I want to welcome all readers and thank you to the everyone of you. The response to the last chapter was amazing, I love hearing from you and I hope I answered everyone the best I could.

I don't own twilight, just two little cuties, Daddyward and I need a name for Bella, any ideas?

Thank you to my beta for getting this done so quick.

As promise...

Chapter 9

Bella

"James, please stop?" I begged for the hundredth time.

I had to think quickly. I refused to let my daughter witness any of James's vulgar ideas.

I tugged and pulled at the rope around my wrists. I could feel it becoming looser the more I tugged- the rope burned the insides of my wrists. I tried to think away the pain and pulled as hard as I could.

"Don't fight me, Bella, you fucking tease," he muttered as he bit my earlobe.

"Please, James?" I pulled the rope a little harder and said a silent prayer when they fell apart- the blood rushed back into my fingers.

"Shh and I'll make it good for you, too," he cooed.

I hid my smirk from him- he was going to be so disappointed.

"LIKE HELL YOU ARE!" I yelled and head butted him as hard as I could.

James stumbled back a little and lost his balance, which resulted in him falling on his butt and knocking over one of the tables. A sharp pain ripped through my forehead, but I had to ignore it, I had to get to my daughter.

"YOU BITCH!" He growled through his teeth and grabbed me as soon as I got out of the chair.

"GET OFF ME!" I screamed while kicking and pushing him. The smell of damp carpet invaded my nose, causing my stomach to turn. Please don't be sick, I pleaded in my head.

"No, not until I get I want." He climbed on top of me, turned me around, and pinned me down. He must have forgotten that I had grown up with boys, and that I knew how to get them where it hurts. Without really thinking about it, I brought my knee up so that it made good contact with his cock.

I wanted to laugh as his face crumpled in pain- his mouth slacked, his eyebrows furrowed together, and his eyes went cockeyed. But I had more important plans. I jumped up quickly and ran towards the wardrobe.

I stopped short.

Where had it gone?

It was right in front of me and now the wardrobe had disappeared.

"Bella? Love?" A velvet voiced echoed in the air.

I looked around and saw the man I longed to see, standing in front of me.

"She's safe, Love. You rescued her." He was dressed in his uniform and had Leah wrapped in his arms.

"Edward? Leah?" I whispered.

Edward had her. I felt my body relax, she was safe with him, I knew that in my heart.

"Mommy, I'm safe now. You rescued me," Leah called, her voice high and delicate. I had forgotten how sweet her voice was; how soft and gentle she spoke.

I looked around me and realized that I was standing in my kitchen. I was no longer in that dirty, urine smelling house. I was in my new kitchen, but it looked different. The walls were red now instead of the beige color, there were dishes piled in the sink, and a lot of baby bottles on the counter tops. The kitchen looked like it was lived in, it looked like a home.

"Can I have a cupcake?" Anthony asked. Where did he come from?

I looked back to where Edward stood, but he wasn't there. Instead he was sitting at the dining table feeding a small baby in a high chair while Leah was drawing something.

"Edward?" I called. What the hell was happening?

"Yes, Love?" Love?

I felt something heavy on my chest, a strong pressure.

"What was happening?" I asked grabbing my chest, the pressure was still strong.

He never answered me. He just kept on feeding and cooing at the baby.

"Edward?" I called again when everything started to fade. What was happening?

I slowly opened my eyes. The room was dark and enclosed. I blinked a few times trying to make sense of my surroundings. It was still dark outside, and the rain was pattering against the window, creating a humming noise in the room.

I took a deep breath.

There was something heavy pressing into my chest, making my chest feel tight.

What did that dream mean?

Was it telling me to trust Edward?

What was the baby about? And the way he called me, Love? He called me that last night as well, but I assumed that he was just trying to calm me enough to hear about James.

I heard small snores coming from within the room- it was coming from the pressure on my chest. I slowly raised my head and arms to find a mop of bronze hair in my face. Anthony.

Anthony was the pressure I felt on my chest, he was laying on it. His small arms and legs hung down my sides like heavy loose drapes. All I could see was the top of his head. His face was hiding in the covers. Edward left him here with me? After everything he learned last night, he still aloud Anthony to stay here. Edward must have slept on the couch. I gently raised my arms and slowly moved his body onto the mattress.

"Daddy?" He whispered, his voice echoed in the empty room.

"It's Bella, Honey."

"Mmm, Bella. I don't wanna get up yet," he mumbled. This boy was so cute.

