Chapter 9

Bella's POV:

I finished cleaning up the last of the dinner dishes and then walked into Molly's room to help her clean up and get ready for bed. I leaned against the door frame and marveled at how quickly time was going by. I watched as Molly stacked up all of her stuffed animals and talked to them in her own language, and then let out a small sigh as my mind drifted back over the last few years since losing our first child. Taking us three years to finally conceive again had been such heartache. I had begun to wonder if it were even going to be possible. Now as I stand and watch my two year old with her brown pigtails and piercing green eyes, I know that all the wait and heartache had been more than worth it.

I pushed myself away from the door frame and walked into her room. Edward and I just moved her out of her crib and into her big girl bed a few weeks earlier. With which, to my surprise, she had been doing wonderful. Now to conquer the potty training and we'll be good to go. I went over to the massive windows and stared out at the New York skyline. All the lights were aglow in the office and hotel buildings - the Trump Tower looking back at me in its entire splendor. I pulled the curtains tight and then went to sit on the floor with Molly. Edward was working late again tonight, but he always made it home in time to tuck Molly into bed; a nightly ritual that had started the day we came home from the hospital. I can still remember the jolt of waking up in the middle of the night, worried about how my newborn had not woken up for her feeding, fear washing all through me that something was wrong.

Two Years Earlier

I reached over into the bassinet, finding it empty, panic and dread could be felt from the top of my head to the smallest point of my pinky toe. I looked over to the other side of the bed and noticed that Edward was gone as well. But that is when I heard it, the soft melodies of the grand piano that was in the foyer. I heaved myself out of bed and grabbed my robe, rubbing my very tender and swollen breasts that I knew needed to be relieved, either from Molly nursing or via the breast pump.

I walked out of the bedroom and into the massive foyer and watched from a distance as all seven pounds and three ounces of our newborn daughter stared up at Edward as he played effortlessly with one hand. Her green eyes bright in the dim light and her dark brown hair of massive curls on her head.

"There was an old lady," Edward sang quietly, barely even a whisper. "Who swallowed a fly. I don't know why she swallowed a fly. Perhaps she'll die."

I furrowed my eyes together at the song that Edward had chosen. "You think that song is appropriate for a three day old?"

Edward looked up at me and appeared to be shocked that I was standing there. "I thought you were sleeping?"

I walked over to him and sat on the bench, leaning my head against his shoulder, and looked down at our first born, our daughter. "I knew it was getting time for her to eat again."

"She woke up a few minutes ago and figured I would try to keep her calm for a lttle bit while you slept. You looked so peaceful," Edward leaned over and gave me a small kiss. "Have I told you how much I love you?"

I smiled up at him. "Every hour of every day."

Edward began to play again, the terrible song that quickly became Molly's favorite, one that she goes to sleep to every night. The same song that we wait up for daddy to come home and play before her bedtime.

I smiled as I looked down at Molly playing and then walked over to her, sweeping her up in my arms and giving her a huge kiss.

"Molly, it is time to get ready for bed," I said, carrying her across the hall toward her bathroom.

I quickly gave her a bath and about the time she was dressed for bed, I heard the front door open.

"Where is my Molly?" Edward called out, coming down the hallway and stepping into her bedroom.

Molly threw her chubby toddler arms up in the air, "Here, daddy! Here I am!"

Edward walked in the room and pretended to look all over the room for her. I smiled. No matter how many times he had done this same bedtime routine, Molly always enjoyed it. Edward opened the closet door, shaking his head, then lowered his self to the floor and began to crawl, looking under the dresser and then making his way to the bed. Slowly he peeked his head over the side of her bed and grabbed Molly up in his arms, twirling her around the room in one swift motion.

"I found you," he said, planting a kiss on her forehead.

Molly giggled and I came over to them and gave Edward a kiss. I began to walk out of the room to have my own few minutes of peace. Edward's time with Molly was always at night. He usually left for work early in the morning and never gets the chance to have much one on one time until after he gets home. This was also the time of night when I get to catch up on some reading, or check my email.

I sometimes missed my life before Molly, the teens' program at the YMCA was something that I helped build with my own two hands. But it was quickly decided that I should stay at home after Molly was born. I was on the verge of going crazy from being home all the time when I took my passion of reading and my work with troubled teens, incorporating the two, and I began to write. I was in the process of working on my second self help parenting book and this was one that I had real hopes for. Edward had been wonderful during my experience of transition and had given me the time at night to be one hundred percent focused on this next book.

