~Planned on taking a posting break, but my banner is ready, so I felt like celebrating. Big thanks to Urban Rose for creating a special visual to go along with the story. You can always check out my fanfiction album on photobucket. Link is on my profile.

Chapter 16: Order of Importance

Bella was busy scanning job prospects on her laptop, while Atticus played in the bouncer. She heard Jacob leave a half an hour earlier. He texted from his car, told her to let him know if anything was up, but that "you know who" would be around. As much as Alice wanted to come inside and actually visit with her, they'd all decided minimal contact with the baby was for the best.

Three loud raps sounded against the doorframe. She held still and listened. Did Alice need her for something? Who else would come to the door?

Bella froze. She was considering picking up her phone, but who would she contact first: Alice or Jacob?

"Open up, I don't have all day."

It was a woman. She'd never heard her voice, but Bella hadn't heard that second garage door come open yet, so it must be her greatest fear and at the moment, that had absolutely nothing to do with Aro. There was a large three car garage underneath them. She never looked, but there was a door that led down there next to the kitchenette. Jacob told her the best place to keep her car was at the beginning of the driveway on the left side, so he and Kaleigh could go in and out of the garage. The driveway was long and on an incline, but she had only been outside once to actually move in and that was it. She figured he wanted her to stay out of the garage to minimize possible confrontations.

The sound grew louder. Oh, hell no. That wasn't even knocking anymore. She was pounding. Did she even consider Atticus might be napping? He wasn't, but what an impatient harpy.

Bella stopped stalling and walked to the door. She slowly opened it. Perhaps, a crack would be sufficient, but Jacob's wife shoved the door hard and stepped in like she owned the place. Shit... she pretty much did.

Bella moved back a few steps, "Um, may I help you?"

She felt Kaleigh size her up. She glared at Bella, her eyes made a pass from the top of her head down to her sock covered feet and back up again. She was dressed in a professional looking, gray pants suit. Bella felt slouchy and inferior. She hadn't even changed out of her sleep attire.

"You need to move the Jetta."

"What?"

She slowed her words. "You. Need. To. Move. The. Jetta."

"Well, Jake said... "

Kaleigh held up her hand stopping her. Bella doubted she wanted to hear about conversations between Jacob and her. "I have workers coming. Just pull in the extra door while they're here."

"Oh, sure. Okay."

There were several minutes of awkward silence, so Bella asked if there was anything else. "Yes, I told you to move the car, do it. They're coming over any minute."

Bella looked at Atticus, at Kaleigh and then back to the door. She must have sensed Bella's discomfort. "Jesus Christ, it won't take two minutes. I'll watch him. He already knows his KayKay."

"What?" More like who the fuck is KayKay?

Kaleigh walked over to the couch and sat down close to the bouncy seat. "Good morning, Atticus. You look quite jovial. Are you a morning person, like KayKay?"

Bella couldn't help it, she said, "KayKay," under her breath.

"He has to call me something. I'm his step-mother and I'm part of his life now."

She swallowed. For a second, Bella swore she was about to swallow her own tongue. She gagged slightly. Kaleigh was still looking at her like she was bothersome little gnat. Bella felt about as insignificant as a bug to boot. She wasn't use to women like Kaleigh. She'd done a pretty good job of avoiding them up until this point. She did not want to leave Atticus with this wired, perfectly groomed, potential psycho woman. Barry was right. Jake's wife was out for blood, so there wasn't much difference than Bella's normal enemies.

"You call him Atticus?"

"Yes, that's his name, isn't it? That happens to be one of my favorite books."

"Oh, yeah, mine too." Maybe Bella and Kaleigh had more things in common than she would've thought. Maybe they would find a way to coexist without too much tension.

Kaleigh raised her eyebrows at her and said, "Well..." all impatient and unfriendly like.

Bella expunged her previous thoughts and said naw, I hate this bitch as much as she hates me in her mind. She spoke soft and hesitant instead. "I'll be right back. If he cries, his binky is on the bar."

Kaleigh rolled her eyes at Bella. She grabbed the keys and ran. She got to the car quickly, but she had to get out to punch the code. Jacob told her the garage and house code for emergencies. She was basically counting the seconds in her head that Jacob's wife was watching her son. It had only been forty-five seconds, but a problem existed in the garage she wasn't aware of. Jacob's tools were in the way since they normally didn't have a third car. She had to drag heavy boxes out of the way, then roll a giant metal tool chest on wheels off to the side before the car would fit. Bella strained and tugged. She was determined not to stall another second and she definitely would never ask for help.

