Edward's Point of View
"So Edward how was Bella today?" Dad asked after dinner.
I was sitting at the dinning table finishing up the last of my homework along with the rest of my siblings besides Bella. She's been emotional for the past few days, so I figured I would give her some space to gather herself.
"She slept a lot, ate some, and drank a lot too." I replied.
He was sitting with us working on some paperwork from the hospital. This is sort of a bonding activity that we do, mom and dad sit with us while we do our homework and they do their work from office.
"And she made some really good muffins." Emmett jumped in.
"Yeah then she wanted to kill you for eating them all. I wanted some too." Jasper retorted.
"Did you two make them together?" Mom asked.
I couldn't lie to my own mother, but I didn't feel that I needed to betray Bella's trust.
"I made them." It wasn't a total lie; I did help to make the last batch.
Mom gave me that look that told me she knew I wasn't telling the how truth. It broke me down quickly.
I ran my hands through my already messy hair. "She got up while I was taking a nap and snuck downstairs to make the first batch. I found her and helped her with the second batch then ordered her to sit while I made us lunch. Her strength was almost fully restored by then." I argued.
"Why were you taking nap, dude? You were suppose to be watching our little sister that we so greatly left in your care." Emmett scolded, but coming from him didn't make it sound hurtful. Mostly, he was amused that his perfect little brother screwed up.
I glared at him not really wanting to answer his question. He gave me his own glare in return.
"Boys, behave yourselves." Mom's turn to scold.
Our glares softened as we went back to our homework, although, Emmett looked somewhat pleased that he got a reaction out of me.
"So what happened at school today?" Dad asked after a few minutes of silence.
"Got more homework." Alice answered.
"Got an A on my science test." Emmett cheered.
"Got assigned to do a partnered project and I need to ask Bella if she'll be my partner or else Lauren Mallory will be." Jasper grumbled. Those sluts didn't know when to stop. Alice's face turned murderous when Jasper mentioned Lauren's name, but he kissed her hand which made her smile again.
"Rotated all four tires on a '85 Camero before anyone else in auto shop did." Rosalie said nonchalant.
Alice tried holding her snickers which meant there was more to the story.
"Rosalie?" Mom raised her eyebrow.
Rosalie shot a glare at Alice. "Alright, a few of the guys in that class were coming onto me and I accidentally dropped my wrench on one of their feet." She didn't look remorseful.
"Rosalie Lillian Hale Cullen, there are better ways to handle a situation that using force such as violence. You could have told the teacher." Mom stormed.
"Mom, the teacher never does anything and besides he just lets them slide." Rosalie argued which was true. Tyler Crowley's father was the auto shop teacher and always allowed his son and his friends to slide along. "And don't think about having a talk with the teacher or anyone else mom. I can handle this."
Rose has always been the one that never backs down and never demands any help even from Emmett or Jasper. Both have learned to stand aside, but carefully hover just in case. I'm glad they've never had a need to interfere too, and as much as I hate to say it, I hovered too. Hey, she's my sister.
Mom knew this too; she has always admired Rosalie for being so independent, but under the skin, she did fear for her.
Emmett wrapped his arm around Rose's shoulders and looked proud, but like mom, he really was afraid of what would happen to Rosalie like what happened when she was younger. Jasper allowed his emotions to surface only because he was her twin and didn't want to see her hurt again.
Dad hid his emotions, but I could read his face easily like I could everyone's. Still, neither he nor mom continued on that topic again.
"So Edward, why were you so tired that made you nap while Bella was up walking around?" Emmett changed the subject, but is wasn't a very good subject. I so did not want to answer this.
"Practice made me tired." I replied.
"Liar." Emmett sneered.
"I am not." There I go again.
"Sure Eddie." I hated that nickname.
"Emmett." I growled.
He glared playfully back at me. He loved making me angry by using that stupid name.
"Boys." Mom warned, but I was not backing down until Emmett was.
"Getting a little defensive aren't we Ed? Are you sure there isn't anything you like to tell us?"
"Boys, ENOUGH." Dad rarely raised his voice to us, but when he did, it was a little intimidating. We backed down, or actually I did, Emmett still had that stupid grin on his face like he was proud of himself.
I went back to my homework.
"Maybe the virgin got something good in his bed that made him so tired." He mumbled loud enough for me to hear and that's when I snapped.
I ran out of my chair after my idiot brother who ran away from me as fast as he could out the back door. Chasing him all around the backyard until I caught him and wrestled him into the muddy ground.
My anger soon turned to laughter as Emmett and I rolled around trying to pin one another. Jasper even joined in on our fun.
"Boys, get in here before you catch a cold." Mom warned us.
Despite our reluctance, we did as we were told.
