So...
I have the reviews!
You guys are amazing! I find it incredible that my fave reviewer, Blonde Pickle Mule, has the ability to read and review my cha[ters within five or ten minutes after i post them. It's crazy! But i love it! :D
As promised, there is the knock-your-socks-off surprise in this chapter. I guess you'd get that from the title :D
This has to be my longest chapter! It's fourteen pages on Open Office and that in size 11! It has over 10,000 words, people! *cyber high five* :D
I know that you guys are eager to read on so i won't keep you :D
Disclaimer: I DON'T OWN TWILIGHT. STEPHANIE MEYER DOES. I'M JUST BORROWING HER CAHARCTERS AND INTERACTING THEM WITH MY OWN =)
I hope you enjoy...
Chapter 10
Surprise! And A Half
I was disorientated when I woke up in the morning. I didn't know where I was or when it was. It looked very bright outside. The clouds rolled over the sun but patches in a cloud exposed it. The birds sang and there was a light breeze beside me.
When I opened my eyes, a familiar face was looking back at me, smiling. Seth lay next to me with his arms around me that didn't show any sign of letting go. He smiled wider at my content sigh but then I remembered what happened the night previously and I gasped. Instinctively, Seth's arms tightened around me.
"What happened? Where am I?" I asked, panicked.
"Shh. You're okay, Sweetheart. I'll never let anything happen to you, you know that." he comforted me in my ear, his breath on my neck helping his cause and I could feel myself relax into him. Smiling, he pulled back, gazing at me for a couple of minutes before saying, "We're in your room. Don't worry, Charlie knows I'm in here. You collapsed last night. I'm guessing the whole thing with the Volturi just took its toll on you...I'm sorry I overreacted, I just...nothing good has ever come from their involvement and I hate the thought of you in danger."
I placed a finger on his lips, shushing him. He smiled, kissing my finger before removing it while still fiddling with my fingers, lazily and waiting for me to speak, "It's okay, Seth. I know You're protective and want me safe and I love you for it, really. I;m sure between you, the guys and the Cullens, I will be safe. Safer than anyone else in the world."
"You bet on it." he agreed, pulling down on his chest. I smiled, snuggling closer to his warmth as we just lay beneath my covers in comfortable silence. Of course, that was until Seth's stomach growled like the engine of a huge Hummer vehicle you'd expect Emmett to drive. I giggled, looking up at his sheepish, innocent face as he rubbed his tummy with his free hand. "You think it may be breakfast time yet?"
"Your stomach seems to think so." I chuckled, kissing his chest lightly before sitting up. I glanced at the clock. 7:10am. Charlie doesn't leave for work until 7:30 so he must be up. I looked back at Seth to see him watching me with his hands linked behind his head. I smiled, shyly. "What?"
"Huh?"
"Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked, embarrassed. He smiled and sat up, stroking my cheek with the back of his hand.
"You look beautiful in the mornings, well, all day, but especially in the mornings." he murmured, grinning at my blush. "I could get used to waking up with you too."
I smiled at that. I, too, loved waking up in his arms this morning. "Me too, Baby." I replied, tenderly. He smiled wider. Then of course, his stomach chose this prime, tender moment to interrupt with its growling and we both laughed. I patted his belly. "Come on, Big Guy, let's get some food in you."
"Yes, please." Seth said in an Oliver Twist sort of way. I laughed, climbing out of bed and I heard a light groan from his throat. I smiled, glancing down at myself to see myself in only underwear. I suppose he couldn't be bothered to redress me in pyjamas last night then?
"Down boy, my father is on the premises." I warned and he stalked towards me, seductively, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me flush to his body. I gasped and he smirked before whispering in my ear,
"I know...but I wish to god that he wasn't."
At that, my heart accelerated and I pulled away before things could escalate passed the point where I cared whether or not my father was in the next room. I took a deep breath and went to my closet, pulling out a pair on black skinny jeans and a plain green cotton top before slipping them on. Out the corner of my eyes, I could see Seth watching me and the obvious disappointment creep on his face as I covered my body. I smirked, snatching up his cutt offs and throwing them at his chest. He caught them absently.
"Get dressed and I'll go start breakfast." I ordered, slipping out my bedroom door to see Charlie coming down the stairs. He smiled over at me.
"Morning, Izzie." he called, cheerfully but I could sense an underlining of concern. I smiled at him, reassuringly as I hugged him around his waist. "How are you this morning?"
I sighed, letting go of him and leading the way into the kitchen. "I'm fine, Dad. I was just run down last night. I'm okay, I promise." I told him. He nodded but still looked slightly concerned. "Really, Dad."
"Morning, Chief." Seth greeted as he walked into the kitchen. He smiled, warmly at him and my heart swelled at the sight. My Dad liked my boyfriend, what more could I need? He kissed me on the cheek before heading to the fridge and pulling out a jug of freshly squeezed orange juice I'd made a couple of days ago and pouring three glasses. Dad and I thanked him as we took a sip before I started to breakfast.
Because I knew that I had Seth, the bottomless pit, to feed, I made more than I usually did. I placed a tower of pancakes, bacon and eggs, omelette and fresh fruit in the middle of the table ten minutes later and we all dug in. We enjoyed a comfortable silence for a few minutes but then my father decided to strike a conversation.
"So what's on the agenda for the two of you today?" he asked, sipping his juice. I looked at Seth and he shrugged. I rolled my eyes. It's always up to me.
"Well, it's Sunday. I have some homework and laundry to do before we do anything else but I guess we'll just go down to La Push, if that's okay with you?" I directed that last bit at Seth. He smiled and nodded, sincerely. I smiled.
"I'm going fishing with Billy today so I'll be back a little later than normal." Charlie informed me. I smiled and nodded. He loves fishing. I have a whole freezer full of fish to get through still. We fell into more comfortable silence and I took the picture in front of me with more intensity. I loved it. I loved having breakfast with my Dad and my boyfriend on a sunny day like it was, so rarely, in Forks today. I loved that it felt right and comfortable. From what Bella told me, she never had this between Dad, Edward and herself. One because he was vampire and didn't eat but two because Dad just didn't like him much. I felt sorry for the fact that she's missed out on something so great.
