AN Here's the next chapter :)

I relaly enjoying your theories on what will happen so thanks for those! Hope you'll enjoy reading this next one.

Chapter 23

BPOV

I stared at the words on my phone, chilling cold filling my bones.

I'd thought the press had died down these past few days. Sure, I was still a subject of gossip, but this was a headline. And a false one at that.

SWAN HEIR CRUMBLING UNDER PRESSURE?

I clenched my fists in anger. The audacity of these people. It was disgusting what they made up. What did they even base this on?

I pulled up Kate's number and dialled it. It rang for just a few seconds.

'Bella?' she asked, a note of concern in her voice.

'What do I do, Kate?' I asked, my voice small and nearing breaking point, I was more upset than I'd realized.

'What's happened?'

"Did you see the news?' I asked her.

She sucked in a breath. 'No, I hadn't yet.'

'It's bad.'

There was some rustling down the line and then Kate swore. 'Did you find a PR person yet?'

'I have an appointment on Monday.'

Kate sucked in a breath. 'Alright. Alright. It's not that bad.' She said. 'Just... just lie low today and tomorrow and head straight to the PR firm on Monday. They can probably help better than I can, right now. I'm starting litigation to protect you from libel, but that will only do so much.'

I nodded, but then realized I was on the phone. 'Alright.'

'I know this is hard, Bella. But we expected this, remember?'

'Yeah.' I said miserably. 'it just looked like it might have been dying down.'

'I know. Sadly we can't really predict the press nor when they'll stop having an interest in you. The best thing you can do is just be as boring as possible. And perhaps we should look into personal protection as well as PR.'

'Like a body guard you mean?' I asked incredulous.

'It might help. I'm guessing the paparazzi are outside your building right now, and they will make your life hard for the entire weekend. And possibly afterwards as well.'

I sighed. 'I hadn't thought of that.'

'Can you call someone to walk Jake for you?'

I bit my lip. I had been looking forward to just spending the weekend alone. But I guess that wasn't happening any more. 'I'll see if I can find someone.'

'Will you? I'm not trying to sound overbearing, but please Bella, be careful. Those paparazzi are really something.'

'I know.' I sighed. 'I'll see if Angela can come over.'

'Alright, if she can't let me know and I'll come over.'

'You'd walk Jake?' I snorted. That would be a sight I would actually pay money to see Kate with her prim and proper attire being dragged along the grass by a rambunctious Jake.

'Of course I would.' she huffed indignantly. 'I do own sneakers, you know.'

I barked out a laugh. 'Sure you do. But thanks for the offer. I'll let you know.'

'Okay, and take care of yourself.'

'Thanks. Bye.'

I hung up and pulled up my messages seeing a new notification.

A text from Edward.

My heart did a little leap, but I quickly squashed that down. I couldn't go there, not only because he was a player on my team, but also because I definitely wasn't in a place I should be dating at all.

I sighed and opened the message. It was from late last night, he was asking me how I was doing.

I quickly typed a reply that the press was driving me nuts. Then I shot a quick text to Rose that I wasn't going to make Yoga today and needed a raincheck. She texted back immediately to check I was okay. After I assured her I was, but had to lie low this weekend she understood and we made plans for next Saturday.

Edward texted back too, saying he saw the headline and hoped the press would be forced to retract all their stories. He asked me to be careful and stay safe. I texted back that I would lie low this weekend.

I debated whether to call Angela. I wasn't really looking forward to dealing with people today. I already had dinner with Carlisle tonight, and although I loved Angela, sometimes I just really needed some time alone.

Jake put his head on my lap and gazed up at me. I still had to walk him too.

I knew I'd promised kate to get someone, but I just really wasn't in the mood for that. So I decided I would simply don a disguise, I would get the staff to help me to my car without incident and then I would simply head to the woods to take Jake for a nice long walk. Then he'd be fine until we'd had to leave for dinner with Carlisle. I nodded to myself and headed to my bedroom to change into some sturdy jeans, hiking boots a large parka and a beanie. Jake's tail was already wagging by the time I pulled his leash out. I clipped him on and called downstairs to te doorman.

He picked up within a few rings.

'Ms Swan?' he asked as he picked up.

'Hi, are there any press out there?'

