Bella's Point of View

Weeks had gone by in the blink of an eye. Which I hadn't been expecting. I thought days would have dragged on with the heaps of homework, the mind-numbing lectures and the snotty students passively insulting my very existence. But that hadn't been the case. It was the very end of the month and I only had to get through today, Jacob would be arriving some time in the afternoon to pick up Mia. Needless to say, Mia is excited to see him, she has been a bit fussy lately. She wanted her dad. And I wouldn't deprive her of him. To be completely honest, a part of me was looking forward to seeing him as well. Although, I wished that I didn't feel this way.

I arrived at the campus early today, so I went to my first class to get some last minute studying done. This first class has been used as a study hall, since the very first day of class. That professor never came back to class. And neither did Emmett, his brother. The free time in the morning like this has greatly helped me prepare for some of the exams.

But as I walked into the classroom I felt my heart drop to the pit of my stomach. Sitting at the desk, that usually was empty, was the professor. Our eyes met for a brief moment, before I turned my eyes down to my feet. I quickened my pace to take a seat in the back of the room; which had been my usual spot. I could feel his eyes still burning into me, but I didn't dare look up. All those unresolved feelings came tumbling back into focus. He despised me. He didn't think I was worthy to be here. Just like everyone else. Why should I care? He is no different than the others. Why does it hurt so much?

Quietly, I opened my journal and began reviewing for the next class. There was a test today and I wanted to be prepared, however I was finding it hard to concentrate. The room felt heavy, it was hard to breathe. I hadn't realized that I'd been holding my breath, until I noticed the professor now stood in front of my desk. A polite smile was on his handsome face.

I flinched slightly, by his presence. I didn't hear him walk over. It was a little embarrassing to get put off guard like this. I must have really been distracted.

"Good morning," His voice was surprisingly light and musical.

I turned in his direction, stunned into silence. I couldn't believe he was speaking to me. His demeanor was still a bit more tense than necessary, he kept his arms rigidly across his chest. He stood so still, it almost looked as if he wasn't breathing.

"U-uhm, good morning to you too," I bobbed my head a bit. I was at a loss for words as his topaz eyes scanned over me. I couldn't get a read on him. What was he thinking? How foolish I looked here? How it was so clear that I didn't belong in this crowd of people. I wasn't rich, I didn't have connections. Of course he was going to look down on me.

"I apologize I didn't get the chance to speak with you yet this month, I'm professor Edward Cullen." The crooked smile that came to his face, made my heart skip a beat for a moment.

"Cullen," I repeated quietly. I knew that I'd heard that name before. I chewed my lip for just a moment, trying to recall where I heard his name before. It only took a few seconds for it all to click. "As in, Dr. Cullen, you're the one that paid for my tuition to be here, aren't you?"

"I am," He nodded, his eyes flickering towards the doors to the classroom. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you." Abruptly he turned and made his way back up to the front of the room, just in time for a few students to come in.

I ducked my head, not wanting to make eye contact with the other students. I knew it would only shatter the pinch of confidence that I was feeling at this moment. He had really talked with me. Without any sign of anger or aggression. He had been the one to choose me, to give me a shot at succeeding at this college. If there was anyone here that believed in me, it had to be him. Edward Cullen. It made me think that I had just been overreacting earlier in the month. Maybe I had misread the situation. Was his brother right? He just wasn't feeling well?

I kept my head down and went back to studying for the next class, until everyone had showed up. Including Emmett. He sat down next to me with a huge grin on his face, his eyes danced from me, up to his brother a few times. I wondered what he was thinking at the moment. Why did he keep looking at the both of us like that?

A slight commotion from the front of the room captured my attention for a moment. I let my eyes slowly wander over to where the professor stood. Three students stood in front of him with flirty smiles and delicate giggling. It was obvious that they were openly attempting to get his attention. They fluttered their lashes and swayed their hips. Trying to entice him. Which would have annoyed me, if it wasn't for his complete lack of reaction. His expression remained somber. Almost cold. He waved them back to their seats without so much as a word.