Seth caught my gaze and smiled, widely at me, making my heart swoon as he grasped my hand, gently beneath the table. I squeezed his hand and his smile widened.
After breakfast, Dad had to head straight off to the station, leaving me and Seth alone. I found this a perfect opportunity to load the washer up with laundry and give the kitchen counters a once over as Seth lounged on the couch, watching my Dad's TV. Every so often, I heard him shouting in encouragement or disbelief at the game he was watching and it made me chuckle every time. He was just as bad as Charlie when it came to baseball. I, like Bella, have never seen its appeal. Never have; never will.
After cleaning the kitchen, I grabbed my school bag and went into the lounge, seeing Seth poised on the edge of his seat as if ready to jump up in celebration. Even though I was expecting it, it still made me jump when he shot up from his seat, shouting, "Homerun!" before flopping back down again with a wide grin on his face. It was then he noticed me and smiled sheepishly before beckoning me over. I sat in his lap with my Calculus book in hand and I solved math problems while he screamed at the TV. Not the best environment to concentrate but I managed. When the game finished, he turned the TV off and just watched me work for about half an hour before he spoke,
"You work way too much." he said, chuckling lightly. I shrugged. He smiled, burying his face into my neck, kissing lightly. "My busy little bee."
I chuckled. "That's me. I'm just about finished anyway." I informed him. He nodded.
"I love you." he murmured after a while. I smiled, leaning back into him more.
"I love you more." I replied. He chuckled, shaking his head.
"Not possible."
We sat there cuddling on the couch for a good few minutes. He stroked anywhere his hands could reach as he nuzzled my neck or cheek, lovingly. It reminded me how actual wolves act towards each other when they are in love. One would caress the other's neck or snout with their own and it always seemed like such an intimate, loving gesture every time I'd see it on TV. I snuggled up to his chest, my head resting on his shoulder as I took in his scene, so sweet.
After a couple more minutes, I pulled back smiling. He smiled back, kissing the tip of my nose. "How's about we get out of here? Go to La Push?" I suggested. He smiled and nodded, hoisting me up from the couch and carrying me bridal-style to my room so that we could retrieve our shoes. He pulled on his sneakers after sitting me on the bed before digging through my closet for a suitable pair for me. He came up with some purple converse high tops that matched my top and he slipped them on, not even giving me the chance to. He, again, reminded me of Prince Charming.
I noticed that he was being extra careful with me this morning and I think that last night really scared him. I know that he thought I could hold my own to an extent but this was the Volturi, a group of sadistic vampires and then, not to mention my collapsing last night too. This was just his way of making sure I was safe and secure and in a way, to ease his mind too because he just loved me that much, I knew. The truth was though, I was going to be fine and I told him as much. He agreed but never let up on his gentle actions as if I was made of the finest china glass. He was just making sure I was okay. Which I was.
The ride to La Push was made in comfortable silence. He held my hand as they rested in my lap. Every once in a while, he'd give mine a squeeze, reminding me of his presence. As if I could forget. We pulled up at his house some time later and Leah was out somewhere. Sue was in though and she greeted me with a sweet smile and a warm, welcoming hug.
"Hello, Dear." she greeted. I smiled.
"Hey, Ms Clearwater."
"Sue, please."
"Of course, Sue." I amended. She smiled.
"How was Seattle?" she asked, strolling into the kitchen with us on her trail. As soon as he saw them, Seth snatched up a muffin from the cooling rack and Sue slapped his arm with a wooden spoon. "Ladies, first!".
"Sorry...Muffin?" Seth asked, holding one out to me. I smiled and took it, thanking him before he went back to his.
"Seattle was nice. We were lucky it was sunny. We took a walk through the park and I found a car." I told her. She nodded, listening with interest. , of course, missed out the broken nose, interrogations and the buffet. She didn't need to hear that but by the luck on his face, I knew Seth was thinking about them all. I rolled my eyes at him and smiled at Sue.
"That's great, Dear. I'm glad you had a nice time." she said, genuinely. She was such a sweet woman. Losing Harry must have been hard on her. Poor soul. But then, she seems to have Charlie now. Hmm? I wonder.
"Mom, we're going to the beach. We'll be back later, okay?" Seth informed her, jumping down from the counter he was perched upon. She smiled and nodded, calling farewell as Seth lead me out the back door and towards the woods. I smiled when I realised I was going to see him in his wolf glory again. "Hold on a sec."
And with that, he disappeared behind a huge bush. I smiled and then frowned as a pair of cut offs and sneakers were launched at me. I snagged them and chuckled, holding on to them as Seth's wolf stepped from behind the bush and my breath caught. I've seen Seth in his wolf form three times and I never get over it. He was so beautiful. His sandy fur looked so luscious and soft. I just wanted to run my hair through it. I walked towards him, without an ounce of fear and stroked his nose. He whined, nudging my cheek. Chuckling, I scratched behind his ear.
The first time I did that had me in hysterics. His face contorted in pleasure as his head tilted towards my hand in a gesture that he liked it. He actually made something like a purr at the back of his throat. It was so adorable but what he did now was even better. He did what I'd stated before but this time, he flopped onto his back with his paws in the air, exposing his belly to me. I laughed, much like I had the first time and got on my knees.
Shaking my head, I chuckled, "You dirty old dog, Seth," as I tickled his belly. His leg twitched, making me laugh and shake my head again. "You're so adorable, Baby. I love it when You're in this form."
He whined again and got back up on all fours before inclining his head towards his back. I smiled, gathering his clothing back up and saddled his back. I clutched onto his fur, burying my face into his shoulder blade and I could feel the wind whipping around us as he ran through the woods and towards the beach. We arrived a few seconds later. He was so fast. I slid down from his back and waited until he was human before throwing him his clothes. He walked towards me, smiling brightly as he wrapped an arm around my shoulder, pulling me to snuggle into his side as we walked towards the edge of the trees.
"Hey! You're here!" Jacob called from a few feet away as we approached, smiling. He pulled me up into a big hug. "What was that about last night? You scared us half to death!"
I smiled sheepishly when he put me down. "I know. I'm sorry. I was just really tired, apparently. The Volturi thing didn't help." I explained. They nodded, seriously.
