Our Solemn Hour

A/N: My new story about Edward & Bella. Nothing about this has anything to do with religion even though some songs are from Christian bands. This is just about real world problems and realistic situations. There is though, a lot of Angst but a lot of Fluff & humor.

Chapter One: All Around Me

I licked my upper lip making sure to wipe all of the coffee foam off. I loved my morning coffee, it was like my savior in the morning and I know I can always count on it being there for me and tasting deliciously fresh. Dunkin Doughnuts is a godsend for people like me. I smiled at the older woman walking her dog across the street. I enjoyed myself almost every morning out on the balcony of my small apartment, watching people as they passed me. People thought that the city of New York never slept; well let's just say that they have never been to Chicago.

Chicago is my home town and my current city that I reside in, one of the best cities that I've ever lived in so far in my twenty four years. I moved around a lot as a teenager going between my mom and dad but since my dad was always here and my mom moved a lot I considered this my home. I'm surprised that my mom has found residence in Jacksonville, Florida with her new husband Phil. Phil's an ex baseball player with a pretty good size fortune. It's sad that I recognize that's one reason she settled with him and not just because she loved him.

My dad Charlie never settled, at least I don't know about any of his 'conquests' or girlfriends and I don't really think I want to know about my father's love life. I only visited my dad's place a few times a month. He was a cop so it didn't really fit with the crowd of people I used to hang out with. I'm not proud of the choices I made but I have to live with them now.

I brought the cup of coffee to my lips and drank a little as I stared at the cars passing. A few good looking cars passed but nothing too special, all of them were pretty shitty. I didn't live in the nicest neighborhood so not everyone had Porsche's or Lamborghini's.

When I was seventeen I moved back to Chicago and went on a whole rebellious streak with my dad. I'm surprised that I haven't given him a heart attack yet by the way I acted when I was younger. Unfortunately senior year I decided that I wanted to be a bad ass. I hung out with the gang in Chicago known as the wolf pack. I held my own among the girls there and was even able to fight some of the guys but only the small little weak ones. I got into heavy drinking but I could stop that whenever, it was just the other things that I couldn't stop as easily. The drugs took a large toll on my relationship with Charlie and my mind.

With the wolf pack you had to use or you were used by them and thrown in jail somehow. Instead of being thrown in jail I chose to use with them and be one of the top dogs, some could call it that but other's called it being a top dumb ass. My drug of choice was heroin and I shot it up from the needle. I had track marks, old of course, but they still scared my skin. I was marked for eternity by that stupid drug. I got clean when I was twenty two though and have been clean for two years now. It shattered my life though.

I dropped out of college and lost my family for a while until I came crying to Charlie one day that I needed to get clean. The drugs messed with my mind so much I attempted suicide until one of the women I worked with told me what I was doing. I freaked and dropped the knife running to Charlie's house. He got me help that day and took me to the doctors. I was locked up for four days and had to go through detoxifying my body. My father said it was one of the hardest things he's ever had to watch.

I was an insane crazy person and he thought I wouldn't make it almost. I had the shakes so bad and I kept getting either really hot or super cold. I craved heroin so bad I tried to escape to find a dealer but because there was no way of getting out I made it through. They always say the first 24 hours are the hardest but really it's the first month. There were times when I thought about going back but when I saw my dad and how all of this had aged him I vowed never to do drugs again. I won't smoke pot but I do smoke cigarettes once in a while but I'm glad I'm not addicted to them, I only smoke when I drink or really stressed which isn't a lot.

I went back to school though and got an art degree. I now tattoo for a living which is pretty sweet. I'm actually starting at a buddies place soon. Corrupted Tattoo's & Piercings. It was one of the best joints around town and I already had a whole leg in the door seeing that the owner is an old friend, a good friend.

Alice and I went to Forks high on the outskirts of Chicago together. We both were in art and creative writing together and became pretty good friends until my mom ripped me from there to bring me on the road with her through Arizona. I didn't get a good education being home schooled and had no friends or contact with someone remotely normal. I guess you could say I'm screwed up because of my mom. I tend to agree with those who say that.

I got up and walked over towards the radio turning to 96.5, which is one of my favorite radio stations. Evanescence blasted around my apartment, which was rare for the pop station, and I danced to my room. I swayed my hips when I opened up a drawer and pulled out a pair of dark ripped jeans and a Within Temptations tee shirt. I loved the band to death. It was white with the band logo on it and fit me perfectly since it was low cut and showed off the girls nicely.

