Chapter 21: Confrontation

(Bella PoV)

The arms around me were tense when I awoke from my dream-filled sleep. My heart began to beat faster as I became nervous when the person's grip did not relax when I moved. I turned my head, looking up into Edward's grim face. Immediately, my heart began to race.

"Edward, what—" I began but he silenced me gently, hushing me to get me to calm down. Eyes wide, my breathing slowed. Edward sighed.

"Renee is on her way to Forks now," he said, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. The blood drained from my face; there was a roaring in my ears and I couldn't breathe. I did not want my mother here; I did not want to deal with her right now. Edward, alarmed, pulled me up into a sitting position, gripping my arms from underneath as I began to gasp for oxygen. He was talking to me, trying to get me to calm down but I couldn't comprehend his words. Suddenly, I was face to face with Elizabeth, her face calm but determined. She took one of my hands and pressed it to my swollen belly, speaking urgently.

"Bella, calm down, honey. It's not good for the baby. We won't anyone hurt you, alright? It'll be ok, sweetheart, but you have to calm down," she murmured and, as if on instinct, my breathing evened out and my mind cleared. I exhaled and Elizabeth sighed in relief, taking me in her arms, stroking my hair comfortingly. Edward was sitting beside us, his expression helpless. I reached out and grasped his hand and he rubbed his thumb over my skin soothingly. When Elizabeth released me, I sat back on my legs and she wiped the tears form my eyes.

"Now," she began, "we'll deal with this, ok? Renee and Phil have gone far enough and I'm not about to let them near you or my grandbaby. Alright?"

I nodded and she smiled back, cupping my cheek and kissing my forehead affectionately before flitting downstairs to make me breakfast. Edward helped me to my feet, allowing me to walk to our closet in search of fresh clothes. I pulled a mint green, fitted long sleeve sweater from a drawer and pair of thick black leggings. Edward helped me get dressed, help me hook my bra on it and allowing me to use him as a balance to get socks on my feet. When I was done, I gently pulled a brush through my hair as I waited for Edward to get ready. He was done within a minute and his arms wrapped around me loosely, give me room to brush my hair while also holding onto me. When I was done, he lifted me into his arms and darted down into the kitchen, placing me gently on a stool at the breakfast bar. Elizabeth placed a plate of eggs and bacon in front of me. I would have pushed it away but I didn't want to worry them and I'm pretty sure I was going to need my strength. As I ate, the doorbell rang and I froze. Edward stroked my cheek reassuringly.

"It's the rest of the family, love. It's alright." He assured me before leaving to answer the door. He was back within a moment, the rest of the Cullens in tow. Alice flitted to my side, tucking her head under my arm and burying her face into my shoulder.

"I'm so sorry, Bella. I didn't see—" I cut her off, assuring her that it was fine. Esme touched my and Edward's cheeks gently in greeting before settling on the couch. Carlisle stood behind her, his hand on her shoulder which she held firmly. Rosalie joined me at the breakfast bar, eyes grim but determined. Hoping to relieve the tension, I offered some of my food. Her nose wrinkled in disgust and I laughed gently. The Cullens seemed to feed off of my emotions, relaxing slightly. Carlisle brought up Elizabeth's presence, saying it would be better if she wasn't in the room as it would just to explanation that Renee would demand. Elizabeth agreed, announcing that she was going to hunt; she kissed my forehead and Edward's cheek before departing. I got up from my place and cleaned my empty dish in the sink. Edward stood across from me, giving me room while still being protective. When I was done, he took my hand, escorting me into the living room. I sat on the sofa next to him and he draped a blanket over my lap. I sighed, snuggling into his side as he flipped the TV on.

It was silent for a long time, the TV the only audible sound. But, when all the Cullens stiffened slightly where they stood, my heart began to beat faster. Edward stood from his place, grazing his fingers across my cheek before going with Carlisle and Esme to greet the visitors. Alice took his place, taking my hand and smiling reassuringly at me. I returned the gestures but I couldn't help but freeze when I heard my mother's voice.

"Where is she?" Her voice was high, the same tone she would use on the couple of times she tried to be the parent and chide me. Jasper sat on the back of the couch, placing a hand on my shoulder to all calm to wash over me. I smiled, patting his hand in thanks before moving to get up. Alice came to my aid, holding my arms as I stood. I slowly walked into the foyer and five pairs of eyes caught me. Ignoring Renee and Phil, I took Edward's hand, who wrapped an arm around me, holding me to him while still angling me slightly away from my mother. She was staring at me; well, staring at my stomach. She was shocked, that was obvious from her expression. Did she think I was lying or something? I shifted uncomfortably under her and Phil's gazes and Carlisle, sensing my unease, broke the silence.

