* THIS IS AN UNEDITED CHAPTER! Sorry!
Hello my fellow readers! My apologies go out to all of you who have patiently waited for an update. I have to admit this past semester of school was a big freaking b-natch and I'm exceedingly happy that it is over with! Because my entire future rides on what I do now- I hope you will forgive me for not updating over the course of the semester- school comes first. The good news is- that I received a merit scholarship- aaaaaand made the Dean's List! Eeeeeek- I'm super psyched! (sorry if I'm bragging... I can't brag anywhere else :)
A QUCIK NOTEY:
For some reason- My account blocks me from responding to your reviews; so, I have to enlist some of my friends to email you back and that's why you get an fanfiction email from someone else. Sorry if it has confused anyone!
Chapter 20
Revelations
"YOU'RE WHAT?!" My mother's voice rings in my ears and I wince; tension radiating through each of my muscles as I automatically become ready for whatever response may come. "How could you…" She gapes at me, equally shocked and furious at the same time. "What… How…" She tries to speak, but words obviously fail her.
Without any warning, my dad stands and within a frightening millisecond, is in the air with bared teeth, directly aimed at Jacob.
My mind flies into overdrive as I move with the same terrifying speed, putting myself in front of Jake while Carlisle, Esme, and my mom reach out for Edward. A feral snarl instantly erupts from his chest as they grab at him, just barely restraining him in the nick of time.
"Dad, stop!" I yell; my father merely inches from my face. "It wasn't just his fault… it was mine, too!"
My father ignores me as he fights against the arms holding him; his eyes wild, untamed, and solely fixed on the man behind me. I gasp in big gulps of air, my heart thudding harshly against my ribs while my body heaves from the violent energy in the room. What can I say? What can I do?
Jake stands behind me, silent; his vibrating frame barely controlled. I reach back and grab his hand trying to calm him. Instantly, he lets out a deep breath and stills; my touch apparently more comforting than I anticipated.
"Edward, listen—" Jacob begins before my father's voice cuts through the air.
"Don't, dog!" Edward snaps menacingly, pulling angrily at the confining arms and hands holding him back. "Let me go! I'm going to fucking kill him."
Carlisle moves swiftly in front of my dad, obstructing his view of me standing protectively in front of my wolf. I want to scream, but the air evades me as I mentally relive the boiling fury I just saw inside my father's scorching amber stare.
"Outside, get him outside," Carlisle urges, pushing against Edward's chest.
I watch with wide, stunned eyes as my mother and grandmother help pull my enraged father out of the door of my new home.
As soon as they are down the stairs and on the ground, Jacob and I both visibly relax; though our hearts still beat frantically.
"I fucking told you this would happen," Jake snaps behind me.
I turn and gawk at him, my body still on high alert. "Don't cuss at me, Jacob" I hiss back. "How was I supposed to know he'd take it this bad?!"
"I told you he would," he says through clenched teeth. "But you didn't listen. You laughed at me, remember? Well… how funny is it now?"
I blanch at his words, my mind quickly going back to the early morning hours after my accident….
Two days prior:
My eyes scan the clearing wildly, searchingly. I can hear nothing else over my violently thudding heart and frantic breathing. A chilling, gut-wrenching feeling creeps its way down my spine as I turn in circles, glancing everywhere- all at once. All I can see are the trees of the forest, the rocks, the leaves, and the cliffs…
My heart stops beating as I glance at the cliffs worriedly. Oh, no.
Before I can move towards the elaborate ridges that plummet down hundreds of feet, a high pitched shriek pierces through the air around me. I instantly turn towards the noise, a sense of dread flowing through me.
"MOMMMY," a little boy screeches happily, blurring with speed as his little legs forcibly carry him through the clearing. Watching him spread out his arms with all the effort he can muster, I let out a ragged breath of relief before dropping to the ground in time for him to fling himself into my arms. "Did I scare you, mommy," he asks, giggling with childish delight.
"Yes you did," I reply breathlessly. Standing with the child in my arms, I hug him tighter as I glance back at the cliffs; closing my eyes with overwhelming relief as I realize that he is safe.
"Daddy said I couldn't scare you," he gloats as he leans back, triumph glowing as brightly as the golden flecks in his beautiful green eyes.