I went over to my taller dresser and pulled out a white lace bra with gray lace and some pretty gray boy shorts. I wasn't much for the regular panties but hipsters, boy shorts, and thongs were my thing. Every piece of underwear went with a different pair of bottom. I took off my pajamas and put on my outfit for the day and turned around to see myself in the mirror. Everything looked in place and no bulges. I wasn't a fact cow but I wasn't a stick either like models. I was an actual woman with curves in all the right places. I wasn't the type of girl who ordered salads when I went on a date, that is if I ever went on a date, but I would order a burger because hell if he can't stand that I eat meat then I couldn't go out with him.

"What to choose, what to choose?" I pondered looking at my hair accessories on my dresser. I had a big lace bow then I also had a small little cluster of feathers. I quickly brushed through my straight hair and stared at my choices. I ended up picking the lacey bow and puffed my hair up in the back making it look like I had more volume to my hair. When I was satisfied I threw on a big chunky long necklace and then a delicate necklace. I looked perfect for today. I walked out of my room and grabbed my over size bag and my keys, I also threw on my leather jacket since it was always windy in Chicago. I threw on my black high top converse and was out the door. It didn't take that long for me to get dressed. A half hour at the most and ten minutes at the least to get ready for a full day of work or I usually just throw my hair up in a bun and keep my pajamas on.

I had to meet with Alice today just to catch up and show her my portfolio. She told me on the phone before that she only had like three tattoo artists working for her since she's pretty picky about who touches the tattoo machines in her shop. I lifted up my phone to see if she texted me again because it would be tragic if she changed the place of meeting at the last minute which isn't uncommon for Alice. I had the envy touch. It wasn't too bad of a phone. No messages. I walked down the street and smiled when little kids walked by.

I probably looked scary to them. A Tongue piercing, nose piercing and lip piercing wasn't exactly inviting to most kids and the tattoos didn't look all that pleasant unless your mother told you to keep an open mind. I loved little kids and can't wait to have my own but in time. I was one of the few smart tattoo artists who was female and didn't tattoo anything on my stomach. I knew I wanted kids so having something on my stomach look like a beached whale wouldn't do me any good. I did have a sparrow on my hip but that wouldn't be affected by the pregnancy.

I saw some older folks whispering while watching me. I wonder if they realize I'm a person but I'm pretty sure they don't anymore. I'm just some freak on the street to them. I smile and continue walking until I get to the small diner that we used to hang out all the time. I haven't been here in years. I open the door and hold it open for a mother with a stroller. She looks a bit frazzled and thanks me rushing out. The kids probably did something. I walk into the Diner and look around for Alice's short spiky hair.

"How many…?" the older woman asks at the podium.

"I'm looking for someone. Has Alice Brandon come in yet?" I ask her and she looks around and her eyes light up.

"Yep this way" she walks over to the booth and I realize Alice hasn't grown since we were younger and I was looking for a much taller woman. She's still tiny and fun size. I walk in front of her to see her with a bright ass smile.

"Bella" She flies out of her seat and grabs onto me hugging me tightly. I hug her back; I really did miss her when I was away. We both finally let go and sit down on opposite sides of the table.

"So how are you? I mean after the whole wolf pack incident and how's your father?" she asks looking at the menu probably trying to decide what to get. I'm going to order what I usually get. The sundae pancakes with the works.

"I'm doing way better now. I've been clean for two years now and well as you know I went back to art school and tattooed in a lot of shops. Charlie's fine, he aged a lot but he has his youth back now and is enjoying life" I tell her taking a sip of the pre ordered coffee. Coffee, my delicious friend who I could never replace with that horrendous thing called tea.

"That's great! I'm so happy for you. I love your ink by the way it's so you" she comments and I take off my leather jacket putting it on the seat next to me. She noticed the track marks but didn't say anything and I was glad for that. I hated them but it was part of who I am. An ex drug addict.

"So how are you Alice? Anything new?" I wanted to distract her from staring even though she tried to be discreet about it. She took her eyes off the track marks to look up at me.

"Well I met someone and we've been dating for two years now. Jasper and I met at a piercing convention and I was showing off how to do certain piercings easier. He never left my stand and we've been smitten with each other ever since" she said playing with the spoon in front of her.

