Chapter 10

Life goes on

Jameson Chance Nomad was laid to rest on Saturday August 21st 2010 in a tiny white casket adorned with tiny blue flowers. Victoria had decided to call him Chance, he weighed 6 pounds 12 ounces and was 19 inches long and had a head full of bright red hair. It was later determined that the umbilical cord had knotted it self around his neck and caused him to be in distress.

When Edward told me what happened to Victoria's little boy, everything became very real . I had a life inside of me and I was responsible for this baby's health. I wasn't naïve in thinking that I could prevent everything, sometimes life turns on a dime, Chance had shown me that.

When Victoria came home a few days later, she was beside herself with grief. She didn't pull away from us. We were her family. The night of the funeral all 5 of us laid in her bed holding her, crying with her. We were sisters and we had to let her know we wouldn't abandon her and that no matter what we were here for each other.

I knew this wasn't the only tragedy that had ever bestowed Cullen House, Edward told me that Esme has seen a good bit of miscarriages and stillbirth happen in previous years, but that it always affected her sadly cause she could relate to the women. Victoria spent a lot of time with her in the weeks after Chance's burial. She decided to stay with Esme and finish school and go to bereavement counseling.

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September was here and I was trying to be happy about my upcoming birthday. Alice and Esme were just looking for an excuse to throw a party and Edward said that I should just give them free reign cause we all needed something to be happy about. I was oddly looking forward to it. It meant a transition to adulthood and independence. My second session with Claire was the first Wednesday after The drama with Renee's letter and Victoria's loss. It went as well as expected. She was concerned how Renee's judgment of me and the situation had set me back. I refused to let that woman get to me and I expressed that to Claire, I was done with people trying to stop my progress. I knew the truth and in the end I believe it is that will set me free.

Jasper Whitlock came down from new York to see Alice It was a beautiful sight to see her with him. He was so attentive and was just in awe of the fact he was going to be a father soon. Her parents weren't happy about the reunion, but Alice said she was meant to be with him and no one was going to tell her different. I was envious of Alice's and Jasper's romance. They were looking to stay in Arizona, She said her family was here. I had to agree with her, I felt as if my family was here except for Charlie.

I knew deep down when it was my time to go, I would be very upset. It was funny how several weeks ago, I hated the thought of being here and didn't want to leave my family and now these people were my family in every sense of the word. A few days before my birthday I was scheduled to have my first ultrasound. I was anxious to see the baby. I felt protective of the baby, but didn't feel maternal or not the way I thought one would feel maternal.

The ultrasound tech was a lady named Kate ,who came in generally once a month. She was beautiful blonde, but she had nothing on Rosalie . I climbed on the table and lowered my pants. I liked her already, her gel wasn't cold. I told her she had to show Edward that trick before she left. I wish I had my dad with me. Alice was with Esme shopping. Emily had to attend class. I wasn't sure where Rosalie and Edward were.

I tried to get a look at the monitor while she glided the wand across the warm gooey gel. I watched her punch some buttons on her keyboard and when I inquired what she was doing, she said she was taking measurements. Since Victoria situation was so fresh in my mind, I started to worry and I didn't relax until she turned the monitor for me to see the baby. There was a light knocking on the door that diverted my attention from the baby.

" Hey I didn't miss anything, did I?"

" No, Edward, I was just taking measurements and was just about to introduce the baby to Miss Swan"

I automatically didn't like how familiar she seemed with him, but I wasn't going to let the touch of jealously override the moment I get to met the life I had inside

Edward took off his coat and walked over to me and sat beside me in the chair. He took my hand and intertwined our fingers . Kate arched a brow in question, but he smiled at her and placed a kiss on my forehead.

" Hey, what are you doing here?, I wasn't expecting you"

" This is your first ultrasound and I didn't want to miss it"

" I thought everyone was busy, I didn't see you or Rosalie and I thought I would be doing this alone"

" Rosalie is talking to the carnival worker Emmett , that you all met last month and I told you before, that you are never alone, and I want to be there for everything, If you let me"

" Yeah, sure if you want to be"

" Are we ready to get started" Kate asked breaking Edward out of our spell

" Yes, Kate" Edward said slightly irritated

Edward moved his head closer to me as Kate was moving the wand over my bump and at time pressing slightly firmer then she had before.

" Okay Isabella you are measuring right on time for your due date and you are 15 weeks and 3days.

I was shocked that little being was inside of me. I glanced at Edward and I could see him looking at the monitor with a really huge smile on his face. It almost felt right for a minute, you know the whole mommy, daddy sharing in the joy of new life. He gave me that small piece of normalcy and I was grateful. We watched as the baby legs moved and the hands went to into the mouth and what may or may not been a wave.