"Stop right there and take off your clothes. I will not have you track mud in my clean house."
We were already cold and wet, but now we were going to be humiliated. Alice and Rosalie were sitting in the living room now giggling quietly at us.
We pulled off our clothes, leaving on only our boxers then put them in the garbage bags mom handed us; including our shoes.
As we made our way up stairs, we weren't ashamed but we were still having fun. That's what I love about my brothers, no matter how much we fight; it doesn't last very long and turns out fun after a while.
On the way up, we all passed Bella on the stairs. She was back to wearing her tank top and sweatpants. We stopped half way up to allow her to pass us. She looked confused and amused at the same time. I was the last to follow so I gave her a wink and smile before following the others. She slapped my ass as I wasn't looking though.
"Hey." I protested.
She turned towards me acting innocent. "What did I do?"
"I'm going to get you back." I growled quietly.
She rolled her eyes and continued making her way downstairs; her long hair bouncing against her back as she hoped from one step to the next. I swear, she tortures me on purpose.
As I got to the second floor, my idiot brothers grabbed my arms and ran me into Emmett's room. I nearly tripped being thrown in; doesn't the guy ever clean?
"What?" I demanded after regaining my balance on the bed.
"What the hell is wrong with you Edward? I thought we agreed to give Bella some space, and you are flirting with her." Emmett replied.
"Edward, do you remember her mental state at the moment. Please tell me you didn't push her today." Jasper added.
"Hell no, I wouldn't do that to her. I do like her, a lot, but I would never push her too far." I argued.
"How far did you get?" Jasper asked looking serious, but Emmett was looking like Alice waiting for new gossip.
I groaned and ran my hands through my hair. I was not going to get out of this easily.
"We kissed and laid together, but nothing else." I managed to point out before the wrong conclusions could be made.
"Is that how you fell asleep and she escaped from you?" Emmett boomed.
"Yes." I hated to admit it to him, but why should I be humiliated about expressing my affection towards Bella.
Emmett's eyes nearly came out of the sockets.
"But we didn't do anything." I pressed more urgently knowing that he would get the idea. Jasper, on the other hand, looked more composed. "I'm not pushing her in any way. In fact, I'm letting her lead on. Still stopping her if I feel we are going too fast."
They came and sat on either side of me.
"Proud of you man; I just don't want to see any more members of this family get hurt. We've all been through enough; including you." Jasper said. He and Emmett were the only ones that knew of my pain and that is something I do not wish anyone else to know.
After our brotherly bonding time, we separated and headed to the showers. Jasper and Emmett had to fight one who gets it first since the girls never shared their bathrooms with us—as far as I knew.
Once I was cleaned and in my sweats almost ready for bed, I headed downstairs to retrieve my homework that was still sprawled about on the kitchen table. Sitting at the table was none other than the little vixen herself working on her math homework.
I crept up closer hoping she wouldn't hear me taking note that she had my math work in front of her. She was comparing her work against mine, but I still thought a little punishment should be in order.
"I thought I told you not to copy my homework, Isabella." She turned around, frightened then cocky.
"I wasn't copying; I told you that I wanted to compare my homework to yours to see if I got it right." She quipped.
I didn't back down from my playful glare.
"You could have asked for help."
"I did, but no one could explain it to me well enough. I needed a visual."
I walked closer to her still playing my role until I was standing in front of her.
"First you slap my ass then you copy my homework. What am I going to do with you?"
She sat up straighter challenging me. "Sir, you dare not strike a mother."
Like I would ever hurt this beauty, it was even hard playing to be angry with her.
"If you can't punish me then I don't see a need for this argument to continue. Besides, my homework is all done." She stood up, sizing me.
She was right, what could I do to her? Well, there is one thing that I would love to do to her, but she has to lead, I don't want to push her too far.
"Well, since I can't think of a way to punish you without hurting the baby you're carrying. What would you suggest?"
She tapped her chin with her finger thinking "There are so many things that you could make me do, but since we are still new in this relationship I shouldn't do what I'm thinking." My eyes widened at the possibilities, but I quickly composed them. Her hormones are going to kill me.
"I think that I am now punishing you right? Because you can't see what's going on inside my little head." She was pushing it which was not very good for me at the moment. She was punishing me, how the heck did she turn it around like that?
"Well, this little game has been fun, but I should be getting ready for bed. Busy day tomorrow." With that she picked up her things and left the room before I could blink.
I recovered my senses and ran after her.
"Come back here, Isabella." I commanded.
She just laughed as she ran up the stairs gripping onto the rail as she went, but she still tripped which is how I caught up to her.
I rolled her over so that her back was against the stairs and I was holding her arms down with her books still in her hands. Although we were playing rough, I was still trying to be gentle for the baby.