The three of them slouched their shoulders as they walked away from him. I quickly looked away, as to not bring attention to myself. Thankfully they didn't notice and just went back to their seats. Those three girls in particular were probably the meanest girls in this class. They always had the most to say. They judged others in this class harshly, especially me. I've never had to deal with verbal bullying in the past, so I wasn't sure how to respond to it now, as an adult. But I found the best way to deal with it is just pretend they don't even exist. I'm not here to be anyone's friend. I didn't need to prove myself to anyone.

I watched as Edward stood at the front of the class, prepared with a lecture and powerpoint. As he spoke, the class went completely quiet. All you could hear was the tapping of pencils or light clicking of fingers tapping against the keyboards of their laptops. He spoke so clearly and was sure to explain things in a very simple and easy to understand way. He was a brilliant teacher, that much was clear. And each time our eyes seemed to meet, I felt a chill run down my spine. He was so handsome, it was almost distracting. I felt like I could melt under his gaze.

This class ended much sooner than I wanted. I found myself captivated by him. I could see why so many female students were so infatuated with him. A gorgeous, successful doctor, undoubtedly charitable and compassionate. What's not to like? Before anyone could move from their seats to start heading to the next class, Edward strolled over to his desk, taking a seat, before turning his eyes in my direction. "Miss Swan, I'd like to see you, before you leave."

At these words, a few students turned around to glare daggers in my direction. My face warmed a bit as I nodded, casting my eyes down at my hands. I could feel the icy stares all around me. It was uncomfortable, but I had to admit, getting the chance to speak privately with him again… it was thrilling.

Emmett elbowed me a little in the side. "See, he isn't a crazy weirdo, nothing to worry about." He grinned at me widely.

I gave Emmett an amused look. "I never thought he was a crazy weirdo, I just thought he didn't like me…"

"Why wouldn't he like you?" Emmett asked, raising a brow as he and the rest of the students began to gather up their things to leave.

"Well look at me, I don't exactly fit in here. I'm not Dartmouth material, I couldn't even afford the tuition to get into this school on my own. I had to rely on someone else to get me here. A lot of people might think this means I'm not worthy to go to school here." I said quietly.

Emmett snorted as he threw his bag over his shoulder. "Money doesn't buy character. And this school… It's just a building. Four walls, some windows and doors. It's no different than any other school." He nodded to some of the students as they left the room. "And these people. Are no different than anyone else in the world. They aren't special." With that, Emmett turned and left, waving goodbye to me as he went.

His words always seemed to make me feel better. I truly had missed having at least one person here to talk with. Emmett reminded me that I needed to stop trying to compare myself to others. Money doesn't mean everything. We all had hearts, minds and a soul. They weren't so different from me. We live different lives and have been through different difficulties, but at the end of the day, we are all human. I needed to keep this in mind when I began having doubts.

Shyly, once the last of the students had left, I made my way to Edward's desk. My heart began racing in my chest as he set his dazzling eyes on me. I wanted to speak, my lips parted, but nothing came out. Thoughts escaped me for a moment.

"I couldn't help but notice you don't have a laptop for class," He cleared his throat, taking a single step back from me. His shoulders seemed tense, but he held an easy smile on his face.

"I haven't managed to save up enough money for one yet. I'm still searching for a job. There aren't many job postings in this area that work with my schedule." I said with slight embarrassment.

A thoughtful look came to his face. "If you don't have the finances, I could purchase one for you. It wouldn't be a problem at all. There are a lot of assignments in this class that will require formal writing and the use of powerpoint for presentations. A laptop will be necessary."

I shook my head quickly. "No, I couldn't accept something like that. You have already done so much for me. I'm sure I'll save up enough to buy one myself soon."

He nodded kindly. "Well, if you need anything, don't hesitate to come to me."

"I really appreciate that," I couldn't help the smile that came to my face.

