Chapter 7: First Night Out

The days seemed to blur into weeks and soon enough, Little One was fourteen weeks old. Yes, we survived our first month. It pretty much crept up on me. We had fallen into a routine of sorts. The little one had even decided to start sleeping longer at night. I usually got a full five hours, give or take the few nights she had to be changed or woke up hungry.

New Girl was right about the daycare. It seemed good, so Little One started the following Monday. I dropped her off at six-thirty every morning and picked her up when I got off after seven. A few times, Mom or Dad had to pick her up if I ran late, but it seemed to usually work out okay. Dad had taken me off the call schedule for now — pissing off Rosalie and Emmett — so I didn't have to worry about that just yet, but he said it wasn't permanent, and I'd have to figure something out soon.

"Any chance you can get a babysitter Friday?" Jasper asked as I did chart work.

I looked up at him. "I don't know. Why?"

"Well, I've been dating Alice for over a month now, and she wants to meet you," he said. "She wants to get to know my best friend. I told her you had a lot on your hands, so she understands if you can't come."

"I can ask my parents." I smirked. "So she wants to meet your best friend?"

He rolled his eyes. "Yeah, apparently you sound hilarious."

I laughed. "I am quite awesome."

"She thinks it's funny that you're a whore turned daddy. She wants to see how that's working out."

"Would it just be us?"

"She's bringing her friend along so it's not awkward when we ditch you."

I raised my eyebrows. "A female friend?"

"Yes, but you're a daddy now." He smirked. "You can't fuck her. Besides, Alice would kill me if her friend turned into one of your notches."

"Fine," I sighed. "Have I mentioned that fatherhood isn't good for my dick?"

"Well, your dick got you into fatherhood, so I'd be cautious of using it. Who knows how many more kids you have out there."

"I pray to God Little One is it. She's enough of a handful," I said, tossing my pen down and running my hand through my hair. "Have I told you what she did this morning?"

"Is it hilarious?"

"Probably to you."

He sat down on the counter. "Do tell."

"She managed to roll onto her side on the changing table. I freaked out because I was afraid she'd roll all the way over and manage to fall off, so I dropped the shitty diaper and grabbed her."

"Eh, that's not very funny."

"I then forgot about the diaper and stepped on it." He laughed a little. "I didn't have shoes on."

He about fell off the counter from laughing. "I bet the look on your face was priceless. I should set up a nanny camera in her room."

"I started gagging, did a horrible job of wiping it off my foot, and then threw up in the dirty diaper bin. I have to shampoo the carpet later."

"You threw up?"

I nodded.

"Because of a little shit?"

"It was between my toes."

"Dude, it's crap. You do it, I do it, everyone does it. Get over it," he said. "I touch adult's shit every day and don't throw up."

"Again, between my toes at five-thirty in the morning."

He smirked. "Poor you."

"Hey, you should change one of her diapers. I need to change her formula or some shit because what comes out of her isn't normal. It can't be."

"I change plenty of diapers, so I'm not adding your kid's to the list," he said. "Now I need to get back to work. Unless you'd like to try one of mine?"

"Fuck no."

"Then have fun with the little one's," he laughed.

After lunch, I had two scheduled procedures, and then an emergency appendectomy. Still, I managed to get out of the hospital just after seven. Little One was ready to go shortly after I got to the daycare. She was wide awake and sucking on her pacifier when I got to her.

"Hey, Little One," I said, tickling her belly.

Why, fuck yes, I had started tickling the little one. She was getting close to an actual laugh, and though it even seemed weird for me that I wanted to hear it, I did. She'd coo a little and smile, dropping the pacifier out of her mouth, but no laugh. In a month's time I had decided to make the best of this. She wasn't going anywhere, and neither was I. Whether I liked it or not, I had a kid, and she wasn't all that bad. In fact, she was fucking great sometimes.

Though I had accepted the fact that I wasn't going to be getting laid anytime soon, I did discover that when I took her jogging with me, women flocked to me. Well, they flocked to the stroller in front of me, but still, I fucking loved it. Using my child to get attention was horribly wrong, but I missed the attention. Just because I couldn't have sex right now didn't mean I couldn't flirt. And flirt I did. Plus, the hot woman who bent over to see Little One exposed their chest half the time. I loved spring.

