Disclaimer : SM owns Edward & Twilight, not me (sadly!)

14th August 2010

"Mom? You okay?"

I looked across to my mom's knee bouncing in front of her. We were sat on my and Bella's bench waiting for her to arrive. Bella had been nonstop texting me all week. She was nervous and excited all at once. I think Mom felt the same.

"I'm okay honey. I just hope she's okay."

"She's fine Mom." Real fine my brain added. I rolled my eyes at my own silly joke. To be fine though, it was no joke. Bella was fine but she was with Jake and there was Tanya. I'd hardly seen Tanya since she'd decided to take the job offer in New York. She flew out a couple of days ago to finalise some details and wouldn't be back for another few days.

I checked my watch to see Bella was late. She was never late. Grabbing my cell out of my shorts pocket, I dialled her number.

"Won't be two minutes Mom" I pointed to the cell as I walked toward the swings. She nodded.

After a six long rings, Bella answered.

"Bee? Are you okay? I'm worrying about you."

"I'm okay." she said with a sniffle. She sounded upset. Jake. That bastard!

"Bee? What wrong? Where are you? Did he … did he hurt you?"

"Who hurt me?" Confused laced her voice.

"Jake." I spat between my teeth.

"Jake? Silly Edward. Jake would never hurt me. No you've got it wrong. I need to see you before I meet your mom again. I need to calm down. You by the swings?"

It was my turn to be confused.

"Eh, yeah? How you ..."

I looked past the swings to see Bella's head pop around a large tree. I smiled as I made my way over, clicking my cell off as I did.

"Bee. How long have you been here?" As I got closer to her, I could see her red rimmed eyes as the tears started again, making lines down her cheeks.

"Hey Bee, don't cry."

I folded her into my arm as she snuggled into my chest; she gripped onto my t-shirt with both hands. She sniffed before she whispered.

"I've been here longer than you. I sat here to gauge my reaction and as soon as I saw Esme, I broke down. Edward, she's the closest thing I have to a parent. I've not seen her for such a long time and I'm scared I'll disappoint her."

"Disappoint her?"

Bella struggled against my chest. I squeezed her tightly.

"Bee. You can never disappoint. She's nervous about seeing you too. She still sees you as her fourth child. She's told me that herself. Come on."

Pulling on her shoulders slightly, she took a small step away, enough to look at me. Giving her a small smile, my thumbs skimmed under each of her eyes to wipe away the moisture.

"I'm glad I brought tissues." I chuckled. "I think you're both gonna need them." She smiled, leaning in to kiss my cheek. It left a tingle.

"Thank you Edward."

Grabbing her hand, I led her towards my mom. As soon as we were in sight Mom rose from the bench and practically sprinted towards us, pulling her arms around us both in a group hug. And then the tears started.

I slipped out of their grasp as they clung to each other, sobbing. Happy sobs. After five minutes, they both calmed down enough to release each other and walk hand in hand over to the bench where I'd been watching both of them. I was proud of myself for keeping it together myself. They were both beaming from ear to ear, all red eyed when they sat down either side of me, both their hands still entwined resting on my lap.

"Oh Bella, honey. Look at you! You're positively gorgeous. Edward said you were still that beautiful girl but he didn't do you justice."

Bella's eye caught mine for a second before she looked at Mom.

"Esme, look at me. I'm a mess." she shook her head, "But thank you."

Mom took a deep breath before continuing, "I'm so sorry honey. About your dad. I know he was your world. Oh honey, why didn't you come and tell us he was ill. Carlisle could have helped, we all would have."

"I'm sorry Esme. I... I just wasn't sure of the reaction I would have got. It's pretty selfish of me I suppose but I had enough to deal with. I wasn't ready to have anything else on top of that. I knew contacting you all would be emotional and I wasn't in the right place to deal with that at that point in my life. I'm sorry."

"Hush, none of that. I'm just glad you came back home, where you belong. Here." I could feel Mom looking at me but I couldn't take my eyes off the woman to my left. So honest, so true, so home, so right?

Mom and Bella continued to talk about everything they could think of. Dad, Alice and Jasper. Emmett, Rosalie and Benjamin. Me.

"I'm so proud of my baby boy!"

"Mom! Stop!" I whined.

