Two chapters in one day! On a roll! This was actually longer but decided to cut it, so the next should be up today too :P

Chapter 21:

"So, he was alright?"

"For the hundredth time, yes, he was alright." I sighed

"He wasn't… you know?"

"Bella you're sick, of course he's worried. I tried to reassure him but… if you do survive this you wont be able to see him anyway so…" I admitted. Bella frowned and nodded from her usual spot on the couch beside me.

The fact that I'd seen Charlie and Bella couldn't meant he was a very frequent topic. I'd told Bella how he was and everything he'd told me, I'd told her everything I'd told him, including about Jacob. I told her about the conversation on my holiday and she'd chuckled in agreement about the fact that I hadn't mentioned the family aspect of it. But now she kept bringing it up, especially after she'd spoken with him which was happening practically daily now. He was worried and demanding to be kept in the loop which was only to be expected.

"He was the same as any parent would be if their only child was sick, after all she'd gone through, and he couldn't see them." I said and Bella sighed before nodding.

"I guess… in the long run…" she mumbled

"Bella I know you're feeling very guilty about this, but you knew this would happen when you agreed to talk to him." I reminded her "Plus you've always known this was part of the price." She sighed and nodded before twiddling her thumbs and watching them, resting carefully on her large stomach.

"I know." she whispered and I rubbed her back in comfort.

"At least it's a relief he's got Sue." I smiled and Bella smiled back before nodding

"That's a relief." she agreed

"He can get some proper food instead of always having diner food." I chuckled and Bella agreed "Of course he is always welcome to my house, you know my mum would allow that." and she nodded again.

"I know. And I'm grateful to her for that." she admitted and I smiled with a nod.

At that moment my phone rang and I looked down to see the home phone address.

"Speaking of home." I said before answering it, putting my finger to my lips to tell her to stay quiet. She smiled and nodded.

"Hey." I answered

"What you doing?" James responded

"Nothing much, you know it's rather quiet around here." I admitted and I paused before glancing at Bella. I continued before he could listen much and hear her rasped breathing or slowed heartbeat.

"So what's up?" I asked him.

"Billy and Sue are coming round so was just wondering if you were planning on popping in?" James said. I paused and looked at Bella who was watching curiously

"I wasn't planning on it…"

"Come on they'd love to hear about your trip too." James admitted and I knew I couldn't deny that. Billy would be rather interested, he might also want to talk to me about Jake, see if I can help him… or convince me to talk to him. I'll admit, it was probably about time I did make up with him… but then again maybe it was best to wait until after Bella was… When this was all over.

"What?" Bella mouthed

"You should go Alex, a bit of break wont hurt." Esme said from her place on the other couch. I looked at her.

"Your mother will be happy to see you." Carlisle smiled ever so slightly.

Bella caught on then and she went to speak but I placed a hand on her mouth ever so carefully, remembering how breakable she was. her entire being screamed it. I pointed to the phone and she nodded remembering. I removed my hand and she then mouthed the word 'go'.

I sighed.

"Lex he's right, plus Dad misses you." James responded to Carlisle

"Sure that's not you?" I smirked and I could imagine him rolling his eyes.

"Just come round, to your home remember." I chuckled

"Gimme a few minutes."

"I'll see you later." he said positively "Or you'll be hearing from me."

"What a surprise." I chuckled before the phone was cut off.

"You should go Lex, they're your family. You haven't seen them much." Bella admitted "I feel guilty for that." she frowned. I rolled my eyes, typical Bella.

"Bella, I chose to stay here."

"Yeah but for me."

"So?" I wondered and she smiled. Bella took one of her hands in mine, cold but not as cold as it had been as I had been helping keep her temperature up.

"Lex, thanks. But I'll be alright."

"You don't actually know that." I said looking her over. She nodded

"Still, I don't want to be what keeps you from spending even a few hours from your family. Go, you'll have some fun, instead of here surrounded with drama."

"You caused the drama." I rolled my eyes

"Yes, I know." she admitted and I chuckled.

"Alright, I'll go for a few hours, enough for you to use those hot water bottles a few times." I smiled and she smiled back.

"Good. I want to hear all that happens." she decided and I nodded

"I promise, I'll get everyone's goss." she and I chuckled as I got to my feet. "I expect an instant message if anything happens though." I said looking around and I locked eyes with Edward who nodded.

"Don't worry Alex." Carlisle smiled, putting a hand on my shoulder. I nodded and smiled before I waved to Bella who waved back.

As I walked down the stairs I heard the phone ring and I sighed before moving to my car where I got in and moved off towards LaPush. I didn't see any wolves on my way past the boarder nor did I see any before I reached the house. I heard them before I saw them and Seth was on me before I even had closed the door behind me.

"God Lex I haven't seen you in ages!" he complained

"It's only been like four weeks." I said

"Compared to almost every day before." he grinned as he released me and stepped back. I rolled my eyes

"Don't be so dramatic, it's not like much changes whether I'm here or not."