. . . . .

After she was fed, bathed, and changed, Little One and I sat on the couch to watch a documentary. I held her in my arms and gave her my finger like usual. I discovered she liked sucking on that even more than the pacifier. Who was I to deny her some happiness? Besides, it kept her quiet so I could watch.

"I've participated in one of these," I told her, watching the TV. "It's a kidney transplant. Very interesting stuff. You know, I followed in my father's footsteps and became a doctor."

She just kept sucking and looked up at me.

"It'd be pretty fucking awesome if you followed in my footsteps." I grinned. "Dr. Sofia 'Little One' Cullen. I think it fits."

She smiled around my finger. I think she just liked being called "Little One". I kinda liked calling her that, so it was mutual.

I smiled at her. "Little One."

She made another coo, but that was it. No laugh. Not even a small giggle. The baby book said that should have happened around this time. I bounced her a little in my arms and let her continue to suck as I finished the documentary. She took her usual evening nap as I switched to regular TV.

I made Little One her last bottle just before bedtime, which seemed to be at eleven lately. That was much better than the two or three in the morning before. Daycare was good for her. The whole routine shit worked wonders for keeping me sane.

Little One had started using her hands to grasp things lately. She'd help me hold onto the bottle every once in a while. It wasn't really a good grasp, but she was trying. Her tiny hand would go right over mine sometimes. It was . . . sweet, I guess.

I rocked gently in the rocking chair as she drank and smiled at her. There was something about her that made me want to smile when she looked at me. I wasn't fucking getting soft because it was like I had to. I was not going to start talking like a baby to her. She deserved more than that. Language skills were important.

"I'm going to ask Grandma if she'll watch you Friday night," I said. "I need to go out. I need some more adult interaction. New Girl is good company every once in a while when she comes over for mail or to see how you are, but I need an actual conversation with other adults that does not involve you or work."

I wiped the excess formula that dribbled out of her mouth away, and she took the bottle for some more.

"You'll be good for Grandma, right? And not laugh for her and not me?" I smirked. "I do want to hear your laugh soon. The baby book said it should happen around this time. I know, I know, not all babies are the same. It has a disclaimer and everything, but I wish it'd happen soon. You know, so that I know you're happy."

The kid's life had already been a whirlwind of shit because of her disappearing mother. I wanted to give her a good life now. I wanted to make her happy. Maybe it was fucking stupid to think that would be what laughing meant, but it'd be a good start. The smiles were great. They kinda . . . warmed my heart or some shit. I didn't know. It was something like that. I wanted a laugh. A little giggle.

"I guess it'll happen when you're ready."

After burping her and changing a piss diaper one more time, I laid her down in the crib and stayed with her for about twenty minutes after she had fallen asleep. Sometimes, it was a false alarm, and she'd wake back up, so I just stayed to be sure.

. . . . .

Thankfully, Mom agreed to watch Little One on Friday night. She and Dad said I deserved one night, so they agreed to keep her all night, actually. Was I thrilled? Fuck yes, I was. My plan? Meet Alice, wait until her, Jasper, and the friend left, and then continue to get hammered and fuck some chick I didn't plan on remembering. I deserved it. I had been good for Little One. It was time I got laid. It had been almost five weeks since the last time.

"So you have everything for her, right?" I asked Mom as I passed her Sofia.

"Yes, Edward, we have everything. She'll be fine with us for the night," she said, smiling as she bounced the baby softly. "Won't you, Sofia?"

Dad just smirked as I checked the diaper bag one more time to make sure Little One had an extra pacifier, just in case. "You're nervous to leave her, aren't you, son?" he asked.

"No," I said. "I just . . . don't want you two to have any problems with her."

He rolled his eyes as Mom grinned. "Sure, Edward," she said.

"It's not like we didn't raise two kids of our own and watch our other grandchild regularly," Dad said. "I think we can handle her."

"Yeah, okay, then," I said. "I guess I'll go."