"Edward" Bella laughed. "Let your mom be proud of you. I'm proud of you too. Saving lives each and every day." She smiled at me softly.

I laughed. "You make it sound like I work on Grey's Anatomy or something. Being all noble."

"No Edward" Bella replied. "You're twice the person than any character on there. Plus I've heard you're a great doctor." she winked. I smiled back.

"Oh it's so good to see you two back together again." Mom sighed. Together? That sounds good. Wait, what am I thinking?

"So Bella. Please come for dinner tomorrow. Carlisle really wanted to see you, he wanted to come here today with us but he said he didn't want to overwhelm you."

Bella turned to me. "Would that be okay Edward?"

"Of course it would. I'd love you to be there." And I meant every word. "Shorty will be there too." I knew that would seal the deal. Bella had been wanting to see Alice for weeks now but she was called away with work arriving back later this night.

"Okay. Yes. I'd like that. Thank you Esme."

"I'll pick you up from yours? At about eleven?"

"Yes. That would be great. Thanks Edward."

I smiled. I had a feeling tomorrow would be a great day. And so it was.

15th August 2010

I picked up Bella at her place at eleven as we had agreed. She looked perfect in a long green halter-neck dress with matching sandals. Her long hair was down again in those soft looking curls. I just watched to touch them to see if they were soft but that type of behaviour would be inappropriate. There was no sign of Jake which brightened by day significantly. The drive over to my parents was mostly comfortable silence but the closer we got, the most nervous I could see Bella become. She continued to twist and pull her fingers in her lap.

"You okay Bee?" I asked as we pulled up.

She swallowed before giving me a small nod. Sighing, I took her hand and pulled it to my chest.

"Bee. Please. You'll be fine. You know almost everyone. No one's changed much, well apart from Emmett. Yeah being a daddy suits him."

"Will Benjamin be here today?" she asked in a timid voice. "I understand if he's not. Emmett's girlfriend, Rosalie?" I nodded so she continued. "I'd understand if she didn't want me to meet him. After all, I'm a stranger ..."

"Woah! Stop right there Missy!" I pointed at her nose. "You are no stranger in this house. Just a relative who's been away for a while."

I pulled her hair softly over her shoulder, out of her face as I lifted her chin gently with my finger. "You belong in this house Bella. Don't ever forget that."

Bella gasped as I'd realised my mistake. I'd called her Bella. I only ever called her Bella when … I had to shake my head a little to clear it.

"Come on then." I said, ignoring the big white elephant now in the car, "They'll be wondering where we are."

We walked in the house to everyone staring at us. And I mean everyone including Benjamin which was really cute. Mom was the first one to envelope Bella in a hug before she'd hardly stepped inside the house. Dad was soon to follow, squeezing so tight, I'm surprised she didn't pass out. The next person surprised the shit out of me. Emmett. He jumped to his feet, marched over to Bella who had just been released my dad to give her a giant bear hug. A bear hug that meant Bella was lifted her feet and swung in a circle. She giggled and it was the best sound I'd hear in this house since Benjamin had been born.

I chuckled. "Bee. You remember Emmett right? Good God man, put her down!"

He then proceeded to give her a rather loud and over dramatic kiss to the cheek. "I've missed you Bella."

Bella's answer was quiet, "I've missed you too Em, all of you."

I followed Bella's gaze where it ended at Alice. She was stood with Jasper, his arms around her, supporting her as tears slowly ran down her cheeks. A small smile in place.

Suddenly, Alice broke away as did Bella, meeting in the middle of my parent's living room. Both of them, staring at each other, the room was silent.

Alice cupped Bella's face. "Don't you ever scare the shit out of me like that again!" Bella started shaking her head as Alice cradled Bella's head to her shoulder. "I'm sorry Shorty. I'm so sorry."

"Ssh Bella. You're home now. Ssh. I'm happy to have my baby sister back. And I'm sorry... for the park outburst. I shouldn't have…"

I managed to tear my gaze away long enough to see my mom look so happy she looked as if she was about to burst.

"Come on Shorty, stop hogging Bee and introduce her to your husband."

They untangled themselves from each other but still held hands as Alice introduced Jasper to Bella.