Suddenly, I watched as Emmett poked his head out from behind the door to the room. A smirk was on his face. "Can you cut the flirting short, you said we can grab a bite before your next class. Let's get going already." His tone was full of teasing with just an edge of taunting.

Edward narrowed his eyes on Emmett for a moment as he let out a heavy sigh. "I'm coming. Go ahead and start heading out that way, I'll meet you there."

Emmett threw me a wink, before disappearing behind the door once again. I stifled a laugh at the annoyed look on Edward's face. It was clear they were brothers. Not so much by looks, but you could tell from just watching how they interacted that they were close. Edward seemed to be a bit more mature, even though I was sure he was the younger of the two.

"Sorry about that," Edward offered me a weak smile. "We will talk more, soon." He nicely moved to open the door for me. His chivalry wasn't lost on me. He was very polite, a gentleman. At times I found it hard to believe he was a professor and not a student. He may even be younger than me.

I was left with my mind spinning as the two of us parted ways. I hadn't expected that. Edward wasn't a bad guy. I was rather impressed with him actually. But I still wanted answers. If he had been sick, like his brother had explained, what exactly happened to him? Why has he been gone for the entire month? Was it a serious illness? Did he end up in a hospital? It just seemed… when I saw him… he was just in complete fury. Those eyes, so full of hatred and contempt. Wasn't it pointed at me? Why didn't I question him? I had my chance to speak with him privately about everything. So, why was I left speechless and still searching for answers. Next time we spoke, I would get to the bottom of this mysterious illness. I wanted things to make sense. How else could I move on?

The remainder of the day had drug on. Of course, it always did on Fridays. I was looking forward to this day to end. I knew Jacob would be coming today and this means that my time with Mia would be cut short. I wouldn't get to see her again for a month. The thought was almost unbearable. But what choice did I have? Jacob had every right to take her. We were doing this co-parenting thing with the utmost respect and maturity. Regardless of how awful it made me feel. I selfishly wanted Mia to just stay with me, but I'd never ask Jacob for something like that. She was his daughter, just as much as she was mine. However, that doesn't mean that I liked this particular arrangement.

Classes had finally ended for today, most of them had just been tests. Since it was the end of the month, the teachers all had final exams for the material covered over the course of the month. Thankfully, this means that there weren't any new assignments given over this weekend. On Monday, we would begin a new subject of study, resulting in mountains of homework to begin again. I was never so happy to not have homework. I really needed this little break. It feels like all I've been doing is sleeping, eating and studying. I didn't have time for anything else. At least I had a little more time with Mia before Jacob gets here.

I decided to take Mia to the little park across the road from our apartment complex. Rene had to do some parent teacher conferences this evening, so I had to pick Mia up. We stopped for a single scoop of ice cream and went to the park. There was a small playground, but most of it was things for older children. Instead, Mia just sat next to me on the park bench and enjoyed her ice cream. She was making a bit of a mess, but I didn't bother getting frantic. She was a kid. It would clean off easily enough.

After a while, I noticed my next door neighbor strolling into the park, a thin jacket swept over his shoulder, a briefcase dangling from his hand. He had a look of exhaustion on his face. Like always, his brown curls hung in perfect ringlets, down over his eyebrows. And the vibrant green eyes he had, seemingly unnoticeable with the glasses he had perched at the bridge of his nose. His head was down as he walked. He seemed in his own little world.

"Hey Conner," I called out to him with a smile.

He looked up, appearing startled, before his eyes landed on me. A wide smile came to his face as he approached us. There was a bit more pep in his step as he stood in front of the two of us. "Hi Bella, hello little Mia, how are you guys today?"

Mia batted her eyes at him, a coy smile on her face, before she hid herself into my side. I had the feeling Mia had a little crush on him. He was a handsome guy. And really sweet. I enjoyed having our little chats. We have been talking often, usually when Conner gets back from work. Apparently, he works as a business accountant at a company nearby. It's a job he greatly detests and oftentimes needs someone to vent to, when he is having a bad day. He was the one that I would turn to when I was having a difficult day as well. It's something I've really come to look forward to. It felt like he understood me.