"Thanks for catching me, but I'm suppose to stay on my feet remember?" She giggled.
"Than maybe you shouldn't have been running." I grinned wickedly.
I pulled her books from her grasp which she gladly let go. I knew we were moving fast now, but all my rationality ran out the door when I saw how beautiful she looked under me. Looking at her face, she had the same idea, but the little vixen had something more in her eyes. She must be imagining more than me, and I thought I was the horny teenager. I guess being a pregnant teenaged woman is worst.
Before my rationality came back to tell me to get off of her, Bella grabbed my head and pulled me down roughly to meet her lips. The rationality went out the window again.
I supported my weight so that she couldn't feel it at all or so I wouldn't crush the baby.
"Uhm." Someone exaggerated clearing their throat.
We pulled away and discovered that everyone was watching. Mom, dad, Alice, and Rosalie standing at the base of the stairs looking seriously angry. Crap. Jasper and Emmett were trying to hide their smiles under frowns, but were failing miserably.
I scrambled to my feet pulling Bella up with me. Her face was bright red and I could feel mine turning the same color.
I could not think of a way out of this one. We were in for it.
"Edward, follow me please." Dad ordered walking towards his study.
"Bella, follow me." Mom ordered walking towards her bedroom.
I followed dad into his study, he stood by the door and closed it when I entered.
"Sit down son." He said calmly.
I did as I was told then wait for him to sit behind his large mahogany desk. He took a deep breath while rubbing his temples with his fingers.
"Edward, please help me understand what I just saw you and Bella doing just now?" He was looking at me with a disapproving look that only meant trouble if I didn't explain myself fully.
"We were joking around and it got a little out of hand. I'm sorry that I wasn't responsible enough to stop it; I wasn't thinking, I'm sorry." I ran my hands through my hair twice during my little speech.
Dad took a deep breath then spoke. "Son, I know you feel these urges and that at times they are hard to control. Probably with Bella at this time, it's not so easy for you." He paused then looked at me like he was looking into my soul. "You have feelings for her don't you, Edward?"
He was calm unlike what I thought he would be. This confused me, but I saw where he was going with this. Everyone in this family could see what was going on between me and Bella.
"My feelings for her are the strongest that I've ever felt towards anyone. I keep wanting to be there for her, protect her from anything that wants to harm her or the baby. I know we are young and irresponsible, but that's just how I feel. You remember how much you felt like that with mom?" I asked.
Dad took another deep breath and turned his attention away to his bookshelf. I followed his gaze and noticed he was staring at his and mom's wedding picture. He smiled and I knew he was thinking about my question with his heart.
"I do know what you are going through Edward, but you have to remember that Bella has been hurt and her head isn't clear enough for this. I know it may seem like she wants special attention from you at times, but you need to keep in mind that she doesn't have full control over herself and later it may hurt her."
"I would never…" I started to interrupt, but dad hushed me by holding up his hand.
"I know you would never want to hurt her intentionally, but remember my warning, Edward. All it takes is a little excitement from her surroundings to get Bella's hormones jumping wildly. Keep calm and she'll be calm, understand?"
I nodded my head. If I wanted to protect Bella, I was going to have to start with myself.
"Good, you may go." He dismissed me.
Once outside his office, I was met with my two annoying brothers; both of which had wicked grins on their faces.
"I'm not in trouble." I knew they were going to ask that.
Emmett's grin disappeared into a frown. "You mean he didn't punish you for seducing your pregnant sister?"
"Emmett." I retorted. "This is not a good time for this."
"What did dad say?" Jasper asked. Thank God he was the more logical one like me in the family—and we aren't even blood related.
"He said that I need to stop getting Bella excited like that, she's feeding off our emotions right now which can have bad repercussions later if we're not careful." I answered.
"You mean if you're not careful." Jasper eyed me, and he was right.
I hung my head and headed for the stairs. I needed time to think and get away from Bella for a while. We really needed a break. Thank God my brothers didn't follow me, but on my floor I was pulled into Alice's room by my two strong sisters.
They threw me on the bed and I gazed up at the two vicious tigresses that you will ever see. They were livid, to say the least.
"Care you explain your behavior, Edward?" Alice asked her hands on her hips waiting for my response.
"I uh…wasn't thinking." I started, but Rosalie cut in.
"You're right, you weren't. Mom just had a talk with her and now Bella's in her room thinking she's a horrible person for seducing you like that. She won't talk to us or listen to us when we told her that it was all your fault." She wasn't totally correct though.
"Your wrong, I started it and she couldn't control what I was feeding her. Dad told me that she will feed off of everyone's emotions for a while, but mine are worst because of…our relationship." I really didn't want to talk about this with my sisters.