"So what should I read to you tonight?" I could hear Edward ask through the open door to Molly's room.

"Old lady flying," Molly said and I smiled at how she said the same song and story every night.

I made my way to my office, which was also Alice and Jasper's room whenever they come to stay. I had it painted a comforting blue and green few months earlier, when I decided it was time to take my laptop off of the kitchen counter. I called Alice first to make sure it was okay, just like I had called Rose to make sure it was fine to change her room into a nursery. It had broken my heart when they both said that was a wonderful idea. During the course of the last five years, they had only been back to the penthouse on one other occasion. We all managed to take off one month, every December, to spend the holidays together. We alternated every three years and I was beginning to get excited that this year was my turn for everyone to come back home.

I flipped on the office light, and then turned my laptop on; I walked through the room, making sure everything was in order and saying goodnight to my best friends. We had spent last Christmas out in California with Alice and Jasper. The most current picture of the three of us was from when we were in Hollywood. We all were standing in front of the giant sign, our arms over each other's shoulders, smiling brightly.

"Just a few more months and we will be together again," I said, placing my fingers to my lips and then giving my two best friends a kiss.

I sat down in my chair and quickly went to my email, as I could hear Edward and Molly already making their way to the piano. Molly was laughing as Edward began to warm up, playing a terrible rendition of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. "

I clicked on the email from Alice. We all communicated at least on a daily basis with email and then a phone call every couple of weeks. The emails from Alice were always wonderful and sometimes it felt like she was sitting right here talking to me. When we write to each other we always address everyone, there were never any secrets. When we replied back, we always made sure to hit 'reply all.' So when I opened this email and saw that it was addressed only to me, my mind began to work overtime.

Bella,

I am beginning to get worried. I know that you are the only that I can talk to about this, Rose would never understand. Especially since you are the only one that knows most of what has been going on. I went to the doctor for my annual exam and mentioned to him about us really trying to have a baby. I received a phone call this morning and the doctor said that I should not be trying anymore. At first, I was bummed, thinking something was really wrong, but guess what? I am pregnant! Finally! After five years of trying! I just told Jasper and he is beside himself. I am just barely six weeks along and I am going to have to be monitored very closely after the miscarriage. I miss you and can't wait to be in the city in a few months. Send Edward and Molly my love.

BFF,

Alice

I was just about to hit reply when I heard my computer beep to let me know I received new mail. I opened up the second email from Alice.

Bella,

Have you heard from Rose. I am beginning to get worried. She hasn't ever gone this long without an email.

Alice

This time I hit reply and responded to both of the emails at the same time.

Alice,

First, congrats on the baby! I am so excited for you! I know how much you have been praying for and wanting this baby. You and Jasper will be wonderful parents. I have not been feeling very well myself lately and went to the doctor this morning. I also found out that I am nine weeks pregnant. I have not told Edward yet, waiting for him to finish up bedtime with Molly. They did an ultrasound, though, since I had no clue as to how far long I was and I am having twins! Can you imagine? Twins! I am guessing God is giving us a second chance at having three. Plus, we will get to be pregnant together!

As far as Rose, you are right. It has been a while since she has talked to us. I think I am going to try and call her later on tonight to make sure everything is okay. I know that Macy started back to school a few weeks ago, and with it being freshman year, things might be little hectic. I wouldn't worry too much. Rose will call when and if something is terribly wrong.

I will be sure to give Edward and Molly your love.

Bella

I clicked the send button and sat back as the little envelope went flying through cyberspace. I placed my hand on my belly and began to rub out of instinct. Alice and I pregnant at the same time. Wow.

I tilted my head to listen for Edward's voice as he sang his way through "The Old Lady That Swallowed A Fly." I knew that he would be excited; he was asking me the other day if I was ready to have another baby. At the time, I really wasn't. I was happy with just Molly, but now that I know I have not one, but two lives growing inside of me, I had already begun to anxiously count the days until their birth.

I settled myself into my writing position and began to let my fingers and mind take over. I was in a section of my book that was going to take the most time, but knew that I could get it down easily if I focused.

"You almost ready to go to bed?" a voice of an angel floated through the room.

I shook my head from my thoughts as I turned to look at him. "What time is it?"

"It is almost one in the morning," Edward answered, brushing his lips along my neck line. A small shiver ran down my spine. No matter how many times he kisses me, it still has the same effect.