'I was just about to call you to warn you. There's a lot of them. We've kept them out of the lobby, but they've tried to get in multiple times.'

'That's good. I was wondering if you might distract them to get me to my car?'

'I think we can do that. I've put some extra doormen on duty today, I'll inform them. Would you like me to excort you to your car?'

'Yes that would be great. Thank you.'

'Not a problem, Ms. Swan. When were you planning on leaving?'

'I'm heading down now, if that's alright?'

'Yes, that's fine. I'll warn the others.'

'Thank you.'

I hung up and headed out the door, locking it behind me. Jake was still blissfully unaware of what we were about to face. I hoped the distraction was going to work. I sucked in a deep breath as I stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the ground floor.

When the doors opened, I somehow expected a crazy horde of photographers, but he'd been right. It was quiet in the lobby, thankfully. The doorman was at the elevator and nodded to me. I nodded back smiling slightly.

'This way.' He said, guiding me out and towards the entrance of the parking garage. I snuck a look at the glass doors and noticed the doormen stealthily sneaking someone out towards the above ground entrance of the parking garage, by having their coats wrapped around the person.

'what are they doing?'

'A distraction. One of the cleaning ladies is worried her hair might get wet. So we asked them to shield her head.' He looked at me with a mischievous glint in his eye. 'her car is parked in the staff lot, so far away from yours.'

'That's amazing.' I giggled, glancing at the scene again.

The paps were going crazy sapping pictures. They were going to be so diasspointed when the maid was revealed.

'Thanks for doing this.'

'No trouble at all, ma'am.'

We headed into the parking garage, and although we could hear the commotion. We didn't see it. The staff lot was sectioned off, and the doormen would keep the paps from going into the residential parking lot, because that was private property and they weren't allowed on there. It worked like a charm. I loaded Jake into the back of my car and thanked the doorman again.

'I'm sorry. I don't even know your name and you've helped me so much.'

'Not a problem miss, it's Tony.'

'Well, thank you Tony.'

'It's been my pleasure. I'm here until six, so just let me know when you're driving in and we'll come up with something else.'

'I'll probably be out until nine or ten, but thanks for the offer.' I smiled at him. It was already approaching ten thirty. By the time I would reach the woods it would be coming up on twelve. Taking Jake for a long walk would probably make it around four by the time I'd be ready to head back, and by then I'd have to leave immediately again to go to Carlisle. So just heading straight there would be smarter. I'd just have to stop at a petstore to get some food for Jake, and hope Carlisle didn't mind I'd come over in such a casual state for what was in all intents and purposes a business dinner.

We said goodbye and Tony headed back into the building. I got in the car and quickly drove out of the garage, pleased to see most of paps were still lingering at the other entrance of the parking garage. I made sure to head the other way, so I wouldn't pass them. Then I headed for the interstate that would take me to the forest.

Jake had the time of his life when I let him out of the car. Although we headed to the park closer to home more often and he enjoyed that too, getting to run in the forest was a real treat for him. He especially enjoyed trying to bring the largest stick he could find with him. Usually that was half a tree trunk. He bounded out of the car and I glanced around, but it was empty. There were no other cars and no other people around as far as I could see. So I left him off lead and we headed into the woods. It was slightly nippy, but dry and thankfully the ground was quite hard, I wouldn't be bringing a muddy Jake into someone else's house.

We walked for hours and it was nice to be alone and just walk in nature without anything else to worry about. I'd always enjoyed hiking, but now rarely found the time for it anymore. So this was a rare treat indeed. And it did wonders for my mood.

When jake's tongue was lolling so far out of his mouth that it would almost reach his chest I decided that it was probably time to get back to the car.

'come on, boy. Let's go get you some food.' I called out.

He bounded over and wagged his tail as I pet him before clipping his lead back on. When he was tired he had to be on the lead, else he would just lie down and not move again until he was less tired. And good luck to anyone trying to move that beast when he didn't want to. He just wouldn't budge. But on the lead he dutifully followed along.

We headed back to the car and I loaded him back in, after giving him a few bowls of water which he drank greedily.

We headed back into town and I stopped at the first pet store I saw. Jake's head perked right up as I loaded him back out again. He loved pet stores, mostly because I always allowed him to chose something to take home. Sometimes he would chose a stuffed animal, sometimes a giant bone. It really depended on his mood.