"Don't worry about them, okay? You're safe." Sam assured me. I smiled and nodded, thankfully.
"I know. Thank you." I replied. They just smiled.
"Pull up a blanket, Izzie. There's enough." Emily called from her own beside Rachel and Kim. I smiled, kissing Seth cheek before walking over.
"Hey, Girls." I greeted. They replied, collectively as I laid down next to Rachel.
We spent the rest of that day sunbathing and playing on the beach until it got too cold for us girls and we headed back to Jacob's house. There, us girls made dinner, as per usual, while the guys watched a football game this time, instead of a baseball game. Thankfully, now that my secret was out, I could eat my vegetarian dinner without qualm or confessions and we all snuggled up with our other halves in front of the TV while we all watched a soppy rom-com that us girls coaxed the guys into watching. I saw that Paul, Quil and Embry were falling asleep. Jacob and Jared was already asleep. Sam was paying Emily more attention than the movie. What was Seth doing? I'll tell you what he was doing. He was slipping his hands to places they ought not to be while in a room full of people. I sat on his lap with his right arm resting on my thigh and his left curled around my waist, so close to the side of my breast. I gave him a warning glance but he just gazed back, innocently. I scowled but watched the movie again. But his hands were ever moving and I had to physically retrain and move his hands before the others noticed. It was at this point that Seth decided to speak out.
"Hey, guys, we're going to go. Izzie needs to get home." he announced and I frowned., He's such a liar. Then he gave me a sly smile that had my heart racing and I think I blushed. Oh...right.
"Um...yeah, Seth's right. Let's go." I said, hopping up. I could see the girls give me knowing smiles but the guys were totally oblivious and smiled, genuinely.
"Alright, see ya. Take care, Izzie." Jared called. We waved and headed out back to the woods so that he could phase and run us...
"Which house?" I asked Seth as he stepped behind the bush, realising where we could be going. Charlie was home at my house. Sue was at home at his. He smirked, peeping from behind it. It sent my heart pounding.
"My house. Mom's at Charlie's tonight." he informed me before throwing me his clothes. I caught them and he stepped out, not wasting any time to get me on his back and race through the woods towards his house.
We arrived mere minutes later and he let me down. I tossed him his clothes and he phased back. He wrapped his arm around me, not realising that I was shivering slightly as he warmed me up and we walked through his kitchen door. Kissing my cheek, he went straight to the fridge and pulled out the ingredients to make sandwiches and two sodas. I watched as he made us both ham and cheese sandwiches before he lead me up the stairs to his room. He started the fire before flopping down on his couch, placing the soda on the little side table before holding his arms open for me. I smiled, walking over in the low light of the fireplace and curled up in his lap, snuggling my face into his neck.
"I like this." I murmured, gazing at the flickering flames. I heard him sigh, contentedly.
"Me too..." he trailed off as if there was a but. I waited but he didn't continue.
"But?" I prompted, fearful. He pulled back from me to look me in the eyes before smiling that same sly smile I saw at Jacob's house. I blushed, diverting my gaze as he shifted us so that he was hovering over me on the couch.
"But...i know something I'll like better..." he trailed off again, dipping his head into my neck to plant feather light kisses there. My breath caught. His touch always made my heart pound. It sent shivers of pleasure and desire through my entire body that I couldn't truly explain. He just did things to me.
After a couple of minutes, he picked me up bridal-style and took me to the bed. We went to bed later than I wanted that night...but what I got in return for my sacrifice was sooo much better and totally, utterly worth it.
A few days passed and I kept blanking out. We don't know why. Carlisel did some tests but there was nothing. Carlisle couldn't figure it out and ruled it down to a stomach bug and fatuge. Of course, after that, Seth was on the case, ordering me to relax and even going as far as to cook Charlie his dinner in the evenings while I relaxed in the living room. I just think it was ridiculous.
Yesterday evening though, it got a lot worse and I blanked out again but it just wasn't the same. Seth ran me to the Cullens' house to let Carlisle check me over though and he insisted that I'd stay there the night. Seth, of course, agreed but I didn't really have any say in the matter because I was unconscious.
The next morning, Bella lay next to me, looking very awake, as se was a vampire, and she was already dressed. She stroked my cheek soothingly and kissed my forehead. Nessie was curled into my side again on the other side. She was still fast asleep and she, at least, looked peaceful.
"What time is it?" I asked weakly. I tried to sit up but my body was so stiff.
"It's half twelve. You've been asleep almost 13 hours. How do you feel?" She asked softly.
"I'm not sure yet."
I succeeded this time; I rose from the pillow, with Bella supporting me slightly, and look around me. I was in an unfamiliar room; I'd never seen it before. There were windows on all the walls and some French doors just to the left of me. That was where the breeze was coming from; one of them was propped open.
I rested my head in my hands and took deep breaths.
"Maybe you should go back to sleep, you still don't look well." Bella suggested, feeling my forehead, "And you're still burning up. Maybe you should see a doctor."
"Don't over react, Bella." I said. "Where are we?"
"Oh, you're still at the Cullen's house, this is Edward's room, or it used to be before we moved out. I didn't want you to freak out if you saw Emmett or Alice prancing around in their rooms when you woke up. It would have probably freaked you out. This was my bed but, none of us sleep anymore and we just haven't gotten round to getting rid of it yet.."
"Cool. Where's Seth?" I asked. I really wanted to see his face.
"He went home for the night; he's actually on his way now." She added, "Are you getting up then?" She asked. I nodded. "Alright, I'll go get you some breakfast, okay? Or it'll be lunch now, I guess." I nodded again. Nessie stirred beside me.
"Is she usually asleep at this time in the day?" I asked curiously, stroking her cheek.
"No, she was up all night, worried about you." Bella explained.
"Sorry."
"No, it's her own fault. Just leave her." Bella ordered, getting off the bed and leaving the room.
I had to slip into my clothes from yesterday since I didn't have a change of clothes. Then I noticed a pair of jeans and a cotton top, conveniently laid out on the dresser so I changed into them.
