BPOV

4 Years Ago...

It's been 6 months since Edward and I called it quits. It doesn't seem like he has any regrets or cares since I hadn't heard back from him, especially the weeks following our break up.

So I did the next best thing I could instead of wallowing in my sadness, I packed my bags and left. But I had no idea where I was going. That's how I ended up here... living with mom and Phil. I guess it was just easier to move as far away as possible from him, and his family... even though they had become my family.

I quit my job, changed my phone number and my email address and deleted or changed most of my online profiles. Partly because I didn't want or didn't have the will to do anything, but mostly because I didn't want to receive messages and calls from any of the Cullens... they were a part of his family, and he made it perfectly clear, that he was unhappy because of "me" or "my decisions".

"Bella, honey... is everything alright?" My mom, Renée, asked bringing me out of my musings, probably catching on to the fact that I was depressed, or lost in thought or both.

I mustered the best smile I possibly could, "yeah mom I am... fine". She didn't say anything, but she looked at me pointedly, persuading me to tell her the truth.

"I'm fine mom... really. It will take some time for me to get back on my feet, but you know what... maybe I'll be better off without him." I sighed, and then realized, "enough about me, today is your anniversary with Phil... please don't cancel your plans or change them because of me. Because I know you both have been dying to go to that new restaurant." My mom and Phil were very supportive although they didn't know the whole story, but they couldn't halt their life because of me.

"No I don't want to go... and don't change the topic Isabella. Plus who will take care of Vanessa?" Mom and Phil have been married for two years now, and had given birth to their little surprise baby, my little sister, Vanessa around the time of my non-wedding. I love that baby. She is no fuss, and loves cuddles. I can do both of those things. Also my way of saying thanks to both mom and Phil is helping to take care of Ness.

"Mom... seriously. I am right here. You know I'd happily volunteer, or rather am happily volunteering." I said, genuinely.

"I don't think-"

"Mom. Stop. It's your anniversary. I love you both. But you'll need some time to yourselves. Plus I know for a fact that you haven't been alone since Ness came along, and then to add to your problems, I came here."

"Honey, you'll are not problems. I love you both so very much... but I don't know baby girl..."

"Mom! I love you but I need bonding time with my little sis." I said jokingly.

That's when Phil walked in. "What's going on here ladies? Is there anything I can do?"

"Yes Phil... you and mom go out, have fun. It's your anniversary guys... c'mon".

"Bella... I don't -"

"Don't say it Phil. I know you both want to go. So go. It's just that easy. I'll take care of Ness. Promise." I said with my first genuine smile. They both looked at each other.

"Are you sure Bella?" Phil asked.

"One hundred percent. I love you both... now please go change... go go go..." I said ushering them out. We all began laughing at this point. I went to see Ness in her crib peacefully sleeping, she looked like a little angel... it must be nice to have no worries or cares.

Around half an hour later mom and Phil were ready to go. "Thanks Bella... for doing this. Call us if you need anything. And I mean that." Phil said.

"Yeah honey. You take care. Ness should be sleeping the rest of the night, but you know the drill if anything-"

"Yes mom! I know! Now you both go." I hugged them both and practically pushed them out.

Little did I know that around 12 a.m. I would get a call saying that there had been an accident with a drunk driver... and there were no survivors.

Present Day

I was making breakfast for Ness, when I looked at her smiling face. It all came back to me in a split second, I couldn't stop myself.

I remembered that day as if it were yesterday... if it weren't for me they would've been alive. Ness would have both her parents. I can't help but feel guilty that I was the cause. Phil didn't speak to his family and mom didn't have any family, except for me. So Ness was stuck with me.

My life would've spiraled downhill, if I had no one to care about. But I knew ever since that day... the day of the accident, as I clutched Ness close to me, tears pouring from my eyes, I would make sure that I would be there for her, and I promised to take care of her.

My dad, Charlie, was smitten the moment he saw her and told me that she looked quite a bit like I did, except for her beautiful blue eyes. He helped me take care of her for a few months. But I knew it was time to get back on my feet.

So I joined a huge business firm as a marketing consultant, luckily they took me in and got positive feedback from my last company. The work was easy and the salary was great, and since I was just a consultant, I didn't require to spend too much time in the office. This meant that I had time to spend with Ness instead of letting her spend her entire day in a daycare. Sue me for being overprotective... I can't help it. She would also be starting school soon enough. I can't believe she grew up so fast.

But since she'll be starting school, it got me thinking that it might be better off if I shift my position from a consultant to marketing head. God knows the number of times Leah, my boss, asked me to do so. I think it's time, it would also help us, if I got a raise.

Being 28 years old with a kid sister, is no easy job. But, as I looked at my four year old sister beside me, who was giving me a toothy grin, I knew I would do anything for her, because she meant everything to me.

A/N:

Things are going to start looking up for Bella and Ness. I promise... maybe...

But everyone goes through rough patches, that's life. And things definitely get worse before they get better. That's why patience is key, and time is necessary to heal all wounds while also put things into perspective!

Hope you enjoyed this Chapter!