Green eyes? How is that possible?
Quickly he looks over his shoulder derailing my thoughts instantly. "I scared her daddy and you said I couldn't."
Daddy? I wonder silently. My eyes follow the little boy's movements before focusing quickly on Jacob's large frame walking towards us through the clearing. "No, I said you shouldn't scare mommy… not that you couldn't scare mommy," Jake admonishes lightly, gazing at me with an exhausted and apologetic look.
"Ohhhhhhh," the child looks at me guiltily before shrugging his little shoulders shyly. "Sorry, mommy."
I smile back at him, focusing on his familiar features. He's such an incredibly beautiful child and so young… three…maybe four years old. "That's okay, baby," I reply ruffling the top of his head with my hand.
He scrunches his face in disgust and pushes my hand away before doing a perfect flip out of my arms, landing silently on the ground. "Not my hair, mommy," he huffs flicking his fingers gently through his short and tousled black hair. Oh my God… he's just like his grandfather. "It's your turn to hide, daddy."
Jacob takes a deliberate breath in and gazes at me pleadingly.
"How 'bout if mommy hides this time," I ask quickly, hoping to give Jacob a reprieve from the apparent hyper-ness of the child.
The little boy turns towards me, his smile broadening with delight. "Okay," he agrees excitedly. "I will count to ten and then come and find you," he tells me, bolting with vampyric speed to a nearby tree before closing his eyes tightly. "One, two…"
Jacob's phone rings at that moment, distracting all of us. I glance up at him as he fishes the phone from his pocket.
"Hello," he answers and immediately jerks the phone away from his ear. "Bells, calm down, she's okay." I can faintly hear my mom's frantic, sing-song voice through the receiver. "Bells, but… Bella, please just …listen… fine, hold on."
"Nessie, baby… wake up. It's for you," he says, holding the phone out to me.
"What?" I ask, befuddled by his demand.
"Ness, wake up." His voice is louder; almost in my ear, though he hasn't moved.
Suddenly, I'm awake, dazed with how dream and reality collided and melded so seamlessly with one another.
"Jacob?" I say as I open my eyes slowly, trying to put all the pieces together. Jeez, my dream felt so real.
Jacob holds out the phone towards me. "It's your mom; she needs to talk to you."
I grasp the cellphone in my hand and sit up; my head aching with each noise and move I make. "Mom," I croak; my voice still hoarse from sleep.
"Renesmee," she breathes a sigh of relief, "I just… off… Carlisle." The phone breaks and crackles with bad reception.
"Mom?"
"I just got off the phone with Carlisle;" her tone is warning and frantic. I feel my heart free-fall at her words. Oh God… what did he tell her? "Renesmee," she urges me to respond.
"I… uh…"
"You hit your head," her voice cuts through the phone when I don't answer. "You haven't been hunting or eating… or sleeping? Renesmee, what is wrong with you?"
I wince from the pain radiating in my head and try to shuffle through my groggy mind to form a response. "Mom, I'm okay. I was just… sick… but I'm feeling better now."
"We've booked… on our way….," the crackling continues.
"What? Mom, you broke up."
"Your father and I have booked a flight home. We are… home… two days."
I fill in the blanks with the broken information she's given me; my heartbeat accelerating with the thought of telling my parents that I'm pregnant… two days from now.
"You don't have to, mom; I'll be fine."
I listen closely to try to hear her reply, but the phone just goes dead.
Frustrated, I resist the urge to throw my cell at the wall. Shit! I thought I'd have a week at the least to get things sorted out before having to come clean to my parents.
With the phone still in my hand, I press the touchpad a few times, selecting a certain contact before pulling the phone to my ear.
"Renesmee," the familiar voice answers. "Is everything okay?"
"Did you call my mom?" I ask, trying to control my tone with my grandfather.
I listen as Carlisle takes an unnecessary breath in before letting it out. "Yes… I did," and before I can give him an angry response, he's talking once more. "She's your mother, Nessie. She deserves to know. I was trying to avoid a scene for when your parents would return. Either of them would be very upset with all of us if we hadn't told them anything."
I'm slow to admit that he's right. And listening to his logic I can't really argue with him- no matter how much it displeases me.
"Did you tell her… that I'm…," I try to get the words out. Well, not the words but just one word… pregnant… Jeez, why is it so hard to say?
