AN: I would like to thank everyone for reading this story & Dragons-Twilight1992 for being my beta...
Disclaimer: I do not own TWILIGHT or the characters, SM does. [:
Chapter Four – Choices:
Jacob's POV
I have thirty minutes before it's time to go to the Cullen's. As much as I don't want to go there I'm still willing to do anything I can for Bella. I love her and I know she still loves me even if it's not how I would like her too. I heard my father yelling at me—as I finished getting ready—telling me it was time for me to meet up with Bella.
"Yes Dad. I'm almost ready. I'm sure she won't be mad if I'm a few minutes late."
Billy rolled into the living room mumbling something under his breath. "Bye Dad." I called as I walked past the living room heading for the door. "Bye Jake."
I got into the rabbit and cranked the key forward… nothing. I tried again and once again nothing. Great, the battery is dead. I ran into the woods closets to my house and stripped down of my clothing. I phased and started running as fast as I could towards the Cullen's house. I stopped right at the edge of the yard to transform back into my human form and put my clothes back on. I started to walk towards the house and saw someone sitting on the porch. It was Rosalie. I hung my head knowing that she must have been waiting for me to arrive to speak with me before Bella saw me.
"Hey Blondie. What's up?" I don't get why she would want to talk to me. As far as I knew she hated me which was okay because I hated her too; damn leeches.
"Don't call me Blondie! I need to speak with you before you see Bella."
How did I know that this concerned Bella? "Okay, what's up? What is so urgent that I need to come and see Bella to comfort her? Where the hell is her husband? Isn't that his job?"
Rose looked up into my eyes and starred at me. I could see all the sadness and concern in her eyes. It was several moments before she looked down at the ground and begun to speak.
"Edward, he is gone. He left for a while apparently he can't deal with the consequences of his actions. Bella is okay for now, but there is a lot we need to discuss with her and we would like you and whoever is in charge of the pack to be present during this discussion whereas the choice ultimately will affect you and our treaty. You will see soon enough why I say this and you should understand why we need you and your leader to be present. Bella is going to need you and we are going to need to make sure it's okay to do what needs to be done." Rosalie let out a sigh.
Why the hell would Edward leave Bella again? After what it did to her the first time. This is going to be bad, real bad. I looked down at my hands wondering what would be so urgent that Rosalie won't tell me. As I looked back up she met my glance.
"Come on, I'll take you upstairs to see Bella."
I followed Rosalie inside and up the stairs to the room Bella was currently staying in. I turned around to look at Rosalie. She looked up as she spoke. "Good luck, Dog. Please, be nice to her. She already has Edward to treat her like shit." I nodded acknowledging that I knew that already. I was dumbstruck. Rosalie and I both agreed on Edward treating Bella like shit. Maybe there is a first for everything.
I knocked on the door and waited for a response. I heard a low whisper saying 'come in'. I opened up the door and walked into the room. I glanced up to see Bella sitting on the bed. She had bags under her eyes like she hadn't been sleeping and she kind of looks like she did after Edward left her the first time. She also looked about five or six months pregnant. How was that possible? I had just seen her a few weeks ago. I tried to wrap my head around what was happening. I finally met her gaze. She looked worried as if she was trying to figure out my next move. I went over and sat beside her on the bed. I looked up and gazed into her beautiful chocolate brown eyes that held so much pain and sadness. Much like they did after Edward left the first time.
"What has happened Bella? Are you okay? Where is Edward? Why isn't he here with you? How could he do this to you and then leave you?" I shot off questions so quick I wasn't even sure she was catching all of them.
"Jake, I'm pregnant." Her words rang in my head as I tried to comprehend the words.
"What?" I barely managed to whisper.
"I'm pregnant."
"Oh." That was all I could manage to say. I felt so bad for her. Why did this sweet and innocent creature have to endure this pregnancy created by the undead corpse who can't even stay by her side? If he ever returns here I will kill him.
"I don't know where he is. He said he needed some time to think and clear his head. We got into a fight because I refused to have an abortion. I refuse to kill my own flesh and blood. He was only here for a few days and decided he needed to leave for a while. He said he couldn't sit here and watch me kill myself. I don't know why he left. I'm sorry you had to come. I'm okay." She whispered
"When someone tells me my best friend needs me than I will be there. You should know that by now, Bells. I love you and I promised I'd always be here for you. So here I am keeping my promise to you." I say firmly.
Bella began to blush. She went to get off the bed, as she did her shirt slid up a little bit revealing a bruise on her left side just below her ribcage. I grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer to me so I could examine the bruise. She pulled away from me as she tried to cover herself and looked down at the floor waiting for my response.