"You're kidding," I said, standing up and stretching. "I take it Molly is fast asleep."

Edward nodded and then wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me close. I reached around and took his hand in mine. "Come here, I want to show you something."

A smile began to spread across his lips as he raised his eyebrow. "Oh, please show away."

I began to drag him out of my office, hitting the light on the way out. "Get your head out of the gutter, Mr. Masen." I walked toward my purse which was sitting on the kitchen counter and pulled out my wallet. I grabbed the small black and white photo and placed it his hands.

"I went to the doctor today because I have still been having that stomach bug and the doctor actually found something kind of interesting," I said as I watched his face looking at the small photo.

"You're pregnant," Edward said. I knew that he would be able to tell without me saying much.

"It gets better. What do you see?"

Edward walked over to the light by the sink and held the picture under it. "Twins?"

I nodded my head in agreement. "Nine weeks. From the doctor's calculations, it looks like around Valentine's Day."

Edward walked over to me and I saw sadness in his eyes. "Are you okay with this?"

I looked at him, knowing that there was confusion in my eyes. "What do you mean?"

"It will be exactly five years ago, almost to the day, when we lost our son."

My mouth made an 'O' as I realized how close the date would be, but then smiled. "God is giving us a second chance. I'm okay with it."

He pulled me close and gave me a deep kiss, our lips and tongue dancing together. I pulled away when I heard the door bell ring. I looked up to Edward, each of us asking questions with our eyes about who it could possibly be.

I went and opened the door. My mouth dropped and my hands tried their best to cover it.

"Macy?" I asked, staring at her in disbelief.

"Can I come in?" she asked.

I nodded and opened the door, then turned to look past her and over to Edward who was standing in the hallway, taking in the site of Macy standing in front of us. I had just seen her in June for her fifteenth birthday party and she was our perfect little Macy, though older, of course. But the girl who was standing in front of me now was not the same one. It looked like she had been wearing the same clothes for the past week; her hair was no longer blond, but a deep black. She had multiple piercings in her ears and even one on her lip and nose. She moved her tongue and tried to lick her lips to make them not appear so dry when I saw the gold rod poke from her tongue.

"Macy?" I asked again in disbelief.

"Can I stay with you all for a little while? At least until I figure out what I am going to do next?"

I nodded my head slowly still puzzled at when all of this change had happened. No wonder Rose had been distant.

"Do Rose and Emmett know you're here?" Edward asked, moving closer to us.

Macy looked down and shook her head. When she looked up and I saw the tears in her bright blue eyes, my heart began to break. "We had a fight and she told me to leave."

I went over to her and wrapped her small frame in my arms. "What happened?"

Macy really did not have to answer since I could already tell just by looking at her that I knew what had happened. I saw it every day while working at the Y. A teen in trouble, looking for attention, a cry for help.

"Come on, let's get you cleaned up and we can talk in the morning," I led Macy to the guest bedroom to let her have a few hours of sleep. I knew that after she was rested, she would be able to think more clearly.

Edward placed his lips on the top of my head before moving into the room with Macy. "I am going to go call Emmett and Rose."

I nodded my head. I was not sure if I was going to like what would happen next. Part of told me to put Macy back on the first flight to Berlin, another part wanted to help her. But was this my battle to fight?

Emmett's POV:

The night that Macy left, Rose shattered. Before I knew it, Rose was a walking zombie, just going through the motions. The night turned into day and then eventually turned into a week with not a single word on where Macy was. I called the credit card company and the only thing I found out was that she had booked a flight to Miami, Florida. After that, it was a mystery. Macy had cleaned out the credit card at an ATM machine in the airport and I knew that if she was smart, she could do very well for a few weeks, and then she would more than likely turn down hard roads to look for help. I wanted to cancel the card, but Rose had forbidden it. She suggested we simply pay the balance and see if it would help us keep an eye on Macy somehow.

I sat at the kitchen table with my head in my hands, waiting for Rose to come home from work. I had taken a couple of days off to help her out, but she really did not need any help. Well, as far as living like a robot goes anyway. I jumped slightly as I heard the phone ring. Not many people ever call the house phone; cell phones are our major way of communicating. But my heart rate quickened as I jumped up and grabbed it, thinking that maybe, possibly, it might be…

"Macy?" I answered with urgency in my voice, not even bothering with 'hello.'