"No," he says with a measured, reassuring tone. "That is for you to tell her… whenever you're ready." I feel myself sag with relief. Thank the good Lord for grandfathers!
"How are you feeling?"
I look around the room for the clock. It's not even 5:30 yet. I groan and place a hand on my forehead.
"I have a headache… but, other than that I feel fine."
"I left some Motrin on your bedside table; that should help with the headache. I'll be there around ten or so. Get some rest until then."
"Okay, Gramps. I'll see you later."
I hang up the phone and down a few Motrin; chasing it with a few gulps of warm water from my nightstand.
I feel Jacob shift in the bed next to me and when I look over my shoulder at him— he's lying on his side facing me, his eyes worried and hesitant.
"You okay?" He asks, anxiety prevalent in his tone.
"Yeah, I just got a headache," I shrug indifferently, not wanting him to worry.
"I heard," he replies before looking down at the comforter; averting his eyes from me completely.
Why do I get the feeling that he's not saying something? "What's wrong?"
"Nothing… I just… uh… I'm relieved."
I feel my brow furrow in response before he explains, noting silently that he looks like a little too anxious for my liking.
"I'm relieved that the Doc didn't tell your folks about… well, you know."
"Wait…You're worried about telling them?" I ask, realizing his discomfort while becoming vaguely aware that I'm not the only one who can't say "pregnant."
"Yeahhh," he gives me a- duh, no shit expression.
"But they aren't your parents… why do you have to worry?"
"You're joking, right," he asks with an elevated brow, an anxious type of amusement appearing on his face.
"No."
"Ness," he shakes his head in disbelief at my lack of understanding. "They aren't my parents, but I did get their daughter pregnant. Plus…I don't want your dad to know before he gets home."
What? My mind begins to race with all the information. "Why not? I mean… I understand why I don't want to tell them over the phone but why don't you want to tell them while they are half a globe away?"
He smiles nervously at me, "I'm not saying he would succeed, but…because I don't want your dad to have that much time to come up with a hundred different ways to kill me." He says in a rush, his words almost coming out in a jumbled mess.
My jaw drops open as I register what he has just said, somewhat surprised by his train of thought. Before I can delve into the possibility of his statement, laughter brims against my lips. Urgently, I turn my lips inward, trying to fight or, at the very least, suppress the urge to laugh; but one look at Jacob's arched eyebrow as he senses my mood has me failing miserably in the control department.
Suddenly, in the quiet, dark, hours of the morning, a loud snort erupts from my nose as an all-consuming laughter takes hold of my body. Grateful for the reprieve from sadness, I give into it mercilessly, enjoying the sound of my own, very unladylike, merriment.
"Are you laughing at me?" He asks incredulously, astonished surprise leaving its mark on his face.
I nod my head as my giggling continues; and I'm rewarded even further with the widening of his rich, brown eyes.
I watch with unhindered amusement as his mouth fights with the urge to smile. With his lips forming into a crooked grin, he narrows his eyes playfully before reaching behind his head, grabbing a pillow with lightning speed before popping my side gently with it.
"Hey!" I cry out, feigning hurt as my uncontrollable laughter gives me away. Releasing myself to all the wonderful feelings, I lay back and fully let go. It feels so good to give into the joyful pain that is cramping my belly, the slight tingle in the air from my laughter, and the overwhelming need for air while my amusement consumes me; it's cathartic.
"Alright, you asked for it!" All at once, Jacob's voice and warmth surrounds me; but my eyes are flooded with humor's tears to see anything else but a blurred vision of him moving over me.
Before I can wipe the disarming tears away, I feel Jacob's hands on my arms, grabbing at me. I gasp as I realize what he's going to do and try to fight against him; but, I'm weakened from my continued laughter.
I hear his masculine chuckle above me, enjoying himself as his wandering long fingers grab at my ribs, my sides, my neck, and arms; tickling me vigorously.
"Stop," I let out, thrashing between my barks of laughter. "Please," I beg, out of breath; my legs kicking outward as I try to grab his hands.
"Oh, no," the amusement is clear in his voice as he continues to tickle me relentlessly. "Renesmee Cullen," he fakes his disbelief. "I can't believe you're still laughing at me," he teases.