Finally, the way was clear and she pulled the car in. She went back through the outside because she believed the other door was still locked. Bella walked in and found Kaleigh actually holding Atticus. She wanted to scream and overreact, but instead asked if everything was alright.

"Yes, we're good."

"Oh well, there were tools. Sorry it took so long." Bella walked to the sink and washed her hands. She was anxious to snatch her son out of the other woman's arm. That was ironic, wasn't she the other woman? Bella actually shook the thought out of her head. No, she was not even that, because she and Jacob weren't having an affair.

Bella reached for her son. Kaleigh slightly pulled back and said they were fine. "He's not used to strangers."

"Jake says he's super friendly and I'm not a stranger any longer. Am I?"

"Well, no, but can I please have my son back?"

Kaleigh stood up and handed him over. "Wow, you are one needy bitch. No wonder my husband thinks he has to do everything for you."

Bella was stunned by what she said, but she stood there taking it, completely speechless. Kaleigh also said to park in the garage from now on. "I have a work crew coming everyday this week. My assistant will be over supervising when I'm not. They'll be in the house, just stay out of the way."

"Okay, I plan to. Jacob didn't mention you were having work done. This is a very nice place. It seems brand new."

She should've kept her mouth shut and not engaged this woman that hated her guts, but she couldn't stop herself.

"Yes, it is pretty new, but now we have to make accommodations for a young child. I'm having a room redecorated as a nursery. Jacob will want to have his son stay over many nights, I'm sure."

"Well, not while he's still breastfeeding. There's no rush."

"Are you trying to tell me how to conduct my home?"

"No, but I'm telling you Atticus will not be staying over without me anywhere for a long time."

"We'll just see about that. If Jake wants him all night, that's his right. We'll see what our lawyer has to say."

Bella warned Jacob. Kaleigh better not cross her when it came to Atticus. Bella took him to the swing, turned on the mobile and the music while he swang. She walked towards Kaleigh hoping she'd get the hint to back up towards the door.

"Jacob and I already decided no lawyers, so you can drop that shit right now."

"Oh yeah, well, like I said, we'll see about that. You're being unreasonable. Let's cut the crap and get it all out in the open."

"Fine. Just say it. I'm a bitch, a slut, a whore, a dirty tramp and you hate me being here. There, I said it already, so you don't have to."

Kaleigh smirked at Bella calling herself names, but she pointed out the door after opening it up. "You see that. That's my house... with my husband. He built this place for me, not you. You are never welcome across the threshold. Jacob's son will and should be there often, that's why you're here and the only reason. This apartment will not be where the three of you play house together either. My husband will only come through to collect his son, so don't pretend you have issues or problems that need his attention. Get Atticus ready and have him at the door whenever Jacob wants to see him. All of this is ours and don't you forget it. Notice I called the car the Jetta, not yours. That's ours too. You are on borrowed time. I suggest you find a job soon and start taking care of yourself."

"I plan on it."

"Good, then we have an understanding. Also, I'm having a family party here, Friday night. It's my mother's fiftieth birthday. I am not upsetting her with this news just yet, her birthday is a huge milestone. You have no idea what my family has been through. You need to stay hidden. Go in your room and turn off the lights just to be safe."

Kaleigh started to walk out, but Bella had just about enough, she grabbed the back of her arm. "Don't touch me." She jerked her arm back.

"I know why you hate me. I'm sorry. There's no excuse for what we did, but don't ever put my son at risk again."

"I didn't. I wouldn't. He's an innocent baby. You saw how good I was with him."

"You tried to get me arrested while I was out alone with my son."

"Oh that. Jacob already freaked out about that. I don't need another lecture. It was a misunderstanding. I went through his wallet. Correction, he'd just admitted he cheated and had a kid with another woman, I went through everything. I had every right to be suspicious. The card was missing, he'd been traveling. I assumed it was lost or stolen. I later agreed, I should've discussed it with him first."

"Liar." Bella knew Jacob would spot that lie a mile away. The two of them hadn't discussed it since.