My 18th birthday was one of my best ever. It was intimate and classy. Alice wanted us all to dress up and go to dinner. The last time I dressed up was prom. I was apprehensive, but she insisted. Alice dressed me in a merlot colored ,half shoulder dress. She paired it with a pair of black pumps, they had a low heel for obvious reasons. Rosalie wore a simple black cocktail dress and Alice was in a soft pink halter. Victoria put on a brave face and dressed in a simple light blue wrap dress . Emily showed off her new curves in a Navy strapless. Esme was the absolute picture of pure radiance in champagne colored silk . These ladies were absolutely breathtaking and I felt beautiful being near them. Edward wore a black suit and I noticed his tie matched my dress.

We had reservations at a small seafood restaurant. I had sudden craving for snow crab legs with lots of butter. We took pictures and had a very good conversation. I felt carefree and alive. This was a turning point in my life . I had requested no presents be given to me but it didn't take me long to realize they didn't listen to me. Emily handed me a black box and I opened it to reveal a beautiful silver herringbone bracelet on the back it was engraved with all the girls names Bella, Alice, Rosalie, Emily and Victoria sorelle per sempre .

" What does this say at the end" I asked

.

" It says Sisters Forever in Italian" Edward responded

I looked up from the bracelet with tears in my eyes and to see them all holding up their left arms to show me they had matching ones also. I was so touched.

I got up to give all the girls a hug. When I got back to my seat Edward was looking nervous.

" I know you said not to get you anything but I saw this and Rosalie said how much you she enjoyed reading the short stories that Victoria and you write and I wanted to get you this"

He handed me a leather bound journal with the words Il tuo cuore è la mia nuova casa written on the bottom in beautiful hand written calligraphy . I looked up at him and he was looking at bit apprehensive

" Are you going to tell me what this says in Italian"

" I'll tell you when you're ready to hear it"

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When I got home I went into the office with Edward to call my dad, I knew he would want to talk to me for my birthday, it was my first phone call since Renee's letter.

" Hi Chief Swan, how are you doing? Yes sir, Bella is doing wonderful. Would you like to speak with her"

" Hey, Dad

" Its so good to hear from you Bella, I've missed hearing your voice so much, How are you feeling?"

" I'm doing real good, I had my first ultrasound yesterday, Its still to early for the sex, but next time we should be able to find out. I have a meeting with adoption specialist next Tuesday

" Esme Invited me down for Thanksgiving, so that's when I'll come see you next, is that okay with you" Charlie asked

" um, aren't you going to share that with Renee, I don't think the Cullen's are going to let her come here"

I saw Edward Visibly stiffen at the mentioned of Renee and he moved closer to me, looking at me trying to gauge my emotions.

" Um Bella, after hearing about the letter, I had to have her arrested, what she done was illegal and I couldn't ignore it"

" Did Dr. Cullen Know?" I said looking at Edward

" Yes, I told him when he called me the Monday after it happened"

" Hmm, well anything else happened that I should have known about" I said still looking at Edward but now with an inquisitive brow

" The only new thing is that I have filed for divorce from Renee, so to answer your question, I will be coming alone"

I did know that my dad talked to Edward about the case, I wanted to ask but I didn't want my birthday to be marred by that topic. I made a note to ask later. But now I wanted to know why he kept Renee being arrested from me. In my heart I knew my dad wouldn't have arrested her unless he felt he did something seriously wrong, even I knew that being a cops daughter wasn't a get out of jail free ticket. He told me Happy birthday and I wished him a good night and that I would call again next Monday.

I stood in the office, looking at Edward. His eyes didn't falter from mine.

" Bella, if you looking for an apology, your not going to get one from me"

" How come you didn't tell me?"

" I've already told you, I will do everything possible to protect you and the baby and if that means making a decision not to tell you things right away, then so be it and I will gladly have you mad at me, if that means you are safe and healthy at the end of the day"

" How come you are only this way with me, touching me and hugging me, you sleep near me when I am hurt. I've never seen you shower the others with this much attention, and I want to know why"

" Do i make you uncomfortable when I touch you?."

The air was thick with tension and the closer he walked towards me the worse it got.

" Tell me" he growled

" No, I feel safe with you. I know you would never hurt me. I don't know why, I just do"

" That's how I feel, you're special to me. I don't know why but my life make more sense with you in it"

" This wont last, I have plans after my time in Cullen house is over"

He placed his right hand landed on my hip and rubbed my slightly bigger baby bump with his thumb. He began walking me backwards and we abruptly stopped when my back hit the bookcase he look into my eyes and I saw them hooded with lust and wondered if mine matched his. I could feel the wetness in my panties, I had never had such a strong physical reaction to man ever.

Edward tilted his head and grazed my collarbone with his tongue

The wetness got worse and I clinched my thighs together to try to relieve it

His lips ghosted my ear and I could feel his mouth open.

" Plans always change Isabella"

AN: I want to Thank everyone who has reviewed this story and the ones who told me your personal story in dealing with being a teen mom or dealing with the loss of a child. They truly touched my heart *** Fangs*** 1/9/11... Today is my oldest daughter Kayla's 15th birthday. She was born when I was 16 and the light of my life. We have gone through so much together and I thank the heavens for her every day.