"I'm not," I exclaim, gasping for some much needed air. "You're tickling me."
"Me? Tickling? I would never do such a thing. I think you've bumped your head harder than you thought," he says, continuing the exquisite torture. Although I struggle against him, I love how playful he's being.
"Jake!"
Finally, I'm able to get a hold of his hands and with all the energy I can muster up, I push him on his back; quickly straddling his lap before restraining his diverting hands above his head. He grins from my surprise attack and, within a second, painlessly flips me, effectively pinning me under him and against the mattress.
Suddenly, and without any warning, the air changes between us as it crackles with electricity; causing us both to become still. Our eyes meet as all of my emotions evaporate from my body only to be replaced with something more sensual. My legs automatically open further; enjoying the feeling of him nestled between them. I take a steadying breath in as I watch him closely, the sounds of my humor humming to a slow as my mouth forms a soft smile.
"I love seeing you smile and laugh;" his deep voice reverberates through me.
I let out a slow sigh, all words evading me as his warm eyes search mine. I reach up and cup his face against my palm. I love this man so much it almost painful. I miss our playful banter, our teasing, and… our love making. And with him lying so perfectly against me right now it's all I can think about.
"I love you," I reply, not knowing what else to say at this moment. It's not like I can share my most intimate thoughts with him right now; not with the way he's been constantly avoiding me for a week.
He gives me a shy smile before turning his head slightly, placing a feathery kiss against my palm. "And I love you."
My hand tingles from the encounter, and I look at it enviously. He hasn't kissed my lips in over a week. I yearn to kiss him so much. I gaze up at him, imploring him, pleading him; but nothing comes.
Kiss me… please, I project while still touching him; my desperation profound even in my thoughts.
I feel his jaw tense against my palm, his eyes changing into something else; something more primal. I hold my breath expectantly while his eyes close and he lowers his head fractionally. Yes… this is it… he's finally going to kiss me. My mouth almost waters with a familiar ache. I want to feel his lips on me… everywhere.
Present time:
The sound of someone clearing their throat loudly pulls me out of my dazed memories of the last few days.
I look quickly around the room before my eyes swiftly find a pair of warm, frustrated brown eyes gazing speculatively at me.
"I thought both of you had better sense than this," he mutters, shaking his head disapprovingly.
"It wasn't like we planned this, dad," Jake retorts.
"No, you didn't plan at all. If you had, this would have never happened. You aren't even married, yet."
I feel myself flush violently from head to toe. This is humiliating on so many levels. Everyone knows now that Jacob and I have been intimate- and on top of that, they're already mentioning the "M" word…
"Who else knows," Billy asks, wheeling himself closer to us.
"No one else knows," I whisper softly, biting my lip; my voice meek and unsure.
Billy nods his head and frowns before muttering something in a language I can't understand.
"Stop it, dad," Jacob warns.
I watch anxiously as Billy's eyes grow larger from the tone of Jacob's voice. Oh no… we don't need this… not now.
"Son, you better watch—" Billy begins only to stop as the sound of footsteps coming from the deck pulls everyone's attention to the open door.
Slowly, almost as if she was a silent predator, my mother comes into view. I watch intently as she keeps her eyes on me, moving with easy grace into the house but her face shows no emotions.
"Mom, I'm sorry. I…" She holds up a hand, instantly stilling my words in a way all mothers know how.
"I don't want to hear any apologies," she shakes her head, emphasizing her words.
"But, I—"
"No," she cuts in again. "I told you time and time again," her tone grows louder. "And yet, here you are… pregnant. You haven't even had a chance to live yet, Renesmee."
My mouth falls open from disbelief. "How could you even say that to me, mom? What about you? You were the one at eighteen years old when—"
"I made my own choices, Renesmee! And I was married before I got pregnant with—"
"Well, I made my choices, too!" I interrupt, trying to defend myself.
"Oh… so this was a choice?" One perfectly shaped eyebrow shoots up on her face and I can tell that she's waiting for me to admit something… something she's completely wrong about.
I open my mouth to form a response but close it quickly. I'm at a total loss for words and no matter what she, my dad, or I say… nothing is going to make a difference.