Kaleigh didn't even argue or deny. In fact, she smiled at her. "Take's one to know one, Bella." She pulled the door, but had one more thing to say before slamming it in her face. "Oh yeah, you forgot dumb cunt. That's my favorite."

Atticus started wailing loudly after the door crashed against the frame. Bella lifted him up. She wanted to do the same thing, but crying wouldn't solve much. Did he really bond with that horrible shrew the night before? She couldn't ever malign Kaleigh in front of him. It wouldn't be right, but she so wanted to vent to someone. Bella texted Barry and Monica about the morning from hell, but they were both getting ready for work. They both said to call after five.

Bella decided to carry Atticus to her bed to let him lie down and nurse. Suddenly, all her energy was gone for the day. She decided to nap with him. What else was there to do? Ugh, that woman. Who the hell did she think she was, besides Jacob's wife and all? She had to rub it in about the main house and how Bella was nothing more than a squatter. Kaleigh might as well remind her that she shares a bed with Jake there and he makes love to her any time of the day or night. That's what probably went on, they were still newlyweds. She never thought about how much that was going to bother her until now.

Atticus held her hand as he drifted off to sleep. At least, he'd always love her. She promised him she'd never ever screw that up like she'd messed up all her other relationships. Bella was thankful, her crazy thoughts and depressed feelings finally stalled. She closed her eyes and let herself drift off to sleep just like her son beside her.

Barry and Monica facetimed with her while they stuffed their faces with burgers from their favorite spot. Bella could almost smell the fries over the phone. Barry made a face when he first saw her.

"Did you shower?"

"Yes, of course," then she mumbled, "yesterday."

He asked if she really intended to look like that when Jacob stopped by. "Doesn't he see the kid everyday?"

He had so far, and she hadn't even thought about what she looked or smelled like. Barry said she could have a one day pity party because they both listened to her Kaleigh confrontation, but he told her that was it. From now on, she needed to get a shower and put some effort in her appearance. He was still convinced she was there to fight for Jacob, no matter what she said to the contrary. Monica wasn't very talkative. She had another bummer date and said she was ready to cave into her mother's wishes and go to Portland. Barry moaned about both his ladies abandoning him so close together. If Bella had many more days like this, she was bound to head back soon.

She told them their greasy cuisine made her hungry, so she got off to dig for something to eat. Bella ended up making oatmeal with nuts and fruit. Atticus was content on his quilt looking at a bright activity gym over his head.

She sat on the couch and flipped on the TV. She'd already found some trashy reality show that she'd been binge watching. Jacob let himself in. He really should stop that, but she didn't say anything. Of course, he went for his son straight away.

Jacob grabbed a pillow and made himself comfortable next to Atticus. He propped up on his elbow, but turned once to frown at the TV show going on in the background. Bella hit the off button on the remote, then wiped her mouth because she felt mushy bits of oatmeal stuck to her chin. She saw more of it on her t-shirt, the one she put on almost 24 hours ago. Bella hadn't even brushed her hair all day. She was pretty sure she swiped a stick of deodorant under her arms out of habit and she'd brushed her teeth at least twice, but she knew she looked a mess without a doubt.

"Um, are you sick or something?"

"Maybe."

"Do I have to guess? What's wrong?"

"Maybe I'm just sick of you and your lousy apartment. We're suffocating in here."

"I never said you couldn't leave. Just tell Alice to follow you and let me know if you do go somewhere. I'm sorry, this is small. I always liked it." That was the issue. The place completely felt like Jacob, down to the very bachelor-like posters, to the way the furniture smelled. All the programs on the DVR were ballgames. She felt liked she was wrapped in a box made of Jacob after living there a couple of days. The downstairs was more posters and tools. She could tell the entire place was his domain. Bella doubted he had one say so on decor of the house. That stone house she frequently stared at was beautiful, but not one thing about it reminded her of him. The garage apartment was all him, but Jacob wasn't truly there and that's what was making her sick.

Bella stood up to walk her bowl to the sink. He got up and followed her.

"Oh and thanks for telling me your wife plans to move my son in the house with you as soon as she creates a perfect nursery and baby proofs."

"Bells."

"Don't Bells me. She was here this morning. That's what she said in a round about way."

Jacob rolled his eyes.

He apologized and said he only found out about all that an hour before he got off work. He said Kaleigh likes to keep busy with projects, this was just her way of dealing with all the stress.