I had to be careful walking down the stairs because I was still dazed by last night. I wasn't that careful because I stumbled on the last step. A cold pair of hands and a warm pair of hands caught me at the same time.
"Wow, careful." They said together. I looked up and stared into some butterscotch and brown eyes. Emmett and Seth stood before me, bright smiles on there faces.
"You look a little better, today." Emmett complimented, "If you go in the kitchen then you'll find you're lunch." He gave me one last smile and went through to the kitchen himself.
"Hey, are you okay, sweet?" Seth asked, cuddling me.
"I will with some food in my stomach, let's go."
We held hands going into the kitchen. They were all there; Bella was sat on the chair opposite my lunch. Seth had already had his breakfast so he had some lunch instead. Esme was at my right, being supportive as ever. I really didn't need it. Alice and Rosalie were washing up with Emmett and Jasper drying. Carlisle was at the kitchen counter reading the newspaper. On the back of it I noticed a homicide article. Looked like a 20 year old man, killed his wife and 4 month old baby girl while they slept. Seems he's getting two life sentences and the guy had cancer to boot. I chuckled to myself and went to sit down at the table.
"Morning dear, you gave us quite the scare last night." Esme said in a disciplinary voice.
"Sorry."
"Don't worry yourself, just eat and get some sugar in your bloodstream." She ordered.
"She is smelling a bit anaemic, isn't she?" Rosalie stated.
"You know what, there's nothing that can beat a vampire telling you smell in the morning!" I said sarcastically, laughing.
"Sorry." She repented with a chuckle. Emmett laughed.
"I see you haven't lost your touch of humour then?" Edward remarked. I shrugged and smelt the air around me – that was foolish.
The smell of omelette filled my nostrils and my stomach heaved.
"Excuse me!" I shouted already half way out the door. I raced to the bathroom and hardly made it to the toilet. I was aware of someone following me but I didn't know who. He held my hair for me and then there were other voices from outside the bathroom.
"What the hell?" I heard Emmett ask.
"She may have a bug or something, I'll give her the once over, if she wants." Carlisle said.
"Izzie, are you alright?" Bella called through the door.
"She's fine, Bella. Don't worry about it." Seth answered for me. "Are you alright, sweet?" He asked me. My second wave answered his question and I told him to go.
"Alright, she's not okay." Seth told the others, closing the door behind him.
"I'm fine, just go." I called. I felt that it was over and I got up to the sink. I rinsed my mouth out and splashed my face with water. My stomach felt awful and there were unusual cramps in my belly. I took a deep breath and left the bathroom. They were still there. They looked at me anxiously and I walked past them.
"I'm fine now. It's past really." I reassured, they still didn't buy it one bit.
"You seriously need to take it easy!" Bella directed.
Two and a half months later...
The cramps and the sickness still persisted but it did a good job of hiding it from Bella, Seth and the Cullens. Carlisle wasn't stupid but he kept an eye on me, without comment only sharing his hypothesises with Esme.
Renée was extremely late at the month deadline. If I wasn't in the situation I am now with Seth, I would have been extremely angry at her lateness. But I was thankful she hadn't gotten back as I would have to tell her the news that I wouldn't be coming home. Hers and Bella's prediction had been correct. Forks had grown on me and I wasn't going to let myself grow out of it, not now.
Charlie's house was growing on me, too. In fact, Charlie himself has been growing on me. Ever since I've been here, I can safely say that we have grown stronger and closer. He got back from the trip he had to LA. He hated the sun. I thought he was mad and so did Bella.
There had been no more talk of the Volturi, the dream or Ollie since the last time. I think they were frightened of making me upset again and possibly making me ill also. Ha! They can't make me feel any more ill than I already feel. But I was thankful anyway. That doesn't mean, though, that they haven't been keeping an eye out. Every now and then I would see Alice glass eyed, deep in her visions, looking out for me. Edward and Bella would always whisper in a corner. They were extremely worried. But I don't think I am now, I have an amazing and strong bunch of people who are prepared to catch a bullet for me and for that I was truly grateful.
My relationships with the Cullen's were going great, especially with Esme and Nessie. She could have been my best friend if I already didn't have one. She and Seth would fight over me some days so they could spend time with me. Esme was becoming more like my mother each day. Emmett was fun to have around. There wasn't any situation he'd find serious. I watched him play fight with Jasper one day and to me it looked like they weren't playing at all. I'd hate to see their non-playing fighting. Alice had played beautician on me and Bella again; despite our objections. Rosalie had spruced up me car. I said I liked the colour but she changed it anyway. It's now a sparkling light purple colour.
If I wasn't there to see it and know what was going on, I would have thought that Nessie was an alien. She must have grown at least a few tens of inches in the last two months and a half. She was so smart and intelligent, she could match me in a quiz any day since she reads a hell of a lot. I caught her one day reading an encyclopaedia and I actually thought she was weird. And she can play! She'd get me doing all sorts.
I've finally seen what the Cullens look like in the sunlight. They truly dazzled me and I was seeing spots of diamonds for the rest of the day. It was spectacular to watch and they seem to be cautious about it. I suppose it would look weird when a person who sparkles is walking in front of you, obstructing your vision with every stream of light shining off them. They could always pass it off as extremely sparkling foundation or at least Esme, Rose and Alice can, Nessie especially can seen as though she doesn't sparkle as much as the others. Maybe that was to do with the fact that she's only half vampire. Its tough breaks for the guys.
The wolves were as active as ever and they eat to the same extent. I asked them once where they put it all but they just laughed at me and said that it was all the running they do.
I finally beat Leah at a swimming race but it was so close and I was shattered again afterwards. They others couldn't believe it.
I was sick of the same old movies they were watching so I got them some new ones. Movies like I Am Legend, 28 days later, 28 weeks later, Shawn of the dead, Dawn of the dead and Land of the dead. They loved them all, naturally.
I was a judge at one of their eating contests. Jared, Paul, and Jacob all took part and I've never seen so much food get eaten so fast in my entire life. I blinked and missed it. Jacob won.
It was tradition now that every night Seth and I sit on the exact same rock we sat two and a half months ago and watch the sun set. For me those nights were the best part of the time I spent with him. Well, the second best. The first were the nights I slept at his house – enough said.