"Bella, what happened? Did he hit you?" She shook her head still not meeting my gaze. "Then what caused the bruises?" I practically yelled. Bella looked up as tears started to fall down her cheeks she spoke, "I promise he didn't lay a hand on me. It doesn't matter what are causing the bruises. I'm not going to destroy something inside me because you and Edward don't want me to keep my baby."
I looked up in complete shock. "Bells, I never said you had to get rid of your baby. I just want to know how you got all the bruises"
"The baby is growing too quickly and the baby doesn't have enough room. My baby is not purposely hurting me; it's just…there isn't enough room right now." she replies.
I walked towards Bella and hugged her. I wiped off her cheeks from where the tears had fallen as I whispered in her ear, "I'm sorry."
I'm going to kill him. It's slowly and painfully for hurting Bella. He is going to wish he had never been born when I'm done with him.
"It's okay, let's go and get something to eat." Bella said as she began to smile. She then walked out towards the hallway, descending the stairs—as I followed closely behind offering help—we finally reached the kitchen where Rosalie, Emmett, and Jasper stood cooking multiple types of foods. Jasper was making some sort of pasta; Emmett was cutting up some chicken before seasoning it and throwing it in the pan to shimmer, while Rosalie was making a Caesar Salad with Breadsticks layered with four types of cheeses and a homemade marinara sauce.
Rosalie looked up noticing our presence and looked towards Bella before speaking, "Bella, honey, are you and your guest hungry? We are making a splendid meal for you this evening."
Bella looked up and shook her head then looked to me awaiting my answer.
"Yes Bells. I'm starving."
"Oh don't worry Jacob there will be enough for you and Bella. Why don't you two relax in the living room? We will come and get you when your lunch is done." says Rosalie with a slight smile.
Bella looked at me and smiled as she headed toward the living room, which was just off the kitchen. We sat down on a white couch. We remained silent for a few moments as we waited to Rosalie to come and escort us to our meal. It made me happy to see all the things these leeches do just to accompany Bells every need, even if I don't like leeches at least they are making Bella happy. Apparently her husband is too much of a coward to stand by her side. I just wish I knew more of what was going to happen with her. I don't want to watch Bella die either, but I cannot just spend the few weeks I may have left away from her! I don't understand how anyone would want to spare their time away from her when she needed them the most.
Rosalie interrupted my thoughts as she walked into the room saying, "Dinner is served Bella. Is there anything else you want or need from us?"
"No, that's fine Rose. Thank you all." Bella looked up to gaze at Rose showing her appreciation as she spoke with a faint smile appearing on her lips.
Rosalie smiled back towards Bella before speaking, "Okay, we will be in our rooms. So you guys can have at least some privacy and catch up. If you need anything just speak up. We are all more than willing to help you with anything you need."
"Thanks. I was thinking after Jake and I catch up, maybe we could all watch a movie?" Bella asks.
"I think we would all like that. Just let us know when you both are ready." Rosalie replies.
"Okay."
Bella looked up at me as she spoke, "are you ready to go eat?" I nodded my head. I got up off the couch and offered my hand for assistance if she needed. She willingly took my gesture and I gently pulled her up from the couch. We walked into the dining room to see candles set randomly along the top of the dining room table. There were two plates set directly across from one another. It reminded me of a fancy restaurant. They had laid little rose petals over the top of the table as well. I couldn't help but let the smile creep on my face. They really did love Bella if they are willing to go to all this trouble to make her enjoy her evening with me. I looked over at Bella who had a smile on her face. Her eyes seemed to light up at the sight.
She finally let out a small sigh and whispered, "They really didn't need to do all of this." I walked her to her seat and helped her get comfortable before taking my own. We started to put the a little bit of everything on our plates. I looked up to Bella once again. She spoke first, "I've really missed you Jake. I'm glad you're here to spend tonight with me." Why wouldn't I come? Oh wait, I haven't seen her since her wedding night but I was only trying to let them have some space as a newlywed and not make it any harder on my heart.
"Of course I would come see you, Bella. You are my best friend after all and I wouldn't miss seeing your smiling face." While I still have a chance because you're going to die soon. I started eating my dinner and Bella did the same. I will have to remember to thank Jasper, Rosalie, and Emmett for such a great meal. This is probably one of the best meals I have had in a long time.
When we finished eating Bella started to grab the dishes and before she could I had them all gathered up and started putting dinner away so she could eat the rest later. I put the dishes in the sink.
She had snuck up behind me and said, "I'll do the dishes."
Instead of arguing with her I said, "Only on one condition."
"And what would that one condition be?"
"I will rinse and put away, because you shouldn't lift above your head. It's not good for the baby." She looked up at me with curiosity in her eyes.