He tucked his body against mine and wrapped his arms around my waist, getting comfortable to go back to sleep.

"It's still early, you go back to sleep," I answered.

"You too." He tightened his hold on me.

"I have to get up, Honey; and I have to wake your dad up. I'm not sure what time he has to go to work," I whispered while trying to peel his arms from me.

"Daddy's at home," he mumbled.

"Home?"

"He said I could stay with you, and that he will come get me. Bella, I don't wanna get up yet." Huh, Edward left him here alone, with me. A wave of remorse passed through me, he trusted me so much. I looked at the sleeping boy next to me, if Edward was going to trust me with his son then I would return that trust.

I carefully crept out of the bedroom; my body felt rested and my heart felt light. For the first time in a long time, I felt calm and happy. It was like a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders- I could now stand tall and face the world. Who knew that sharing one of the most horrible and terrifying days of my life, with a new neighbor, would bring me some peace.

I walked into the living room, there were coloring books and crayons on the floor, a couple of cars, and some DVD's. I thought about my dream and how I felt with the kids' stuff laying around the house. I smiled to myself. I liked that feeling, the feeling I had right now staring at the toys.

As I moved around my house, from room to room, I noticed how empty it felt overall. Even though there were still a shit load of boxes to empty; the house still felt empty somehow. Maybe I could give Esme a ring and see if she would help me decorate.

I met Esme when I was eighteen years-old. I had hurt my arm from tripping over my father's fishing rod in the garage one day. She walked into the hospital looking for her husband- who just happened to be my doctor. She was a beautiful woman; her caramel hair and green eyes captured a mother's warm. She held herself with such grace and beauty. I envied her, I used to wish that I would one day grow into become the woman she was. She introduced herself; she explained how she and her husband moved from Chicago as they wanted to live in a small town. All her children were in college, so they took the opportunity when Dr. Cullen was offered a job in Forks. I remembered wishing that she would adopt me, I never had a mother and she made me feel special with the attention she was paying me.

Over the years, I grew quite close the Cullen's, especially Esme. She would share her cooking tips with me, and claimed that only one of her children had any interest in cooking. I never asked much about her children, if I was being honest; I was a little jealous that they got to grow up with a fantastic mom and I didn't have one.

When I found out I was pregnant, Esme would phone me with tips on what was best to eat and what crib was best to buy. She even flew down to decorate Leah's nursery for us. I loved that nursery- it was a lush white with baby pink and velvet colors splashed throughout the room. When Leah was born; she stayed with me for the first week, and helped me get settled into life as a single mother. I would never be able to thank her and Dr. Cullen for what they have done for me over the years. They have never missed a birthday or Christmas; Esme even sent over school supplies when Leah started school last year. They had both become two of the most important people in my life, and I knew that their son and grandson will be joining them.

I walked into the kitchen wondering what to make for breakfast. The kitchen was stocked, so I grabbed ingredients for blueberry muffins and decided to just have cereal for breakfast. Once the muffins were in the oven, I quietly checked on Leah before sneaking into my room for some clothes. Anthony was fast asleep, as was Leah. It was best to leave them for now, next week they would not have the luxury of sleeping in. I was terrified of how Leah was going to react to going back to school. I had an appointment this morning with Leah's principal to go over all my areas of concern that needed to be discussed about Leah's condition. I had sent an email, ahead of time, outlining the types of situations that could become difficult for Leah to handle; and I asked how the school could assure me that she would be comfortable and safe within their school.

When I entered the hall, I could hear Hannah Montana singing on the television and Leah moving about the living room. "Good morning," I announced to my five, almost six year old.

Leah looked at me with a scowl on her face. I guess someone got up on the wrong side of bed this morning.

"Come and get your breakfast," I told her. Leah silently followed me into the kitchen, she did not look happy. Her brown eyes looked tired- maybe she didn't get much sleep.

I took a deep breath and sighed. I was not going to let her spoil my good mood today. Silence swayed around us, and I wished that I could ask her what was wrong; but I knew she wouldn't answer me. She never did when she was in these kinds of moods. I just hoped that she cheered up before we went to the school.

I finished the muffins and made her cereal to eat. She ate in silence while I drank my coffee, looking for any signs that she was hurting; but she just looked grumpy. Everyone is allowed a grumpy day, right?

Anthony eventually dragged his butt out of bed when I told Leah to go and wake him. The moment I told her that, she ran out of the kitchen, a smile back on her face.

"Bella?"

"Yeah."

"When's my daddy coming over?" He looked at me concerned.