He took me running as he had promised. It is the most exhilarating thing you could possibly do in your life, especially at those speeds. There was nothing that could beat the warm air rushing past your face and the blurry visions of tree zooming past your eyes. It was amazing. Although, I was sick straight after that, Seth put it down for all the speed rather than me being ill.
I was still being sick. Mostly in the mornings and it had gotten worse as the months went on. I went to the doctors and she said it was down to an intestine infection. Carlisle wasn't sure. However, she gave me some antibiotics but that was in month one and she had said that it would clear up in a couple of weeks. But I wasn't just the sickness, I was getting painful stomach cramps and back ache and I started to get worried.
"I swear your boobs are getting bigger, Izzie." Seth said while we were cuddling in his bed.
It was Saturday morning and I had slept at his last night. It was abnormally sunny for the fifth day running and I was pretty sure that was unusual. We were naked once again and he refused, totally, to let me exit the bed seen as though we weren't going to Seattle today. I laid on his arm and he fiddled with my finger. I looked up at him and then down, embarrassed.
"Seth!" I laughed. He chuckled, too.
"What? I'm simply making an observation."
"Yeah, you were making an observation on my boobs. How random is that? We've just been talking about how all the guys are being nice to Leah now. And then you come out with that." I complained. He simply laughed at me.
"You're right it was totally random but true." He agreed.
I shook my head at him disbelievingly but he actually had a point. I've noticed to. I've gone up two cup sizes.
"Well, have they?" He asked, chuckling. I nodded, "I like it."
"Of course, you do." I said, scowling at him, humorously. He shrugged.
We were lay for a few minutes. He fiddled away with my fingers and I with his.
"So…you're out with Jacob today?" I asked, changing the subject.
"Yeah…pack stuff." He seemed reluctant to comment.
"…Volturi stuff." I corrected, knowing I was right. Again, he didn't comment. "That's what I thought."
"You had the dream again last night, didn't you?" He asked, quietly. I nodded. How did he know? "You were talking in your sleep again…and chanting." Oh, that's how.
"Yeah."
"Anything different?" He asked, unhopefully. "You know what; you don't need to worry, okay? It's just routine check of the area around Forks, it'll be fine."
"I hope you're right."
"Listen…" He fiddling and turned to me, to look at me straight on – his persuasion eyes. "You've. Nothing. To. Worry. About. Okay? I'm not gonna let anything get to you, you're safe. I'm on it." He laid his hand on my cheek and kissed my forehead.
"Alright." He made me reassured.
"Now come on, let's get you to Bella's" he said, wrapping the sheet around his bottom half. I did the same with the quilt and he pulled me off the bed.
"What about the stuff?"
"It'll be fine; you're coming back here anyway."
"Oh really, who says?"
"I do." He said, darkly. I chuckled.
It was a short drive to the Cullen's house. I'd asked Seth to drop in to the pharmacy. I didn't tell him why when I asked; I didn't want to get his hopes up. I'd hate to crush them.
The trees zoomed past on the way up Edward's drive. His house was so big; it surprises me every time even though I'm here three times a week - Esme's request.
Edward and the others were out for a few hours so I was here with Carlisle and Esme. They were hospitable like usual. But something was bothering me and since Carlisle was a doctor, maybe he could help me.
I rose from the couch in the front room where I watched telly. Carlisle and Esme was in his study and I felt reluctant to disturb them but if I didn't do it now then I probably wouldn't get another chance.
I knocked slightly once on the study door. Carlisle's voice sounded from behind it.
"Come in, Izzie." He said, softly.
I opened the door slowly and peered around it.
"Can I speak with you, please?" I said, shyly.
He exchanged a worried glance with Esme and she rose from her seat.
"No please, Esme. Please stay. I want you too." I pleaded. She nodded and sat back down. Carlisle gestured to a chair and I walked to it slowly, not meeting their curiously anxious gazes. They could see the fear in my eyes and they grew even more anxious as I sat down and fell silent.
"What can I do for you today, Izzie? What's the problem?" He asked, gently.
"Take your time, dear." Esme whispered.
I looked down and fiddled with my fingers, still not meeting their gaze. "Something's worrying me. It's not exactly a problem because it'll be wonderful if I was but…" I cut off, not sure how to continue.
"But? Please go on." Carlisle encouraged with a smile.
"I haven't told Seth because it might get his hopes up and I couldn't bear it if they were crushed." I confided. They waited for me to continue, "I…I…I think…I might be…be, er…pregnant." I struggled on the last word. Esme let out a low happy gasp and Carlisle looked at me, also happy but it was as if he saw it coming.
"Do you know for sure or do you just think?" He asked, calmly.
"Just think but I bought a test today. You don't seem surprised." I noticed.
"No, you've been showing all the symptoms, that's why." He notified.
"Have you had a test, a hospital test I mean?" Esme asked, sensitively. I could hear the excitement in her voice. If she was this excited, I wondered how Seth would react.
"No, the test I bought today would be my first." I whispered.
"Well, I'm not doing anything now. I could drive you up to the hospital now, if you want to be sure." Carlisle suggested. "If you wanted to know now, then you could always take the pharmacy test then wait for the results from the hospital as a second confirmation on whether you are or not."
I thought about his suggestion and it seemed pretty reasonable. He was so calm. "Won't Edward and the others be home soon?"
"Not for a couple of hours." She answered.
I took a deep breath and nodded, afraid that my voice might break.
"Are you taking your test now or later?" Esme asked, rising from her seat with me.
"Um…later, I think." It was surprising how weak my voice was at the moment. "Oh. And could you please not mention anything to Bella about this, at least not yet? And maybe not think about it around Edward? You never know with Alice, either so don' decided to do anything, please." I implored.
"Honey, don't worry. This stays between us three until you are ready, right Carlisle?" She turned to him.
"Definitely." He guaranteed.
"Thank you, thank you so much." I gratified, sincerely.
"You're very welcome, Izzie." Carlisle said, rising from his seat behind the mahogany desk.
"Just don't be so frightened to talk to us next time. We do not judge, alright?" Esme hugged me and smiled. I nodded once. "Come now."
