Aro will accompany you before coming back." Marcus told me.

"Oh—Uh— No. I, uh, spoke to Charlotte about this earlier. She wants me to stay with her." I informed him.

He gave me an understanding nod before sighing and opening the door with me.

Inside stood his parents, along with a round, balding man. Edward sat in between all of them.

I sighed, stealing myself for whatever they were about to say.

The moment they saw me and Charlotte, they all stood up, including the balding man.

"Mr. King. Ms. Swan." The balding man greeted us.

"Mr. Jenks. I see your client brought his family." Marcus said as Lottie hid behind me.

"They asked to come. Judge Romero approved them before the visit." Jenks told Marcus.

Marcus nodded and looked at Aro, who silently disappeared from the room.

He came back a few seconds later with another man with short, cropped ash blonde hair.

"This is Caius. He knows all about the case." Aro told us.

Marcus nodded, as he looked at me and Lottie.

"He just told me that Judge Romero didn't approve of a thing. That means the parents of the client need to wait outside." Aro informed them.

The older couple sighed and made their way outside.

A moment later, Lottie pulled on my hand, causing me to kneel down so she could speak in my ear.

"Is that him?" She asked me.

I nodded, "It is. Do you want to go talk to him?" I asked.

She looked over at him, tilting her head to the side as she stared at him curiously.

"I don't know, momma." She mumbled.

"I'm sure he won't be that bad." I told her, amused.

"Do I haf to?" She asked me, with a pout.

I snorted and nodded. "It's your choice, muffin." I whispered as I moved to a chair.

She gave me a worried look, before sighing and slowly making her way towards Edward.

He looked nervous, as I felt, but I remained quiet as I watched Lottie walk over to him, and sit in the chair next to him.

"Youw my dad." She told him.

He nodded, "I am. My name is—" he began but she shook her head. "I know youw name, Mr. Edwawd." She told him.

I sat back and watched in amusement, knowing what was about to happen.

"Yes. I— I brought you this doggy. I bought it the other day." He told her, holding up a white, brown, and black basset hound dog plush to her.

She gasped, and looked at me for help.

"Go ahead and take it, bug. He said he brought it for you." I told her, encouragingly.

Lottie nodded before pulling it to her chest. Her pretty curls gleamed under the fluorescent lights as she moved.

She held him tightly for a few seconds, a smile on her face before it dropped. She placed the hound on the table and turned to look at him, with a look of concentration. "Why awe you hewe?" She asked.

I stiffened as I tried and failed to keep my face expressionless. As Marcus sat next to me.

Charlotte was very smart for her age. Observing too. Her curious mind took in everything in whatever around her.

Which is why I asked my mother to be careful with what she watched around her but it seems she had ignored me when I asked her to stop watching romance movies and soap operas.

She could even speak clearly most of the time, only struggling slightly with the r's sometimes, and a few words every now and then.

I sighed, "Charlotte Reign." I called to her, sternly.

"No, it's okay." Edward whispered.

"No, it's not." I replied, before looking at Lottie, who frowned. "Charlotte, don't be rude. I know you have a lot of questions, baby, but ask them nicely." I told her.

"Otay…" She mumbled pouting. "My mommy said you've been wooking. But my fwiends say that theiw dads come home. Whewe have you been?" She finally asked.

Edward gapped at her in surprise.

"Working." I told her, amused.

She shook her head at me, "No, Jenny told me hew dad always comes home. Why doesn't mine?" She asked, looking at him.

He stared at her, his eyes shining with unshed tears for a second before he blinked and dropped his head. "Because I— I didn't know your mom had you…" he whispered.

"Yes, you did. I heawd Nan and aunt Wose talking yestewday. You didn't want me. That's why you left." She told him, frowning.

No. How could— Oh, I was going to kill both of them when I saw them.

" Be calm." Marcus whispered to me and jutted his chin towards Charlotte.

"Hey, Lottie, baby…" I called her as she tensed.

She wordlessly slid off the chair and made her way to me, she silently climbed onto my lap, and buried her face into my chest.

I could feel my anger dissipate as I saw the heartbroken expression on her face. "Lottie." I whispered, holding her.

She shook her head and kept her face hidden.