"I don't know, seems a lot less hectic." James said as he walked down the hallway.

"Pretty sure Bella causes more trouble." I said. It took me minuscule of concentration to not let me face contort at Bella's name. I wasn't sure if that was impressive or worrisome but it was helpful right now.

"I almost thought you wouldn't come." James said after he rolled his eyes

"Don't be ridiculous, I get an invite to visit my own house, how can I turn that down?" I asked

"How's Carlisle and Esme?" Seth asked as James followed us down the corridor

"The usual, the house is weird when there's no danger looming…" I smiled and even managed to shrug "Alice is bored, no wedding or Bella to fuss over." Seth chuckled

"Sounds like Alice, she just going shopping instead?"

"Not much." I don't think that's even crossed Alice's mind yet. "Emmett's bored, Bella's not there to laugh at with her clumsiness." That was true. "And Rosalie's Rosalie." Which was also true.

"And how was your trip?" Seth wondered as we entered the sitting room. Mum, Dad, Sue and Billy were all sitting there, turning to look at us.

"Lex," Sue smiled and got up to give me a hug. "It's lovely to see you, still gorgeous." she smiled

"Of course." Billy replied and instead of him moving to me I moved over to him. I leaned down to hug him. "It's good to see you again Lex." he smiled

"And you Billy, how you going?" I wondered and he nodded

"I'm good. Well all things considering."

"Yeah," I chuckled "I heard about Rachel and Paul." I snickered some more and he rolled his eyes at me

"Not a great arrangement, but I'm grateful she's still here, they don't visit very often."

"I guess that's a very good point." I nodded.

Rachel and Rebecca had left pretty much as soon as they could. Rebecca had gotten married and moved off to Hawaii while Rachel had gotten a college degree in Washington. The two girls found it hard to be here in LaPush, the house reminded them of their lost mother, Sarah, too much. Jacob had been young when she'd died, so he didn't have as much of a problem with LaPush as they did. Rachel was probably only staying because of Paul, and I could tell Billy would take any of his crap if that was what he gained in return.

I smiled at him as I sat beside Seth, James having lounged on the floor.

"So how was your trip Lex? I mean we heard through James, Embry and Quil but," Seth said and I chuckled

"It was good but god was it weird." I looked at my mother and she nodded, chuckling.

"As we know I had no warning what so ever…" and I began to tell Billy, Sue and Seth about my trip in detail.

I'd had a few conversations with Luke and Chloe but not as many as I'd have liked, even if it did pass the time there wasn't really that much to talk about anymore, and I didn't want to continue talking about Bella as it worried everyone in the house and wasn't a very positive conversation.

Seth was very interested in the Cats' lifestyle and Sue turned to ask my mother about it when Seth brought the Maserati up, of course I expected that to be the main talk, what did you expect?

It was surprising how much I actually needed this break, and not from Bella and her pregnancy and life expectancy but from stress and drama as a whole. I could smile and let loose and if the Cullens would leave for such a break it would be really beneficial. Even if Bella could get away and get some stress free time I'd pay for that.

I hoped she was alright…?

Seth asked me about the girl who'd gene had broken while I'd been there and I laughed before explaining it. James turned to mum and asked her how bad she'd been and I paused before realising she must have gone through the same thing. With me being the exception I'd forgotten that she would have experienced it.

Mum laughed and explained she had been one hell of a handful. Shockingly enough she'd made it outside and the entire house had lost her for a few hours. I guess that would have helped me calm down if anything. I know it would have given me some piece of mind.

It was really amusing actually.

James got up just after mum and Sue banded together to feed us all, turned out he had a patrol to run, keeping an eye on Colin and Brady who were apparently out there as well.

"So you invite me here just so you could ditch?"

"Sorry, but I got duties unlike most people." he chuckled.

I should have thrown something at him.

Billy and my dad laughed at the boy as he waved at me, winking in the same manner Emmett would do before he left, closing the door behind him and running off into the trees.

"Idiot." I mumbled.

The phone rang in that moment and my dad got up to answer it.

"Oh hey Charlie." I froze with a glass of lemonade in my hand. Seth looked up and I looked from him to my mother who caught my gaze.

"Billy?" dad asked and he looked at me. I must've had a fearful look on my face.

Charlie wanted Billy? There was only one explanation for that, Charlie was worried, how could he not be, Bella had only gotten worse, and he was going to tell Billy.

"Seth, want to go for a run?" I asked him, getting to my feet. Sue looked at me confused as Mum sighed.

"Lex," I paused and looked at her as Seth looked between us confused. Billy had rolled over to the phone and my father handed it to him. He looked at me and as Mum and Dad shared a glance I sighed. Sue looked at my parents as Seth looked at me before I retook my seat, the room was full of confusion as Billy turned his attention from me to the phone.