"Hi Bella. Great to finally meet you. I was started to think Edward didn't want to share." That comment made me blush a little 'cause it was sort of true. I didn't want to share her but now seeing her here, with my family… her family, I felt kind of selfish.

Emmett piped up then. "My turn for introductions. This is my gorgeous girl, Rosalie." Bella and Rose smiled at each other. "And this ..."

I couldn't help it. I quickly waltzed over to Benjamin where he held his arms out to me to pick him up.

"Eeeeeeeeeeeeee" he squealed.

"And this handsome guy is my nephew, Benjamin. Say hiya to Bee Benjamin."

He waved his arms in the air in a frenzy squealing, "Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeee."

"Awwww he loves his Aunty Bee already look."

"Edward" Bella warned nodding towards a pissed off looking Emmett.

"Sorry Bro." I smirked.

"Mmmmm give back my son. If you want a kid, go make one."

That wiped the smirk right off my face. I glanced at Bella who did the same to me. Our eyes locked for a few precious seconds before we both looked at our feet.

Once the introductions were finished, the conversation while we were waiting on dinner flowed easy. No one seemed uncomfortable having Bella here. It was the most comfortable I'd seen everyone in a long time. Probably since she was last in this house.

Dinner itself was magnificent. Mom had outdone herself with the spread she put in front of us, Pot Roast with garlic mashed potatoes, every vegetable you could imagine and gravy, lots and lots of gravy. It was delicious. And for dessert, my mom's Pumpkin Pie with cream.

After we all had way too much to eat and drink; the wine had been flowing well, we all managed to make it to the living room to talk once again. Mom and dad retold stories I'd long forgotten of Alice, me, Bella and Emmett from our childhood together. Jasper and Rosalie listened with keen interest to an insight of what Alice and Emmett were like as kids.

"Oh and Edward's tenth birthday party" my mom started, "What an interesting day that was!"

I frowned trying to remember if anything 'interesting' had happened. As far as my memory served me, it was a great birthday; pool party if I remember right but interesting …

"We brought Edward a pool and slide so he could have a pool party. Alice was with Kate and Emmett had Garrett …. I wonder what happened to him … and of course Edward had Bella."

I stole a glance in Bella's direction; her tell-tale blush has started. I smiled.

"Oh these two where joined at the hip all day. Poor Bella was dragged around all over the house and back yard. That's until she had to go in the pool."

My mom gave Bella a smirk as Bella hid her now red face from view with her hands. "Esme! … This is so embarrassing."

"Bless you. A ten year old girl with a pool full of boys. She was so embarrassed about taking for t-shirt off in front of them all, she ran into the house in such a state."

Alice chirped in then, "That's the day me and Bella become proper friends. Girls versus boys and all that." She was smiling from ear to ear, looking over at Bella who had emerged from her hands, still red but with a small smile on her face.

"Girls rule, boys drool!" They shouted together sharing the living crap out of me.

"What are you two going on about?" I had to ask, I was so confused.

It surprised me that it was Bella who offered the explanation.

"Edward. Being your best friend growing up was the best but sometimes, I need to talk to a girl… you know… about girl's stuff…" She arched her brow at me.

Then the penny dropped. "Oh… OH. Girl's stuff… right." I was my turn to be embarrassed and turn a shade of pink. I'm a doctor for Christ sake. This shouldn't embarrass me! But it's Bella. And now so many small things in my childhood made sense. Whispered conversations between her and Alice… girl's stuff. I get it now.

"Not to mention the things she used to tell me about you Edward."

"Shorty!"

"Sorry Bella." Alice giggled. "Not ready to share that yet?"

"Hell no! Never!"

"We'll see."

And I was back to being confused again.

A month later …

10th September 2010.

The last month had just flown by. I was in contact with Bella each day now and we were fast becoming best friends again. Each morning after I woke, I'd text Bella to see if she was okay. We'd speak on the phone at least twice a week and we were still meeting up once or twice a week too.

Sometimes my work got in the way. If I was on night shifts for the week, I wouldn't be able to see Bella during the week but if we couldn't see each other, we would call.

As my friendship with Bella grew, my relationship with Tanya was falling apart. It all started after Tanya got back from her trip from New York on August 18th.

"Wait? Say that again? You've going to New York again in a week? I thought you were going permanently in September? Why do you need to go again so soon after the first one?"