I grazed my hand over Little One's cheek before actually saying goodbye and leaving, taking Tanya with me. I still hadn't had the heart to give her up. She had been sitting in my parent's garage for the last month while I drove Mom's SUV because of Little One. Mom didn't care. She rarely drove the SUV anymore since Dad bought her a coupe a few months ago for her birthday. I would eventually need to get rid of Tanya. She just wasn't practical anymore. It broke my heart.

When I got to the bar where I was meeting Jasper and Alice, I parked Tanya and headed in. I texted Jasper to let him know I was here, and he met me at the door.

"Hey, man, I'm glad you could make it," he said, patting my shoulder. "Alice is excited to meet you."

I smirked. "Of course she is."

"This is a warning. Say anything offensive, and I'll kick your ass." He glared. "She's important to me."

I put my hands up. "Perfect angel. I swear."

"And don't even try to sleep with her friend. She's really sweet and doesn't need you fucking that up."

"No fucking the friend. Understood. Now can we go? I want a beer."

As we walked toward a table, a petite, spikey black haired woman grinned. She slid off the stool and rushed toward us. Damn. She was short. Like, under five-foot short. Her tiny arms wrapped themselves around my torso without me even realizing what was happening.

When she pulled back, grinning, she said, "I'm Alice. It's so nice to finally meet you, Edward."

"You too, Alice." I smiled.

She turned around and my eyes followed her. Now facing us was the friend. A friend I knew. A friend who knew me. Her eyes were wide as she took me in. It seemed she wasn't aware of who I was when she agreed to this.

"Hello, Bella," I said.

New Girl blushed as Jasper cursed under his breathe, thinking I had fucked her.

"Relax, she's my neighbor," I laughed. "I haven't screwed every chick in this town."

He glared at me. "I'll go get our beer."

Alice forced me down in the chair between her and New Girl as Jasper walked toward the bar. New Girl was playing with the straw in her fruity drink, avoiding looking up at me. I thought we had gotten over the awkwardness. She came over at least once a week to give me mail or see how Little One and I were doing. She even brought chicken soup she made over last week.

"So how do you two know each other?" I asked, looking between Alice and New Girl.

"We work at the same school," Alice said. "I teach fourth grade, and Bella teaches kindergarten."

I smirked. "I knew that."

"Bella, why didn't you tell me about your cute neighbor," Alice asked, giving her a pointed look.

"Alice," New Girl whispered harshly. "I . . . it isn't a big deal."

"Bella just moved to Port Angeles," Alice said. "Has she told you that?"

I shook my head. "She's been quite sparse on the details."

"That sounds like Bella."

"Have you two known each other long?"

"We met when she started working at my school," she said.

Jasper got back, gave me my beer, and sat down next to Alice, taking her hand on the table top. Now that . . . was sickening. The poor bastard was really falling for her. He was seriously fucking holding her hand.

I had to stop looking, so I asked New Girl, "I take it she didn't tell you my name?"

She shook her head. "No. She just said you were a friend of Jasper's. I only met him a few weeks ago," she said. "How long have you two been friends?"

I sipped the beer, realizing how much I fucking missed this. Five weeks without sex and any alcohol blew.

"We've known each other since we were kids," I told her.

She nodded, biting her lip again. The lesson here was not to surprise New Girl. She didn't do well with surprises, obviously. Or maybe she just didn't do well in groups. She had been fine with Little One and me. She hadn't talked about herself much, but she at least talked. Now she was just shy and awkward.

As the evening went on and more alcohol was put in everyone, things lightened up. Alice was actually pretty fucking hilarious. She was complete opposite of Jasper. Outgoing, outspoken, and fucking hyper. Jasper watched her like a damn hawk, hanging on her every word. She had him wrapped around her finger so fucking tight. It was quite hilarious.

"So let me get this straight," Alice said. "The chick showed up on your doorstep, with a baby, and just left her with you?"

"Basically. She actually came out of Bella's apartment, though," I said.

She turned to New Girl. "And how could you not have told me about this?"

"It wasn't any of my business," Bella said.

"Do you not know what gossip is?"

