Disclaimer: Stephenie owns Twilight. All mistakes are mine.
Chapter 12
"Bella! Why would you say such a thing?" Alice asked astonished at her friend's request. "Mr. Cullen held a vigil at your bedside for the past twenty hours. The poor man has been beside himself with worry; he wouldn't even eat or drink."
A glazed look of despair spread over Bella's face. The last thing she wanted was to cause him suffering, but her decision was made. He deserved more than she could offer.
"You … you don't understand, Alice!" She cried, burrowing her head into her pillow.
"Well, help us then," Rosie said. "Maizey, that man adores you. Don't do this to him."
A knock on the door ended their conversation. With a wide-eyed expression, Bella begged her friends. "Please, I can't bear to see him."
Alice huffed before walking toward the door. She opened it and discovered Doc Black and Edward waiting on the other side. "Doctor." She greeted him with a small nod as he entered the room. When Edward began to follow, Alice placed her hand on his arm to stop him.
"Mr. Cullen, may I speak with you for a moment?"
"Can't it wait? I want to see how Bella's doing." His voice held a hint of annoyance. He was anxious to see his girl.
"No, I'm sorry, it can't."
Relenting, he stepped back into the hallway. "Now, what's so important?"
"It's just …" Alice took a deep breath. She didn't want to hurt him, but she couldn't betray her friend.
"It's just what, Alice?" Edward sighed. His tone of voice was clipped.
"Bella doesn't want to see you at the moment."
Edward gripped his chest. It felt as if his heart was being squeezed by a vise; the pain was unbearable. "She doesn't w-want me?" His eyes filled with tears.
"No, not at the moment." She whispered.
"Did she say why?"
"No, I'm sorry, Mr. Cullen." She gave him a sympathetic look before returning to the bedroom.
Edward remained in the hallway. Sliding to the floor, he succumbed to his tears.
HG
"Take a spoonful of this every two hours," Doc Black said as he placed the glass bottle on the nightstand. "I also want you to remain in bed for the next few days. Your body needs plenty of rest so it can heal properly."
"Okay," Bella murmured. "Thank you, doctor."
"You are more than welcome, miss. Do you have any questions before I leave?"
Mortified, she chewed her bottom lip as she glanced at the doctor and her friends. Her stomach felt queasy. She didn't want to ask, but she needed to know.
Rosie could sense Bella's distress. "What is it, Maizey? You can ask the doctor anything; don't be afraid."
"She's right, young lady." He gave her a gentle smile. "Now, what's bothering you?"
"When will I know about the baby?"
Thinking he hadn't heard her clearly, he said, "The what?"
"The … baby." She repeated. "When will I know for sure?"
Rosie let out a gasp as she covered her mouth. Had Mr. Hunter hurt her more than they realized?
"I'm not sure I understand, Miss Swan." The doctor said with a tilt of his head. He had given her a thorough examination the previous day, so he was confused by her question. Perhaps, she had been expecting before her attack. "Are you in the family way?"
"I don't know!" Bella exclaimed before releasing a groan. "That's what I'm asking you!"
Alice rushed to her friend's side. "Bella, did Mr. Hunter … did he—"
"Yes!" Bella buried her head in her hands. "He kissed me!"
Furrowing his brow, the doctor repeated, "He kissed you?"
"Yes, on the mouth ... with his tongue!"
"Ah. That makes sense." He thought. Somewhere along the line, the young lady had been misinformed about conception. "Miss Swan, you're not in the family way."
"I'm not?"
"No, miss." He cleared his throat. "Kissing doesn't cause pregnancy."
Bella scrunched her nose. "But my papa always said kissing leads to babies."
"My guess is your papa was just trying to keep you away from the boys when he told you that," Doc Black said with a small chuckle.
"So, I won't have a baby?"
"No, no baby. Not now, at least, but maybe one day in the future when you're married."
At the mention of marriage, Bella's heart shattered. She had sent Edward away; he must hate her.
"Now, if you have no further questions, I'll be on my way." After picking up his bag, he said, "I'll stop by tomorrow and see how you're doing."
Bella remained quiet as she continued to think about what the doctor said and in turn about her treatment of Edward.
After the doctor left the room, Bella looked at her two friends.
"So where do babies come from?"
HG
AN:
Poor clueless Bella.
-HE