Tanya sighed. "Edward. I have lots of things to sort out. My new job is very demanding you know."

"New job? You've not started yet! How demanding can it be?!"

"Edward, stop yelling at me. I'm going back out to look at a place for us. I saw it the last time I was there and they've emailed me to see if I'm still interested. I need to go to let them know I am."

I snorted. "Yeah? Can't you just email them back or call them? Why you have to go again? So soon?"

"Edward! Stop being so difficult. I'm going. That's final. Anyway, have you filed for your transfer yet? You need to do that now if you're wanting to be in New York by the end of the year. I want you in New York for Christmas. Won't it be magical?"

I still hadn't done anything about a transfer and in fairness, I still wasn't sure if I wanted to. I was enjoying spending time with my family... with Bee.

"We'll see."

"We'll see? What kind of answer is that! For God's sake Edward. Get it together!" She stormed out of the house at that point which was good because I was ready to explode.

Tanya went back to New York a week later. She confirmed to me by email that she had secured 'our' place even though I'd had nothing to do with it and had only seen a couple of photos. A modern, cold looking sterile apartment; nothing like I'd imagined. We didn't talk much while she was there for another week. The more I thought about her and this life she had planned for New York, the more I couldn't see me being part of that. It just wasn't me.

When she returned on September 7th and after not really talking to me properly for three days since she returned, she hit me with some news.

"I've got it! My official start date! This Monday! September 13th. I've booked our flights for this weekend and your return ticket for the Wednesday ..."

"What? Our flights?" 13th? Bee's birthday?No!

"Yes, our flights. We're flying out that weekend before my start on Monday. I want you there as morale support."

"Morale support? What the fuck Tanya? You've done it again! Making bloody decisions on my behalf. Why do you do this? Why?"

"Well, it's never bothered you before. Why the sudden mood change."

"Because I'm sick of this! Sick of being pushed about!"

"If you didn't get pushed, you'd never do anything! You're such a ..."

"What? What am I Tanya? Hmm!"

"Nothing."

"Oh no! You can't say that and just leave it! Come on, say it! Out loud."

"Okay, but remember you wanted this. You're a scared momma's boy, that's what you are. It's pathetic! You need to snap out of it Edward! Be a real man for once in your sodding life. Make a decision, take that leap you're so scared to take without having your hand held. I bet you still hadn't sorted out your transfer, have you?"

She looked me straight in the eye. I couldn't move. I couldn't speak. I was so mad, angry bubbling beneath the surface of my skin, waiting, wanting to escape.

"Thought as much."

She trotted over to the couch, sitting on the edge with her back to me and started to file her nails.

Taking deep breaths, I tried to control my temper before I spoke again. It didn't work as my next words came though my still gritted teeth.

"I'm going out."

"You are going to see that Bella I bet." She turned on the couch to face me. "I don't like how much time you're spending with her Edward."

I decided to laugh because if I didn't, I may have done something later I'd regretted.

"You don't like it? Well tough baby, Bee is my best friend."

"Yeah, she better be only that."

"What are you trying to say now?" I was gritted my teeth again.

She narrowed her eyes and studied me for a second before continuing.

"If I found out that your friendship was anything but just that, you'd be sorry."

I exploded. I couldn't keep it in any more.

"Fuck off Tanya! What the fuck did you know about friendship anyway? And keep Bee out of this. This," I said pointing between the two of us, "is nothing to do with her."

"It is when you prefer to spend time with her instead of me!" she shrieked. "God you really are pathetic Edward. Couldn't get the girl ten years ago so you play the best friend role now. Sad really. And she has all your family running around in circles for her. Yeah I know she's been spending time with your family at weekends. If she wasn't such a bitch, I'd feel sorry for her too."

I was losing it. I held my fists in balls at my sides as they started to shake. I knew I needed to get out of the house. Now!

"What did you just call her?"

"Bitch. B.I.T.C.H. Why?"

"I only know one bitch and I'm looking straight at her. What the fuck was I thinking?" I laughed darkly. "I'm going out and I want you out of this house by the time I get back, you understand?"

Tanya flipped her blonde hair over her shoulder as she turned again to face away from me, continuing to file her nails.

"Whatever Edward."