"So she rules the roost over there and you basically tell me when, where and how I should take every step or if I'm even allowed?"

"No, not at all." She disagreed because that's exactly how it had been since he met their son. "Um, well, was it too bad? I mean, you two face to face and all. I really wish she would've waited for me."

"Let's see, was it that bad? She looked like she was on the way to a photo shoot. I looked like this because I had no idea she would barge in whenever she felt like it." Bella passed her hands up and and down her body. "She barked at me to chop chop and move the car which she reminded me is not mine, just like this apartment is not mine and everything in this general vicinity is not mine." It was unsaid, Jacob was at the top of that list. "She gushed over Atticus like they are best buddies and she says if I don't let him do overnights, that you're hiring a lawyer." Jacob started to speak, but she interrupted for one more thing, "Oh yeah, and she called me a dumb cunt. That's how it went."

He tried to explain Kaleigh's frame of mind, but that only made her more angry. Yes, they did a despicable thing, but did Bella have to sit and take abuse as long as she stayed there? If so, she wasn't going to stay much longer. She was adamant that he find her another place, preferably far across town.

"Can we please give it a little bit longer? I'll talk to her and you know I would never threaten you with a lawyer. We agreed. I already told her he's too small, the overnight thing was her idea."

"Just forget it. The less you talk about me to her, the better and vice versa."

Jacob looked back at Atticus and then back at Bella. "She wanted me to come get him and bring him over for an hour or so, but I'm going to say he was cranky and you were putting him to sleep soon. I can tell it's not a good time."

It really wasn't. If Jacob walked out the door with their child right about then, she'd surely lose it. He looked fairly sympathetic and she was trying to remember why she was so mad at him in the first place.

"You should go then. She doesn't want you over here much. I'm basically supposed to toss Atticus down the steps when you call for him."

"Well, that'll never happen and sometimes, me being in here is unavoidable. Bells, I'm truly sorry you had a rough day and that she overstepped."

"I came here without too much thought. You're getting what you wanted... your son. Kaleigh gets to dictate every single rule about how I'm to live because she was the wronged one, but what do I get? I swear I'm the least important part of this whole equation and I might sound selfish, but it sucks. Did you ever consider my feelings and how this whole situation might make me uncomfortable? I miss my friends. I feel useless except for taking care of Atticus."

Bella turned away because she swore she was about to start bawling and that would just be the icing on the cake to her shitty day. He walked up behind her. He was actually so close, she could feel his body heat behind her. Jacob touched her shoulders. She wanted to shrug him off and tell him not to touch her, but damn if she didn't miss some sort of adult interactions. Truth was, she really missed Jacob's touch. He rubbed her shoulders once or twice and then rubbed his hands all the way down her arms. Jacob took her arms and crossed them in front of her body with his over them.

He leaned in close to her ear. "You're absolutely right. I've asked the impossible and I was so worried how Kaleigh would react, I never took all your feelings into consideration. If you honestly have to go somewhere else, I'll figure it out, but I really don't want you to, not yet. Can we please wait and see if the guys will phase again, so I can keep you both protected?"

Jacob stood up, but he didn't break his connection. Bella hadn't even divulged that last chat with Aro to him. His fears weren't unfounded. She knew in her heart, being close to him was for the best. "I'll stay." She waited a few seconds, before adding, "For now."

She felt his warm breath on the back of her head and then it was down on that spot where she had a scar. Bella didn't understand that place at all, but him anywhere near it sent a hum all the way through her body. The energy traveled all directions, through her limbs, up and down her middle, and all the way to her... well, never mind. She shouldn't allow her mind to go there.

Jacob murmured into her skin. "You were wrong about one thing though." Bella couldn't help melting him. She pulled one arm free and moved it behind her, just so she could pull him even closer. "You are most definitely not the least of anything in my eyes. You are so important to me, Bells." He actually kissed her permanent love bite and a jolt of thrilling sensations raced through her. He slowly pulled back, "Don't ever forget that."

She was just about ready to take Barry's advice and say the word, the one he claimed would make Jacob hers again, but Atticus became disenchanted with his activity gym and started screaming. That was the only reminder she needed to get a hold of herself and pull away from him. She couldn't risk another complication. They couldn't go down that road, too much was at stake and too many people might end up hurt. Bella wasn't even thinking about Kaleigh either, she was more worried about herself.

~Thanks for reading.