"I guess that it's you I want to hold on to, but you're holding onto someone else."

-The Ataris, Broken Promise Rings-

Chapter 6

"Gimpy, Klutz, Small Fry"

I was released shortly after I was fitted for my ever so stylish walking boot. Emmett was still upset, Hannah was practically bouncing in her seat she was so hyper, Rose was being as indifferent as ever, Mike has been calling me non-stop for about two hours, and my phone was burning a hole in my pocket as I thought about Edward's number just begging for me to stare at. I was starting to feel a little stressed.

I was looking out of the car window as Emmett drove me home, but I soon realized we weren't anywhere near where I lived.

"Um, Emmett, I don't live around here," I said trying to figure out what was going on.

"I know, but if you think I'm letting you go near Mike, you have another thing coming to you," he answered sternly.

"For the last time, I'm not defending Mike, I really fell," I snapped at him. He turned his face slightly to study my face. After a moment, he focused on the road again, and his face visibly softened.

"I'm sorry, Bella. It's just the thought of him hurting you kills me. I just don't trust him, and you mean too much to me. I don't know what I would do if anything ever happened to you. You're the baby sister I never had," he confessed. My eyes started tearing up. Aw, my big teddy bear.

"I love you Em," I whispered. He chuckled and ruffled my hair, erasing all seriousness in the air.

"I love you too, Gimp," he laughed.

"Oh no, Emmett, you will not call me that," I demanded, even though I knew it was in vain.

"Gimpy, Klutz, Small Fry, pick your preference. Personally, I like them all," he said still laughing.

"Shut up, should I remind you of the time Rose kicked you out of the house because you put her bra on top of your head and ran around the neighborhood yelling that you finally figured out how to put the damn thing on," I said still giggling slightly as I remember getting a call from Rose very early that morning. "And you weren't even drunk."

"Touché, Bella. But let me remind you of the first date you went on with Mike and he took you to McDonalds' and then the rest of the night you two listened to his 'new' radio in his car. At least I didn't have to worry about him getting frisky with you," he said in all seriousness suddenly.

"Don't even start with me Emmett, because I know all of your little drunk escapades," I said smugly. He just shrugged his shoulders.

"Like I wouldn't tell everyone anyways," he said as we pulled in front of his apartment complex. I just rolled my eyes. I started to get out of the car, but Emmett's arm stopped me. I gave him a questioning look, and he just shook his head. I watched him walk around the car to come help me. He didn't let me walk up by myself, so he lifted me like I was a piece of paper, and carried me into is apartment. He put me on the couch.

"Where are Rose and my daughter?" I asked as Emmett turned on the TV.

"Probably shopping for things for you and Hannah, since you won't be going to your apartment until Mike is gone," he said turning up the TV, meaning he didn't want to talk anymore.

I felt my phone vibrate again, alerting me of yet another text. It was just Mike so I highly considered ignoring it, but curiosity got the better of me. I opened it and wasn't really surprised to see it was from Mike.

Bella, please stop ignoring me. I know it was wrong to walk out on you, but I didn't want to do anything stupid. Where are you? Where's Hannah?

Please call me back, or at least text me back…Mike

I took a deep breath and read the text again. Of course it was wrong for him to walk out. He knows I hate when he runs from his fights.

I'm fine. Hannah's fine. Don't know when we will be back…Staying at Emmett's.

I laughed internally as I thought about how pissed he would be. He always did hate Emmett.

I stared blanking at the TV screen, not really knowing what was on. I let my mind wander the longer I was staring. My thoughts went to Edward, but when don't they? I focused on how much I wish that Edward had come before Mike, but then I wouldn't have Hannah so that wasn't an option. I would always be grateful to Mike for her. I just hoped that Edward found me somewhat interesting and wanted to be around me like I wanted to be with him. I just don't understand how our connection could be this strong for not knowing each other.

I was once again pulled out my thoughts as I felt my phone going off again. That was getting annoying.

I hope I'm not bothering you, but coffee tomorrow morning? The place by your apartment at 8…Let me know
Edward

I couldn't stop the grin that spread across my face. He really is perfect.