"How do you know that? I didn't even know and I'm the one pregnant."
I laughed, "Well I've helped my cousins out a lot with the housework when they were pregnant."
She bit her bottom lip and started scrubbing the dishes. "Is there anything else I should know?"
I thought about her question for a few moments before I replied. "Well you shouldn't lift above your head because it can cause the umbilici cord to detach its self. You can't lift anything that weighs anymore then like 10 lbs. I think it is. Stress definitely is a bad thing for pregnant women, and also you are going to cry and be mad over the stupidest things. I think that about covers it. I know you don't like people catering to you but it's really the best thing for you and the baby."
"That's not too bad. I guess I can deal with everyone doing everything for me until I have the baby. Jake, do you want to go in the living room?"
I nodded as we started walking toward the living room. We sat down on the same white couch we had been before. She hesitated for a moment. She looked up into my eyes and gazed at me while figuring out how to word her thoughts.
"Jacob, have you imprinted on anyone?"
"No, I haven't. What makes you ask?" I know we have talked about this before.
"Well, I'm happy, and it just doesn't seem fair that you are not happy." I looked at her with confusion. "I may not have imprinted on anyone but I am still happy. I don't need to imprint on someone to be happy."
"I know but I just hoped you would find your other half, I did. Why shouldn't you?"
"I wish I knew Bells. I didn't imprint on anyone but I would have loved you with everything I had if you would have given me the chance."
"I know", She sighed, "I was scared; I was broken. I know you tried to fix me, and you did the best you could. I wanted to love you and try us but my heart wouldn't let go. I jumped off a cliff so I could see someone who said they never loved me. I knew it wasn't really him, but it was the only way I could be with him again. It was never a choice though. I love Edward now just as much as I still did then. I love you and I always will Jacob, but it was never enough. You deserve someone better than me and someone who could love you with all of their heart not just the shattered pieces. "
"We had a chance before all of that. Why wouldn't you give me a chance to love you and fix you more?"
"I couldn't. I did try to love you. Do you remember the night I jumped off the cliff when we were in my truck when you were taking me home?"
I looked up to see Bella biting her bottom lip and nodded.
"Okay. That was the night I really thought about giving us a try. I thought about the ways to kiss you or if you would even want to be with me that way. We were only supposed to be best friends. I thought about if Edward would really want me to move on and be happy with another guy. I thought about so many things that night. You made up my mind for me. When Edward called and you said Charlie was arranging a funeral. When I had to go and save Edward from the Volturi knowing the chances weren't good of me making it home again. I didn't want to leave you behind and unbroken like I was. So, I didn't try to think about us hoping you would move on and meet your other half. I didn't want you to suffer like I did."
I looked down remembering this night. I was also thinking of how badly I wanted to kiss Bella. How I wanted to love her and only her. I knew she wasn't my imprint but I still love her and would have done anything to be with her. I know she is right though. We were only supposed to be best friends. I fixed her, or I tried to fix her. I thought that just maybe she would choose me, and stay in my arms where it was safe.
"I need to tell you something." She barely managed to get the words out in a whisper.
"Okay, what do you need to tell me?"
"Well, I don't know how to tell you. Do you know how we got out of their alive? We had to make a deal. I had to make a deal with the Volturi."
"What deal Bells?"
She sighed, "They were going to kill me, because Aro had seen Edward's thought about how badly he didn't want me to be changed into a monster. He refused to let me be changed, but Alice had a vision about me being changed. Aro seen the vision and decided that I could remain human and leave but only if I was to be changed. Edward and Alice both nodded. Aro asked me if I wanted to remain in Volterra and join the guard which I had refused. He also asked Edward and Alice, and they also refused. I am a liability. We will leave before the change if we have to, but I can't risk them hurting Charlie or Renee."
My mouth was gaped. I couldn't believe what she just told me. "You are going to become one of them? A leech?"
She started crying. I saw the tears escaping her eyes and roll down her cheeks as she responded.
"Yes."
I lend over and wiped the tears and pulled Bella close to me. "I'm sorry. I just didn't expect that. I should've known there was more to it about you wanting to become a leech so badly. You're so selfless", I say trying to comfort her.
"I might be selfless but I love my family and they are all I have. If I can save them from this life then I will." I looked down are her once more. She met my gaze and when she dropped her head down to fidget with the bottom of her shirt she whispered, "even if that means I won't be able to see them again. I will give up the one thing I have to protect them." I saw a tear escape once more and wiped it away.
I decided it was the best time to change the subject. "So what do you want to know about imprinting other than if I have or not?"