We headed inside and I quickly headed to the food section to get him a small bag of his food. We were stopped multiple times with people asking what breed he was or asking if they could pet him. Jake wasn't in the mood though so I had to respectfully decline. When he was tired he could be grouchy. Although even on his best days he didn't really ennjoy attention from people he didn't know. Jake chose a tennis ball this time to take home.

I paid for both the food and the ball and we quickly went back to the car without any incident. No one had recognized me it seemed. That was good.

It was nearly five now, so I would be right on time if we started driving towards Carlisle right now. He lived in a rather spacious town house just outside the city centre. It was a good neighbourhood and ridiculously expensive. But there was lots of space, which you just couldn't get downtown. I pulled in their drive and parked the car, hoping no one would need to leave, because I was definitely blocking them in otherwise.

I gave myself a quick once over in the mirror and decided it wouldn't be getting any better than this. So I simply fluffed my hair up a bit and then got out. I grabbed Jake and his food and then rang the doorbell. I glanced around but it seemed I hadn't been spotted by any press. That was a blessing. I don't think Kate would have liked it if I was spotted going out this weekend. But this was a business dinner. I was doing nothing wrong here.

The door opened to reveal a lovely woman with a kind face and dark brown hair. A kind smile was on her face as she opened the door wider.

'Ah, you must be Bella!' she exclaimed stepping forward and engulfing me in a hug. I froze for a moment, not used to this kind of greeting.

'Yes, hi.' I muttered awkwardly as I patted her back with my one free hand.

She stepped back and smiled again. 'I'm Esme, Carlisle's wife. It's so nice to meet you.'

'You too. Thank you for inviting me'. I smiled at her.

She was extremely genuine in her kindness and it was comforting to experience. I immediately felt put at ease.

'Oh and this must be Jake!' she gushed as Jake wagged his tail.

'Yeah, this is him. Thanks for letting me bring him.'

'Not a problem. Carlisle said you've met Edward and Mike. So you know we're used to big hairy monsters around here. Mike I mean, not Edward.'

I griggled as she winked at me.

'Come on in, dear.' Esme said, stepping back into the house. 'Can I get your coat? Would you like something to drink?'

'Oh, thank you.' I stepped into the foyer and quickly slipped off my jacket. 'Can I take his lead off?'

'Of course!' Esme took my coat and hung it in a closet as I slipped Jake's lead off.

'Go explore, buddy.' I told him. 'Do you have a bowl of water for him?'

She nodded and I followed her into the house. We headed through a dining room off the foyer into a kitchen. She headed to a door on the opposite end and bend down, pciking up a dog bowl.

'Like I said, we're used to dogs around here.'

I smiled gratefully and Jake wagged his tail as Esme filled up his water bowl.

'Would you like something to drink?'

'Some tea would be nice, if you have it.'

'Of course. I love tea. I've got quite a collection. What would you like? Green or black, or Rooibos? Or something fruity?'

'Oh I'd love Rooibos.'

'That's my favourite.' She smiled as she picked up the kettle and filled it with water. Jake started sniffing around the kitchen happily as we waited for the water to boil, making some small talk. Esme was a kind woman and truly goodnatured. Her concern was genuine when she asked how I was doing and her empathy was exactly what I needed, not sympathy, not someone fawning over me, but just empathy that my life was hard right now and that that was absolutely true and justified.

She poured the tea and we headed into the living room, where Carlisle sat in an armchair, with a medical journal in front of him and a cup of coffee next to him.

He looked up when we entered. 'Bella!' he exclaimed, setting his paper down immediately and standing up. 'It's good to see you looking better.' His eyes were kind as they surveyed me quickly.

I smiled back. 'Thanks. I feel slightly better.'

'That's good to hear.' He gestured for me to take a seat.

'I followed up with a therapist. It's really helped.'

He smiled. 'I'm so glad you listened. There's no shame in getting help to get through something like this.'

'Have you met her dog already?' Emse asked, subtly changing the subject. Carlisle caught on.

'No, I have not. But I hear he's a large fluffly beast.'

I smiled and nodded. Then glanced around. 'Jake?'