"That's adorable. Does he work with you?"

"Yep he's a piercer there. Do you want to know everyone that works there?" I nodded my head but the lady came over to ask for our orders. We both ended up ordering the sundae pancakes with the works. It was one of our favorite breakfasts/dessert items on the menu.

"Well first there is me as you know and then jasper. Cullen or Emmett you can call him is there. He's a real good tattoo artist but he doesn't do piercings. Apparently sticking a needle all the way through skin scares him. Then we have Masen" my ears would perk if they were a cat "or Edward but we all just call him Masen. Masen is one of the best tattoo artists and piercers so he may just rival you on that. I know your real good by the people I talked to and so is he" I licked my lips involuntarily. He sounded perfect.

"Awesome so only four people then that I don't have to piss off" I joked and she giggled.

"Oh but there is Tanya, she's the local slut who comes in and flirts with everyone. She's not part of the shop but you better claim your area fast or Tanya will start to hit on it" I had no area to claim.

"Should we head over to the shop soon?" I ask her when our food arrives. Apparently Alice had made the shop a long while ago but it only picked up a few years ago. That's when she became pickier on who could work there.

"Sure but I have to warn you. Masen can be a bit pushy and well down right dick headed. He thinks he's the shit but I know you can take care of yourself" she smirked up at me. She had my cell phone too and was looking through my online portfolio. I didn't like having things on paper because they could be destroyed easily and it was easier to carry around a cell phone with all my pictures.

"Don't worry. You forget who I hung out with for a few years. I'm pretty sure I can hold myself" I took a bite of the pancakes and moaned. It was so rich and delicious. Alice looked pleased with herself when she scrolled through my phone.

"I swear I couldn't of known anyone more perfect for this job" she said satisfied and slid my phone over to me. We finished up our pancakes and caught up quickly. Apparently Emmett and Masen were cousins. Emmett was dating the shop owner next to the tattoo shop. Cupcake Boutique, who was owned by Angela Webber a girl that we went to school with and I know that she's going to be a keeper for him. His ex Rosalie was a major nightmare in heels. She follows him around still and threatens Angela a lot. That was going to stop if I saw the horrendous bitch.

"Well I am amazing" I joked.

"You know you are" she joked back. I just scoffed and we both put down money for our breakfast and grabbed our coats. I walked out the door with her and we headed over towards a yellow Porsche. It was a real beauty.

"This yours…?" I pointed to the Porsche and Alice could only nod. She smirked and I caressed the top of the car. It was slick and hot. I always knew she would have a sex on wheels vehicle. I laughed when she got in and put on a scarf. She looked like one of the old time molls, a mob member's girl, with her sun glasses on and a scarf wrapped around her head.

"Are you getting in?" she enquired and I opened up the door gently and got in shutting it behind me. I put my purse down on the ground and looked around at the interior. Pure black leather.

"Geez Alice you would think you were a dominatrix with this much leather in your car" I joked and she just laughed and the engine came to life roaring for all it was worth. She hit the gas and we were off through the city speeding. We raced through the city for a while until she started slowing down. This was close to where Charlie lived. I cracked my knuckles and she finally pulled over. I get out of the car and look up to see a giant sign with their logo on it. This must be their shop.

"She's a beauty Alice" I told her seriously. She really was a beauty. This shop you could tell that they put their blood, sweat, and tears into this place. It was perfectly coordinated from just the outside which says a lot. The windows weren't cluttered with shit they didn't need.

"We'll let's get going girly. I don't want to freeze out here" She skipped over to the shop and I followed behind her. When she went in I was in awe. Blood red walls with black leather furniture everywhere. Everything matched perfectly. Art pieces hung everywhere and posters the size of the wall was up on parts of walls. She had a giant collage of their artwork on the back wall.

"Darlin' your back. Emmett keeps askin if he can ink Masen" a thick southern accent rang through the room. I looked over to see a tall blonde gentleman. He had rather large crazy blonde hair and bright crisp blue eyes. That must be Jasper. He looked like a cowboy but with a whole bunch of tattoos and piercings. Alice did always have a thing for cowboys.

"Has Masen whipped his ass yet?" she asks like if it's a normal thing for them to rough house.