"Uh, Emmett?" a voice I would know anywhere made its way across the Atlantic and I let out a sigh. I could begin to feel myself start to crumble.

"Edward?"

"Macy's okay. She just showed up here at the penthouse a few minutes ago," Edward said into the receiver and I let out another sigh. I supposed that I knew deep down that Macy would eventually go to either Alice or Bella.

"Is she okay?"

"She looks okay, but man, she sure has changed."

"Tell me about it," I started. "I do not even remember seeing her grow up. And would you believe that she asked us if she can have a boob job?"

I heard Edward laugh slightly. "Well, right now I think a boob job would have been the better route to go."

"What do you mean?"

"She has more piercings around her face than some strange African tribe."

I groaned. I knew that she wanted to get more and not just her ears. "She already had three in her ear. Where else?"

"On her lip, her nose, and a tongue piercing."

"Man, then she just got those. Other than that, how is she?"

"She is pretty grungy. She looks like she has been in the same clothes for a couple of days and with no shower," I could hear Edward take a deep breath. "What happened, Emmett? Why did you and Rose not call us and let us know that things were this serious with Macy? We could have helped."

Now it was my turn to take a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I know. I wanted Rose to talk to Bella and Alice, but she said it was a family problem. I told her that we are all family. Macy started to have a hard time ever since she turned fifteen, then when school started about six weeks ago, it really went downhill. She won't talk to us. She is moody, acts out, and would you believe, she was expelled from school last Friday? That is when she left, after she and Rose had this huge fight. Rose went as far as asking if she was pregnant or doing drugs, anything to give us a lead on where to start looking for help."

"Did she?"

"No, the only thing she managed to do was telling us how much she hates everything here and hates us. Rose basically told her to leave, but I think Macy was planning on running away anyway."

"Well, if anyone can get through to Macy, Bella can," Edward started. "If not, we will see if Jasper can fly out and talk to her. After all, this is both of their fields of medicine."

I nodded my head in agreement, even though I knew he would not be able to see. "I will let Rose know that Macy is there, she might plan on taking the first flight she can get. Chances are she will bring Macy back to Germany kicking and screaming."

"I will let Bella know," Edward said and I could hear Molly crying in the back ground. I realized that it was about three in the morning over there. "Be sure to give my goddaughter a big kiss and hug for me."

"Will do. Oh, and guess what? Bella is pregnant again. We just found out today. She is having twins, man, can you believe that?"

"Good for you, if any one deserves to be parents, it is the two of you. Rose and I have been talking about starting our own family, but now with this whole Macy thing, I'm not sure it's gonna be happening at all, let alone anytime soon."

"You two deserve your own family as well. I think you should go for it. I have the strangest feeling that Alice is pregnant as well, just from the cryptic emails Jaspers has been sending lately. Would it not be wild to have all three of the girls pregnant at the same time?"

"Wild and downright crazy," I said and looked up as I heard Rose walk into the house. "Gotta go, Edward, Rose is home. Keep me posted and I will check back in with you later on. I am going to tell her the good news."

"Okay, bye." We both hung up at the same time.

I walked over to Rose who just looked tired and scared. I lifted her chin up with my finger and looked her in the eyes.

"Macy is in New York with Bella and Edward. She showed up there just a few minutes ago."

Rose did a small odd laugh, almost like she was on the verge of hysterics, "Great, just great! Well, at least I will not have to worry as much about her."

"Rose, what's wrong? You have been worried sick bout Macy."

"I am or I was, but now we have our own problems."

I looked at her, trying to figure out what those other problems were. She leaned in, collapsing onto my chest, and began to sob.

"Emmett, I'm…I'm…preg…"

"You're what?"

"I can't even say the damn word," Rose straightened up and looked me dead in the eyes. "Pregnant!"

"You have got to be kidding me," I said, taking a step back. "What the hell? I think something is in the water."

Rose stared at me. "Why?"

"Bella is pregnant, too. She just found out. With twins."

Rose's eyes bugged out of her head and reached into her pocket, pulling out a black and white ultrasound picture, and handed it to me. Now it was my turn to have my eyes bug out of my head as I could see two very distinctive forms.

I backed away from her, still holding the picture, and lowered myself into the nearest chair. "Twins?"

"Yep. And you want to hear more? I just received an email from Alice a few seconds ago...guess what?"

I didn't have to think too hard. "Pregnant with twins?"