Disclaimer: Twilight and the characters belong to Stephenie. Only this little plotline is mine.
Edward and his wife Tanya are having trouble conceiving. Bella is in desperate need for money so she can finish her degree.
The Surrogate
Chapter 14
This is Edward's point of view of his visit to talk to Carlisle. In time it takes place right after Bella rushes out of the lecture hall and just before her meeting with Mr. Newton.
EPOV
I watched the pretty girl disappear through the door. It was the same girl I'd nearly knocked off her feet at the café.
"Who is that?" I asked Carlisle. "She seemed very upset."
"She's one of my students. Isabella's probably the brightest in my class. She received bad news from her scholarship provider, the Masen Scholarship Fund. It seems they changed their policies and she missed a deadline."
"That seems rather harsh don't you think? Any way I can help?"
"It does considering she has no other way to pay for college. I'll have a talk with Newton if he keeps to a hard line. As board members we should be able to put pressure on them to change the rules whenever we want."
"Well I'm glad to hear that."
Isabella…I thought to myself. She already made an impression on me today and now I know her name. Abruptly I remembered why I sought out Carlisle and felt immense guilt.
"I actually stopped by because I need some advice with Tanya." He looked up sharply.
"Are you finally going to leave that witch?" His tone angered me.
"Dad, we're trying to make a go of our marriage. It doesn't help when you and mom aren't supportive of our relationship."
"You know as well as I do you are not in love with her so why are you so determined to make a success out of this farce? She trapped you into marrying her."
"Tanya's lost two pregnancies and is having a very difficult time emotionally. I'm trying to be as supportive as possible. We were trying for a third…"
"Edward, that makes no sense! I strongly recommend you think this through. Bringing a child into your lives at this juncture is irresponsible." Carlisle was very concerned over the welfare of his beloved son. He'd never trusted Tanya and truly felt she didn't love Edward and had an ulterior motive for wanting to be pregnant. However he tried though, he failed to convince his son.
"I'm not anxious to be a father but her therapist keeps encouraging her to continue fertility treatments. I think it's all for naught. Our test results came back today. Based on what we've been told we are incompatible. My sperm doesn't like her egg." I ran my fingers through my hair nervously.
Carlisle huffed. "Well that should tell you something don't you think? There's really no reason to continue this sham of a marriage."
He'd gone too far.
"I care about her Dad!" I shouted, angry at his stubborn refusal to accept Tanya fully into the fold.
"You don't love her son, you're just settling. I know about love."
"With or without your support I intend to see this through. I'm not a quitter and I made a commitment to Tanya and I intend to fulfill my vows. I came here to talk to you about how you and Mom dealt with your infertility issues and still remained together in a loving relationship. I came for advice not to be chastised like a child."
"I'm truly sorry Edward. You're right of course. Ultimately you need to make your own decisions. It's your life. What are your next steps then?
"I'm going to suggest to Tanya that we look into adoption or maybe consider a surrogate."