"Nope not yet but he's pretty close" he turns his attention finally to me, I'm sort of just standing there awkwardly "…and who is this?" he raises his eyebrow pointing to me with his thumb. I should feel a bit offended that she didn't let him in on the fact that I was starting here but I chose to stay quiet for once.

"That's Bella you silly goose. I told you she was working here" she looked at him and something clicked in his head and he nodded his head.

"Sorry. She never showed me a picture of you. I'm Jasper" he stuck out his hand out for me to shake. I took it and he shook my hand with gusto. He left quickly and went into the back room behind beaded curtains.

"Bella it gets pretty warm in here. You should take off your jacket" Alice said walking behind the counter and lifting up a book, probably to schedule clients.

"Have you told any of them about well me?" she looked up at me and looked guilty.

"Only jasper, I didn't know if you wanted me to tell them that" I felt a bit self conscious but I loved how she considered me. I don't think I should tell them now. They may get the wrong idea about me but they could understand.

"You asshat! I swear if you touch my station I'll kick your arse!" a smooth silky voice yelled from the back room. Jasper reemerged and so did a large guy. The large guy had short curly brown hair and was so large. His biceps were ignoramus. He could probably pick up all of the wolf pack and beat them up without even breaking a sweat. I was a bit in awe of him.

"Hey look we got another girl on the team sweet!" he shouted and ran over to me picking me up. I wasn't prepared so I squealed loudly. I quickly shut my mouth trying not to sound like a little girl. I clasped my hand over my mouth when he put me down.

"Hey Masen I found that mouse you were looking for yesterday" he joked and I blushed bright red which was uncommon for me.

"Leave my friend alone" Alice defended who sounded like a pixie so it wasn't really helping. Emmett stepped out of the way and my mouth dropped open, I might catch flies. There was a god among us or an angel but I'm thinking more of a god. His dark bronze hair and light skin tone contrasted to perfection. He had dark circles under his eyes like he hadn't gotten enough sleep. His bronze scruff was delectable. I wanted to rub my face against his cheek, even if I got facial stubble burn.

His body was gorgeous. His biceps large and he was broad shoulders, swoon! He had tattoos going on either side of his arms on both arms and what looked like his chest was covered too. He wore dark wash jeans and a white wife beater that just accentuated his muscles.

"Masen this is Bella. She's the new tattoo artist here" Alice said walking over to me. I stood there and it looked like he was either sizing me up or checking me out. Emerald green shined another swoon worthy trait of his, the perfect eye color. His parents must be gorgeous to create such a beautiful creature. He clicked his tongue ring against his teeth, something I did a lot too when I was nervous.

"Hello" he flashed a crooked smile. New panties please! I was going to plead with Alice but I don't think that would be flattering.

"Nice to meet you…Alice has told me a lot about you guys. I look forward to working with all of you" that seemed to wrap everything up. Masen looked over at Emmett then rolled his eyes.

"You sure you want to work with that thing" he joked and walked over towards his station. I bite my lip thinking of something to come back with but I really had nothing. I wanted to appear smart instead of a dumb ass in front of him.

"Hey I resent that you moron" Emmett replied throwing something at Masen. It was a real relaxed environment. I sat down on one of the couches and Alice came to sit next to me.

"If you want I can tell them that way you don't have to wear your jacket…" she trailed off whispering to me and I just shrugged. I would tell them eventually but I didn't mind wearing longer sleeves until then.

"Nah I'll tell them soon" I shrugged it off. Jasper scooped up Alice and they sat next to me while Masen sat at his station which was right in front of me. Emmett sat on the chair to my left Indian style. It was comfortable except for the way Emmett eyed my jacket. We joked and chatted for a bit.

"Hey so should we all go out tonight?" Alice asked. Tonight was one of my drug meetings. I didn't want to skip out of it.

"I can't. I have so much to do Alice" I tried to tell her but she looked at me skeptically.

"What do you have to do? Maybe I can help so you can go out" I wanted to yell it to her that she had to stop asking questions.

"Alice it's about what happened about four years ago. I need to have a meeting for it" she had a little spark in her eyes and her lips made a little 'o'.

"Sorry" she whispered. Masen looked at me quizzically and Emmett looked ready to kill me. I quickly put my arms down on my lap so that the track marks would be covered if he could see up the inside of my jacket. He saw. He's going to tell Alice and then Masen and they won't want me here.