"Your relationship? When did this happen? Today when we were at school? What the hell did you two do?" Alice practically yelled.
"We just kissed and I laid with her while we relaxed. I tried to push her back when we got a little too far ahead of ourselves and she understood. Tonight, we just went overboard. You two know how that is?" I raised my eyebrow at them daring them to argue.
Alice's face turned slightly pink telling me that I was right. Rosalie, however, kept a mask on her face trying to hide it; but I still saw a glimmer of my words swimming around in her head.
"I'm going to try to do better on controlling myself, but I think I'm going to need help. It's obvious that Bella and I can't be alone without it turning slightly bad." As much as I hated to admit it, this is how it had to be.
From the looks on their faces, they understood completely, but looked a little smug about it.
"So, perfect virgin Edward Anthony Cullen needs a chaperone does he?" Alice giggled.
"Maybe you and Jasper should be chaperoned too. Wouldn't want mom and dad to go through a pregnancy scare would they?" A few months ago she and Jasper went through one and sworn us to secrecy. Luckily it was a false alarm, but we still didn't tell mom or dad about it.
Alice looked livid again. Rosalie had to hold her back.
"Edward, you're excused; but find someone to watch you while you apologize to Bella." Rosalie said still trying to push Alice back; for a small pixie she had a lot of power.
"Fine." I said then walked out of the room.
From the hall, I heard quiet sniffles and knew that Bella was in her room crying. So this is what I'm putting her through. She must be starting to feel rejected by everyone that loves her. I need to put her at ease, but I need help. Who would be the best at it?
Mom just talked to her so that's out. Alice and Rosalie would take it the wrong way. Emmett wouldn't really help, he'd just make it worst that it already is. Dad just talked to me, plus it would feel weird to have him there with me. Talking to him down in his study a few minutes ago was already painful enough. That leaves Jasper, but would she feel comfortable about him sitting with us? It wouldn't matter because he was the only option and our last option.
Bella's Point of View
"Bella follow me." Mom ordered. I was in trouble.
She led me to her bedroom and pointed me to sit on the bed while she closed the door. I did as I was told. She came and sat next to me.
I was afraid that she was going to think I wasn't worth it anymore and send me away, and why not? I had turned her household upside down since I first arrived.
"Go ahead and say it." I began.
She looked confused. "Say what, Bella?"
"I'm hurting this family and I should be sent back. I'm not worth it." I finished trying to hide my tears.
Mom moved my head so that I was looking at her and not at the floor.
"Bella, you are worth it. We all love you, but we want you and Edward to be careful. I understand what you are feeling. I had the same experience with Carlisle when I was pregnant, but you've been hurt in the past and rushing through a new relationship is not a good idea." She explained.
I hated where she was going with this. It made me feel like a horrible person who is trying to poison those around me. Still, she was right. I was confused in my relationship with Edward. One minute we are sitting together and the next we jump on each other for no reason, what the hell is wrong with me?
"Why do I do this to myself?" I asked out loud.
"Do what honey?" She asked.
"Why do I allow myself to hurt others? Edward is probably angry that I keep seducing him and he has to be the one to stop it because I have no control over my stupid sexual tendencies." I was getting angry and sort of humiliated by the conversation, but it didn't matter. I knew I was right.
"Bella, it's hard for a woman in your condition to control herself, but you are not at fault. Edward knows to be careful around and he hasn't been. This is perfectly normal, but it's not something you need right now." She tried, but I wasn't listening. It was my fault.
"Can I go now?" I wanted out.
She sighed, but nodded her head anyways. Great, now I disappointed my new mother. I am a horrible person.
I made my escape from her room to find the others—minus Edward and dad—standing near the doors; maybe trying to find out what happened. Rosalie and Alice tried to make their way to me, but I have been trying to hold back the tears long enough. I needed to escape. I pushed past them and ran up the stairs as fast as I could. Only tripping three times on my way to my room where I made sure to lock the door then curled up on my side and cried.
I was surprised that no one followed me. I was thankful that they didn't.
After few minutes, my tears finally slowed, but I was still crying slightly and sniffling. My baby felt like he/she was pounding on my inside; maybe trying to get my attention, letting me know that they still love me.
Finally, there was a knock at my door, but I still didn't want to see anyone.
"Bella, can you unlock the door. I need to talk to you." It was Edward just the person I wanted to hide from. "Please Bella, we need to talk."
Oh no, not again.
'Bella, can I talk to you?'
Inside his room was filled with boxes loaded with his things.
'Are you going somewhere?'
'It's time for me to leave this place. I found a job and a place to live.'
He didn't seem sad, but more excited.
'Is it here in Phoenix?'
'No, but this is a fresh new start for me. I'm getting away from this horrible childhood and moving onto bigger and better things.'