"Soon, Honey,"

"He is coming for me?" He swirled the cereal around his bowl.

"Of course he will." I tried to ease his discomfort.

His question was answered quickly when Edward arrived through the door.

"Daddy," both children ran to him, and wrapped their small frames around his large one.

He chuckled and greeted them. I couldn't help but notice that he looked tired. He was dressed in baggy jeans, a hoodie, messier hair than usual, and there were big grey bags under his eyes. I felt guilty. It was my fault he was tired. I bet he was up all night trying to think of ways that he could get me out of his life.

"Morning, Love," he smiled my favorite crooked smile. "You look well rested." Then he smirked as if he knew some unshared secret.

"I am, thank you," I blushed.

"Good. so-" he clapped his hands together and looked down at the kids " - what's the plan for today?" he asked.

"Oh well, I have an appointment with Mr. Banner about Leah starting school next week this morning." His smile fell which made me grin. He wanted to spend more time with us, I couldn't help but grin at the realization.

"Mr. Banner isn't the principal anymore." Edward informed me while making himself a cup of coffee. He acted so casual, so comfortable, as if he lived here.

"Oh." Now I was getting worried. A new principal was not the best thing for Leah right now.

"It's okay, my sister is the principal now. So Leah's in safe hands," he winked. He winked at me. I wanted to giggle like a sixteen year-old.

"Your sister?"

"Yeah, my big sister, Bree." He grinned.

"How many siblings do you have?" I asked. He took one of the muffins from the plate, licked his lips and took one big bite.

"I have two sisters," he mumbled, crumbs fell out of his mouth as he chewed. I couldn't stop watching his mouth- it was like it called my name over and over.

"Alice is baby sis, she's the youngest of us. Then there's me, the only boy, and then Bree, she's the oldest. I think my dad was so relieved when Anthony came along, we were always out voted by the girls," he laughed.

I laughed with him, knowing how that felt. I was the only girl in my house growing up. I stole a glance at him- he was staring at me again. As always I felt my cheeks burn in embarrassment. Why did this man affect me so much?

Not only did he give me a sense of peace whenever he was around, but he sent my hormones into overdrive. All I wanted to do right now was drag him back to my bedroom and have my wicked way with him. I have never felt like this before. With Jake, it was gradual, we were friends for years. Then one day he kissed me and then asked me out. I said no at first because he was one of my best friends, and I didn't think of him like that. Then, the next day, he kissed me again- and the next day and then the day after that. At the end of that week, he climbed into my room and asked me out again, stating that we had been kissing all week so there must be something between us. He was my boyfriend the next day. Everything happened slowly with Jake, my feelings for him developed over time. But with Edward, I was attracted to him straight away. I've only known him for three days and already I wanted to jump his bones. This could not be healthy?

"Hey, can you watch the kids while I take a quick shower?" I asked.

"Sure," he shrugged and walked away from me.

I showered, dressed, and helped Edward get the kids ready for the day. It felt good to have someone with me, who shared in the simple joys of being a parent- like putting on the kids' jackets or tying up shoe laces.

"Leah, come and get your jacket on. We have to go," I yelled for the second time. She shook her head and grabbed Edward's hand. I guess she liked having him around as much as I did.

"Leah," I warned. She shook her head again and mouthed 'No.' Edward covered his mouth with his hand and tried to hide his chuckle. He wouldn't be laughing in a minute.

"Leah Rose Black, if you don't come and get your jacket on right now, then you will not get to see Edward again today or tomorrow," I warned again.

"WHAT!" Edward whined. This time I had to keep myself from laughing, I didn't know who would find that punishment more difficult, Leah or Edward?

"That's not fair, Bella. I didn't do anything," he moaned. I was just about to change it when Leah screamed. It was not the scream where she was scared. No, this scream was because she was not getting what she wanted. This was Leah having the start of a tantrum. When she stopped screaming, she let go of Edward's hand and crossed her arms tightly over her chest, placed a pout on her lips, and stomped her foot.

"Did she just stomp her foot?" Edward asked in disbelief. Anthony just stood against the wall, his jacket was on and he was perfectly calm. In fact he looked a little bored.

"Yes," I answered. "Why don't you go and I will handle her?"

"Oh, okay." Edward bent down and kissed her head. "Be good for your mom, Princess. Come on Ant." He held out his hand for Anthony.

"Bye, Pants," I laughed, Anthony just smiled at me. I think he was getting used to the nickname, while Edward looked at me in confusion. I just smiled at him.