We grew up in similar situations. His parents divorced when he was young. He moved back and forth between his parents, along with his younger sister Kay. But, when his mother passed away, they began to stay with their father. Unfortunately, his father couldn't manage to stay out of prison. Which left the two of them to look out for each other. Conner had a tough life. It made my worries seem insignificant. I still had both of my parents. I had a wonderful daughter. And even though the man that I love no longer loves me, my life is nowhere near as sad.

"Daddy is coming." Mia said with a shy smile.

I stroked the top of her head. "That's right, daddy will be here soon."

Conner raised a brow, looking at me. "Jacob is coming today huh, how are you feeling about that?" He asked gently.

Of course I didn't spare any details on Jacob and our relationship. Once Conner and I started talking, I realized that most of my complaints had to do with Jacob. I wanted to talk about how I felt. And as much as Rene would like me to open up to her about everything, she had her own wounded heart to mend. I didn't want to add to her stress. I didn't want to make things harder for her.

"I'm… optimistic. I haven't talked with him much and I'm looking forward to seeing him…" I paused, feeling a lump get caught in my throat. "But, I hope he doesn't bring Amelia with him. I don't know if I can handle being around her right now."

Conner's expression remained serious as he nodded. "Understandable. If you need anything, just let me know. I'm right next door." He reminded me.

I smiled weakly. "Thanks for that, but I'm sure it will be fine. Enough about me. How was your day?"

Conner sighed, his shoulders slumping a bit. "It was lousy, as usual. I just got a call from Kay's school. She is in trouble again. Putting gum in another girl's hair."

Kay was Conner's little sister. She was a wild child, very emotional and angry most of the time. I felt bad for Conner. I knew he was trying his best to raise his sister, but this was a challenging situation. They both had gone through so much. I'm sure there were a lot of things Kay was holding onto. Pain. Loss. Grief. It was a lot for a little girl to handle. And Conner was doing what he could.

Hesitantly I reached out and patted his shoulder with a soft smile. "Just have a little talk with her. Maybe there is more to the story than that." I offered him.

Suddenly the both of us froze as a truck came barreling down the road, whipping into the parking lot across the street. Right in front of our apartment complex. I recognized the truck immediately and I felt my heart drop to the pit of my stomach. Mia noticed as well and instantly was on her feet.

"It's daddy!" She exclaimed, eagerly bouncing in place.

Conner looked at me nervously as I quickly withdrew my hand from his shoulder. The moment I saw the look on Jacob's face, I knew he wasn't pleased. A dark look covered his face as he lifted his chin and began stomping over to us. There were bags under his eyes, as if he hadn't slept in a while. But other than that… he looked exactly the same as he always did. As he approached he abruptly changed his expression as Mia quickly jumped out to greet him.

"Daddy," Mia sang putting her hands up, gesturing for Jacob to pick her up.

He chuckled as he lifted her easily and swung her around for a bit, before pulling her to his chest for a warm hug. "Hey squirt, I missed the heck out of you."

His voice sent a jab to my heart, but I couldn't keep the bittersweet smile off my face. As painful as it was to see him here, it made me so happy to see the two of them reunited.

"I thought you wouldn't be here until later this evening." I commented lightly.

Jacob looked in my direction, but his eyes flickered to Conner almost immediately. As if he had just remembered he was there. A cold look came to his face and without a word, his arm came out, pulling me to his chest as well. Mia held onto the both of us tightly with the biggest smile I've seen on her face in a long time.

The warmth of Jacob's body was a delight and agonizingly familiar. I hated the way my body just melted naturally into him. As if we were meant to be. His arm was strong, I had forgotten how strong Jacob was. He was a werewolf after all. There weren't many others as strong as him. And the way he was looking at Conner… well… It looked like he wanted a fight.

"I couldn't wait to see you two," He admitted before letting his voice turn sour. "Who is this, a new boyfriend?"