"Alice I have to go" I told her grabbing my bag and running out there. I ran all the way to the meeting.

MPOV (Masen Point of View)

"What the hell was that about" I asked getting off of my station and walking over to where Bella previously occupied. Alice looked ready to burst but she was reigning herself in right now.

"She had something to do" Alice said quickly jumping up. Emmett glared at the ground and I nudged him trying to get him to stop. He got up and paced around the room.

"Alice who the hell did you hire?" Emmett demands and Jasper takes a defensive stance in front of her. No one ever talked to the pixie like that.

"Bella, you know the girl that was just here?" she asked playing dumb almost.

"Did you know she's a drug addict?" he demanded again out of her. She didn't look like she was on drugs at all. Alice looked panicked for a moment before sighing.

"You jack ass you made her leave didn't you. She's not like Rosalie! She used to use but she's been clean for like two years now and she was going to a meeting tonight" Alice explained. How would Emmett know she was using drugs?"

"Alice I don't know if she should work here. She can relapse at any time" he explained, talking softly to her.

"She won't though because she's lost so much. She's at the meeting though now only because she likes to be there to support new people coming into the program." Alice said trying to get him to understand. I didn't blame Bella for doing that. It was noble of her to do and being on drugs messed you up so her being there helped with support. It was brave of her.

"Emmett don't judge someone before you get to know them" I tell him and go back to my station and clean off my gun.

"Dude she had fucking track marks on her arms. I could plainly see them and a few scars from a blade" he says trying to convince me. It was like trying to convince a stone wall. She looked down to earth and Alice said she was a good artist. Just knowing those facts, besides her being obviously gorgeous, made me respect her and like her.

"Everyone makes mistakes and obviously she's paying for hers. Give her some slack" I told him and put down the gun and sat down in my chair. I hated when other people besides my clients but maybe if I could get Bella in this chair. I played with my lip ring and tongue ring tapping them against each other. She was downright beautiful, tattoos and piercings in all.

"You think she'll be alright at her meeting?" I ask Alice who is writing down clients in our scheduling book.

"Yeah she'll be fine but don't you dare give her any crap for having those marks. Those are her battle scars and we all have them" Alice pointed with her pen at all of us. I nodded and she understood that I wouldn't. Why give someone crap for something that they probably didn't even want to start. No one really wants to start up on drugs.

"Alice I'm going to go practice at the ring tonight instead of going out. When Bella can come out with us to celebrate her working with us then let me know and I'll open my schedule up" I grab my leather coat and head out. I drive down to the gym and get on my sparring outfit and gloves and start kicking and beating the crap out of one of the dummies that I usually practice on. Maybe there was a reason that Bella was going to start working at our shop.

I did some sets of pushups then sits ups. After I finished those I did reps with the weights and benched a good 180. I laughed to myself thinking about how awkward Bella had been standing there…

BPOV

"Thank you all for coming today. It meant a lot to everyone here for you all to share your stories. It's usually hard the first time so don't feel pressured however we hope you share your stories soon" I told the new people at the meeting. They all smiled and got up from their seats and grabbed a first day token. Good job Bella.

I walked home after the meeting and went straight to bed dreaming about Masen's gorgeous eyes. ..

Lyrics

My hands are searching for you
My arms are outstretched towards you
I feel you on my fingertips
My tongue dances behind my lips for you

This fire rising through my being
Burning I'm not used to seeing you

I'm alive, I'm alive

I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I'm breathing
Holding on to what I'm feeling
Savoring this heart that's healing

My hands float up above me
And you whisper you love me
And I begin to fade
Into our secret place

The music makes me sway
The angels singing say we are alone with you
I am alone and they are too with you

I'm alive, I'm alive

I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I'm breathing
Holding on to what I'm feeling
Savoring this heart that's healing

And so I cry
The light is white
And I see you

I'm alive, I'm alive, I'm alive

I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I'm breathing
Holding on to what I'm feeling
Savoring this heart that's healing

Take my hand
I give it to you
Now you own me
All I am
You said you would never leave me
I believe you
I believe

I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I'm breathing
Holding on to what I'm feeling
Savoring this heart that's healed

A/N: This is a new story :3 hopefully someone likes this. Please leave reviews even if it's a one word answer because reviews make me happy. Even leave me virtual cookies :D (ooooo) a plate of cookies…