"Bye, Love," he whispered to me and I felt him lean in and kiss my head. He lingered a little longer than normal before he disappeared out of the door.

I turned to Leah. "Let's get this jacket on." I was not going to be late for her appointment, she was going whether she liked it or not.

XXX

"Good Morning, Miss Swan, I'm Ms. Cullen. It's a pleasure to finally meet you," Ms. Cullen greeted us. "Oh and you must be Leah. Anthony was right! You do have such pretty eyes." Leah gave Ms. Cullen her pageant winning smile, however her shyness still overtook her and she hid behind my legs.

"Thank you. It's a pleasure to meet you too."

Ms. Cullen asked me to sit in one of the big brown leather chairs in front of her desk. She gave Leah some crayons and a coloring book, which resulted in her earning another one of those smiles. The office was small, but comfortable. I could see her degree hanging on the wall. But that was it; no pictures or any real color in the room.

"Mr. Banner retired a couple of weeks ago, and I am now the Principal of Forks Elementary. I have read Leah's file and I feel that my position will benefit Leah, and I will certainly be able to help make her transition with starting school easier." She smiled a smile that was so similar to Edward's. There were only a couple of similarities that I could see in their features. They shared the same smile and eye color, but Bree had dark brown curly hair that fell effortlessly on her shoulders. Her face was more delicate and soft, and her voice was gentle, but firm. She held herself was such grace that I could only wish to carry off. I was arms and legs, tumbling over air. There was nothing graceful about me.

"I don't mean to sound so disrespectful, but I am very happy to have a female Principal. Will she still have Mrs. Cope as her teacher?" I asked.

"Yes, we have set out some guidelines on the best way for Leah in the classroom. There are two kindergarten classes this year and Leah will be in Class A, with Mrs. Cope. There are only two male teachers on staff at the school now; and I have arranged a staff meeting to inform all teachers about Leah's situation tomorrow. I felt that it was best that they all understand how sensitive her situation is, and give them some guidelines on how to make Leah's experience here at school run as smoothly and enjoyable for Leah as possible." Ms. Cullen continued, "As requested, I have made sure that Leah is in Anthony's class, and I have discussed with Mrs. Cope that she is not to separate them unless they do so themselves."

"I'm sorry, Ms. Cullen, but I did not make that request," I said, however, I did like that idea. Leah was comfortable with Anthony, and I honestly believed that she talked to him. If Anthony was with her, I would not worry as much.

"I should have known," she laughed. I'm confused. "Miss Swan?"

"Bella, you can call me, Bella."

"Bella, my brother called me last night and demanded that Leah and Anthony be in the same class. He went on for about an hour about them sitting in the same group, and that I had to keep them both paired together unless they asked otherwise." I could tell that she found this amusing, I was not sure if it she was laughing at Edward's rant or my shocked facial expression. I could feel that my eyes were wide and my mouth hung open. I must be a horrible sight.

"Edward called you?" I asked in disbelief.

"Yes, he also suggested that they should be held back at their desk for an extra ten minutes so that Leah had no accidental run-ins with other fathers. Is that something you agree with, Bella?"

I was unsure if I should be pissed that Edward had called his sister or touched by how much he cared about Leah. Remember your promise to start over, Bella. Start with trusting Edward. Trust Edward, I can do that.

"I think that's a good idea. Will that be okay with Mrs. Cope?" I asked.

"Of course."

"I looked at the forms you sent and noticed that besides yourself, you have two males that will drop or pick Leah up?" She looked at me, with her forest green eyes- which were darker than Edward's emerald- they were gentle and full of wonder. Her warmth flowed through the room and created a sense of ease and relaxation that only her mother could have passed on to her. She reminded me a lot of her mother; both warm and inviting, never judging or degrading. Characteristics that I noticed spread wide in their family. I wanted that family; the Cullen family life. I wanted the handsome attentive husband; the three perfect kids, the large family dog; the rocking chairs on the porch.

I once thought that I could have that life with Jake, but fate had other plans for us, cruel evil twisted plans. Now I was alone with one child- who right now hated me and would rather stay with my neighbor. Not that I blame her; I would want to stay with him too.

"Bella?" Ms. Cullen coaxed me out of my thoughts.

"Sorry, the two men are my father and close friend. Leah is comfortable with them- there won't be any problems with either of them picking her up."

"That's great. Edward has also asked to be added on as an emergency contact and for you to be added to Anthony's release list as well."