"What brings you here, anyhow?" My father's voice was polite, but cool. Renee turned her gaze on him, appraising him. Anger flared in me at her critical eyes and I bit my tongue against the words I so desired to unleash.

"I'm here for my daughter, to finish the job Charlie couldn't." With that, she turned back to me and made a grab for my arm. Edward knocked her hand out of the way and, looking up into his face, I could tell her intentions were not far off from Charlie's.

"And what is that?" Esme asked, her usual soft demeanor gone as she grasped the reason behind Edward's behavior. I was silent, watching the scene play out before. I had no desire to speak with my mother and I wanted her to leave me and my family alone.

"Honestly, at first I thought this whole pregnancy thing was a joke, a plea for attention. I never thought you would actually do it. But when I got that wedding invitation, I knew something was wrong with you. I called Charlie and he didn't answer. Finally, I called the police station and they told me what happened. Honestly, Bella, how could you do that to your father? After all he's do—" My eyes were stinging with tears now, Renee's accusations slicing me with every word. Edward pulled me further behind him and Renee's eyes flashed at him in warning. He just glared back, his eyes black and dangerous.

"Charlie attacked Bella with a knife. She did not do anything. It is his own fault he is in prison," Edward snapped at her. Renee's eyes flared in fury and I could tell she was about to rebuke him but Carlisle stepped in.

"The situation with Charlie has been dealt with. But I am confused why you would believe Bella would lie about being pregnant?" Carlisle asked smoothly.

"Well, obviously, she needed something to make the attention go back to her. After you people left, she probably loved the attention she got and didn't want it to go away and used the pregnancy as a ploy," Renee scoffed. Esme gasped in horror and Edward growled under his breath. I was sobbing now and Edward pulled me completely behind him, protecting me against Renee's words and her thoughts.

"Mom, Dad," I choked. Renee's eyes softened slightly and Edward hissed under his breath at her thoughts. My eyes were not for Renee though. Esme took me in her arms, kissing my forehead, and Carlisle brushed tears from my eyes, hushing me gently. Edward stood in front of me and I peered around him to glance at Renee. Her eyes were wide, shocked and angry that I referred to Esme and Carlisle as my parents rather than her and Phil. I could tell she was about to yell at me but Edward cut her off.

"I think you have offended my wife and my family enough. If you'll see your way out," he trailed off, hinting at his desire. Renee planted her feet and crossed her arms, having no intention of leaving. Edward shrugged and made to turn toward the kitchen, probably to call one of the girls to haul Renee out of the house. The decision was never made. It just happened. In the split second when Edward's attention wasn't focused on her or me, Renee took her hand and slapped me across my right cheek. I cried out, more tears coming down my face. Edward's face was murderous as he turned around, planting himself fin front of me and calling for Rosalie. Esme and Carlisle pulled me out of sight of Renee and Phil, rushing me into the kitchen quickly. Carlisle placed a plastic bag of ice cubes against my cheek gently and I whimpered at the tender contact. I heard shouts and struggles from the foyer but I ignored it as Esme tried to calm my breathing.

My face was throbbing and I struggled to stop crying. I felt arms around me then and I turned my face into Jasper's chest, who stroked my back gently, allowing his talent to seep into me. I was calm within a moment and he pulled back slightly, sitting me on the couch in the den and pressing the ice to my face. I saw Carlisle and Esme leave the room to deal with my biological mother and her husband. The rest of the Cullens were around me, kneeling or sitting next to me. Edward was kneeling in front of me, his eyes worried. Wordlessly, I allowed him to remove the ice to examine the damage.

"I'm so sorry," he murmured, his voice full of regret. I shook my head slightly as Alice held the ice pack to my cheek. I took Edward's hand.

"You protected us. No one knew she was going to do that, not even her probably. I asked you to protect us from harm and you did. There's nothing to be sorry for," I assured him. He nodded, a small smile on his face and I leaned my forehead against his. He tilted his head to kiss my forehead before taking me in his arms. He took Alice's position, holding the ice to my cheek. When the ice started to melt, I pulled it away, laying the bag on the counter before placing his hand against my cheek tenderly, sighing at the icy feel. I leaned back against as Carlisle and Esme rejoined us, allowing Jasper's gentle prods of fatigue to overcome me and I drifted…

Thanks so much for reading! Love hearing you guys' feedback! Feel free to ask questions

Shoutouts: MidnightDreamer00, sujari6

I have decided I'm going to update as I get the inspiration to start/continue/finish a chapter. I am a little stuck on Change of Fate but I have a huge amount for this story so this story will probably be updated a lot more frequently than the others because I have an entire plan for this story

I love reviews! They make me write faster!

~Melinda