Things are beginning to get interesting. Things are beginning to show.

The whole idea behind this story is to emphasise one simple fact about life... Everyone has a story.

I don't own Twilight.

Bella watches the people outside of her truck window as they rush along in the weak morning sunlight. Mothers hold onto small children or push strollers whilst clutching shopping bags; men and women in business suits barge their way relentlessly through the already thickening crowds, eager to start their day.

She drums her fingers on the steering wheel and waits for the stop light to disappear. After dropping Riley off at Nanny B's house she decided to carry on towards work even though it's still early.

She expected Barbara to invite her in as she usually likes to talk for quite a while, but not today. She'd apparently got the huge box of crafts out for Riley and was eager to get started with their day. He loves making things and there's no doubt that he'll be coming home with all of Barbara's old recycling stuck together in the shape of something. Of course they'll display it proudly for a week or so and then it'll disappear.

Bella turns the music up and sings along as she drives into the company parking lot. She's trying not to think about the day ahead or how Edward may react to her now. She keeps wondering if yesterday changed anything at all. It definitely feels like something has shifted between them, but that felling could just be down to the very strange dream she had last night.

Bella yawns loudly as she cuts off the engine, Rose had woken them all up before their alarms this morning. She'd then changed her outfit multiple times and her lipstick colour too. Each change was punctuated by asking them how she looked. It didn't make a jot of difference how they'd answer her. Riley was quite amused by it all and kept asking his Mom if she'd hurt her lips.

Bella decided to flee with Riley after the seventh choice, after all Emmett has seen her without makeup and without sleep before, so it's all just Rose and her nerves. She definitely didn't need them to make the choice that she's already made. Rose is always effortlessly beautiful. She's the kind of girl who can pull off the messy bun and sweats look, with ease.

She parks in her usual spot and just as she steps down from her truck, her foot lands in a huge puddle.

"Oh shoot." She shakes her head at her clumsiness and rubs at her shoe with a tissue.

These ones are her favourite pair, they are black flats with a cat face on the toe. They were a present from Riley for her birthday and he proudly told Bella that he'd chosen them all by himself. She feels the traitorous tears as they threaten to fall over a pair of shoes. Bella knows that it isn't just about that, but now really isn't the time to be dwelling on the future.

Satisfied that she's dried it as well as she can, she balls up the tissue and walks round to the entrance of the building. She's used to being stopped now and doesn't blink an eye as she's handed pieces of paper and files as she tries to make her way to her desk. Everyone seems to limit any interaction with Edward to an absolute minimum. Bella is starting to think that this is Edward's intention.

She settles at her desk and organises all the notes into a neat pile before turning on her computer. She fetches herself a sweet cup of tea from the staff room while waiting for it to load and then sits in her chair to enjoy a small moment of peace and quiet.

After ten minutes of sipping her tea and flipping through the newspaper, the elevator pings loudly as the doors open. Bella quickly sits up and then immediately relaxes when she sees Jake emerge.

"Hey Jake, what are you doing up here?"

His smile is broad and it lights up his whole face, she grins back automatically in response.

"I just thought I'd come and say hi." He leans against her desk.

"The news of my arrival has already reached the file room?" She pretends to look shocked and he laughs at her expression.

"I saw you downstairs but you looked pretty surrounded." Jake starts to fiddle with her pens and she flicks her hands at him.

"Don't mess with the desk. It's all organised for the day."

"Sorry." He starts to touch the bowl on the top of the desk and Bella sighs because it's very clear that he has something to tell her.

"Okay, come on. What are you here to tell me?"

"I'm the person who files everything for everyone, as you know, and before I left last night, I came across your file. I'm not sure where it was collected from but only a few people usually have access to those. I have put it back but I just found it strange and thought I'd give you a heads up."

"It's probably Edward, I'd expect nothing less." Bella shrugs her shoulders in indifference, assuming that's where Edward had got her contact number from.