"No," Jacob finally steps in, his tone serious. "This was not a choice; but yelling at us isn't going to change anything." He tells my mother, almost reading my thoughts exactly. I feel my shoulders drop slightly. Well, at least I'm not the only one who realizes this.
"Oh," my mother begins, stepping with intent towards Jake. Placing her hands purposefully on her slender hips, she continues. "I haven't even begun to start yelling at you, Jacob Black." My mother's voice holds no humor whatsoever as she accentuates disgust through her tone.
Oh No! I flush as my eyes flow between the man I love and my mom. What am I going to do?
"You…" She sputters, her anger getting the better of her. "I—I can't believe you would do this… You promised me that you would always look out for my daughter; that you would never hurt her."
What? When did he make that promise? My eyes quickly shoot to his; but, he continues to glare at my mom, crossing his arms against his chest defensively.
"I have looked out for her, Bella," Jacob replies with clenched teeth. "And I always will. She is my life."
"But you've hurt her!"
"Jesus, Bella!" He shouts in frustration, his temper peaking a little. "Not that it is any of your damn business but I haven't hurt her, believe me… she wanted it as much as I did."
Oh, dear God! My feet stay rooted to the floor as it falls away and I flush the color of the deep dark red area rug under my feet.
"I wasn't talking about sex, Jacob!" She snaps. I stay as still as a stone as my mother walks over to me and places her alarmingly cold hand on my belly. "You don't think this hurts her? Look what being pregnant has done to her already." I relax slightly as she takes her hand away, too ashamed to admit that I was afraid of what she may do to my baby. I don't know why but I feel extremely overprotective at the moment and I don't want anyone near me but Jacob. I take a step closer to him, and he reaches for me, pulling me to his side gently.
His eyes flicker down to mine and I cannot tell if my mother's harsh words are running through his head or he knows I feel like I need to protect the child inside of me; but I get the sense that he feels protective as well… for both of us. With his uncanny ability to know my thoughts, he pushes me slightly behind him, almost unnoticeably.
Thank you. I project, touching his back lightly. I watch as he closes his eyes in acknowledgment before refocusing his gaze on my mother who has most certainly noticed the calculating move.
"Bella, of all the people in the world, I thought you would be the most understanding. Your daughter is pregnant, I know. I'm sorry. We made a mistake. But nothing you say or do right now is going to change that fact. And, no, we aren't really ready for—"
"No, you aren't ready." She overrides his words, contempt radiating through her tone. "Again, that's the point. How could you be ready for this? You aren't even married for God's sake!"
I feel myself tense at the "M" word—again. I flash a glance at Billy whose by the breakfast bar now; nervously thumbing the edge of his wheelchair as he watches the scene play out in front of him. Why does everyone keep talking about marriage? God… it's making feel sick at every mention of the word.
"Then, we'll get married." Jacob's voice explodes through my conscious as my heart and mind registers what he's just said.
What!? What in the hell is he talking about?!
Several emotions course over me and happy isn't one of them. How could he? We haven't even talked about this yet and now he's telling my mom we're getting married…. No ring, no bended knee? Not the kind of proposal I was expecting. Not to mention the fact that basically he just told my mother he was marrying me because I was pregnant… not because he loves me… and—hello, isn't he supposed to at least ask me first?
I back away from Jacob slowly; my brow furrowing as he turns to acknowledge my movements. His eyes take in my irritated look. An apparition of fear flutters over his features as he takes an anxious step towards me; his hands outstretched for mine.
"No, don't!" I put my hands up, a blatant motion for him to stop.
He freezes instantly, bewildered. "What is it?"
"You just told my mother that we were getting married, that's what!" I yell.
He looks slightly affronted. "Weren't we going to anyways? This just moves things along a little faster." He replies so nonchalantly that I'm almost convinced he's had this plan for longer than a week. He's had time to think of this. And the fact that he's never mentioned this to me is even more upsetting.
I narrow my eyes at him. "And exactly when were you going to talk to me about this? How do you even know I want to marry you?" The words are out of my mouth before I can even think better of it. I watch as he becomes utterly still. Instantly, guilt tugs at my heart as his eyes glass over, like, I've just violently shoved a serrated knife directly in his heart.
"But I—I t—thought..."