'What about me?'
'I'm sorry pet, but in order for me to grow up, I need to leave my childhood behind.'
My tears were starting to pick up again thanks to my memories.
I couldn't handle it if Edward tells me that he needs to leave. I love him…oh God please no.
I ran up and opened the door startling Edward and Jasper on the other side. I threw myself into Edward's arms. He was shocked at first, but after a few seconds, his body relaxed around mine.
"Please don't leave me." I whispered not really sure he heard me until he answered.
"I can never stay away from you."
My tears were still falling, but they were for joy and happiness. He wasn't going to leave me.
"Bella, we need to talk about something." Jasper said, but I remained quiet.
Edward led me back into my room. He and I sat on my bed with me still hanging onto him. Jasper pulled out my desk chair and sat on it. He looked to Edward and nodded his head. I looked at Edward confused. He ran his fingers through his hair.
"Bella, about what happened tonight. I'm sorry I didn't control myself better. I should have been watching my every move. I didn't mean to give you those…messages." He was nervous about what he was saying, and I was confused.
"I don't understand." I replied pulling up to see his face properly. His hands here now holding onto mine.
"Bella, I have to remind myself that…um…" He was having trouble finding the right words and looked to Jasper for help.
"What he means to say is that because of your past and how you've been feeling lately, its better if you two go slower, so that you don't get hurt." He explained.
Realization dawned on me, I have been the one to set the pace, but I haven't been keeping myself in check. The only problem is that I've been confused about what I wanted.
I buried my face in my hands giving a big sigh in the process. Edward put his arm around my shoulder drawing me into his body.
"I'm sorry that I've been leading you like this, but we should take things slow." I dropped my hands to look at his face. "I'm going to try to watch myself from now on. We'll continue to go slow if you want, and the others will have to look after us to make sure we don't go too far. Is that alright with you?" He asked.
Truthfully, I wasn't sure. This did seem logical, but my brain hasn't been working so well in this department. Maybe we did need a break and start off slow and by slow I mean not start just yet.
"I understand what you mean and I think we should slow down. We shouldn't be together just yet. I've been here for not even a week and already I want to jump you." He and Jasper laughed while I blushed slightly. "I'm confused by what I want and right now I think we shouldn't do this just yet."
He looked somewhat pained by what I just said, but I couldn't let that affect me. This was right for the both of us.
"I agree with you, but I'm still going to be around when you need me and remind you to take your vitamins in the morning." It was my turn to laugh with him, but neither of our smiles reached up to our eyes.
"Thanks for understanding." I replied. "I'm going to go to bed."
"Ok, goodnight." Edward said kissing me on the head.
Jasper got up and gave me a half hug then both left.
I laid under my covers trying not to make a sound from my sobs. It hurt me to say those things to Edward; letting him go like that, but I wasn't letting him go forever just until we were ready. The question was, when were we going to be ready?
It was 9:30, but I wasn't tired just yet so I turned on my light and read my book while creating imaginary circles on my belly with my fingers.
I didn't realize I had fallen asleep because of my dream. I was sitting in a park on a bright, warm sunny day. I could feel the heat and the slight cool breeze filling the air. "Mommy, mommy." A little boy was running towards me. I didn't recognize him by sight, but my instincts told me to hold out my arms. I dropped my book and held my arms out for the little boy. He jumped into my arms and hugged me forcefully. I looked at his face and into his rich chocolate eyes that matched mine perfectly. His short brown hair was blowing in the breeze and when he smiled matching dimples appeared on his cheeks.
I would have loved to stay within my dream had not my stomach decide to wake me up. I woke up with a slight jolt holding onto my stomach. It didn't feel as bad as it has been, but I still got up slowly and made it into the bathroom.
I sat on the edge of the bathtub and tried to relax; breathing through my mouth. After a few minutes nothing happened. I actually started to laugh a little until I heard a knock at the door.
I got up to open it. Behind the door was a tired-looking Edward.
"You ok?" He asked.
"Yeah, I think I'm out growing the morning sickness." I spoke too soon because the nausea crept back up again.
I turned around fast, but only made it to the sink. Still, it wasn't as bad as it had been. Edward held my hair and rubbed my back as I regained my breath.
"Should I ask again?" He joked.
I gave him a punch in the ribs then turned on the water to get rid of the disgust.
Edward continued to stay with me even while I was brushing my teeth. It was comforting knowing that he was there to care for me if needed.
Once my teeth were clean, Edward walked me back to my room, but stopped at my door. It sort of hurt that he did, but it was for our benefit or mine at least.
We smiled at each other silently wishing sweet dreams then I shut the door.
It was quarter to five in the morning and I was restless until my alarm started screeching. I wasted no time getting up and around for the day and taking my pills before Edward could remind me.