Conner raised a brow, not seeming at all intimidated, instead he stood a little taller, lifting his chin slightly. Still, Jacob towered over him. "I'm Conner, her neighbor." He shrugged his shoulders with a matter-of-fact attitude. "And from my understanding, I don't see why it matters to you, if she has a new boyfriend."

Jacob clicked his tongue with a look of distaste, turning away from Conner completely. "We may be separated for the time being, but that doesn't change the fact that Bella is the mother of my child. If there is a new man in her life, I'd like to be aware."

Conner snorted, "Well, I'd hate to interfere, so I'll just talk with you some other time Bella." He sighed as he began walking away from us.

"See you later," I called out to him with a wave. I sighed in relief as he made it to the other side of the road. This seemed to relax Jacob slightly and finally he let his arms fall from around me. I struggled to get some control of my emotions. Being in his arms again like that… It was a bit too much for me. It brought back some memories that I really didn't want to be reminded of.

Lightly Jacob moved Mia to his shoulder, keeping a firm hold on her. "Please don't tell me that guy is my replacement." He muttered, watching me with pain in his eyes.

I flinched, before glaring a bit in his direction. "No, Conner is a friend. But I don't see how it's fair for you to be upset, we aren't together. I'm surprised you didn't bring Amelia with you." I couldn't keep the bitterness out of my tone.

"I'd never be so heartless," He shook his head. "Besides, I planned on staying here for the weekend, before heading back home. I thought it would be nice to have some family time. Just the three of us."

My heart clenched tightly in my chest at his words. I wasn't sure if this idea excited me, or filled me with sadness. Why couldn't Jacob just let me go? Why did he have to keep doing things like this? We couldn't be together. Ever. Not as long as he is imprinted with Amelia. So why bother? Did he like to see me miserable?

Mia squealed with an excited look on her face. Her tiny arms squeezed around Jacob's head, giving it a hug. "Family time."

Of course she was thrilled. How could I deny my daughter? I wouldn't be so selfish as to reject this time with her. I wouldn't get the chance to see her for a month after this. So I wanted to spend as much time with her as possible. Even if Jacob had to be there as well. How bad could it be?

"What did you have in mind?" I relented.

"Just a little vacation, I reserved us a hotel. There is a really nice area I drove through to get here in Hanover, there is a huge lake, probably has some good fishing. There are some hiking trails." He said, shrugging his shoulders.

I felt my jaw drop open slightly. "You mean, you want us to go out of town with you for the weekend?" I hadn't expected that. I wasn't a fan of ditching Rene for an entire weekend like that. However, she did seem a little tense lately. Maybe she wanted a break from Mia and I for a while. I would have to run this by her, before we left. If she didn't want to be left here alone. She would have to come with us at the very least.

"Yeah, it will be great, you look like you've been working hard, you deserve a little relaxation and some pampering." He muttered, leaning in slightly, his eyes roaming my face for a moment, before drifting down my body. The look in his eyes sent a chill down my spine. I hated when he looked at me like that. Desire. Lust. Hunger. My face warmed under his gaze and ignited my own desires. It's been a long time… since we have been intimate, but I could still recall every detail of our last time together. It was… incredibly hot. But I forced myself to push those thoughts away.

"It would be nice to take a little trip." I admitted sheepishly.

Jacob smiled widely. "Great, let's get packed then. And here is the best news. There is a hot tub at this hotel. I know how much you enjoyed… the last hot tub we went to." Jacob replied, clearing his throat, his cheeks turned a light pink now.

The heat on my cheeks stretched up to my ears now. So he was also recalling the last time we had made love. What was he trying to do? Stir up old feelings between us? Seduce me? What did Jacob have in mind for this weekend trip?

Sorry it took so long for this update. Pregnancy has some challenges, like complete and utter exhaustion 24/7. I'll try to keep the updates coming a little faster. Thanks for reading. Leave a review if you are enjoying the story so far.