"That's true. He should've had it filed away after looking though. Seems unlike him if you ask me." Jake shifts from foot to foot. "There's something else."

"What?" Bella's brows raise in interest.

"Did you know that Edward is going ahead with the Simmons file?"

"Tooties bar? I had heard he was interested." Bella's eyes flicker to her computer screen. For some unknown reason she's starting to feel annoyed by Jake's gossiping, despite knowing that he's trying to be kind.

"You told me that you worked there and, again, I just thought I'd let you know. His request was put in yesterday."

"Thanks Jake, I appreciate it. I really doubt that Jimmy will let his business go easily though." She smiles up at him.

"Okay, maybe you should tell Jimmy though, we all know what Mr Ed is like. I'll see you soon." He puts a hand up as he walks back to the elevator.

Bella can't help but chuckle to herself at Jake's nickname for Edward, she can't imagine his reaction if he'd heard Jake say it.

"Thanks again Jake. Bye." She gives him a little wave and then sits back in her chair. Jake hasn't told her anything that surprising but it's still a little bit odd that Edward wouldn't put something as important as her personal file away. She checks the time on her cell and jumps quickly to her feet. It's already five to nine and he'll be in at any moment. She hurries off to make his coffee.

Bella checks her phone again and glances at the cold mug of coffee that's still sat infront of her. It's now half past nine and Edward still hasn't arrived. She checks his calendar again incase she missed an early morning meeting. It's completely clear until ten. She has no idea what she should do because she doesn't want to get him into any trouble, if that can even happen.

She waits ten more minutes before deciding to call Emmett.

He answers quickly.

"Emmett, it's Bella."

"Is everything alright? I heard that there may be a problem with some of the wages."

Bella had almost forgotten that it was pay day.

"I haven't checked yet, but I haven't seen Ed.. I mean Mr Cullen, come in yet. I just wondered if he had a previous commitment that I wouldn't know about?"

Emmett sounds distracted and out of breath.

"His therapy is usually on a Saturday, heaven forbid he misses out on work. Other than that, no I don't think so. Would you call him on his cell for me? I'm now going into a meeting."

"Yes of course." A fluttering starts up in her tummy at the thought of calling him.

"If you could message me and let me know, I'd really appreciate it."

"Yes I will, thank you Emmett."

"You're welcome."

Bella puts the phone down and drums her fingers nervously against her desk.

She sits forward and flips through Angela's contact book to get to Edward's cell number. She stares at it for a moment and then punches it in.

It rings out to his voice mail and she ends it, there's no way she's leaving an awkward voice message. She immediately tries again and he answers on the second ring in his usual polite manner.

"What?" He sounds half asleep, his voice gravelly.

"Oh, Mr Cullen, it's Bella." She smiles as she talks, the way Emmett has always told her to. Apparently it's a great way to fake confidence and happiness.

"I know who it is, I have caller ID." His voice snaps out before she can even finish.

"Sorry, I just wondered if all is alright?" She fiddles with her pen nervously.

"If all was alright I'd be at work."

"Do you need me to cancel your appointments today?" She's determined to just ignore his brash tone, he's obviously unwell.

"Well, unless you're intending on impersonating me for the day, then that would probably be a good idea."

"Is there anything I can do for you? Bring you anything?"

"No." He sighs heavily before adding. "Cancel everything and just go home. There's no point in being at work if I'm not there. You'll still be paid." He sounds weary and defeated.

"Thank you. I hope you feel better soon."

Edward ends the call and rubs at his shoulder again.

He got absolutely no sleep again and on top of that, he feels like he's getting some kind of bug. His shoulder pain is easily at an eight, his therapist believes its psychological pain but he calls bull shit on that. The pain is very real. He reaches for the box of vicadin, he's not used it for a year but today he's going to need it to dull the pain and to stop the nightmares. He pops one in his mouth and rolls over in his bed.