We were all pretty quiet this morning and on our way to school. I rode with the girls again since the boys had practice after school. I just hope Rosalie and Alice wouldn't be too bored after school since I would have my first swim class after school which sort of worried me. I usually love to swim, but I never liked the deep end of the pool especially since I watched 'Jaws' as a kid. Not a very smart thing for a seven year old to do who was also learning to swim at the same time.
Classes were uneventful, I turned in all my homework; but something was up with the student body. My siblings could feel it too.
"Has anyone heard the latest rumor?" Alice asked when were sitting at lunch. We were late because the others waited for me while I took my quiz for English. It only took five minutes to complete—which shocked my teacher—but they still did even when I asked them not to.
"I don't know. Whenever I tried to squeeze into a group to hear everyone shuts up." Rosalie answered.
"Maybe it's about us?" Jasper pondered out loud.
I wasn't really paying attention, I was trying to work on my math homework so that I wouldn't stay up too late working on it.
"Great, what could they possibly have on us now?" Emmett whined.
The lead on my pencil broke when I put too much pressure on it, but I couldn't help it. I had a feeling what the rumor was and I prayed that my siblings wouldn't find out. I didn't want them to be hurt or embarrassed by me.
"Need a new pencil, Bella?" Emmett joked.
I quickly composed my face and answered. "Yeah, I have a pencil sharpener in my bag." I dove into my bag hoping it would hide my face.
When I came back up, Edward was looking at me as if he was trying to read my face. I dearly hope he wasn't. Just to make sure, I hid behind my hair as I continued to work on my homework.
Thankfully, he stayed quiet during the rest of lunch. At the sound of the bell, I gathered my things and raced out the door trying not to trip. I was sure the others were wondering what happened, but I was more worried about Edward. I hope that he wouldn't put two and two together.
I got to class before Jasper and buried my face in a book before he walked in. He sat down without saying a word, I only heard his chair slide on the tile floor and his bag making a ka-thunk noise on the floor.
This class passed by quickly and like at lunch, I raced out of the room when the bell rang. I made it to biochem before Emmett and like before buried my face in my book before he came in except he was a little louder and pushier that Jasper, but I still kept quiet until the teacher told me to put my book away since it was 'not required for this course'.
Before I had a chance to race out of the classroom when the bell rang, Emmett grabbed my arm and kept me steady.
"Is there anything you wish to share, Bella?" It was the first time that I ever heard him be so forceful, not an ounce of humor in his voice. He truly did scare me for the first time.
I looked at my feet and shook my head.
I could tell he didn't believe me, but he let it slide releasing my arm. I took off as soon as his grip loosened enough for me to wiggle out of. Unfortunately, I was stopped and pushed somewhat gently against the lockers by Rosalie, the others surrounding us.
"Ok Bella, spill. What are you hiding?" Rosalie started.
I suddenly became interested in the tiled floor to avoid the gazes of everyone. Other people in the hall looked our way, but kept to their own business.
"Bella, answer the question." Alice barked.
I squeezed my eyes shut for they were scaring me. Why did they want to pressure me like this so badly? Couldn't they already guess what the rumors were?
"We don't have time for this, but we do expect you to tell us later, Bella." Normally calm, tranquil Jasper sounded bitter.
I heard the heavy footfalls of the boys walking away, but the girls stayed with me.
"He's right Bella. We're going to walk you to the gym locker rooms for swim class and then we're going to watch the boys practice and pick you up after class. By then we want some answers, we don't like it when we keep secrets from each other; especially when we have a bad feeling about them." Rosalie said, she was trying to stay calm.
Alice pulled me away from the lockers and led me down the hall. Rosalie on my other side. I dared not look at either of them, so I focused on my feet making sure they didn't trip over anything.
They stood outside the locker room door and waited for me to go in. Again, I didn't look up at them as I pushed through the door.
Alice had given me permission to use her locker, I found it and opened it. She had a couple of everyday outfits hanging up and my swimsuit too. I grabbed it and stuffed my bag inside before closing it and going into the bathroom stall to change.
On my way over, I bumped into the coach.
"Hello Bella. Ready for swim class?" She asked.
"Yeah." I answered trying to give her a smile.
"A little nervous?" She asked.
"You could say that." It wasn't a lie anyways.
"Don't worry, we'll be in the shallow end the whole time and you will not be alone." She replied. It did help me to ease my fears of the water, but not of what I was going on with my family.
She walked away while I went and changed my clothes.
Afterwards, I put my street clothes back into the locker, grabbed my towel and walked out to the pool deck.
There were only a few women sitting on the bleachers, each at different stages of their pregnancy. I didn't dare look at my belly; my swimsuit was tight on me, so I didn't care to see big I looked.