We took Carlisle's Mercedes to the hospital. Esme sat with me at the back, holding my hand the whole way. I felt like a five year old on her first day at school but I was grateful for all the support.
I couldn't get my breathing under control as we pulled in to the hospital car park and my heart felt like it was about to dislodge itself. I began to shake as we entered the automatic doors to the maternity ward. Esme clutched my hand tightly and soothed the back of my hand. "You're going to be fine." She reassured. It helped a bit.
That was until I saw the certainly pregnant women. Their bumps were huge and somehow I yearned to be that big someday, just maybe not now. If I was pregnant then that would be wonderful but if I wasn't then I wouldn't be too disappointed, Seth would but I wouldn't, not really. Of course, I wouldn't tell Seth that.
We didn't stop at the counter; instead we walked straight into an office since Carlisle was an all around doctor. He dealt with all sorts of departments – surgery, maternity, psychiatric which was working with mentally handicapped and disabled people, Paediatrics which was working with children, and he even worked in trauma and A&E.
I sat in a chair next to Esme, beside the desk. Carlisle sat opposite us and pulled on some rubber gloves which made me nervous. He pulled my medical file from the computer and started typing away. The suspense was killing me.
"How long will this take?" I asked, as politely as I could.
"Not long. I'll have to check the abdominal area first. Could you please lie on the bed?" He asked, absently, still typing away. He followed after a second and smiled at me. "Don't worry about a thing."
He began prodding around my belly, applying pressure at certain areas. He got out some piece of equipment that allowed him to listen to my heart and breathing. Every once in a while he'd write down notes. He concentrates so much when he works.
"Okay, have you felt any uncomfortable nudging or cramps in your lower abdomen?" He enquired, looking down at me. I nodded my head.
"Cramps but no nudging." I corrected my previous answer. He nodded, thoughtfully.
"Don't worry about this, I know you've had all this. It's just protocol." He assured. I nodded.
"Alright, Back pains?" I nodded.
"Cravings?" He smiled at me. He was trying to make me feel better. Esme laughed.
"Does eating 5 bags of grapes in the space of three hours count?" I smiled back, knowing it did.
"Yes, it does." He laughed, "Five?" I nodded. He raised his eyebrows.
"You know, my craving when I was pregnant was grapes." She said in a matte-of-fact voice.
"Esme, you've had a baby? I though you miscarried." I asked, bemused.
"No, No. I didn't but I lost the baby when he was days old." She said, smiling.
"I'm…sorry." My face fell.
"Don't worry yourself. That was a long time ago and you'll be fine. Health acre and technology have progressed significantly since my time." She assured me. I smiled.
"We can do the test now if you'd like." Carlisle interjected, politely. I nodded.
He took a sample of my urine. He didn't seem bothered by it – very professional. He took it to a lab and was gone for a few minutes. Esme and I sat in silence while he returned.
"There all done." He reported. "Now you'll just have to wait for the results, I'm afraid - three days. Sorry for the wait." He smiled at me.
"Thank you, Carlisle." I pulled him into a hug and he rubbed my back.
"Now you don't worry okay. You'll get through this with our help, dear." Esme said. I took a deep breath and let go of Carlisle.
"Come on, we'd better get back before the kids get home." He said to Esme. She nodded and led me out the room and to the car.
I felt better on the way back, I could breathe better and my heart wasn't erratic. I almost felt tired and exhausted but I've hardly done anything. That's another reason why I think I am pregnant because I'm tired all the time.
Esme sat in the front with Carlisle. He was better at driving than me and he didn't feel the need to exceed the speed limit along the highway.
We were safe when we got back as the others weren't home yet. The real challenge for Carlisle and Esme was to keep this away from Edward, especially with his mind-reading powers. With Esme as excited as she is, that's going to be very challenging for her but I know she won't let me down.
I sat in the living room again and watched TV although, there was nothing on, even if I was paying attention. My mind would wander to the baby, if there was a baby – whether it's a boy or a girl, baby names, clothes, their little fingers and toes, their warming smile, the first time I'd see them. I had to stop myself while I was ahead or I'd get too excited and have my hopes crushed too but the more I thought about the baby, the more I wanted him or her. I didn't even care if it was a boy or a girl as long as there was one. I wanted the test to be positive.
The others got home around half an hour after we got back and they looked like they had fun.
"Hey, we're sorry we were out so long. Emmett wanted to go to the baseball game today and then Alice wanted to do a little shopping. How was you're day?" Edward asked, smiling at me. I thought about my answer and the hesitation didn't go amiss.
"I spent some time with Esme and Carlisle but mostly Esme." I answered. It wasn't a lie; I was simply neglecting to tell the whole truth.
"Oh yeah? What did you do?" Rosalie asked, interested. Damn it.
"Um…we did some…painting." I lied. I hate lying.
She nodded with an eyebrow raised and a slight smile on her face. She glanced at the others who looked suspiciously at me. I was terrible at keeping things to myself. "Okay. You have fun?" She was humouring herself.
"Yeah."
"Seth's here." Jasper informed us. I sighed in relief. But then again, I'd have to act around him, too. "How'd it go?" He asked as Seth stepped through the door.
"Let him come in, Jasper." Esme ordered, stepping down the stairs with Carlisle at her side. "Hello, Seth." She smiled, conspicuously, at me. I smiled back at her.
"Hi, Esme." He walked over to me and kissed my forehead. He slid his arm around my waist and then turned back to Jasper and the others. "No sign. No trail. We went as far as LA and circled around that parameter. There's no sign." He updated, triumphantly.
"We'll still keep an eye out, though." Carlisle ordered. They all glanced at me. "Don't worry." He added. On the surface, the surface the others were supposed to read, was a Volturi, 'Don't worry' but deeper than that I sensed a pregnancy, 'Don't worry'. I smiled and nodded at him.
"Esme, may I ask you something?" Edward asked, very curious. "Why are you flicking through Van Goff paintings in your head? What are you hiding?" He added, getting suspicious.
"Nothing, I'm thinking about getting another painting." She lied. She was very good at lying – very convincing.
"But, you hate Van Goff." He said, confused.
"Hate's a strong word, Edward. His paintings are growing on me."