"I mean it Tanya." And with that, I stormed out. I marched to the car and got in, gripped the steering wheel so tight, my knuckles were white. Quickly deciding that driving wasn't the best idea, I got out, locked it and strode away down the street. I was two block away when I pulled my cell and dialled her number.

"Bella? You in? I need to see you."

"Yeah, I'm in. Are you okay, Edward?"

"Can I come round now?"

"Yeah that's fine. How long will you be?"

I flagged a cab and climbed in.

"About ten minutes. See you then." I ended the call. I knew I was being rude just barging over but I needed to speak to her. I needed to see her. Her presence alone would calm me down.

Ten minutes later, I was pulling up in front of her apartment and throwing the cab money at the driver. The ride over has done nothing for my temper. Climbing the stairs to her door, I could hear familiar voices.

"Bella. I'm not sure. I think I should stay."

"No Jake. Go. Now."

I rounded the corner to see Jake stood at the door towering over Bella.

"If the lady says go, go jerk." I was in a foul mood and I wasn't going to put up with Bella's boyfriend today.

"Hey man, what crawled up your ass?"

"Don't even go there Jake. I'm not in the mood." I reached the door as Bella looked at me with worried looks. "Hey Bee."

"Hey Edward. Come inside. Jake was just leaving."

"I really think..."

"Jake! Go!"

"Bella, I won't be far, if you need me, call. Okay?"

"Yeah, now go!"

I gave him a 'Fuck Off' face as I passed him to go inside Bella's apartment and smiled as Bella all but closed the door on his face. Dick.

"What the fuck is his problem?"

"He's just over protective of me that's all."

"Yeah if I was in his position, I would be too." I chuckled.

Bella told a deep breath. "Edward. Jake's not my boyfriend."

"Huh? Yeah he is. You told me."

"No you assumed. I just never corrected. Jake convinced me it was probably for the best that you thought that anyway..."

My angry had feigned and had been replaced with yet more confusion.

"I... I don't understand."

"It doesn't matter. Edward, what's wrong? I could literally see steam coming out of your ears like some cartoon character. What's happened?"

"Tanya." I simply stated. Bella knew we'd been arguing more and more.

"Another argument?"

I nodded feeling the anger raise again.

"What's she said this time?"

"She's .. she's … Argh! She's a manipulative bitch that I can't believe I let her walk all over me for the past two years. ARGH! What was I thinking?"

I slumped to her couch, placing my head in my hands. I felt Bella come and sit next to me.

"It's over Bee." I whispered.

"You don't mean that Edward. When you calm down, you'll realise..."

"Realise? That's what I'm doing right now. Realising in disbelief that I wanted to… oh God, spending the rest of my life with her? What an idiot!" I hit my head with my hand once for good measure.

"Edward! Stop! Don't hurt yourself."

"Why? Why not Bee? I've been such a moron! A stupid" hit"stupid" hit "moron."

"Stop Edward. Please."

I placed my head back in my hands, on my knees.

We sat there in silence for a couple of minutes; just our breathing in the small room when the atmosphere changed. The similar hum of electricity began as I peeked at Bella who was staring intently at me, biting her lip.

I raised my head as I slowly reached up to gently release her bottom lip from her teeth. My fingers felt like they were burning as I touched her lips. I had a sudden moment of clarity.

"Bee. Why did you let me think Jake was your boyfriend if… if he's not?"

"Um… because… because..."

The electricity continued to build. I could feel myself edging closer to her without having to think. Bella broke the silence with words that will be forever etched on my memory.

"I can't take it anymore!" she screamed. "I… I…" She took hold of my shoulders and met my gaze.

"Edward. I want you."

*Runs and hides* lol. I love cliffies ... don't you? ;)

As always, a massive thanks to my bb & beta, SweetLovinCullen for her ninja .. I mean beta skills on this one :D If you haven't already been reading her fic, A Desperate Housewife's Escape, go check it out! A link to her profile in on mine :)

I'm helping out a friend start her first story, TwiFicGirl. Her story, Learning to Love Again has just had chapter 1 posted - please check it out! www . fanfiction . net/s/6893994/1/Learning_To_Love_Again

I'm off on holiday now so I'm not sure when I'll next update. Watch this space as it'll be worth it ;)