Before I went over to the bleachers, the coach came out of the locker room and told everyone to get into the pool. I got a few strange looks by some of the group, but they still gave me warm smiles as we got in. I was the last to get in. Happily the water was warm and my baby was kicking more than usual. I should definitely get this kid into swim classes once he/she is out.
I giggled at the movement.
"Happy baby?" A red head who looked farther along that me asked.
"Yeah, he/she loves the water." I answered.
"So does this one except she doesn't really move. Thank God. I've lost so much sleep lately from this angel." She cradled her stomach under the water. "I'm Victoria by the way."
I reached for her hand shaking it slightly. It felt wonderful that she wasn't judging me.
"Bella." I replied dropping her hand.
The class started as we finished our introductions, and boy, was it exhausting. By the end, I was glad I was in water because I barely had enough energy to stand up so I floated.
"Great job ladies, class is now dismissed, but you can have free swim until seven tonight." The coach called out.
"Want to lounge for a bit, it's better to slow the heart rate down first." Victoria asked.
"Sure." I answered. I was so tired that I couldn't even move and my stomach was starting to hurt a bit from the baby kicking so much.
We grabbed a couple floating tubes and bent them so they supported our shoulders and heads like the arms of chairs.
It was quiet at first, but then Victoria started up a conversation and we didn't stop.
"So how far along are you?" I asked.
"Eight months, but I so can't wait for this baby to come out. My boyfriend won't let me do much because 'I'm carrying a fragile baby.'" She mocked a man's voice for the last sentence.
It made me laugh.
"I kind of like it, I don't feel so alone all the time." I answered. "I was just recently adopted so I don't feel as alone as I use to, but it's still nice sometimes to have someone constantly with you."
"I agree, but I could do without the cons of being pregnant. I told my boyfriend that I don't want to be pregnant again for a while. At first he didn't agree with me, but then the mood swings came along and he happily agreed with me."
Again she made me laugh. I liked Victoria, but it still made me jealous when she talked about her boyfriend and how involved they were together.
"Still, I would like more children." A man's voice said nearly scaring me off my floating.
I only just realized that we floated more towards the deep end.
"That's a discussion for a later date, babe." Victoria half scowled and half laughed at. "Bella, this is James my boyfriend."
"Hello." He said.
"Hi." I answered.
He had dirty blond hair that was twisted into a braid in the back of his head, and bluish-grey eyes.
"I have to go, Bella, but I'll see you on Friday?" She asked.
"I sort of have to be here since I can't really participate in gym." I replied.
"You're in high school?" I nodded my head hoping she wouldn't look at me with pity now. "Oh, I thought you were older. Wow taking care of a baby at this age is pretty impressive. I don't think I could do it."
Her answer surprised me.
"I have such a great family that found me and were willing to help us both." I replied.
"I'm glad, but we should be getting along. I'm always hungry after swim class for some reason." She laughed.
"Sweetie, you're always hungry nowadays." James joked then started to laugh at until Victoria scowled at him. He shut right up.
"Bye." They both said and left me in the pool.
By now I didn't care that I was in the deep end because it felt nice and quiet.
"Enjoying the water?" Someone asked breaking me out of the tranquility. I nearly lost my grip on the floaty.
My family was all standing at the edge of the water grinning at me. Alice holding my towel.
"Can I help you?" I asked sarcastically.
"It's time to go. Let's get you dressed." Rosalie ordered sounding like a mother talking to her child.
If she's going to treat me like one then I'll act like one.
I crossed my arms over my chest. "No." I said bluntly while trying to fight a smile.
"Oh, I see the baby sister doesn't want to come out. Boys, why don't you go get her, I'm sure you would like to cool off after practice." Alice replied.
I just realized that the boys all had their swim trunks on. I had to turn away from them or else I would be gawking at their well toned bodies. When I heard splashes, I tried to swim away, but was easily caught by Edward who wrapped his arm around my waist holding me against his body. I tried to wiggle away, but he was too strong and the other boys surrounded us. Still, I was having too much fun.
"Geez Bella, I thought you were supposed to wear out your energy during swim class." Emmett complained.
I finally stopped squirming, but Edward still had a good hold on me.
"Edward, let me go." I warned.
"Are you going to try to swim away again?" He smirked.
"Edward, I'm surrounded by you and them." Pointing at Emmett and Jasper. "How the hell am I going to get away from you guys?" I was going to try again when he did let go though.
"Ok." He loosened his grip and waited for me to swim away.
I started to swim in the direction of the girls, but then dove under the water at the last minute to make a break for it. I opened my eyes under water to see the guys coming after me, so I pushed off the wall as fast as I could and out of their way. They pushed off the same wall and caught me with one easy stride bringing me up to the surface for air.