Can't wait, see you then…Bella

I closed my eyes just letting my happiness consume me, but couldn't really find peace because Emmett was watching some sports game on TV. I don't understand why men feel the need to yell at the TV. It's not like the players are going to hear you.

"Mommy, where are you?" I heard Hannah call out as she opened the front door. I didn't respond, but that didn't stop her from looking for me. "Silly, Mommy, I found you."

I picked her up as she stood in front of the couch and pulled her into my lap. She cuddled into me and I just hugged her tight.

"Mommy, I see Daddy," Hannah whispered looking out the window. I instantly looked down at her to see where she was working. My head snapped up and sure enough I saw a head quickly trying to get away from the window.

"Emmett, Mike's here," I said. Emmett jumped up and ran outside without a second thought.

"Can I go say hi to Daddy? I haven't seen him today," Hannah said looking at me with sad eyes.

"Sorry, Hay-Bay, but you'll see him later. Now's not a good time," I replied. She just buried her head into the crook of my neck.

Emmett came pounding in through the door a few minutes later.

"Why was he here?" I asked.

"He's said it's his right as a father to make sure his daughter is okay. I didn't really hear the rest because I might have punched him the face," he said smiling. I just shook my head. What the hell is up with Mike? He's never acted like this, and well it's a little scary. "But then I told him that he needed to leave before I really gave him something to cry about. I also mentioned that he should consider leaving you two alone for a little time."

My phone vibrated again. Mike was always persistent, but this was just insane.

What the hell? I just want to see you and Hannah. I haven't done anything wrong. Why don't you call me back?

I chose to ignore him. I thought it would be better if he just calmed down before I talked to him. I knew from experience talking to a pissed off Mike gets you nowhere but emotional.

"Oh no, Mommy," Hannah cried out.

"What's wrong sweetie?" I asked concerned. Hannah wasn't the type of kid to cry or whine, except when she is extremely tired.

"I forgot to say thank you to Edward, again," she moped and I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Don't worry, I bet you'll see him very soon," I said to her. She looked up at me and her face just lit up.

"When are we going to see Grandpa Charlie?"

"How about we go this weekend?" I suggested and she just nodded her head. I find it endearing that she loves her Grandpa so much.

"Dinner's on its way," Rose said poking her head into the living room.

During dinner, Hannah was falling asleep at the table, so I knew tonight would be a very peaceful night. Emmett was finally letting me use the walking boot, so I was able to put Hannah to bed by myself. I've had to sleep over enough that Hannah and I have our own room with everything we could need, besides clothes.

I woke up the next morning to the sound of my phone going off. I groaned and reached over to the nightstand. I had 15 missed calls, 10 voicemails, and 30 texts, all from Mike. I read through all the text and all said the same thing, which was that I needed to call him, but one stood out from the rest. And if I was being honest, it scared me. This text was the one that woke me up.

I've given you time to think about everything, but still no call. All I have to say is watch your back, and Hannah's. I mean it; you should know not to mess with me.

I just took a deep breath and got out of bed. I slid my foot in the stupid boot and headed toward the kitchen. Rose and Emmett were sitting at the table. I looked at the clock and was surprised it was a little after 7.

"Can someone take me to the coffee shop by my apartment?" I asked sitting next to Emmett.

"I will, I don't work today. And why do you need a ride?" Rose questioned with a knowing smile.

"Just meeting someone there," I said looking down and blushing. Emmett just laughed.

"Well have fun, I have to go to the gym," he said as he got up and kissed Rose on the cheek.

"I'm meeting him there at 8, so I should probably go get ready," I stated getting up.

I dressed quickly and quietly, trying not wake up Hannah, because when she gets sleep, everyone is happy. I went to the bathroom and put on a little makeup. I tried to fix my hair, but just ended up leaving it down with its usual curl.

I went back into the bedroom to get Hannah ready. I was planning on taking her with me, because I couldn't just pawn her off on Rose.

