"We are back to help the pack with Victoria." He said calmly
"Oh" was all I could manage "Well, how is that going this time?"
"She is extremely elusive, but we will get her this time. We have to."
"Is something wrong? Has Alice had a vision?"
"Something like that." He said but he wouldn't elaborate.
"Well, then thank you for coming by. As you see I am fine." I walked out of the room and into the bathroom. I collapsed against the door and sat on the floor sobbing. Seeing him again was just too much. He was so beautiful as always I just couldn't take it. He wouldn't want me, especially now. I was alone now, Jake didn't want me anymore, and Edward didn't. But I did at least have Gavin. I would take him far away and we would live in the sun where no vampires would dare be.
But the thought of leaving Jake was too painful, just this morning everything was fine. But now… I trailed off in thought pulling myself together and headed back to my room.
I fell onto my bed in an attempt to sleep. I soon realized it was hopeless and I knew what the problem was. Jake wasn't with me.
I picked up my cell and dialed home.
"Bella?" Jake asked
"Yes, it's me Jake." I breathed
"Please let me explain everything. I'm so sorry"
"Are you still leaving us?" I asked cautiously
"I never wanted to, it's what I thought would be best"
"Well your wrong you know."
"Please come home Bella. I need you," he begged
"Was dinner good?" I asked
"Yes, it was delicious as always. Did you get something for yourself?"
"No, I didn't. I've been a bit preoccupied"
"Oh. Well, I'm coming to get you" he said firmly
"Thank you Jake." I yawned in reply
"See you soon Bells. Love you honey." He said nervously and in response I just hung up the phone.
Let him stew on that for a bit I thought as I walked downstairs to explain everything to Charlie.
Within minutes, Jake was at the doorway ducking as he entered. "Bella!" he said pulling me into a tight embrace. "Hi Charlie" he said over my head.
"Good to see you Jake. Is everything okay?" he asked with an agitated tone in his voice
"Um- yea Charlie everything-" he began but I looked at Jake and interrupted
"Dad, everything is fine. I've just been a bit emotional lately. I'm sorry to have put you out." I said
"Emotional?" he questioned with a smile
"Yes Dad." I looked at Jake and then my father "Gavin's going to be a big brother." I said happily
I looked at Jake, who just beamed. Charlie came over and gave me a hug and Jake a pat on the back. "Congratulations! But Jake you better get my daughter home so she can rest up. She looks tired."
"Yes sir!" he chuckled and picked me up in his arms
"Jake, I'm just pregnant I can walk fine!" I teased as he bent his head down to kiss me
"Good night kids!" Charlie waved from the door as Jake took me to the truck
"Where's your car Jake?" I asked curiously
"I ran, figured we could ride back together instead of coming back for the other vehicle"
"Good thinking" I said as I hit my hand to my forehead "I don't know where my mind is these days."
We drove home in silence, I was afraid to say anything that might upset him again.
"I can smell him on you." He said
"Alice came over to tell me they were back. I asked to talk to him"
"What did you say to him? If you don't mind me asking."
"I asked him why he never came back to see me that day at the hospital."
Jake was silent and I saw he was shaking slightly
"Edward was told I didn't want to see him."
"Bells, I-" Jake began
"Jake, please. I know what you said to him and I know why." I looked over to my husband and I caressed his cheek with my hand "Thank you" I said finally
"Thank you?" he stammered
"Yes, because if it hadn't been for you. I wouldn't have Gavin or our little one right here" I said placing his hand on my tummy "I love you Jake and if our roles where reversed I would have done the same thing" I said honestly
"So, your not angry at me for what I did?" he asked surprised
"How can I be angry if I would have done the same. I'm just a bit frustrated that you didn't tell me. I had to find out from Edward that my own husband had lied to me. I've always tried to be honest with you Jake.
"What are you saying? You'd rather be with that Leech than me!" He said acidly
"No Jake. Please calm down. I never had to make a choice; I've always had you. You are my life Jake. Edward was my death." I stated
"Well, when you put it like that." He smiled as we pulled up to our home
I was exhausted and as I got out of the truck, Jake helped me to the house.
"You hungry?" he asked
"No, I just want to sleep." I said crashing on the sofa yawning, "I've got to pick Gavin up in the morning." I said closing my eyelids to rest.
When I woke up I was in my own bed. I looked around for Jake but he must have already gone to work. I made my way to the kitchen to find something to eat. On the fridge there was a note from Jake.
Bells,
You looked so peaceful this morning I didn't want to wake you. Don't worry about Gavin. I'll pick him up from Sam's. I'm taking the day off so we'll be home soon!
Love,
Jake
I ran upstairs to shower and change before my family came home. It was going to be great, the three of us with an unexpected day off together.
I heard the door open, as I was finishing up with my hair
"I'll be right down!" I shouted taking one last look in the mirror and headed down the stairs.
"Mommy! Mommy! Beach! Beach!" Gavin said happily
I saw my smiling boy running for my arms and Jake chuckling as he went into the kitchen. I bent down to pick him up but as I took the weight of him I felt a sharp pain in my abdomen. I fell to my knees being careful to not drop Gavin.