This time Emmett was holding onto me with a little more force than Edward.
"Ok, ok, I was joking." I laughed. They didn't look very convinced so I turned around and hooked myself to Emmett. "See, it's all good." I winked.
Emmett paddled us to the ladder. Edward and Jasper were the first get out then turned to help me out.
Standing in front of me, I got a good view of them which wasn't very good for the hormones I'm trying to keep in check.
I remembered what Edward looked like without his shirt on, but Jasper was just as well built—maybe a little less. Although, Edward looked the best; in my opinion.
I hauled my body—which wasn't easy—out of the water. Alice came up and wrapped a towel around me because now I was starting to shiver.
Emmett got out next and his body was built to the extreme. His muscles were almost twice as large as Edward's or Jasper's. I pretended to wipe my face off in the towel to get my attention away from them.
"Alright Bella, now tell us why were you acting so weird after lunch today?" Alice asked.
I wasn't prepared to answer her question. As I tried to leave they huddled around me and Emmett put his hand on my shoulder holding me still. I could feel the muscles from his hand and they sent shivers down my spine. I clung my towel closer to my body.
"Bella, we don't like secrets in this family; especially the ones that could harm us." Jasper explained calmly.
"Bella." Edward grabbed my face gently so that I looked into his eyes which made me weak in the knees. He had me and he knew it.
"I have a feeling about what the rumors are about, and I know that you won't like them." I started. None of them replied so I kept going. "They're about me and the baby. They might go as far as saying that one of the guys is the father."
They groaned in frustration. Edward released my face to clench his hands into tight fist to the point that I thought the bone was going to pop out of the skin. Everyone else looked no better.
"I shouldn't have told you." I added then walked away as fast as I dared to. Slipping out of Emmett's grasp was easy and I'm glad I did. His muscles were rippling throughout his body as the anger spread.
I went into the locker room and shut the door behind me. My tears had not yet started falling. Maybe I had reached the point where my tear ducks are completely drained. When I turned on the water, my baby started kicking again and I finally felt the tears starting to form. I tried to focus on the baby and his/her feelings over mine. It worked somewhat, but I needed to face my family soon. Maybe they would have calmed down by the time I got outside.
I dried and dressed myself quickly then walked out of the locker room carrying my wet towel and suit. Thankfully, they were there; standing in the hallway waiting and looking calmer than before.
We didn't say anything as I moved closer to them or until we got home. The tension was really thick and I was ashamed that I had told them the truth, but would they have rather heard from someone else?
No one greeted us when we arrived home. I took my things and ran upstairs to my room figuring the others would need time to calm themselves down more.
As I opened my French book, my cell phone rang. I fished it out of my bag before the third ring and answered it.
"Hey Bella, its Angela."
"Hey." I replied.
"Sorry I didn't get a chance to tell you, but Eric loved your article and my pictures. He's putting them in the next paper for Friday, but he hasn't figured out what our next story should be."
"That's great he loved our stuff, but I don't really have an idea of what kind of a story we should run next. Do you have any ideas?" I was trying to distract her from my real mood, but I think she caught it.
"No not really, but are you alright? You sound sad or something." It was going to be hard to sneak anything pass this girl.
"Um…have you heard the rumors going around school lately?" I needed to know if my suspicions were accurate.
"Yeah…um…I didn't want to mention that though."
"What are they saying?"
"The rumor is that you are pregnant and that one of the Cullen boys is the father." She replied softly.
"Do they have idea of which one?" Please don't say it.
"Edward Cullen." She replied in almost a whisper.
I nearly dropped the phone.
"Bella, are still there?"
"Yeah, I was just surprised. Who started this rumor?"
"Lauren Mallory and her mom. My mom told me it's flying all through town since this morning." Which means Carlisle and Esme would know about it soon.
"Oh no."
"Bella, its ok. It's not true…well half of it isn't. Just stay calm, you were strong enough to handle things at your last school and you can do it again."
"Thanks Angela…um…I've got homework to finish and swim class wiped me out."
"Swim class?" She asked.
"Uh yeah. Since I can't participate in regular gym class, I'm doing something a little different. Lauren is in my class to though." I groaned.
"Oh…ok. Uh, I have homework to do also, but call me whenever you want for anything."
"Thanks Angela. I'll keep thinking about ideas for our next story. Bye."
"Bye Bella. Tell the baby that I said goodnight." I had to laugh and it made me feel a little better.
After we hung up, I got stuck between telling my family what was going around school and completing my homework. I was both tired and hungry, but worried.
I decided to allow them to simmer down some more and continued with my homework. Was I really waiting for them to cool down or was I afraid to tell them?