She looked up at me, confused. "Oh. What is it? How can everyone be okay with their daughters being imprinted on? Do they know? What about Quil and Claire? How can everyone be okay with that?"
"Bells. Imprinting is like love at first sight except a lot stronger. It's supposed to be an unbreakable bond between the two people. The only people who know are the imprints and of course you know. People don't question things, unless they are you. I'm starting to notice one thing about you Bells and that is nothing gets past you. You see and notice every little thing around you. Okay, um, like in Quil and Claire's situation; Quil will be whatever Claire needs him to be at that moment. They aren't from the start lovers. Right now he is like her big brother and best friend. He will continue to be her big brother for a while until she is old enough to want or need a lover. Quil will love her and be happy with everything she does or wants with her life. Usually in the end they end up marrying their imprints. Like for instance Sam tried to win Emily over for so long and when he did the damage she finally saw that he truly loved her no matter what and let her guard down allowing herself to be with him regardless of their situation."
"So in a way, it's like love at first sight because you automatically have that unbreakable bond? In other ways, it's not because you are willing to be whatever they want you or need you to be? Do they even get a choice if they want to be with the people who have imprinted on them?" Bella asks me
"Well, yes of course they have a choice, but usually they end up with the person who imprinted on them because of that unbreakable bond. And, yes, you are absolutely right. From what I know, it's kind of like in the end they see that you are truly meant to be together. If they want to fight it they can. The person who imprinted on them will remain whatever they want them to be. I remember hearing in one of the old stories about someone imprinting and only remained best friends with the girl because she choose not to be with him as a lover for years. When she was in her late thirties and had been divorced by her recent husband. He stepped in and helped fix her, like what I did with you Bells, and she saw that he was the one who would always be there for her. He was the one who had always been there for her. They ended up getting married and were happily married for 37 years."
"I think I understand a little bit better now." Bella said as she yawned.
"I think you should probably get some sleep."
"NO!" she shouts looking scared.
"Why not? You seem like you are tired?" She blushed and looked down at her hands.
"I don't want you to leave and I'm having nightmares," she confessed.
"Again?" I ask her.
This is worse than I thought if she is back to having nightmares. That leech is defiantly dead when or if he comes back. She nods. I know better than to press her with this subject.
"I'll stay here with you if you want, as long as…" Before I could even finish my sentence all the leeches in the house were standing in the living room.
Carlisle spoke, "Bella, if you would like your guest to stay with you we are more than willing to oblige. Whatever will make you happy my dear."
"I would like that. You can sleep upstairs in Edward's room with me. There is a bed and a black leather couch in there."
"Yes, and thank you for the wonderful dinner everyone. It was delicious. Also thanks for letting me stay with Bells." I looked over to see Bells eyes twinkle again. She looked like a little kid just waking up Christmas morning. I'm glad that I could cheer her up again. Maybe I can keep the nightmares away.
Jasper spoke, "We can watch a couple of movies once you wake up Bella."
She nodded in agreement before yawning again. Emmett walked over towards us and looked down at Bella. "Do you want to be carried or walk?" He asked.
"I can walk Em." As Bella went to stand up she lost her balance and I caught her. Emmett picked Bella up and started carrying her upstairs as I followed. We walked into the bedroom and Emmett sat Bella down on the bed and grabbed her something to wear to bed. He went over and made the couch into a bed quickly for me to sleep on. "There you are dog. " Emmett said with a smirk. He walked over to Bella and gave her a hug before saying, "goodnight sis. If you need anything, let either Rose or I know." She nodded.
When Emmett left the room I looked towards Bella and watched her for a moment. She looked exhausted. This pregnancy was taking the life right away from her with every day that passed by. I got up and started walking towards the door. "I'll wait out in the hallway while you get ready. Just tell me when you're done." I said before walking out of the door. I heard Bella say "Jake, you can come back now." I opened the door and returned into the bedroom. She had a gleam in her eyes. I walked over to the bed and leaned down to kiss Bella on the forehead before telling her goodnight. I walked over to the couch and climbed under the covers. I sat there thinking of how much I was going to miss Bella if she didn't make it through this pregnancy alive. I closed my eyes and fell into a deep darkness of sleep.
A couple of hours later I was woken up by Bella screaming. I quickly look at her and realize she is having a nightmare. I rush to her side to wake her up.
"Bells, Bella, wake up it's just a dream," I say gently shaking her.
She bolts up right in bed and starts crying. I gently take her into my arms and start rocking her gently.
"It's all right. It was just a dream. Your safe," I say softly to her.
I repeat it over and over again. It takes her a couple of minutes to calm down.
"Thanks Jake," she whisperers.
"Any time Bella," I say moving to get up but she grabs my hand.
"No. Please stay with me," she begs.