"You've hated Van Goff for as long as I can remember. They've only just began to grow on you?" On that final word, she left the room, with one last smile for me, to avoid anymore interrogations. Her smile was noticed by Edward and he glanced suspiciously at me.
"Yep!" she shouted back.
"Are we going now?" I asked Seth, quickly.
"Yeah, if you want."
"Okay, well, I'll see you guys." I waved to them at the door and everyone but Carlisle looked at me suspiciously. "Bye." I rushed out the door and dragged Seth with me. He waved at them from the truck and then we were off.
"You okay, sweet?" He asked when I sighed.
"Yeah yeah, I'm just tired." That he wouldn't doubt since he knows I've been tired lately. He kissed my hand.
"Hey, what did you get from the pharmacy this morning?" He asked, absently. My stomach heaved.
"Just some aspirin." I lied. He nodded. I looked out my window. No hopes up. I reminded myself.
When we got to his house, he took my coat and bag and hung them up. No one was in so we had the house to ourselves.
"Here, why don't you go up stairs and lie down while I make you some munchies for dinner, huh?" He suggested, pushing me, lightly, to the stairs.
"I already ate at Esme's. Could I just have some grapes?" I smiled at myself. The irony was ridiculous – I didn't want him to know yet but then, I was practically asking him for my food craving. Really, I just wasn't hungry – too nervous.
"Of course, anything you want." He smiled and kissed my forehead, then headed off into the kitchen.
I climbed the stairs, tiredly. I lay there on his bed, totally shattered. My head was spinning and my stomach felt awful. Then, I remembered that I said to Esme, I was to do something – my pregnancy test.
I sucked up a deep breath and walked slowly to the pharmacy bag over near my night pack. I swallowed and my throat felt like sand paper.
I closed my eyes.
Come on, you can do this Izzie. I thought to myself. You want to be pregnant, remember? What are you waiting for?
I can't do this, what if my hopes are crushed? My head argued with each other like there was a devil and an angel on each of my shoulders. Come on, take a little risk. This is your baby were talking about, for god sake!
My breathing was outrageous and my heart was pounding. I felt a droplet of water run down my cheek and I realized I was crying.
"Hey Izzie, here's your grap...what's wrong?" My heart lurched. Seth stood, frozen at the door, eyeing me worriedly. My hands clutched the pregnancy test within them and I had my back to him. Dread filled my entire body. Why did he have to find out this way?
I turned slowly, moving my hands behind my back, "Nothing." I laughed once, hysterically.
"Izzie, what's behind your back?" He asked, pleading. He set the grapes on his shelf without peeling his eyes off me. "Please don't hide anything from me."
"Seth, it's just aspirin." I lied, sweat now dripped from my neck and down my back.
"So you're crying over aspirin?" He said, sceptically. He was moving closer, very slowly. He had a concerned look on his face. "Tell me what's wrong."
"The pain's bad." I lied again. Damn it.
"Izzie, please don't lie to me? It's me you're talking to here." He was right in front of me now. I looked down at his bare chest. I could feel his breath hard on my hair. My breathing quickened and my heart went into hyper-speed again. "Please show me." He was so persuasive but I couldn't show him. He wound his arms around my back, I could feel his hands on mine – feeling what was in my hands. He pulled, gently allowing me a choice, I took a deep breath and I let the box go. He unwound his arms slowly and his eyes were still on me when he backed away, not on the hope raiser box in his big hands.
"Please? Not yet." I whispered, pleadingly but he ignored me.
His head began tilting down towards the box, his eyes still on me. He closed his eyes and then looked down. Simultaneously, his eyes shot back up to me, wide and surprised. I looked away from him, not knowing what to expect. There was a long silence and I could hear his breathing. It was on the verge of light laughter and his footsteps began coming towards me. I looked up in time to see him smiling before he hugged me. This was what I was afraid of – his hopes are now high.
"Izzie…" He breathed into my ear, "…You…you think you're pregnant?" His voice was so enthusiastic and excited. It would hurt so bad to see him fall now.
"I only think. It's not certain." I tried to bring him back down to earth but he was too far gone to be recovered.
"Pregnant…" he whispered to himself. A huge smile lit his face but he was confused and he turned back to me. "Why didn't you come to me? I could have helped you through this. Is this what's been wrong with you? Why did you come to me, I would have helped."
"I don't know. I was…scared. And I didn't want to get your hopes up. Look at you! What if it ends up I'm not pregnant? That's going to seriously disappoint you." I said, my voice was pained, on the verge of sobs.
"Sweetheart…" He started, pulling me into his bearable hug. "I love you…and whatever result that test shows, I always will. And if you're not pregnant, it's not the end of the world and if you want a baby then we'll try whenever You're ready if that's what you truly want but…if you are, then…that would make me the happiest guy in the universe, do you understand me?
"I wanna know where all of the ill faith of me has come from if you think I wouldn't be happy at the fact that you're carrying my child." He chuckled, shaking his head at the thought.
"I don't deserve you, Seth Clearwater." I whispered, shaking my head on his chest.
"On the contrary, you deserve so much more." He whispered.
"Impossible."
We stood there, cuddling for a few minutes. Our breathing was faster and more exuberant than usual but not as ragged as it was. My heart hadn't slowed down yet and Seth's body heat soothed my stomach.
Seth has never told me he loves me before, not in so many words anyway and they rang in my ears like a lullaby being sung to a baby. Oh, there's the 'baby' word again.
Seth inhaled a deep breath and said, "Do the test, sweet."
"But…" I objected.
"Have you listened to a word I've said? I don't care about the result but we still need to know, don't we?" he persuaded.
"Yeah but…"
"No buts."
"I'm just so scared that…" I started, tears spilling over. He looked at me for a second and then frowned slightly, wiping away my tears with his fingertips.
"You want a positive result, do you?" he asked, warily. I nodded, sadly. "Then I hope, for your hope's sake that you are."
"So do I." I inhaled a deep breath and held my hand out for the test. He gave it to me without hesitation and smiled at me encouragingly.
"Would you like me to come in with you?" He offered.
"No, I have to do this." He nodded once.
"You'll be fine." He ensured.