"It's not gossip. It's his life."

Alice rolled her eyes. "Fine," she sighed. "At least I know if you can keep a strangers secrets, you can keep mine."

"Tight lips, Bella?" I asked.

She shrugged. "I guess I just didn't think it was something to share."

I smiled. "Thanks."

She smiled a little back as that blush crept up on her cheeks again. Come to think of it, every time I smiled she blushed. I was starting to think New Girl had a crush on me.

. . . . .

By the time Alice and Jasper left, New Girl was up for a bit more talking. We stuck around, continuing to drink as I told her shit about myself. Her lips stayed closed about herself, though. I wanted to change that. She knew all kinds of shit about me, but I knew basically nothing about her.

"Where did you grow up?" I asked, leaning back in the chair.

"Forks," she said. "It's a small town about an hour away."

I nodded. "I know where Forks is. Where did you go to school?"

"University of Washington."

It was like pulling fucking teeth. "And I take it you have a degree in Education?"

She nodded. "Masters, actually."

"Care to share anymore?" I laughed.

"Um . . . this is my first year teaching. I applied all across the state and was finally hired by the Port Angeles Board of Education this past fall."

"What made you decide to move into my apartment building?"

"The commute from Forks was a little much. I moved back in with my Dad when I got the job to save up money."

"Smart choice."

"Where did you grow up?" she asked, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear.

"Here. I was born and raised right in this town."

"Is it nice to be back? I mean, you had to have left for school, so when did you move back?"

"I moved back last June when I finished my residency in New York. My father offered me a job, and I took it. I'm glad I came back."

"So your father is a doctor, too?"

"Yes, I followed in his footsteps, I guess. Same specialty and everything."

She smiled. "I bet he's proud."

"Seems to be. What about yours? Is he glad you became a teacher?"

She nodded. "Yes. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. My mom was one, too."

"I thought your dad raised you?"

She shifted uncomfortably. "He did. She . . . passed away when I was little."

Shit. No wonder she didn't want to fucking talk about it. "I'm sorry for bringing it up."

"It's okay," she said softly. "It's getting late. I think I'm going to go home."

Fuck. "Do you need a ride?"

She shook her head. "I lost count how many beers you've had, so I don't think you should be driving."

I was feeling the alcohol. I certainly wasn't fucked up like I was planning, but she was probably right. "Good thinking," I laughed.

"I can drive you, if you want."

"So I've had too much, but you haven't?"

"I've had two margaritas over the course of three hours."

Huh, I thought she had more. I guess it was Alice who had been getting all the drinks.

"Then sure. I'd very much appreciate it." I grinned, standing up and pulling my wallet out.

I paid the tab — since Jasper and Alice skipped out on it — and followed New Girl to her ancient piece of shit. Tanya was sitting near the back of the lot under a tree. I pulled my keys out and made sure she was locked before getting into the passenger side of the truck. I probably would have been fine to drive, but New Girl did offer.

"You should get a new car," I told her. "No offense, but this thing is decrepit and deserves to be put down."

She looked over at me and scowled. Apparently, I wasn't to say shit about the truck.

"Maybe not," I said.

"My truck is fine," she said. "But if you'd rather walk, go right ahead."

Well, then. New Girl was a little testy.

I smirked, trying to get her to lighten up. "I'm good."

She looked to the left, so I couldn't tell if she blushed or not. Damn. Was it wrong I kind of wanted to see if she did? There was something about the blush I liked.

Our apartment building wasn't far from the bar, so the drive was quick. Quick and silent. I walked behind her into the building and up the stairs to our floor. She went to her door, and maybe it was the alcohol, but I had an idea. Actually, it was probably the alcohol and the lack of fucking.

"Do you want to come in?" I asked, unlocking my door.

"No, Edward," she said. "I'm good."

She walked in her apartment and shut the door, a little hard. Well, I fucked up. Bringing up her dead mom, insulting her truck, and propositioning her for sex probably weren't the best combinations to make a friend.

I pulled my shirt and jeans off before climbing into bed. I slid my hand down my boxers and helped myself. I fucking hated helping myself.