I can't stand to see her like this. This is all Edward's fault; she wouldn't be having these nightmares now, if he had faced his mistakes.
"Sure," I say moving myself down to lie next to her.
It takes her a couple of minutes to get back to sleep and I quickly follow her.
I woke up the next morning to find her gone from next to me. I got up and left the room heading towards the living room trying to find Bella. Then I heard the worst noise I have ever heard in my life, which was Bella's deathly, cries and screams in agony. No wonder Edward couldn't handle to see her like this. I found where the screams were escaping from. They were in Carlisle's study. I walked into the room to find them bandaging her ribcage up. She had more bruises then yesterday. Bella had gotten bigger. She looked like she was at least seven months along now. I was brought out of my reverie when I heard Bella let out another cry of agony. I looked up at Bella; she looked frail, bitter, and beaten. I couldn't believe how badly she looked this morning compare to last night. Finally the screams dissipated.
I overheard Carlisle saying, "Bella, it's safe to say the pregnancy isn't going to last the full nine months like a normal pregnancy should. The baby is getting too big to fast. I know I said we were looking at a little over two months before you deliver, but according to my assessments we may have less then that before you have the baby."
"How much longer do you think?"
"According to my newest calculations I would assume three weeks to a month total."
"So a week or two and I'll have my baby in my arms."
"Yes, but Bella we need to discuss things later as we get closer to the delivery."
"Like what?"
"We need to discuss your options about living through the pregnancy and your chances of survival."
She sighed before speaking again, "I know. I was hoping for a little more time for this conversation. I am almost sure you all know what my decision is but we will speak of the matters later."
"When would you like to have this discussion?"
"I would like to discuss everything in a few days, no more than four days from today. I just want to have some time to think over things so I am prepared to answer all of your questions and concerns."
"Okay, I will set it up, so in four days we will have the discussion. We are going to have to invite the wolf that is now in charge of the pack to voice their concerns."
Carlisle looked up at me. I knew what he was going to ask before he even started to the question. "Jacob, can you step outside of the room with you?" I nodded and turned around to leave the room. When we reached the hallway Carlisle stopped and looked at me before speaking. "Jacob, can you get your pack leader to come over here in four days around 1 pm? We need to know of your concerns with Bella carrying this child and about the possibility of changing her if she shows any signs of not making it through the pregnancy as a human." How can I say no, of course I wouldn't say no. This concerned Bells and she needs me to do this for her, so I will. I nodded. "Jasper and Emmett will bring Bella down to the living room in just a moment, if you would like to wait down there for her. I just need to get some blood drawn to run some tests." Carlisle said.
"Okay, I'll wait downstairs for her" I say
I walked down the stairs to the living room. I sat down on the same white couch I had before, as I waited for Bella I thought about life without her. She would be better off dead then a leech wouldn't she? They are not even alive, but it's better than her buried six feet under. I would still see her, right? It would still be Bella, right? It's possible, it could still be Bella. Maybe not for a little while but eventually it would be my best friend again. I can't lose her. Not after everything we have been through together. I decided to call Sam. He picked up on the first ring.
"Jake, what is going on?" Sam says.
"Not much. I need you to meet me at the Cullen's house in four days at one in the afternoon."
"Why?" He asks.
"Carlisle asked if you would. They need to discuss a few things and apparently you and I both need to be a part of the meeting. He said that the decision will affect us and he doesn't feel right for us not to voice our concerns and come to decision about what to do together." I fidgeted with my hands waiting for a reply.
Sam hesitated for a moment. "Okay, but I'm going to have Jared and Paul with me. I may have an understanding for the Cullen's but I'm not willing to not be precautious." I smiled to his answer.
"I'll let him know. Bye Sam."
I heard, "Bye Jake," before I hung up the phone. I wasn't surprised Sam was willing to meet with Carlisle's family or that he felt like he needed Jared and Paul to come with him.
Bella's POV
I was disappointed about not being able to see the baby. Carlisle thought that it was because the baby skin is too hard and the machine isn't able to penetrate through the wall enough to show us an image of the baby. I really wanted to see my baby and find out if we were having a girl or boy. I guess I'm just going to have to wait and find out. I came down over the stairs in Emmett's arms. I heard someone talking, and it was Jacob. I heard him saying bye to Sam. Why would he be on the phone with Sam? If he wants me to know he will tell me, right? Of course, Jake has never lied to me. I started thinking about what I wanted for breakfast. I really wanted pancakes, buttery, covered with syrup, mouthwatering pancakes. I spoke up to let Jasper know what I wanted—He made the best pancakes I have ever had—which he was standing right behind me.
"Hey Jasper."
"Yeah Bella?"