"Jake!" I cried out
"Mommy? Get up!" he cried
Jake was next to me picking me up and rushing me to the sofa "Bella, what is it? What's wrong?"
"I'll be fine, just give me a moment" I cringed as I tried to get up
"Whoa…stay still Bells. I'm calling the Dr.," he said nervously
"No Jake. I'm fine really. The pain is gone."
"I still think you need to see the doctor."
"Lets just have a great day at the beach. Please Jake, I promise we're fine." I said holding my tummy as he reached down to kiss me.
"Okay, lets get going." He watched me cautiously get up from the sofa.
"Mommy okay?" Gavin asked
"Mommies, okay sweetheart. I love you Gavin."
"Love you too Mommy" as he hugged he with all his little might
We made it to the beach and I watched as Jake and Gavin searched for shells.
"Look Mommy what I found!" he said proudly
"That so pretty." I said as he reached his hand to take mine and we ran back to where Jake was
"Bella, you need to take it easy." He said worried
"Jake, I'm fine! Gavin wanted to show me what you guys have been up to." I smiled at them both
"We should be getting back." Jake said
"Up! Up Daddy!" Gavin said as Jake picked him up and placed him on his shoulders
We walked down the beach together as a family, the moment felt perfect. I smiled at my little family and I realized that I felt a sense of contentment. I was truly happy.
Jake's cell rang, and I pulled it from his pocket so he wouldn't need to put Gavin down.
"Hello? Jacob Black's phone!" I snickered
"Bella?"
"Yes?" I questioned
"It's Carlisle, is Jacob available."
"Yes, just a moment." I held the phone away and mouthed 'Carlisle Cullen' to him
Jake huffed and put Gavin down, taking the phone from me.
"Yes" he began
"Okay. In 5 minutes. Sounds good. See you there."
"Bella, I've got to get you and G home. The pack is meeting with the Cullen's about Victoria."
"Oh, please can I come. I haven't seen Esme or Emmett in forever."
"No, absolutely not!" he said
At that moment my cell rang, it was Alice inviting Gavin and I to come since the meeting affected us too.
"I would love to come Alice. See you soon!" I said closing the phone and seeing my husband's angry face.
"Oh come on Jake! Deal with it!" I tried to sound light, but he just let out a low growl
"I don't like this." He said " Not at all." He kept scowling
We drove the car towards the 101 and pulled over near the other vehicles assembled.
As we exited the vehicle I was swarmed by all of the Cullen's. All of them wanting to see Gavin. He warmed up to Alice and Esme right away.
He stared at Rosalie and wouldn't look away "Princess?" he asked looking at me for confirmation
I saw Rosalie's face light up when he said that. She reached out to hold him, and he went into her waiting arms "No honey I'm not a princess. I'm your Aunt Rosalie." She said smiling up at me. "He is absolutely precious Bella." She said softly
"Thank you." I said I looked over to Jake who seemed very uncomfortable with all of this.
"I think you and Gavin should stay here. Near the car incase either one of you need to rest." I looked to where the others had gathered and it was fairly close.
"Sure Sure." I said and he bent to kiss me, remembering to rub my tummy and he ruffled Gavin's hair before he joined the pack.
"This wont be long." Jake said
I smiled at all of his endearments, and I looked over seeing Edward watching me. I sat down to play with Gavin.
We began to play eye spy, and having a great time. I kept looking over to the group but seemed to catching Edward's gaze. I couldn't help but blush. Soon Gavin was up to walking around a little. So I began to rise after him.
I saw him take off a bit towards the car, and I moved towards him. Then I saw what he was doing. I watched as my son, followed a beautiful butterfly thru the air. He was moving towards the open road and I was slow to follow him
"Look Mommy Bubbrfly!" he said not paying attention to his direction.
I had to act fast. I started to run towards him and the road. Please god I begged I must not fall.
"GAVIN!" I screamed out to him as he walked into the road. He turned to me as I dashed out and scooped him up as a semi truck passed by missing us by inches.
It all happened rather slowly. From behind me I heard Jake scream my name, I heard Edward do the same. But it was too late when I scooped him up I dove for the other side of the road. Falling so my child was on top of me. protected within my grasp, hoping to save him from injury. My head smacked a boulder on the side of the road.
I fell into blackness, it was all consuming but I fought thru. I needed to see if Gavin had been hurt. I tried to open my eyes, but nothing happened. I could hear my name that was a good sign I thought briefly.
I tried again and I saw light and shadow, soon the face came into focus. It was Jake's tear wet face
"Bella! God…please Bella…not now!" he cried. I felt his tears fall to my face.
"Ga-vin" was all I could sputter out
"Bella! Please Bella! Stay awake. Carlisle?" I heard Edward's sweet voice drift in my ears
"Ga-vin okay?" I managed
"Oh Bella, he's fine. Not even a scratch. You saved him! You saved our son!" Jake sobbed "Your going to be okay too Bella. Just hang on. Please. I love you."
I felt a tremendous wave of pain roll over me and I grimaced in pain. The darkness was pulling me back, if felt it come as my eyes fluttered, I tried to fight a little longer, but it was over.
"I love…you-" I was enveloped into total darkness once more