Bella puts the phone down slowly and stares blankly ahead for a moment. An unexpected day off isn't even something she'd expect when working for Emmett.

She snaps herself out of her daze and quickly calls to rearrange Edward's appointments before messaging Emmett to let him know that Edward is unwell and won't be in.

Bella passes by Rose's office on the way out and she jumps in shock as she notices Bella standing in the doorway.

"Oh my god, I thought you were Emmett. Is everything okay? Have you quit?" Rose looks amazing and Bella smiles as she walks over to her and begins to massage her shoulders gently. She can see how nervous her best friend is. Rose rarely gets like this which must mean that this date with Emmett means a lot to her.

"No, I have the day off. I was going to get Riley and take him out. Maybe fun house? Is that ok?" Bella leans her head to look at Rose, who moans loudly with her eyes closed.

"Of course it is. He will love it." Rose leans back into Bella's hands, before her eyes snap open again. "What about lunch with me though?" She pouts dramatically.

"I'll come by with Riley and we'll all go. Is one ish ok?"

"Perfect." Rose closes her eyes again, seemingly satisfied with her answer. "Why do you have a day off?" Her voice is slow and relaxed.

"Edward isn't well so he gave me the day off."

"Well we all know he isn't well." She twists her finger into her hair at her temple and smiles.

"No, he actually isn't well and don't be so mean Rosalie."

Bella finally gets into her truck after managing to get away, Roshe wasn't a jittery mess anymore and seemed much more like herself. Bella just hopes that Emmett can do a good shoulder massage, she may have to teach him if not.

She knocks on the door of Barbara's house and after a moment or two the door opens. Barbara is probably in her forties, she looks older though with her grey hair and old eyes. She lives on her own with several cats. Bella did try and count them once, she'd venture a guess at ten.

"Buttons come back here." Barbara scolds the little black and white kitty that's trying to slip passed her and then ushers Bella in, before shutting the door quickly to prevent the cat from escaping.

"Riley is making a rocket. Come on in. Would you like some lemonade?" She wipes her hands on her apron as she gestures to the small living room.

"Yes please Barbara." Bella walks through and spots Riley sprawled out on the floor, his legs swinging in the air, colouring in a piece of cardboard. The whole room is full of boxes, tin foil and paper.

"Hello astronaught."

Riley looks up and a huge smile appears on his face as he jumps up and runs to her. Bella crouches down and catches him in mid air. She squeezes him gently before placing him back on his feet.

"Bewwa, is it time to go home? Ninny's not given me food."

"I've finished work early, so we're going on an adventure, if you'd like to?"

"Yes."

Riley nods as he pulls his apron off and throws it on the floor.

"Now?"

Barbara walks in and hands Bella a glass of lemonade. She thanks her and takes a sip as Riley helps put the crafts away. A ginger cat rubs against Bella's legs and her thoughts drift, momentarily, to Edward. He doesn't seem to be the type to be off ill very often, he literally could be on his death bed and he'd probably wheel himself in somehow. He's the type who lives to work, rather than works to live. She absentmindedly strokes the little cat and it purrs loudly in reponse.

Edward pulls on his black trousers and a shirt, he doesn't bother with a tie, he just wants to get into work and get his other Mac book as well as some files to go through. He has to have something to do because he knows the consequences of his mind being idle.

The vicadin has taken the edge off the pain, for now. He calls his driver as he walks to the door of his apartment.

Bella and Riley are both on a sugar high from using the cotton candy machine at Fun house. They played on the soft play equipment, running around and laughing all morning. It's a hard job getting Riley to put his shoes on again but she manages it after promising to buy him an ice cream after lunch.

Rose's face lights up as they walk in and Riley sits on her lap as Rose shows him her computer. Bella leans against the door frame. She feels a presence behind her and turns to see Emmett watching with affection. She can see it, the admiration he feels seems to emanate from every part of him. Her heart aches slightly.

