Mask'Charade Chapter 23, The Pieces (BPOV)

BPOV

A stack of magazines on the table stares back at me. I'm attempting to read another, but all I've read is the title, before I end up lost in my thoughts once more.

A very pregnant young woman taps me on the shoulder and politely asks if I'm done with the baby magazines in the pile. She's obviously further along than I am, so she should definitely have first dibs on the literature. I smile faintly and apologize for hoarding all of the reading material.

I wait patiently to be called. It's still too early for my regular monthly check-up, but Doctor Schwartz insists on monitoring my anemia closely, at least until it's under control.

I glance to the left and notice another woman sitting two seats down, holding a baby girl. I smile, imagining that's how beautiful my baby will be.

"Our baby."

Almost instantly, I can hear Ned's voice correcting me. I envision the look of pride on his face when he holds our child for the first time. Their connection is unmistakable, instant, and unbreakable. He's elated.

The little baby locks eyes with me, coos and gurgles.

"Beautiful, isn't she?" His voice is calm, as he sits down next to me, but his tone instantly puts a pin in my balloon.

"W-what are you doing here?"

"You didn't think I'd miss a moment of my baby's journey into the world, did you?"

"I'm only here for a follow up on my anemia, James; besides we're not exactly sure on the matter of paternity yet." I remind him.

"Yes, well, that child's health relies on how healthy his or her mother is. As the father, I'm going to make sure both of you are getting the best possible care."

It's obvious from his response and smug demeanor that he hasn't listened to a word I've said.

Pompous Jerk.

"How did you find out about this appointment? I didn't mention it to you."

"I called Doctor Schwartz after you'd told me about the pregnancy. I explained to him that I knew all about everything, including the paternity issue…"

"He discussed my situation with you?"

"Ah ah ah. You and I both know that Doctor Schwartz is a professional and would never disclose information about a patient, but he's also an old family friend, and I did all of the talking."

"I just bet you did." I spit, irritated with him and his control issues.

"He was thrilled to know that we were reconciling and committed to providing a stable environment for our unborn child."

"So, you lied to him!" I gape in shock.

"Calm down. It wasn't exactly a lie. I knew you would try and shut me out because of your….boyfriend…" He says as if he has a bad taste in his mouth, "…but I have every right to be a part of and know what's going on with you and this child, Bella. You are still my wife."

"This is ridiculous and just another way for you to exhibit your freakish control behavior."

"Really, Bella, is that what you think? Tell me, where is Cullen, huh? Will he be attending this appointment?"

As I open my mouth to tell him where he can go, the nurse makes an appearance.

"That's us." James announces and stands up with me. My initial reaction is to blast him, telling him he's not going in with me, but we're in a doctor's office, after all. Creating a scene wouldn't look good.

"Fine." I reply angrily, as we make our way in to see Doctor Schwartz.

.

.

.

"Now, that wasn't so bad." He says cavalierly, as we exit Doctor Schwartz's office.

"It was fine." I respond, annoyed, as I walk a few steps ahead of him to reach my car. His long stride has him catch up to me in no time.

"Are you hungry? Feel like getting some lunch? I'll take you anywhere your heart desires. What are you craving, Caribbean, French, Cantonese…"

"I'm not hungry, James, I'm tired. I just want to go home and get into bed."

He nods and shoves his hands into his pockets, "I could drive you."

"I have my car, as you can see."

"Right." He says simply, but doesn't budge.

"Right." I repeat, just to make sure he understands that I'm not interested in going anywhere with him, lunch or otherwise. Finally, he sees me safely into the car, and I start the engine. I roll down the window, sensing he has some parting words.

"Don't forget you seatbelt."

"I won't."

"Alright…I'll be in touch then."

"Goodbye, James."

He backs away, as I drive off. I watch in my side view mirror, as he stands there, until I'm halfway down the road.

This is a nightmare.

.

.

.

I curl up on the sofa, after making myself a bowl of tomato soup and half a grilled cheese sandwich.

My appetite leaves me, as my mind strays back to thinking about Ned…now Edward. I feel like I've been knocked around on a rollercoaster ride, and now suffering from a severe case of whiplash.

I want to call him so badly, but what would I say? More importantly, what would he?

The more I think about it, the more I'm certain that he has M.P.D. It's the only explanation for his behavior, but I'm confused. I don't know if Ned is the one who's trapped, or if it's Edward; and if it is Edward, what does that mean for us?

Liz hasn't shed much light on the situation, and after our last discussion, I feel that she deliberately didn't let on much.

I can't blame her for wanting to protect her nephew. I understand whole-heartedly. I can also imagine, after everything that has transpired, that finding out about him financially backing the restaurant looks suspicious, but she has to see that I love him. She has to know that I would never do anything to hurt him. My love for him is the only reason I'm taking her advice and keeping my distance. It's the hardest thing, to not be able to hear his voice and feel his touch. It's killing me.

I know that I can't call him.

Right now, I have to pray that he's alright and have faith that he'll come back to me. I know that I have to take care of the baby and myself. I need to just focus on that.

I finally force myself to take a bite of my sandwich, realizing that I haven't taken my prenatal vitamins or iron pills today.

I reach over for my purse and retrieve my pills. I'm momentarily dazed, staring at the pill sorter that Ned purchased for me, after I'd confirmed the pregnancy and being anemic to him. He'd wanted to make sure I didn't miss taking them. He'd figured with how hectic we were both going to be with upcoming restaurant business, that it would slip my mind.

"We can't have you passing out on us. The baby and I love and need you so much."

I can't hold back the tears I've been fighting to contain for the past couple of days any longer. I haven't seen or spoken to him for almost a week, and each day that goes by, feels like he's slipping further away, like I'm never going to see him again.

I curl up into a ball, clutching a pillow, as my emotions finally get the better of me.