"I want some of your famous mouthwatering pancakes," I say with a small smile.
"I'm right on it. What would you like to drink?" he asks with a smile.
"I would like a glass of milk."
"I'll bring it into you as soon as it's done."
"Thanks Jazz."
He ran so fast down over the stairs and towards the kitchen that he was only a blur to me. Emmett took me into the living room and sat me on the white couch next to Jacob. Rosalie followed shortly behind us. They both sat on the love seat across from us. We sat in silence for a few moments before Emmett spoke.
"Who wants to watch a movie?"
"I do." Rose said.
"Sure, sure." Jake said.
I heard Jasper from the kitchen reply, "of course. I'll only be a few more minutes finishing up Bella's breakfast."
I nodded.
Emmett got up from the seat and started walking towards the bookshelf which holds all of their movies. He pulled out a movie and put it in the DVD player. It was Romeo & Juliet, which is one of my favorite movies. It was the older version. The one they made in the 1960's. I loved that movie. I remember watching it with Edward. That was when he explained to me what the Volturi were. I remembered that he understood Romeo a little better about wanting to die when he thought Juliet was dead. He had told me that humans have so many choices to commit suicide whereas he didn't. I was surprised that Emmett would choose this movie. I knew he wasn't much of a fan of it.
Jasper came over with my breakfast. He had it all arranged on a tray. I sat up to look at what he had made. Three of his delicious pancakes which had a spoonful of butter on the top—covered with maple syrup—with a piece of toast sliced in halves, and some bacon on the side. My mouth began to water. I ate all of my breakfast and finished watching the movie. I started to feel sick to my stomach. I had Rosalie rush me to the bathroom where I began to vomit. I tried several more times to eat food and had the same response. Everyone was beginning to worry about me whereas I already looked horrible with the bruises and broken bones. They were afraid I wouldn't make it to deliver the baby.
I couldn't keep anything down for two days. I felt horrible about making Jake stay and watch me like this. How can I be so selfish to ask him to stay with me? I decided to let Jake choose if he wanted to stay here with me or leave. I needed to talk to him about this and soon. Jacob was downstairs watching some television with Jasper and Emmett. I had called Rosalie up to the bedroom I was confined in. She appeared standing in the doorway to the bedroom.
"Yes Bella, what do you need sweetie?"
"Can you let Jacob know I'm awake and would like to see him?"
"Okay. I'll send him right up." She turned around to go back downstairs as I whispered "Thank you."
I lay back down on the bed not wanting to move. I was thinking about how to tell Jacob that he could leave without crying. I didn't want to make him feel guilty. I didn't realize he was in the bedroom until I heard him clear his throat.
"Hey Jake."
"Hey Bells. How are you feeling?"
"Oh, you know. As good as I can right?" I said as I laughed.
"Sure, sure."
"Well I really wanted to talk to you about something."
"What is it Bells?"
"Jake, I know you are a good friend. It would be selfish of me to ask you to watch me like this. I don't want to make you stay with me if you really don't want too."
"Do you not want me to stay Bells?" He looked so sad, like I was taking a toy away from him. I didn't want to make him feel like he had to stay here with me.
"I just don't want you to stay if you really don't want too. You know I love having you here, but I just want you to do what you need to do. If you don't want to watch me go through this pregnancy then you can leave. I wouldn't feel bad about your choice. I would understand."
"Bells, umm… If I wanted to leave I already would have. I want to be with you and spend as much time with you as I can. Don't feel bad about making me feel guilty, because you're not making me feel guilty about anything. I have been staying here because you are my best friend and I want to be here for you. I promised you I would, and these leeches aren't so bad really. I have been getting along good with Emmett. Carlisle has made me feel more than welcome during my stay here. Most of all, I have enjoyed your company Bells. I have missed you."
"Okay." I sighed. I heard a knock on the door and looked over as I called for whomever it was to come in. Carlisle opened the room with Rosalie. They looked at each other before Carlisle spoke.
"Bella, I have been thinking about you not holding food down. I was thinking maybe you could try some blood maybe the baby would let you hold that down."
DRINK BLOOD? EW, that is just... GROSS.
"Drink blood, seriously?" I looked at Carlisle in disbelieve. How can he expect me to drink blood?
"I was thinking where the baby is half vampire, than the baby would possibly want blood, and that would explain why you can't hold down human food. It's worth a try to test the theory, right?"
"If it will help the baby. Okay," I say.
"I'll bring a glass up right now." Rosalie whispered in his ear so fast I couldn't catch it. He rephrased his last sentence. "Maybe a glass wouldn't be the best thing. I'll bring up a metal cup, so you won't see it. Rosalie was just stating it might make it easier for you if you didn't see it so vividly."