"Hannah, time to get up," I whispered as I gently shook her. She threw her arms over her eyes and rolled over to her stomach. "Hay-Bay, you have to get up."

"But Mommy, I want to sleep," she moaned and I chuckled. Reluctantly, she climbed off the bed and put her arms up for me to lift her up. I complied and hugged her closely.

"Let's get you dressed," I said carrying her to the suitcase Rose packed for us. I quickly helped her dress in her favorite purple dress, and she started waking up once I told her we were going to see Edward.

"Bella, you almost ready to go?" Rose asked as she walked into the room. I just nodded my head as Hannah put her coat on. "I was thinking that maybe you wanted some alone time with Mr. Perfect, so I'll watch Hannah for you."

"Rose, you don't have to do that," I said. She just smiled and shook her head. We walked to the car in silence and headed toward the little coffee shop.

"Rose, I'm kind of worried about Mike," I said after we were settled.

"Why are you worried about him? I'm pretty sure he can't hurt a fly," she said with a chuckle.

"No, I got a text from him that freaked me out. He told me that I needed to watch mine and Hannah's backs. I just don't understand what he would do to Hannah."

"I'll tell Emmett, and don't worry about him," she said and then paused to look over at me. "Are you finally ready to get that damn divorce?"

I just took a deep breath. I was ready, for myself. But I had Hannah to think about. How would she handle this? When my parents separated, I was too young to remember, but I get the feeling Hannah won't be able to forget this.

"Mommy, can I see Edward?" Hannah asked innocently from the back.

"Of course, Hay-Bay," I said smiling. She really did like him.

We pulled up to the coffee shop a few minutes after 8, and I saw Edward waiting outside looking around. He spotted the car and I saw a smile spread across his face. I couldn't help but smile back. He waved and I heard Hannah squeal from the backseat.

"Mommy, its Edward!" She yelled and Rose and I laughed. Rose parked and Edward was there opening the door for me. I smiled at him and felt the blush rise to my cheeks as I looked at his breath taking smile.

"Edward!" Hannah yelled from the back seat. He chuckled and turned to look at her.

"Hi, Hannah, how are you?" He asked still smiling widely.

"I'm really good. And thank you very much," she added seriously. A puzzled look came across his face. "For helping me not get hit by a car."

"My pleasure," he said. "Hello, Rosalie."

"It's nice to see you again, Edward," she responded. I figured they must have met at the hospital yesterday. Edward turned back to me and helped me out of the car.

"Bye, Hannah, and be good for Auntie Rose," I said as Edward put his hand on the small of my back. He ordered two coffees for us, as I went very carefully to find us a quiet place to talk.

"Here you go," Edward said sweetly as he set the coffee in front of me. I mumbled my thank you. "So what happened to you?" He asked pointing to my boot.

"Well, my husband and I got into a fight, and he walked out. I'm too clumsy for my own good, so in my haste to do something, I rolled over my ankle and fell backwards, which led me to hit my head," I said in a rush. I don't know why I explained everything to him, it just felt right. I could have simply said I fell.

My phone started vibrating again, making me annoyed that Mike wouldn't leave me alone.

You truly are a whore. You do know we're still married, right? I just thought you would like a reminder…

I immediately started looking around.

"Are you okay?" Edward asked sounding worried.

"Not really, I mean, my husband, and hopefully soon to be ex-husband, is starting to scare me," I answered honestly.

"What do you mean?"

"He's been texting me, and I think he's been following me," I mumbled still looking around. But my head snapped back to Edward's piercing green eyes once I felt him put his hand over mine. It just felt natural and right for it to be there.

"It's okay. I promise I won't let him do anything to you or Hannah. You're both too cute for that," he said smiling. I bit my lip, trying to contain my smile. "Now I think we should get to know you better, Bella."

As ecstatic as I was about Edward, I still had that nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach that Mike was up to no good.


Author's Note: Thank you to everyone that has reviewed. I have a beta now, kakabel, thank you for the help!
Let me know what you think, reviews are lovely!

~Scarlet :)