I heard his feet shuffling over the hardwood floors as he ambled over to us. It was always fun to see people's first reaction to my dog. Carlisle's eyes widened and his mouth opened slightly as Jake ambled into view.

'That… a horse.' He said.

I laughed. 'He's been compared to one before.' I said, petting Jake on the head as he came to sit by my feet. We made small talk for a while until Esme declared she had to start getting dinner ready. I offered to help. But she assured me all the work was mostly done, it was just setting the table and putting the food on the table.

Carlisle asked me if he could help with Jake's food. He supplied me with a bowl and I quickly measured out Jake's food. Setting it down on a chair so he could eat more easily.

Carlisle then led me over to the dning room.

'Your house is really lovely, Carlisle' I remarked as we stepped into the dining room.

'Thanks, I have Esme to thank for that. She designed it and decorated it.'

'She designed it?' I asked in awe.

He nodded as he pulled out a chair for me. I sat down. 'She's an architect. She has her own firm. She doesn't do as many designs herself anymore, but it's always been her passion. She still likes to scketch ideas in her free time.

'This is really her dream home then?' I asked.

'Yes, we finished it three years ago.'

'Wow, that's amazing.' I gaped at the house with new wonder. A sudden commotion in the hallway made Jake stand to attention. I quickly put my hand on him before he went off.

Carlisle smiled at me. 'that would be Alice.'

I smiled back, I knew that was their daughter. Edward's sister. She was a few years younger than me, I believed. Either still in college or just graduating. I wasn't sure. She bounded into the room and I was momentarily stunned by her exuberance.

'Oh my god! Bella!' she yelled. Jake started and gave a small bark, but that didn't deter Alice. She streaked over to me and flung her arms around my neck, squeezing me tightly.

'You look so good!' she said holding me at arms length. 'Have you been sleeping better?'

I frowned at her for a moment taken aback by her familiarity. 'I'm sorry… have we met?' I asked her slightly unsure.

'Oh no, we haven't. I mean I was at the funeral, but we didn't meet. I've just heard so much about you from Edward and now dad, that I just… I just feel like I know you already and I just know we're going to be friends anyway.'

My wide surprised eyes met Carlisle's who was rubbing the back of his neck and shaking his head.

Esme stepped into the room. 'Alice. Let Bella breathe, please. You're overwhelming her.'

'I'm sorry, Bella. Alice is always very enthusiastic.' Carlisle said.

Alice finally released me and now turned her attention to Jake. Within seconds he was on the ground, belly up, loving the attention she was lavishing on him.

'It's okay… I guess.'I was still slightly shocked by the entire episode. But as I looked at her cooing at my dog I realized Alice was just sweet. Her enthusiasm was not a front. She was just a genuine and kind person, who just happened to be slightly overly enthusiastic. Okay, a lot overly enthusiastic.

Esme called everyone to sit down then as she put the final pan of spaghetti on the table. As we ate I got a glimpse into their family life. It was lively and full of warmth and mirth and support. It was no wonder Edward had seemed so ready to help a strange woman he didn't even know. His family had instilled those values in him it seemed.

Alice chattered about her graduation project and Carlisle and Esme showed genuine interest in it. Her enthusiasm spilled over and even I got excited as she talked about her upcoming final show. I asked her about plans for after her graduation. She asked me about how I was juggling all the different boards my father had been on. Then we talked about the club and how Carlisle was liking it. It was a great night. Although I did feel like we left business behind some time ago. It felt like a dinner with friends, with people that cared about me, not some stiff dinner with board members.

After dinner I insisted on helping with the washing up and Esme and I chatted while we washed the dishes. Then we headed into the den and had a glass of wine as we talked some more. Carlisle and I did talk a bit more about business, and I picked his brain about which players he felt were most susceptible to injury. Before I knew it, it was after ten in the evening. And I definitely had to leave.

We said our goodbye's and I thanked them for the lovely evening. Alice couldn't resist throwing her arms around me again and hugging me tightly. This time I returned the hug just as tightly. It felt nice. I really hoped we could become friends.

I couldn't believe how much better I felt as I got into my car. The difference between how I felt this morning and now, was astounding. And all because of the genuine kindness and goodness of these people.