"Oh." That was all I could manage to say. Jacob was looking at me like I was crazy. Maybe he thought they were crazy for wanting me to drink blood. This pregnancy has been more than I would have expected to endure. I always heard about the nine months you have to prepare for a baby and here we are trying to prepare for a baby in less than a month. I wish Edward was here with me. I miss him so much. I'm starting to get scared. What happens if I don't make it through this? Will he be there to watch the baby or would he leave the baby to fend for him or herself? There were so many questions rushing through my head.
Carlisle returned with the cup. He handed it to me. I started drinking it. Surprisingly, it smelled good, and even tasted good. Oh god, what is wrong with me? I'm drinking blood for god's sake. I never once said I was normal, but this passed the "normal." What in my world has ever really been what people call normal? Vampires and werewolves are supposed to be myths, but here they are sitting with me, as my friends and family. Maybe this has all been just some weird dream, and I'm going to wake up at any time. Not likely but it could happen. Anything could happen at this point and I don't think I would be shocked anymore.
Everyone was sitting in the bedroom with me. I looked up as I finished my cup of blood which Rosalie had suggested I call it "fruit punch." They look similar and they do kind of taste similar. She is quite worried about me mentally doing this. They are all used to having to drink blood. I'm surprised they can stand watching me drink a cup of it without their throats burning.
"How can you guys do this? Watch me drink this? It's not bothering you guys, does it?"
They all said no.
Jasper spoke up "We can sit back and not want it because we have all been tempted a lot especially since you became a part of the family. We know you need the blood in order to endure the pregnancy and get at least a little bit better. We are all more concerned with you than our own thirst, so no. It doesn't really bother us. We are concentrating on you rather than our bloodlust."
"I think I understand, thanks for explain Jasper." Rosalie brought me the phone and rolled her eyes. I picked up the phone, and it was Edward. I felt my heart skip a beat.
"Hello, my love."
"Hey Edward, what's going on? How is your trip going?"
"Oh not much is going on. Esme and Alice seem to think I can't be left alone." I heard him laugh. "My trip is going okay. I have had a lot of time to think about things. I miss you, love. I'll be home soon."
"Oh I love you Edward and I miss you. I wish you would come home now, but I know you need more time." As my mind raced with questions and the fact that Edward had finally called me made me start crying. The tears slid down my cheeks. I pressed my lips together in an attempt to not let Edward know how much this was hurting me.
"Bella, why are you crying?" Of course he knew I was crying.
"I just miss you and wish you were here. I feel like it's my fault our family is being separated. Jasper misses Alice even though he won't say anything." Jasper looked up at me with sympathy in his eyes before he sent me a dose of calming waves. I started to feel calm. "I'm sure Carlisle misses Esme."
I heard Edward sigh. I could almost picture him holding the bridge of his nose while he thought of what to say next. "Bella Love. It's not your fault. It's mine. I shouldn't have left but I needed to get away so I could figure out what we should do. I know how much you wanted to keep the baby and I understand, but I'm just so scared of losing you. I only left so I could have some time to think of everything that has and is happening to you because of things I did. When I am home nobody will just let me blame myself. I didn't think Jasper really should feel everything I did, because he still blames himself for us leaving you alone the first time."
"I know. I wish he wouldn't though. It wasn't his fault." Jasper looked up again. I'm sure he could hear the conversation.
"I have forgiven him for that even though it wasn't his fault. He is still my brother." Jasper smiled and came over to sit beside me so he could give me a hug. I smiled back at Jasper.
"Please, Edward just come home soon."
"I'll be home as soon as I can, love."
"Bye," I barely whispered.
"Goodbye love. Get some rest. I think Alice and Esme are going to come home soon. They miss you just as much as they do their husbands." I smiled as I hung up the phone.
Jake looked at me with confusion and disgust. "What did I do?" I snapped.
"You are just letting him do whatever he wants when right now he should be here. I'm sorry but that just pisses me off!" He snarled back at me.
He was right though. Edward should be here with me. We all knew I might not make it through this alive. It wasn't a big secret and I was more than willing to pay that price as long as I gave life to my child.
Two Days Later: The Meeting.
Carlisle's POV
It was ten minutes to one in the afternoon. I had told Bella that her test results had come back fine and as far as I could tell the baby was healthy. The blood seemed to be helping so far. We were all sitting at the dining room table which we all reserved for such meetings to take place. I heard footsteps coming up the driveway. "Stay here, I'll be right back." I said to the rest of my family. Jacob followed me to meet Sam. I waited on the porch to greet Sam.
"Hello Sam, I see you brought some pack members with you. May I ask your name so I may introduce you all to our family?"