I left his room and went straight to the bathroom door. I hesitated there for a second and stared to breath heavier. A warm, reassuring hand touched my shoulder, instantly calming me. I nodded. I opened the door and closed it on Seth.
It took me 5 minutes to muster up the will to pee on the damn stick. Seth had even asked me through the door to see if I was alright. On the instructions, it stated that you have to wait three minutes and I wasn't waiting that time alone so I returned to the bedroom.
Seth was square in the middle of the, now clear, bed and he was thoughtful, fiddling with my pen.
He looked up, excitedly, when I entered the room and he moved over on the bed. He patted the seat next to him and I joined him.
"Well?" he asked, nervously when I sat down.
"I don't know yet, you have wait three minutes, well, it's more like a minute and a half now." I informed him. We fell silent and he put his arm around my shoulder, supportively.
I kept peering down at it, expecting either a bright pink positive or a blue negative but none came. These three minutes were the longest I've had in my life.
I looked up at Seth at the same time he did. "That should be it, shouldn't it?" He asked. I nodded. "Go on then, have a look."
"I can't. I can't even breathe." I gasped.
"I could do it if you like." He offered.
"No, no. Just give me a minute." I pleaded. He nodded and I took a deep breath.
I looked at the pregnancy test result and my life changed. I peered down at a pink positive cross and my heart leaped. Beside me, Seth heaved a great gasp and we looked at each other in disbelief. I exhaled sharply and a jubilant smile lit my face. He mirrored my expression as we registered this in our brains. I was over the moon – in seventh heaven – simply euphoric at the fact that my hopes hadn't been crushed and that life – my life, our life – was growing inside of me. There are no words to describe that.
"I'm pregnant." I whispered in astonishment.
"You're pregnant." He mirrored my astonishment.
"I'm pregnant!" I shrieked in over-delight.
"I don't believe it!" He shouted.
"You don't believe it? I don't believe it! I'M PREGNANT!" I screamed, overjoyed. I clapped my handover my mouth in happiness. I threw myself around his neck.
"Who's pregnant?" I heard someone shout from downstairs, then a loud clatter as they ascended the stairs. I looked at Seth in misery at my slip up. Oh dear.
"Leah's home." We said together, grimly.
At that precise moment, Leah came charging through the bedroom door, nearly taking it off its hinges.
"Hi, Leah." I greeted, shyly.
"Careful with my door, I want it in tacked you know. You'll be buying me a new one if…"
"SHHHH!" Leah interceded, arms flailing intensely. She was looking at me with an overexcited expression. "You're PREGNANT?" Her voice raised an octave on that last word. I nodded – she gasped.
"I'm going to be an aunt?" She asked in disbelief. I nodded again.
"Leah, Leah, Leah! Please, keep it on the down low, yeah? No one's supposed to know yet; you weren't even supposed to know yet. Hell, we just found out!" Seth said, rolling his eyes at her. "Fancy your timing!"
"Oh my…oh my god! Congrats, guys. Seriously." She congratulated sincerely, her eyes still on me. "When are you telling the others? I'm not going to be able to keep this quiet for long!"
"Oh no but, you have to! I'm not ready yet. Could you wait at least 3 days?" I pleaded. She looked at me funny but nodded. She left the room over the moon and she was laughing down the hall to her room. It sounded like she was dancing.
"Why wait three days?" Seth asked me, curious.
"Because…well, I went to Carlisle today and Esme. Sorry, you're the third to know but I didn't know where else to go…"
"You could have come to me but go on." Seth interjected.
"I know and I'm sorry but anyway…he did a hospital pregnancy test on me and we'll get the results in three days. He said to take the pharmacy test if I couldn't wait that long and use that one, the hospital one, for second confirmation on whether I am or not," I explained.
He nodded, "So you wanna tell everyone then? Before or after, you've opened the envelope?"
"I'm not sure yet." He nodded.
"I can't believe it. You're PREGNANT." He laughed and I joined in. He leaned in to kiss me and it was exuberant and passionate. He held his hand on my stomach and smiled. He bent down to kiss it and then put his forehead to mine. "Can't believe it! I'm gonna be a father!"
I don't think the topic of if we were keeping the baby needed to be brought up. I think we already knew what the other wanted.
"Well, believe it because it's true!" I chuckled, kissing him again. My head span. "Wow, head rush!" I held my head.
"Maybe, you should rest…" He suggested.
"Don't even start with that!" I ordered, scowling at him.
"Start what?" He asked, innocently.
"Relax. Take it easy. Rest, Sweetheart." I imitated his voice poorly. "I mean it, don't."
"But, it's my job to do that." He said, happily.
"Well then, stop doing your job." I ordered, kissing him.
"I can't do that. I'm your baby's daddy and I'll do everything I can to make sure his, or her, mommy is kept safe and relaxed." He said - his breath hard on my lips. He kissed me more tenderly and my head swam again. "Your kiss keeps giving me head rush!" I complained.
"Really? It's because I'm so good." He bragged. I laughed at him, "Maybe we should go to bed though, it's pretty late." I nodded and I gladly lay down on the pillow.
Seth cuddled into my back, spooning me. He nestled his head between mine and my shoulder and he kissed my neck. His arms wound round my torso, down to my belly and he soothed the place where my bump would be growing.
"I love you, Alyssa May Swan." He murmured, softly as he stroked my cheek, lovingly. I looked him in the eyes and saw every ounce of it shining in his eyes and it made my heart melt.
"I love you, too, Seth Clearwater." I slurred. He chuckled and we drifted off into baby fuelled dreams.
There it is!
Can you believe it? SHE'S PREGNANT! As Izzie so graciously screamed :D
There will be a LEMOn for this chapter posted separately to the story. Those of you who have read the first lemon i posted, it will just be another chapter on that story :D
I hope you guys liked it. This was a really fun chapter for me to write and i hope that you tell me what you thought of it :)
So here's the thing, Life Is Bliss, my other story, isn't getting the visitors or reviews that i wanted from it so if the stats don't improve in the next couple of days, it will be deleted D:
please review. If i get six reviews, you got the next chapter :D
Thank you :)
love,
MrsWolfPack
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