I swallow thickly as unshed tears burn my throat. He looks so wounded and it's only because of my harsh comment. I have to explain myself. "Well, we've just… we've never discussed this before and… then you up and tell my mother that we're getting married without even asking me. Do you not see how bad this looks? I want to marry someone I'm in love with… someone that feels the same about me. I'm not marrying someone just because I got pregnant, Jacob;" I try to explain the mess of feelings churning inside of me but I'm pretty sure none of that came out the way I meant it to.
I watch carefully as his jaw becomes rigid against his cheek, his face hardening as he looks at me. "You're not in love with me anymore?" He asks coarsely. He looks intensely vulnerable but at the same time prepared; like, he'd always been waiting for the day for me to say this. I have to make this right. I can't run from him anymore… he's too much a part of me now.
I still immediately while responding tears stinging the backs of my eyes. Without any hesitation I go to him, my heart beating more quickly than usual. How can I be honest without hurting him.
Standing on the tips of my toes, I grab his face between my hands, locking his eyes with mine. "Just two days ago, I thought you didn't want me, remember? What makes you think that I'm not in love with you anymore?
"Because you just said—"
"Listen," I cut over his words before he can continue; the hurt in his eyes almost too unbearable. "I know what I said but everything just came out wrong." I take a deep breath in; hoping whatever I say next will come out the way I want it to. "I love you, Jacob… with everything inside of me, outside of me, the entire universe and back. But, I am not going to marry you just because I'm pregnant. I want more than that for both of us. We deserve better than that… and our child deserves better than that."
"Our child," he repeats in a soft whisper.
"Yes," I smile softly at his overwhelmed expression. I take his hand and place it against my abdomen. "Our child."
He leans down and places his forehead against mine, letting out a deep breath of relief before gazing into my eyes with wonder. I hope the "M" word can be tucked away for a little while. I'm not sure if I can hear it again for some time.
"God, I love you." His whisper is awash with relief and liberation.
"I love—"
"Yes, yes" my mother's voice harshly interrupts our sweet moment. "We all know how much you love each other, as a matter of fact… in a few months everyone will know. My point here is neither one of you are prepared for this. I can't believe how stup—"
"That's it!" Jake yells, turning instantly from me to my mother. I grab his shoulder trying to calm him. "Damn it Bella you are just one more word away from—"
"From what?" She challenges back. "You got my daughter pregnant and you don't think I have the right to be upset about it?"
"You have every right to be upset. But everything you are saying is total bullshit. Don't you remember in the beginning of your pregnancy," Jake's eyes meet mine for the briefest second before continuing, "that you were the only one who wanted your daughter."
The painful sting to my subconscious has my face wincing in discomfort; I'm not really a fan of ever reliving the fact that my mother and Aunt Rose is the only reason I'm actually living right now.
"Don't Jacob," my mother warns.
"No, you don't!" Jake hisses, pointing forcibly at my mother. "I'm not going to let you stand here and put us down or berate us with your nonsense. We've beaten ourselves up enough about this. The last thing in the world we need right now is everyone against us because we made a mistake. A mistake I don't really regret. I can't believe you aren't more understanding about this. How could you be such a hypocrite?!"
Bella instantly freezes as a distant memory grows heavily in her eyes. "That's not the first time you've accused me of that," she remarks softly, lowering her head. "Though it was under completely different circumstances."
"Well it's the truth," Jacob counters, blushing slightly as the memory surfaces in his mind as well. Hmmm… I'd have to ask about that later.
"Listen, I get it…" he begins as we all feel the tension in the room lighten dramatically when my mother takes a yielding and understanding breath in. "I know you're upset. I know you're mad us. I know this probably wasn't what you wanted; but it's done. There's nothing any of us can do it about it; and frankly, there is nothing I want done about it. I love your daughter, I love everything about her and that includes our child. I would move Heaven and hell for both of them… and that includes you." Jake holds out his hand for me and I take it instantly, turning towards my mother with confidence. Confidence in myself and in the man I love. "So… you can either be with us… or without us."
His threat holds so many promises that I fight with the uncontrollable urge to gasp at his words. His warning, though calmly stated, means only one thing: she either accept what's happened or live without us forever.
Bella's almost onyx colored gaze leaps erratically from mine to Jake's. Time seemed to stretch out while my mother sizes up how serious we both are.