I frowned as Billy greeted Charlie and I felt anxiety creep in. Billy would know and Seth would hear so the pack would find out and that would crush Jacob. Of course Charlie didn't know the real problem, but the pack… or at least Jacob, would think it was all a lie, that it was all a cover story for Bella's death.

I stared at my drink as Charlie explained he'd spoken to Bella, and that she'd been home for a week with Edward. I felt Seth's eyes on me as Charlie went on to explain how bad Bella had sounded today and that Carlisle had explained she had a disease.

Charlie continued to complain about not being able to visit, slipping in slightly about not telling Billy about it before continuing to spew over the whole situation. He admitted how Bella sounded worse then ever and he was worried, or know what to do while he was sitting around doing nothing.

Billy, after looking at me, did exactly what I had done, he consoled Charlie and told him everything would be alright. Bella was strong and she would be fine, her new family wouldn't let her suffer. I could see the frown on his face and I knew he was thinking what I was. Jacob was going to be crushed.

The entire house was silent as Billy spoke to Charlie and finally, the conversation came to an end. Charlie didn't ask to speak to my dad, he did ask how Billy was going, and whether Jacob was alright. And then he did something I wish he hadn't.

"Lex, thought it would be best if Jacob didn't know, was worried how he'd react to the news." I'd gotten up and moved to the kitchen where I froze by the sink and closed my eyes. God I was glad James wasn't here to yell the hell out of me anymore.

"Thanks Charlie, I'll keep that in mind." and that was the end of the conversation. I knew Billy and Seth were staring at me as Sue was the one who sighed.

"Lex?" Seth asked.

What could I say? I couldn't tell him not to tell anyone, he didn't have that choice.

"Why didn't you tell us?" Seth asked my, standing on the other side of the bench.

"I didn't want to worry you."

"She's going to be changed though?" Seth said. I bit my lip, yeah that was true, but she was actually sick. It wasn't a lie…

I heard the door go and I looked up to see Seth running for the trees.

"No!" I shouted and moved for the door in an eighteenth of a second "Seth!" I shouted. But he was gone.

I sighed and slumped against the doorframe, running a hand through my hair.

"Lex?" Billy said and I turned to him

"I'm sorry Billy. I'm sorry for not telling you. I was worried for Jake, worried he'd… but I also… I didn't want Sam to know." I said, removing my gaze. "It's not a lie. Bella is home and she is sick. Really sick." I sighed closing my eyes "It's really bad."

"What's Carlisle doing?" Billy asked

"He's trying." I whispered.

We all turned to the trees as the howl ripped through the air, low but from here loud enough for Sue, Billy and my father to hear as well as my mother and I.

"Mum," I said to her and she had gotten up to comfort me.

"Lex, it's alright, take a deep breath." she advised.

She was right. I took a deep breath. Sam didn't know why Bella was sick and that was what I was worried he'd freak out over. As long as he didn't learn that it should be okay. Sam was smart, he wouldn't break the treaty and have a pointless battle over Bella's personal choice right? I mean Jacob would without a problem but would Sam? Especially after the last truce?

God I didn't know anymore… Seth just had to be here didn't he. Why couldn't the universe have allowed him to go on patrol too? Did it want to hurt everyone again?

There was a knock on the front door and I was through the house in an instant. Although the wolves used the back door, I wasn't sure it wouldn't be one of them. Would have Seth have told them all that quickly? Would Jacob come here to shout at me?

It wasn't Jacob at the door, it was Quil.

"Lex?" he said surprised.

I couldn't smile, I noticed instantly the small child in his arms. Quil had been with Claire, she was giggling and she beamed when she saw me.

"Wex!" she beamed. I managed to smile and I took her from Quil as she reached for me.

"Hey Claire." I managed to keep my voice as even as it usually would be before I looked at Quil.

"I don't know where her mother is, will you look after her while I go see what Sam's after?" he asked as he moved into the house. "I was looking for Sue."

Sue heard her name and walked down the corridor. Quil saw her and smiled before replaying the message. Sue smiled and Claire was taken from me by Sue who greeted and spoke to her happily. Quil was moving towards the back door and I moved out after him.

"Quil!" I grabbed his arm and he looked at me. He looked confused

"Jake, don't leave him alone." Quil looked at me confused.

"Charlie called." we both tried to Billy in the doorway. "Seems Bella's home." Quil looked at me and I returned his look "Seems she's sick." Quil gave me a questioning look.

"You knew?" he realised

"Quil, she is sick!" I said and he looked at my expression before I sighed "I'm sorry." I mumbled.

"You were worried about Jake." he said and I looked surprised. He smiled "Come on, I know you better than that." he chuckled. I smiled and shook my head.

"Yes I was." but that wasn't the only reason, but I wasn't going to admit the real reason. No. None of the pack was to know that.

"I'll see you later." Quil promised and I nodded before he turned and ran for the trees Seth had disappeared through.

I sighed.