I DONT OWN TWILIGHT OR ITS CHARACTERS
HELLO EVERYONE! THANX SO MUCH FOR ALL UR WONDERFUL REVIEWS…I TRY TO ANSWER ALL OF THEM SO PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF I'M LEAVING ANYONE BEHIND…
I KNOW THE GENERAL FEELING IS THAT EDWARD HAS NO RIGHT TO BE SO ANGRY AT BELLA…AND BELLA SHOULDN'T FEEL SO GUILTY…UR ALL RIGHT…THEY NEEED TO TALK SERIOUSLY OR BELLA JUST NEEDS TO YELL AT HIM…BUT REMEMBER ABOUT NESSIE..
OK I WONT SAY ANYTHING ELSE…KEEP ON READING TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!
CH.7
I stayed out there for a few more minutes just thinking. It could have honestly gone a whole lot worse. At least I hadn't been yelled at by Esme or Alice. Alice, I still had a conversation pending with her, or maybe she would never speak to me again. Of all of them, she was the only one with a reason to really be mad at me. We were friends; we had remained being friends throughout the years and I had deliberately hidden Nessie from her. It was not so much about the Edward situation, it was just the fact that I had lied to her so openly. But I had made up my mind now. Even if I was at fault here, it had all been Edward's doing. If he had at least kept in contact with me, or returned my calls, or even bother to try to find me after Charlie told him I was no longer in Forks, things would've been so different. Even if he didn't love me anymore, at least he would've been a part of his daughter's life. But none of that was important now. The only thing clear here was that Nessie needed me and I had to be strong for her.
With that in my mind, I walked back into the house. There was silence all around me. I glanced at the closed door of Carlisle's office as I walked to Edward's room. There were noises and muffled voices coming from the office. I guessed Carlisle was there, probably with Esme. I kept on walking and got to Edward's room. The door was slightly open and I could see Edward sitting down on his bed, watching Nessie sleep. I couldn't help the smile that image brought to my lips.
Nessie began to move and she slowly opened her eyes. She stared at Edward for a few seconds before looking around the room. She was looking for me. It was dark so she didn't see me standing by the door.
"Your mother's downstairs." Edward said to her softly.
"Ok. I'm hungry. Did I miss Thanksgiving dinner?" she sat up rubbing her eyes.
"There's plenty of food left, don't worry about it. Mom always cooks for an army." I could feel his smile.
"I didn't get a chance to talk to her yet." My little baby whispered sadly.
"I'm sorry about that. It was entirely my fault. I was just so surprised. I didn't mean to get you upset Nessie." He touched her hair. She looked up at him and smile.
"I wanted to meet you. Mommy showed me all your pictures from school and told me everything about you. I look a lot like you." She giggled.
"Yes you do." I could hear Nessie's stomach growling.
"Hey baby. Did you sleep ok?" I walked into the room and stood on the other side of the bed. I smiled at her.
"Yes mommy. I was just talking to daddy. I like him." She smiled at him.
"Well I like you too Nessie." He stood up and helped her up from the bed.
"Come on baby; let's get you something to eat ok? And you can continue talking to your dad later." She walked to me and gave me her hand to hold. Edward followed us down.
Edward got a plate and helped put some food on it, while I settled Nessie at the small kitchen table. While we were doing that, Esme walked in. She stared at Edward and then at Nessie and me. I guess she decided not to say anything then, but went to help Edward heat up the food. Carlisle walked into the kitchen a few minutes after Esme did, and smiled at us.
"So, is the food any good Nessie?" he sat down beside her and stroked her hair.
"It's delicious grandpa. I love the turkey." She smiled at him. And suddenly she got up from her chair and climbed into Carlisle's lap. I moved her plate so that she could continue eating from there. I saw Carlisle grin like a little kid.
"Your grandmother's a wonderful cook. Has she told you that yet?" he glanced at Esme asking her to walk closer. She did, and sat down beside him.
"It's the best Thanksgiving turkey I've ever had. Thanks grandma." Nessie smiled at her. I could see tears on Esme's eyes.
"Anytime sweetie. Now eat everything ok?" she patted her hand and kissed the top of her head as she got up.
It killed me to see the look of sadness in Esme's face. She and Carlisle were the last persons I had wanted to hurt with all of this. But I had hurt them. At least Carlisle, being the compassionate man that he was, seemed to have forgiven me, but I wasn't so sure about how Esme was feeling. Aghh! I was so angry at Edward. This was his entire fault. If he hadn't been such a jerk, I knew that even if we had broken up I would have still remained friends with his whole family. They had been my family too. But his attitude had complicated things to the extreme. Now all I wanted was to stop feeling like it was my fault to see them so hurt, because it wasn't. Right now they were all pointing fingers at me, but had they stopped to analyze the complete situation? I didn't just disappear for the mere fun of it, something had happened. And that something was Edward's fault. Edward's, and no one else's.
After Nessie finished her food, Edward guided her to the family room where he started showing her photo albums of his family. There were pictures of his parents, of Alice, Emmet and himself as kids growing up, of school, of friends. I hadn't seen those pictures in a very long time. They brought good memories of Edward and me cuddling together in the same couch I was now sitting on, watching these albums. It suddenly made me feel uncomfortable.
"Why aren't there any pictures of mommy?" I looked up at Edward for a second and then back at my daughter.
"Baby remember that I didn't move into Forks up until my junior year of high school. I was living with Mamma Ren before that." I smiled at her.
"These pictures are from before I met your mother Nessie. We were very young." Edward looked at me for a brief second and then returned his eyes to Nessie.
I left them alone for a few minutes and went to get a glass of water. Rose and Emmet were in the kitchen. Rose smiled at me, while Emmet tried his best to ignore me.
"How is she holding up?" Rose asked from the table.
I leaned into the counter and sighed. "She seems to be doing pretty good. I guess she really understood everything I told her yesterday."
"Poor kid. Learning she has had a very different family all along. And such a messed family we are." Emmet grunted.
"Em, please." Rose touched his arm lightly.
"He's right Rose, we're a very messed up family it seems." Alice walked in followed by Jasper, who sat down beside Rose.
I looked at the faces of my four former friends. I couldn't believe there had been a time when we would've done everything together. It seemed such a long time ago. I was tired of trying to make them understand, so I decided not to say anything else. The silence was freaking me out.
"I always thought you and Edward would end up getting married. My brother was a totally different person when he was around you." Emmet surprised me by saying. He was looking intensely at me and I had to look away.
"Yes, he opened up to everyone and wasn't bitter anymore. We even became better friends to each other around that time." Jasper continued. I had no idea where this conversation was going.
"It's such a shame he then had to go and blow it all away. So typically Edward, but not typically us." Rose snorted making me look up at her in complete surprise. Alice's face registered the same surprised expression I was sure I had. She looked at both of us choosing her words carefully.
"Moving away didn't have to mean that everything was over. And even if it was between you two, you were our friend too."
"And that's not how friends behave Bella. We should've been there for you too." Emmet sighed taking Rose's hand.
"We should've said something." Jasper whispered looking slowly up at me and then at Alice. He tried to take her hand, but she stood up and glared at all of them. "Alice, sweetheart, we have to be honest here. It was not all Bella's f…"
"I don't care whose fault it is! I don't care what my stupid brother did or didn't do, should or shouldn't have done! That's not the point here!" Alice was completely right in feeling how she did. This was the only truth I couldn't escape.
"Alice! Stop being so irrational!" Emmet tried to make her sit down, but she walked away from the table.
"No Emmet, she's right." I sighed walking towards her. She took two steps back, away from me. "If we're talking about being good friends here, that's exactly what I wasn't either. Alice has the right to feel betrayed and hurt by my actions. After all, she is my best friend." I looked directly at her, trying to make her understand that I knew I had hurt her and that I was really sorry about it. And that I loved her, even if she didn't want to continue being my friend anymore. I was now standing right in front of her.
"Let me go Emmet!" she yelled once more trying to get herself free from Emmet's arms.
"Alice, I'd appreciate it if you stopped yelling." Edward suddenly walked in and glared at her. "Nessie just fell asleep again and I don't want you to wake her up with this childish rant you've got going on." The look on my face must've given away my thoughts, "Don't worry Bella, I distracted her with some videos, she didn't hear anything." I closed my eyes and nodded.
Alice left the room and Jasper followed her. I just stood there, thinking what to do next, when Edward's first words caught up to me. Nessie was asleep, which meant it was late and time to leave.
"Oh no."
"What's wrong Bella?" Rose asked me.
"Nothing, it's just that now it's going to be a lot harder to get home, with Nessie asleep. I better go get Carlisle." I started to move but Edward's words stopped me.
"Stay."
"What?"
"Stay Bella. It's really late and Nessie's already sleeping. You don't want to wake her up do you?"
"I don't know." I hadn't expected this. I didn't feel comfortable with it at all.
"He's right Bella. It's really cold outside and she's already asleep. It's better if you just stay over." Rose said, resting her head on Emmet's shoulder.
"I'm sure dad will drive you to the hospital first thing tomorrow. You can sleep with Nessie on my bed, I'll sleep down here." There was genuine concern in Edward's voice. It surprised me in a good way. So I gave in.
Rosalie let me burrow a pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt. After I had changed I climbed into bed next to Nessie. It's needless to say I had a hard time falling asleep. Just the fact that I was in Edward's room, on his bed, it was just too much. I was assaulted by memories of the last time I had been on this same bed, with him. And the realization of what had happened that night hit me like a blast of ice water. It had been the first and only time I had been with any guy. And now that I thought about it, it really didn't count. It had been more pain than anything else and on top of that, I had gotten pregnant as a result. I was feeling very frustrated. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't change having Nessie for anything in this world, but I still felt cheated. My first time should've been something amazing to remember. Now, because of everything that had happened afterwards, it wasn't one of my nicest memories.
I think I finally fell asleep after midnight, after a lot of tossing and turning, not only done by me. I had forgotten Nessie moved a lot while sleeping. Her arms landed on top of my face countless times. I woke up with her head on my chest and her leg over me waist. I couldn't help but smile at my baby girl. She always brought a smile to my face, even at the oddest moments.
I dressed quietly and went downstairs to get a cup of coffee. I saw Edward was still asleep on the couch, so I tried to make as little noise as possible. He looked so peaceful and relaxed. I was about to go wake up Nessie when Edward woke up, and soon we were joined by Carlisle and Esme. It was then decided, or you could say I was convinced to ride with Carlisle to the hospital while Nessie stayed with Edward. Esme had suggested this, since she had yet to spend time with her granddaughter. Edward agreed to drive her later to see Charlie. I woke her up and let her know about this before leaving. She was still a bit drowsy, but she kissed me goodbye and settled on Edward's lap.
"Hey dad. You look so much better today." I walked into Charlie's room followed closely by Carlisle.
"I feel a lot better Bells. It's a Thanksgiving miracle." He chuckled as I kissed his forehead.
"It's good to see you so happy Charlie. I'll go check if we can maybe release you sooner." Carlisle checked Charlie's chart before leaving the room.
I poured Charlie a glass of water and sat on a side of his bed. He straightened up a little bit and made me look at him. "So? How did it go? Where is Nessie?"
I sighed. "She's at the Cullen's', with Edward and Esme. I guess it went ok. Nothing I wasn't expecting."
"That bad huh? I'm sorry Bells." Charlie squeezed my hand. "I hope you gave Edward a piece of your mind. And anyone else who was mean to you."
"I haven't really talked to Edward that much, yet. I was just trying to make everything as normal and as less traumatic as possible for Nessie."
"This isn't just about Nessie and you know it Bella. Don't use her as an excuse. You have to confront this situation. For your daughter's and your own sake." Chief Swan was back. Or at least his tone of voice was. I couldn't help but smile at him. It was so refreshing to see that my dad was starting to be himself again. He was still trying to figure out what I had found so amusing when Jacob walked in.
We had lunch together, while he made me tell him every detail of the previous day and Thanksgiving dinner at the Cullens. I felt so comfortable with Jacob, that I didn't mind telling him my thoughts about Edward and about what sleeping on his bed again had meant for me. He was just so sweet and understanding, and always said the right words. I felt like hugging him tightly, so that's what I did.
"Uncle Jake!" Nessie ran to him and he picked her up showering her with kisses. I noticed Edward standing back taking in the whole picture. He had a weird look on his face.
Jacob noticed him and put Nessie down, though she wouldn't let go of his hand. I kissed the top of her head and she smiled up at me.
"Edward." Jacob nodded at him.
"Jacob." Edward nodded back. "I see that you're still around."
"Of course I am." He smirked as he picked up Nessie again, just to spite Edward I was sure. When I saw Edward tense up I took it as my cue to say something.
"So baby, how was your morning? Did you have fun with Esme and Edward?" I took her hand as Jake put her down and we started walking towards Charlie's room. I could feel both Edward and Jacob walking behind me in complete silence, so I tried to focus on Nessie's words. Jacob said goodbye right outside Charlie's door, glaring at Edward the whole time. It was clear that the awkwardness that had existed between both of them when we were in high school was still present.
I opened Charlie's door and found Carlisle chatting with him. Charlie had a big grin on his face.
"Guess what Bells? I get to get home by Sunday! Isn't that awesome!" he looked like a little kid all excited. He was almost bouncing up and down on his bed. I laughed at him, while Nessie climbed up the bed to kiss him hello.
"That sound great dad. Are you sure it's safe?" I looked at Carlisle to be sure of his answer.
"It's perfectly safe Bella. It's about damned time too." Charlie answered making me glare at him.
"Language dad." I said looking at Nessie. "And as far as I remember, you're not the one with the doctor's degree here." I rolled my eyes at him, turning back to Carlisle.
"Yes Bella, it's safe. It seems Charlie is out of the woods…for now." As Charlie scoffed, Carlisle went on to recite all the precautions he would need to have on his job and with his diet from now on. I had to help him get settled into a more relax routine and be careful with what he ate on the coming days. He needed to take it real easy at first. I knew I had a big job coming. I had inherited a lot of things from Charlie, and one of them was his stubbornness.
I had completely forgotten about Edward until he spoke to Charlie.
"Chief Swan, I'm glad you're better now." He nodded his head at him while half smiling.
"Edward, thank you for bringing Nessie back to me." Charlie nodded back as he hugged Nessie tightly.
"You're squishing me grandpa!" Nessie giggled so Charlie let her go.
We all had to listen again to everything Nessie had eaten at the Cullens and everything grandma Esme had showed her. She looked so cute when she was rambling that way. None of us had the heart to stop her, even when Charlie fell asleep right beside her. After a few more minutes Carlisle stood up.
"Ok, visiting hours are over guys." He walked to the door.
"I guess I better go home and start preparing everything for Charlie. I'm sure his fridge is empty." I sighed, picking up my coat from the chair and getting Nessie into hers. And then I remembered.
"Oh crap."
"What happened?" both Carlisle and Edward asked at the same time.
"I just remembered I was going to rent a car today, but didn't get a chance to do it." I sat back down.
"Oh but that's not a problem Bella, Edward will drive you." Carlisle smiled at me, nudging Edward.
"He will?"
"I will?" I was sure Edward's expression mirrored mine at that moment.
"Sure. I don't see any problem with it." Carlisle winked at Nessie.
"Oh will you daddy? And then you can tell me more stories about Uncle Em and Aunt Alice on the way. Please!" Nessie was jumping up and down. I could see she had him totally wrapped around her little fingers.
"Ok let's go before it gets too late." Edward sighed and I giggled quietly.
Nessie smiled up at Carlisle who kissed her goodbye before disappearing out the door. I followed Edward and Nessie out of the room, after giving Charlie another kiss on his forehead. He was sound asleep.
SO…WHAT DO YOU THINK?? I KNOW IT ISN'T SO EXCITING YET, BUT I PROMISE NEXT CHAPTER WILL BE AWESOME….JUST IMAGINE EDWARD AND BELLA IN CHARLIE'S HOUSE WITH A VERY SOUND ASLEEP NESSIE…*GIGGLE*…HMM…WHAT WILL HAPPEN?? CAN YOU GUESS???