Without them? How could I survive without them? They are my parents. But if it came down to choice- could I ever live without Jacob? No… never. But what would she say? Could she live without me? Would she want to? She would never have the pleasure of knowing her own grandchild.
As silence fills the air around us, I keep my gaze fixed on hers; waiting for an answer… waiting to know what kind of future I'd really have with or without my very own mother.
Several breaths later, my mother almost floated up to me with a grace I think I've always envied. She grabs at the hand that is holding onto Jacob's before enveloping her icy fingers around ours.
Gazing into our eyes, a gentle smile softened her face as she spoke; "With you."
I feel the breath I had been holding explode from my lungs as I fling myself into her waiting arms. For several moments my mother, my stunning, vampire, forever eighteen- mother, embraced me as though I were her little girl once more.
When she pulls back, the stinging cold of her fingers traces gently across my cheek.
"I love you, Renesmee and…no matter what… I'm always here for you."
"Oh, mom…" I cry out, "I love you too;" I gasp as I throw my arms around her once more.
A moment later, as she lets go of me, her eyes wander down to Billy who had apparently wheeled himself over to us while my mother and I were hugging. It occurs to me that not only did the "With or without us" thing count for my mom but for everyone else as well.
I watch as Billy's eyes flicker between all us before settling on Jacob's. "With you," Billy's strong voice strikes another chord in me and tears began to flow again as Carlisle and Esme both speak out within the next moment.
"With you," Carlisle states as if there was no other choice.
"Always," Esme nods with such certainty and love that I could scarcely believe it was even possible.
Overwhelmed, I watched everyone in the room create a warm circle around us. I turn fluidly looking at all the loving pairs of eyes caring for me and Jacob. From brown to amber… from honey, to onyx… and from onyx to the bleak, cold black eyes of my father.
I gasp involuntarily as everyone around me prepares themselves for the violent surge of energy surrounding Edward. Out of all the situation I've ever been in, this is by far one of the most frightening.
"Son," Carlisle's voice is alert and strained.
"I'm fine," Edward hisses between his teeth, his gaze rooting me to the spot where I stand.
Slowly the circle parts for him to walk through and he glides to where Jake and I stand. His silence and his glare widen my eyes to an unhealthy and painful point. My eyes fly around the unusual circle; everyone is tense and ready for what ever reaction my father may have... Thank God!
Abruptly, the pressure of my fathers hands grasp my shoulders, my fevered body is a stark contrast to his icy hold. Instinctively I try to move backward but his firm grasp holds me in place.
I'm not sure if its from the tension in the room or the incredible potential danger inches from my face but my body begins the tremble uncontrollably.
"I'm not saying I like it," Edward begins; his eyes focusing on Jacob's in disgust and livid anger. "Because I don't;" he seethes before softening his glare as he looks back down at me. "But I'm with you, Nessie. I'm always, always… with you."
Phew! The harsh and unpleasant lump in my throat is no longer able to hold back the tears that burn as they trail down my face. His words hold so much meaning to me that their impact has me collapsing against him. He clutches me tightly against him for the briefest moment before pushing me away.
I glance at him, bewildered by how abruptly he ended the hug. With eyes of cooled and hardened lava, he glances at Jacob with a look that most certainly could kill.
"You," he points at Jacob, "You and I will have a very long talk... very soon." Edward promises before turning on his heel and leaving all of us standing there in a baffled and unsettled state of mind as he disappears within a nanosecond.
Everyone glances around awkwardly trying to figure out just what exactly happened. I peek up at Jake who appears to be just as uneasy as I am. Shifting his weight from one foot to the other, he pulls me against his side and puts a soft, worried kiss against my forehead.
"It'll be okay... I promise," he whispers.
I smile weakly up at him. I'm not so convinced. The chilling departure of my father weighs heavily on my heart. Will he ever forgive me? Will he ever accept my baby? Will he ever accept Jacob again?
Well, that's it for now?
How freaking amazing was Breaking Dawn Part II?! If I could afford to go to the movies everyday- I'd probably go and see it as many times as possible. I loved seeing Nessie in this movie- reminded me of how amazing my main character and S.M. really are.
I hope all of you will enjoy they update and let me know what you think in the review.
P.S. Got a NEW CHAPTER coming tomorrow!