"Take a long lunch Rose. This afternoon is going to be slow." His voice is professional but his eyes tell a different story.

Rose nods and smiles up at him as Riley starts to bash the keyboard.

They have lunch at the lovely coffee shop across the road and they even make Riley his own very special sandwich and a huge scoop of chocolate ice cream. After eating, they have a look around some shops for an outfit for Rose. She settles on a new skirt and plans on pairing it with a top she already has. They are gone for an hour and a half when Rose decides to make her way back, she doesn't want to take advantage of Emmett's kindness.

After Bella and Riley have walked Rose back to her desk and have said goodbye to her, Riley looks up at Bella.

"I see your computer pwease?" She agrees to a quick visit, giving her a chance to check the calendar for tomorrow. Just as she's set Riley up with the painting programme, the big doors open. Bella stares at Edward as he walks out. He looks like a mess. His shirt looks creased, his eyes are red and his hair is wild.

"What are you doing here?" He narrows his eyes at Bella, not noticing the small person on her chair.

Riley jumps down and runs over to Edward.

"I Riley." He sticks out his little hand.

"Hello?" Edward blatantly doesn't know how to talk to a kid. He looks lost. He bends down stiffly and shakes Riley's hand.

Riley tilts his head to the side as he eyes Edward up.

"What's your number?"

Edward looks over at Bella and she clarifies.

"He's asking what your age is."

His eyes flicker back down to Riley who's patiently waiting for a reply.

"None of your beeswax. It's rude to ask people that."

"I bet you're one hundred. You're really big."

"Um, thanks."

"I three. This many." He holds up two chubby fingers and spreads them out.

Edward looks a little annoyed but he bends down and gently pulls another finger out of his bunched up fist.

"Actually, this is three."

"Oh thanks." Riley inspects his fingers and Bella can't stop looking at Edward's face as it softens slightly. He seems to realise where he is after a moment and he looks back up at her.

"Is this yours?" He points down at Riley who's now sucking on his fingers.

"Riley isn't mine, he's Rose's son."

"Have you got what you need? I need to get back home."

Bella nods in response and she feels a big smile spread over her lips. He is a bit human.

"You're the scary man?"

Bella can almost see the big lightbulb above Riley's head as he realises who Edward is. She quickly grabs Riley's hand and manoeuvres him gently towards the elevator before he says anything else. She's not sure how long Edward's patience will last.

"Come on Riley. Time to go. Scary Mr Boss man has lots of work to do."

Riley gives Edward a sidelong glance, his head craned back over his shoulder.

"I'm Mr Boss man."

Edward quirks a brow at Riley's declaration.

"Yes, you are my little boss man." Bella pats his hand affectionately, secretly praying for the doors to open quickly.

Riley unexpectedly twists out of Bella's hold and runs back over to Edward, he stands infront of him for a second and Bella stops breathing for a moment. She watches as Riley seems to eye up his opponent before he lands a swift kick to Edward's shin.

"Oh my goodness! Riley, that is not a nice thing to do." Bella looks over at Edward nervously who didn't even flinch, before hurrying over to Riley.

"Riley say sorry to Mr Cullen."

"He shouldn't be mean." Riley puts his hands on his hips, his face sullen.

"Riley. Donkeys kick, not little boys, now say sorry to Mr Cullen."

"Ok, sowwy." Riley peeks reluctantly up at his target.

"I'm so sorry Edward." Bella doesn't know what to do with her hands as they flap about in the air, she wants to rub Edward's shin but she doubts that he'd take too kindly to that.

Edward still looks a bit stunned, he opens his mouth and then closes it again. His eyes seem blank, like he's gone somewhere else in his mind.

"I'd better go, sorry again. I'll see you tomorrow?"

He nods sharply and then turns and walks back into his office. Bella wants to laugh and cry, all at the same time. Thankfully the elevator doors open and she hurries inside with Riley.