"Charlotte Reign Swan, look at me." I sternly said.

She lifted her eyes to me, face tear-stained, as she looked up at me.

"Baby, I need you to understand something, okay." I began as I moved to stand, before setting her down and kneeling in front of her.

The pain in her green eyes made my heart ache. I had failed to protect her…

Fuck.

'This won't go unpunished, I will go for blood.' I promised myself.

"One is that your Nana and Aunt Rose don't know what they're talking about. Two is that people— they, we make mistakes. That doesn't make us bad. It just means that we're not perfect. Okay? So, your dad? He's a part of that group I just told you about. He's made mistakes in his past. But it is your choice whether you want to forgive him, and move past this, or whether you want to leave and forget this ever happened, okay?" I told her, pushing down the anger I felt at the moment.

She frowned, as I reached up to wipe her face. "But—.." She trailed off.

"Now, bug, you have a choice to make. Do you want to stay and get to know your dad or do you want to leave?" I asked her.

"I wanna stay." She whispered.

I nodded, "That's my girl." I whispered as I kissed her cheek and helped her down.

She silently went back to the seat, her dainty little hand wiping at her eyes again.

"Hey, munchkin." Edward said, causing me to laugh.

I heard Lottie grumble as she crossed her arms over her chest. "I'm not a kunchin!" She stomped her foot in annoyance.

"Sorry I didn't know you disliked that name. Is princess or tiny better?" He asked.

"You can call me Lottie." She sighed, as she sat down.

I bit back a snort as Marcus snorted in his seat.

"She's a little sassy, isn't she?" He asked me, quietly.

I nodded, and tried not to laugh as we watched her stare at him with a curious expression on her face.

"His lawyer has requested that the visitations be upped to twice a month. Depending on how this goes. What do you think?" He asked me.

I blinked, staring at the pair through my darkly tinted glasses.

'For Lottie. She comes first.' I told myself, mentally.

"I'll ask Charlotte, and get back to you." I whispered a few minutes later.

He nodded as he leaned over to speak to both Caius and Aro.

An hour later, Charlotte skipped out of the room with Aro, who promised to get her a donut and some juice while Marcus, Mr. Jenks, Edward and I spoke.

"Thank you for defending me." Edward said, quietly.

His eyes tried to look at mine, but I refused to take off my glasses.

I was being rude. I knew this, but I had a headache and the lights were making it worse.

"I didn't do it for you. I did it for Charlotte. Everything I do is for Charlotte, not you." I replied, quietly.

He flinched but nodded. "The visits. Can they be twice a month? Do they have to be here?" He asked me.

The events of the morning were beginning to weigh in me. So many emotions hit me.

I briefly wondered if I'd get in trouble if I decked him. But refrained from doing so.

Marcus intervened as he placed a calming hand on my arm. "My client has asked that the visits be here until they no longer require supervision. I will be here with Charlotte with either of my clients' parents or another family member each time." He informed them.

As he mentioned my family, the anger from earlier came back.

Nope. The last thing I wanted was any of them near Charlotte right now. Fuck it all, I was going to have to make new arrangements for her until this shit was handled with them.

"Actually, until the supervision is no longer required, I will be here with Charlotte and you. We'll be doing what we previously arranged." I informed them, calmly.

Marcus turned to give me a questioning look before nodding, and turning to look at both of them. "Is there anything else you wish to add?" He asked.

"Can my parents come meet her on the next visit?" Edward asked.

I sighed, balling my hands, nails digging into my palm.

I needed to get out of here before I lost what little control over myself I had.

"Get it done. I'm sorry but we have somewhere else we need to be ... So, if you'll excuse me." I said as I got up and rushed out.

Aro was waiting for me with Charlotte, who was wolfing down the chocolate donut with a large smile.

"Hi momma!" She said as she took another bite.

"Aro…" I sighed.

"It was the one she wanted." He told me apologetically.

"It's alright. I'm just about done here but I'll see you two soon, okay." I told him, pulling him into a hug before taking Charlotte's hand and making my way out of the courthouse.

I unlocked the car, and helped Charlotte in before strapping her in.

As I pulled away, I saw Edward standing there, looking at me with a sad expression on his face.