"Hello Carlisle. On my left is Jared and on my right is Paul."
"Okay, just follow me." We walked back into the dining room where I motioned for them all to take a seat. Bella was sitting at the opposite end of the table on Jasper's lap. Jacob sat on her right. Rosalie sat on her left. Emmett sat beside Rosalie. Sam sat beside Emmett. Paul sat beside Jacob. Jared sat beside Paul, while I was sitting at the end of the table. We had decided it would be best for Bella to sit on Jasper's lap in case the wolves tried to attack. I don't anticipate them too but it's just a caution for Bella's safety. They could see this pregnancy as a threat therefore attacking, and they are also young shape-shifters.
"Okay, so everyone is clear to the reason we are having this meeting right now. Bella as you can see is very pregnant. She is carrying a vampire's child and from the research I have conducted the chances of her surviving this pregnancy human are very unlikely, almost impossible. I wanted to call Sam here because I wanted him to have an opinion on the discussion on hand. Bella now we should discuss the facts I do know and your options now. Then we will discuss the wolves concern due to this and try to come to an agreement if there is one."
Everyone nodded. "From what I can tell the womb is protected by an extremely thick and dense wall. This makes it hard to see how the child is progression while during pregnancy. The child is growing at an amazing speed, whereas a normal pregnancy is nine months long and this one is going to narrow that down to about one month, and that's only if we are lucky. Bella as of today is about three weeks pregnant. She has about a week left before she will deliver the child and if we are unable to change her into a vampire she will most definitely die. The baby will tear its way out of her stomach. I can try to prevent this as much as possible by making sure she has morphine on hand when it's time for her to go into labor and cutting her stomach open much like a cesarean section. She may have a small chance of surviving as a human if we can maintain the blood lost and proceed with this plan in a timely fashion. Bella, your options are you can try to live through the delivery as a human and very likely die, or be changed into a vampire the moment you deliver as to protect and enhance your chances of transforming before too much blood is lost."
After they had a chance to absorb my findings and news about the limited options I then continued to let the wolves have their turn in the discussion. "Sam, are there any concerns about this pregnancy or the child itself you are worried about?"
"Yes we have a few concerns. What are you willing to do if the child is uncontrollable?"
As I began to speak. "Wel-" Bella interrupted, "we would pack everything up and leave. I am not destroying my child for you Sam Uley or anyone else for that matter. I will simply leave and not return to Forks if that was too happen."
"How do you plan to control the child?"
I spoke up to answer this question. "We have already started the child out on animal blood. If the child has never tasted human blood than I believe they are less likely to attack a human. Most vampires have a hard time controlling their bloodlust because they have already tasted human blood. We decided it would be best to start from our strict animal blood diet only to help ensure the child will only drink blood from an animal rather than a human."
"How do you plan to change Bella if she chooses to be changed without breaking the treaty?"
"I have a syringe already filled with venom so none of my family members have to endure changing her through a bite and risk killing her. It's the safest way to proceed with the change to ensure she lives through it. The only way we would break the treaty is if we "bite" a human, correct?"
Sam and Jacob looked towards each other. Sam spoke up. "You have found a loop-hole I see, but I can speak for all of us to say we would rather have Bella changed rather than no Bella at all. We give you permission to change Bella after she delivers the child." I nodded. "We should take a vote to see who wants Bella to be changed?" I went down the row to my right;
"Yes," said Sam.
"Yes," said Rosalie.
"Of course little sister," said Emmett.
"It will be nice if I don't want to kill you all the time," said Jasper.
"Sure, Sure," said Jacob.
"As long as she don't hurt anyone, it would be nice to have Bella around a little while longer," said Paul.
"How can I say no, this girl runs with vampires she might as well be one," said Jared.
He looked at Bella as he spoke. "Plus now when you hit Paul it might do some damage in that thick head of his!" Everyone in the room started laughing.
Sam looked at Bella and spoke directly to her. "Bella, please when you are ready after you have the child can you let me and Emily know. I would really like to meet your newest addition to the family."
Bella blushed before replying. "Of course, Sam, thank you for understanding my situation and still wanting to remain friends." We began to say our goodbyes and farewells as all of the wolves except Jacob left our home. I was quite pleased with the outcome. I'm glad Sam and Jacob agreed this would not come between our treaty and that we will remain allies.
AN: Please, read & review so I know if it's worth bothering to continue!
I am enjoying writing this story, but I would like to know what my readers think of it.
Feel free to criticize, comment, tell me what you would like to happen in the story. I'm more than willing to try and put your ideas into the story as well.
ONCE AGAIN; THANK YOU FOR READING. (: