Chapter 7

Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters.

Here is another chapter. I'm sorry if there are mistakes with the spelling and grammar. Enjoy :)

Bella drove her truck to The Cullens' house. She stopped at the side on the road in her way there. She called Alice's phone. Alice picked up the call after the third ring. "Hey, Alice." Bella greeted quietly. She tried to sound normal, but apparently Alice knew her too much.

"Bella? What happened?" Alice asked immediately sensing there was something wrong in Bella's voice.

"Can I stay at your house tonight?" Bella asked, not answering Alice's question.

"Of course, but what happened?" Alice asked, still confused.

"I'll tell you later, okay? I'm on my way to your house. See you, Alice."

"Alright, I'll wait. Be careful," Alice said before ending the phone call.

Bella continued to drive to Alice's house. She parked the truck in the street in front of Alice's house. Alice was already waiting for her arrival at the front porch. She stood up immediately after she saw Bella's truck stopped. Her eyes fell to the bags that Bella had brought from her house. Alice wanted to open her mouth instantly to question her best friend about the bags, but she restrained her curiosity and helped Bella carried her bags into the house. Esme and Carlisle were not home at the moment. This fact provided the two girls more privacy and less questioning parents. And the girls really needed that, especially in this kind of circumstances.

Alice brought two of Bella's bags to her bedroom where Bella would be staying for the night. Bella settled another two bags besides the bags that Alice had brought in front of Alice's walk-in-closet. Alice was sitting at the couch that was placed across from her bed. She was waiting for Bella to join her there. Bella took her time settling her bags before she turned her head to Alice's direction. She could see the impatience in Alice's eyes. Bella sighed and walked slowly to the couch. She knew that there were questions that were waiting for her.

Alice reached out her hand to hold Bella's. "Tell me what happened, Bella," she said, slightly begging her best friend.

Bella smiled sadly. "Well, I came home to see my parents and Angela had been waiting for me," Bella stopped for a moment to control her emotion by taking a deep breath. "It seemed like someone had informed them that I'm pregnant. They, especially my dad questioned me about it. In short, he wanted to know who the father was, but I couldn't tell him, Alice. I just couldn't. Not yet anyway," Bella continued before the sobs came to her.

Alice pulled Bella into a hug. She stroked Bella's arm to calm her. After a few minutes and Bella's cry was ceased, Alice asked again. "Then what happened?"

"Dad said that he wanted to know who the father was or I had to leave the house and the town," Bella whispered her answer.

There were so many things that came to Alice's mind. So many questions that she wanted to ask. But, she tried to hold them back and sorted them out in her head before asking them. "Okay, first of all, why couldn't you just tell him Bella? Surely it was not because that stupid arrangement wasn't it?"

Bella cringed hearing Alice's last words. "Alice, Edward is in comma. He can't defend himself. What if dad decided to do something to him?"

"That is ridiculous," Alice protested instantly. "I know you can't suggest that Charlie can do some harm to someone in that condition."

"Okay, well, maybe not. What I was saying is that dad must want to ask questions and Edward is not in condition to be able to answer them. And if dad can't interrogate him, dad would just judge him. I really don't want dad to misunderstand Edward."

"Okay, fine that might be true. But, Charlie couldn't judge Edward too badly, Bella. He agreed for Edward marrying one of his daughters. That means he may think that at least Edward is good enough for his daughter," Alice argued again.

"Yes, he might be agreed for Edward marrying his daughter, but the daughter in the question is Angela, Alice, not me. He wanted, no scratch that, he wants Edward to marry Angela. He has planned that. You know that my dad is a man that is always stick to his plan. He will be angrier to me if I ruined his plan."

"So, it's about that stupid arrangement, isn't it?" Alice snapped. It seemed like she really hated that marriage arrangement.

"Alice, as long as the arrangement is still on go, I can't think that as a stupid arrangement," Bella said coldly.

"Fine, I'm sorry. You're right. That arrangement is still a serious problem as long as it hasn't been canceled," Alice gave in before sighing. "What is your plan now?" she asked slowly.

Bella shook her head. "I don't know. I have to go away from here now. Dad wants me to," she answered weakly.

"You know you can stay here for as long as you want, right?" Alice offered kindly.

"No, I can't stay here, Alice," Bella refused immediately.

"Why not?"

"Dad wants me out. Not only out of the house, but also out of the town."

"Bella, that's stupid. Your father doesn't have any right to kick you out of town," Alice protested half-yelling.

"I know. But, he wants me to, Alice. And I can't stay here. I know that legally I can just stay here, but I don't want any more confrontation. Besides that, people will talk. And also dad's right. I have brought him shame, and I shouldn't stay to give him more embarrassment," Bella explained sadly.

"That's not true, Bella. As a father, he should help you, especially in this kind of situation when you need him the most. He should look after you, not kick you out like this," Alice said sadly to give her best friend support.

Bella smiled sadly. "That may be true, but Charles Swan is a very prideful man. He's old fashion, especially in this kind of situation. He raised me to be a better woman, but I bring him shame. Despite of the things he said or did to me, he's still my father. I don't want to anger him more. I just hope that one day he can accept me for who I am and what I choose for my life. That's why I need to go away now before there's too much damage to our relationship."

"So you want to go? Where will you go?" Alice said with concern in her voice.

Bella shrugged. "I'm not sure yet. Maybe I can go back to Seattle. At least I have a place to stay there."

"Bella, you can stay here. Charlie doesn't need to know that you're here," Alice suggested.

Bella shook her head. "No. I can't stay here. I don't want to be a burden to your family, Alice. I know that you and your parents won't mind if I want to stay here. And if we're talking about a few days, I may choose to stay here. But, we're talking about unlimited time, Alice. I can't intrude your family for that long time."

"Bella, you're like a sister to me. We love you."

"I know. But, I can't, Alice. Besides, it's not just me anymore. I have to think about this baby too. I have to find a job, so I can provide for him or her," Bella tried to explain.

"But, what about Edward? Will you just leave him like that?"

Suddenly, tears were pouring down Bella's cheeks. "I don't know, Alice. It's the thing that makes me uneasy to leave. I can't be separated from him like this, Alice. I don't know what to do." Bella cried again.

Alice just pulled her into her embrace to soothe her. "Shh.. It's gonna be fine, Bella. We can talk to Jasper or my parents. Maybe they can offer some plan or solution for this problem, okay?" Alice said trying to calm Bella. Bella didn't say anything and just nodded her head. "Why don't you just take a rest? You must be exhausted. We'll talk again tomorrow, okay?" she suggested.

Bella nodded her head again and walked to Alice's bed. She just felt the energy had been drained from her body. She really felt exhausted.


Jasper came to the house the next day. He planned to ask Alice out, but he was shocked when he found his girlfriend and her best friend in a bad condition. He asked them what had happened immediately. So, the girls filled him in about the situation.

"Hmm.. Bella, I think I can help," Jasper said after hearing the whole problem from Bella and Alice's story. "I have an aunt.."

"Jasper, I really don't want to burden anyone," Bella said before Jasper could elaborate his plan.

Jasper rolled his eyes. He knew that Bella would react like this at first. But, he also knew that his offer would be a good plan for her if she could be a little more patient to hear his plan. "Please listen to my plan first before you decide not to use it, okay?"

Bella sighed. "I'm sorry Jasper. I didn't mean to make it seem that your plan was bad. It was just the way you start your explanation that made me a little wary," she said trying to explain her reason. "I'm really sorry. I really didn't mean to offend you," she added.

"It's okay, Bella. I understand. It's like your habit to make sure that you don't burden anyone. But, Bella, please keep your mind open while you listen to my plan, okay?" Jasper asked Bella. Bella nodded her head as a sign that she agreed. "Alright, here's the plan. I have an aunt. She lives at Port Angeles. She has a diner there. It's usually pretty busy there. I think that you can get a job there.."

"Jasper, I know that I need a job, or maybe even jobs, in order to survive this situation. But, I really don't want to force your aunt to hire me," Bella cut Jasper's words.

"I think I need a new request. Please, listen to my plan first before you protest, okay?"

Alice chuckled listening to her best friend and her boyfriend argued. "Alright, you two, listen up. Bella, please stop interrupting Jasper. He can think of some useful plans.. sometimes," Alice added her last word while grinning at Jasper.

"Thank you, baby," he answered with sarcastic tone in his voice.

Alice giggled for a few second before she could gain her composure again. She turned her head to Bella. "No, seriously, Bella. Stop interrupting him."

"Fine. I won't say anything until you finished telling me your plan," Bella gave in.

"Good. We're getting off the topic here," Jasper said with thankful note to Bella. "Where was I?" he asked and thought for a second. "Oh yeah, you can get a job at my aunt's diner. Besides that, I'm sure that she can help you with your situation. Wait, remember your promise to not interrupt me," Jasper warned when he saw Bella's intention. "My aunt lives with her husband. They don't have any children because my aunt can't have children. She.. uhmm.. let's just say that she had some history that can make her understand your situation. I'm sure that she can help you, Bella. You can get a job at a diner. And in the beginning, I think you can stay with my aunt and uncle. So, that way you don't have to pay rent."

"I don't know, Jasper. I don't know your aunt, but I have to crash in her house. I'm not sure that's a good idea. Besides, if I have to stay at other people's place, what difference will they be if I stay here?"

"The difference is you will get a job if you stay there. If you feel uneasy, then I'm sure my aunt can cut your salary as a change for paying the rent."

"Jasper, I don't think that it can be permanent solution." This time it was Alice who threw an argument.

"I know," Jasper agreed instantly. "The question is: Are you looking for a permanent solution?" he asked Bella. Bella frowned at Jasper's question. "Because I think you're no looking for a permanent solution, right Bella?"

"I don't know, Jasper," Bella admitted.

"You're still waiting for Edward to wake up, aren't you? So, for the time being, my plan can be a good solution. It can be good for a few months. And after that, hopefully Edward will be awake by then. But, just in case he doesn't, at least you can be back on your feet," Jasper suggested to Bella. "When you finally have a little saving, you can decide what you will do next later. You can stay with Aunt Rose, I'm sure she won't mind, or you can look for other jobs," he continued when the two girls didn't say anything. "And the most important thing is Port Angeles is closer than Seattle from here."

That point got Bella's attention. Jasper was right. Port Angeles was close enough from Forks. She could be closer to Edward. She wouldn't be in town, but she could get to Edward faster than if she stayed at their apartment in Seattle.

Jasper could see the changes in Bella's demeanor after she heard what he had said. "Alice and I can check on Edward, so you can get report regularly. After the summer vacation ends, I'm sure Carlisle won't mind calling you to tell you about Edward's condition," he added. "And one more thing. I think you need to take some time off from the university."

"What? Why?" Alice protested immediately. "She won't be due until spring."

"Jasper's right, Alice. I need the time to work and build a nest. So, I can be prepared when the baby arrives," Bella agreed with Jasper's suggestion. "Jasper, I can't agree with your plan though. What if your aunt doesn't want to help?"

"Well, why don't we call my aunt now to make sure that she wants to help?" Jasper suggested while taking his phone from his pocket. He dialed a number and waited for a few seconds before the call was answered. "Hello, Aunt Rose," he greeted politely.

"Jasper? Well, I have to say that it's a little unusual for you to call me," Aunt Rose answered jokingly.

Jasper chuckled hearing his aunt's reply. "I'm sorry I didn't call often, Aunt," he answered.

Aunt Rose laughed a little. "It's fine. But, I think you have something to tell me if you can find the time to call me now?"

"Hmm. Yeah, sort of," Jasper answered hesitantly.

"What is it, Jasper? Do you get in a trouble or something? You're not calling from jail, right?"

Jasper laughed hearing his aunt's accusation. "Of course not. Do you not know me at all? Really? Jail?"

"Well, I do know you. I do know that it was hard to predict things you do. So, I just guess. I'm glad that you're not in jail because I'm not sure I would come and bail you out if you are," Aunt Rose teased him.

"No, Aunt Rose. You don't have to bail me out. But, I do have some problem, or at least it is my friend that has a problem," Jasper admitted.

"Oh? Okay, what is it? Is it something that I can help with?" Aunt Rose asked with concern in her voice.

"Well, my friend needs some help and I think you may be able to help her."

"Her? Are you talking about your little girlfriend?"

"No, it's not Alice who's in trouble. It is our best friend. Her name is Bella."

"Okay. So what is the trouble this Bella has?"

"Hmm.. she had a fight with her father. And he kicked her out. She really needs a place to stay and a job. I think you can help her, especially in the job front. Can she work at your diner?" Jasper asked carefully.

"Hmm.. I don't mind helping your friend, Jasper. But I do need to know if she can handle the job first before I can I hire her," Aunt Rose answered kindly. "Besides, if you're hoping her to be able to stay with me, I need to know the whole problem first before I agree," she added.

"Fair enough. The whole problem is a little complicated. So, if you want to know about that, what about we come to visit you tomorrow?" Jasper suggested while he made the signal to Bella and Alice silently asking if that was okay. Alice and Bella nodded immediately.

"That sounds like a good idea. What about you come at the afternoon to the diner? We can talk in my office. Besides, maybe I'll be able to see if your friend has a capability to work at my diner?" Aunt Rose suggested back.

"Sounds good. I'll talk to her about it. Thanks, Aunt Rose," he said before saying goodbye to his aunt. He faced Bella and Alice and told them what his aunt had told him. Bella agreed to come to his aunt's diner, so she could be interviewed by his aunt directly. Sort of.


Elizabeth lifted her head from her son's face when she heard the door was opened. She half-expected it to be Alice Cullen because it had been three days since the girls came. Alice or Jasper usually came every day, but neither of them had come since three days ago. Elizabeth became more concerned and suspicious about things that had been going between her son and his so-called three best friends. Though, she suspected that Isabella was more than friend to her son, she still couldn't be sure about them. Despite all of the marriage arrangement business, Elizabeth just wanted what was best for her son and what could make him happy, so she was kinda expecting to see Alice or Jasper. She just wanted to get to the bottom of the things. That was why she was a little surprised and disappointed to see Renee at the door.

Despite her feeling and curiosity, Elizabeth greeted her best friend with a smile. But, the smile that Renee gave her was a little off. That was why Elizabeth knew that something had gone wrong. She asked Renee to sit at the couch before she sat there herself. She offered Renee drink, but her best friend refused it. Elizabeth watched Renee fidgeted at her seat with her hands held each other tightly. Elizabeth frowned at her friend. She reached out her hand to grasp Renee's hands and stop her fidgeting.

"What happened, Renee?" Elizabeth asked kindly.

Renee threw wry smile to Elizabeth's direction before shaking her head. "Nothing," she mumbled.

"Come on, Renee. You know you can talk to me about anything. We're best friends," Elizabeth said trying to persuade her friend to talk.

Renee shook her head. "I don't know. I don't want to burden you with my problem. You already have your hands full right now," she said while glancing at Edward's direction. "I'm sorry I couldn't be here these last few days," she added after turning her eyes back to Elizabeth.

"It's fine, Renee. There's no change about Edward at all," Elizabeth answered with sad expression. "But, we were talking about your problem. What happened?" she asked again.

Renee took a deep breath trying to calm herself, but some sobs still escaped from her lips. "Bella.." That was the only word that left her mouth before she couldn't control her sobs anymore.

Elizabeth watched Renee with concerned expression. Besides Renee, she was also concerned about Isabella. From the reaction Renee gave after saying her name, Elizabeth could see that there was a problem regarding Isabella. She pulled Renee into her hug to try to calm her best friend. Her hands caressed Renee's back. "Sshh.. It's okay.. It's okay. Whatever it is, it's gonna be okay, honey," Elizabeth said kindly.

After a few minutes of crying, Renee could calm herself a little. She took a few deep breaths while wiping the tears on her face with tissue. Elizabeth could see that Renee got a little better, so she tried to ask again. "So, what happened with Isabella?" she asked slowly.

"She fought with Charlie. You know that Angela maybe inherited Charlie's seriousness or planning ability, but Bella is the one who inherited his stubbornness. So, when they fought, they fought hard. They are both stubborn and hard-headed. And in the end, both of them didn't want give in to each other. So, Charlie kicked Bella out of the house," Renee ended her story with new sobs.

Elizabeth gasped hearing her friend's story. "You.. you mean Isabella went away?" she asked still feeling a little shaken.

Renee nodded her head because she couldn't find her voice. She sobbed a little more.

Elizabeth's hand went back to caress Renee's back. She didn't say anything, but her mind went back to three nights ago when the last time she saw Isabella. "When did this happen, Renee? When did Isabella leave the house?" she asked again to fulfill her curiosity and suspicion.

"Three days ago," Renee answered, proving to Elizabeth that her suspicion had been right.

Elizabeth's mind went to Isabella's face that night. That girl had looked shaken. And Elizabeth thought that she had seen traces of tears on Isabella's face. Maybe, that was why the girl had cried. Because she had been kicked out of her house. But why didn't she come here anymore? What could possibly have happened that could cause her not to see Edward anymore? Could it be that that night Isabella came here to say goodbye? But why?

"Charlie really doesn't want to have anything to do with Bella anymore. And Bella didn't want to come home. I couldn't know exactly where she had gone. All I know is that she is safe and she has a place to stay. Alice has helped her, but The Cullens didn't want to tell me where Bella is," Renee explained with sobs and sniffs here and there. "I didn't know what to do anymore, Lizzie," she added.

"It's gonna be okay, Renee." Elizabeth didn't know what to say anymore to her best friend, so she just tried to calm her.

"No, it's not gonna be okay if none of them want to apologize. I don't know what to do to make them forgive each other. They are too stubborn," Renee said sadly. "I can't just let Bella go like that. I can't lose another child, Lizzie," Renee said with tears pouring down her eyes.

Elizabeth pulled her into a hug again. She knew what Renee meant. She had helped Renee to get over it before, but she knew that Renee wouldn't be healed once again if the same thing happened again. Elizabeth didn't know what to say more, so she just sat there and tried to calm Renee.

Elizabeth tried to hold back her curiosity about the problem. But, she couldn't help it but wanting to know what exactly happened that had made Charlie so mad. "What did they fight about?" Elizabeth asked again carefully. She didn't want to appear too interested in what had happened. But, she still needed to know the problem.

Renee lifted her face to see her friend's face. She begged a silent understanding for what she needed to say next. "Bella's pregnant and Charlie wanted to know the father. But, Bella didn't want to tell us who the father is. That was why Charlie kicked her out of the house," Renee explained.

Elizabeth froze at her seat. She didn't hear the rest of the sentence. Her head was buzzing instantly the second she heard the two words that Renee had said. Bella's pregnant. Isabella was pregnant. All Elizabeth could think was the possibility that the child could be her grandchild if her suspicion was right.

A/N: So, what do you think? Hope you like it..

Thanks for the people who had reviewed last chapter. And also thanks for the time you guys had spent to read this story. Please leave a comment in the box below :) Love you, guys..