I'm little pissed now. He could have asked me this morning about all of this. He knew that I had this appointment today- why did he ask about our plans for the day? He let me get ambushed by his sister like a suspect getting questioned by good cop vs. bad cop. "Can I get back to you on that?" I asked and almost laughed when she smirked in amusement.

We spent the next hour going over everything that was needed for Leah to start school next week. We agreed that she would start at the same academic level as everyone else and see how she developed from there. She was only in school for roughly four and half months last year before I had to pull her out. I hated doing that, she was so smart and loved her class, but after what happened with James, she had no interest. She would just sit there every day and stare out of the window, her face motionless and her eyes dead.

When I think of the change in my daughter since that first week after we escaped James, I am blown away by the progress she has made. Her old therapist argued that she had not progressed much, and I guess mentally, in a way, she hadn't. But now, here in Forks, she was slowly coming back to me, and if she was talking to Anthony, than I could only cross my fingers and pray that she would talk to me soon.

However, today was not going to be that day. We finally left the school and made our way to the mall. Another two tantrums and a killer of a headache later, I drove us home and sent Leah to her room to unpack. I was going to help her, but decide that it was fair punishment for today.

By six o'clock, I had changed into a pair of sweats and a t-shirt, unpacked all of the kitchen and bathroom, and was half way through the rest of the living room when the door bell rang. I had not spoken to Emmett today, so I figured that it was him at the door.

Boy was I wrong.

I opened the door, to find none other than the man that been on my mind most of the day. "Edward!" I blushed. He was wearing his police uniform again.

"Hi," he muttered. "I was due a break and I thought I would come see how our Princess was doing, you know, after this morning"?

I sighed, deeply.

"She's still misbehaving, I guess?" He asked shaking his head, which caused drops of water to fly in my hall.

"Shit, sorry, Edward, I didn't realize it was raining." I grabbed his arm and pulled him into the hall. His hair was flat and dark from the rain, it looked wrong, but even wet, I wanted to run my hands through it. "Shoes off," I demanded. I didn't want wet muddy shoe prints in my new house. Edward just laughed at me. "Have you eaten yet? I was just about to order pizza if you want to join us?"

"I'd love too," he grinned at me. Resulting in me grinning back- we must have stood there for a couple of minutes and just grinned at each other like a couple of ten year-olds.

I finally broke our little bubble when my stomach rumbled loudly. "Why don't you phone for the pizza and I'll get Leah?"

"Sure," he shrugged- his grin still in place created butterflies in my empty stomach.

"Oh and don't be too nice to her, she's being punished still." Edward chuckled, a beautiful magical chuckle that I wanted to lock in a bottle so that I could listen to it whenever I wanted. What the hell is this man doing to me? Magical chuckle? Really?

I walked into Leah's room. All the boxes were still full and she was lying on her bed asleep. Maybe she'll wake up this time in a better mood.

"Leah's asleep," I stated. Edward raised an eyebrow. "She hadn't even started unpacking yet, so I have no idea what she has been doing since we got back."

Edward was standing looking at the photos that were now hanging on my wall. There were a couple of Rose and Leah or Emmett and Leah; but they were mostly of different shots of Leah growing up.

"Did you take all of these?" He inquired.

"Yes," I leaned closer into him to see the one he held in his hand. It was one of my favorites. Leah was only two at the time, and she had this teddy bear that she would take everywhere with her.

"She looks so young; she is such a beautiful little girl," he admitted with honesty in his voice. I felt my eyes well up; I didn't think I've ever met anyone who's as sweet and caring as Edward.

"She was two in that photo, she loved that teddy bear. It was huge, bigger than she was, but somehow she managed to carry it around with her." I laughed at the memory.

"Your very talented, Bella." I looked up at him. He was very close to me, so close that I could feel his breath fanning over my nose.

"Thank you," I whispered, still staring and never moving. I liked being this close to him. I liked the feeling I got in this little bubble that covered us right now. Maybe it wasn't the bubble, maybe it was just the effect Edward had on me?

"You're welcome," he whispered back before licking his lips. I watched his mouth- the way his light pink tongue swiped over those full kissable lips. I licked my lips too, I couldn't help it. It was an automatic reaction- like when you see someone else yawn, you yawn too. So, when you see the man who has starred in your thoughts all day, stand in front of you, wearing a police uniform, smelling amazing, and was licking his lips. You licked yours too.

"Bella?" he whispered, his voice low and husky.

A tense cloud wrapped around us, creating tingles in my body.

"Yeah?"

"Can I kiss you?"

A little cliffe :-)

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