Chapter 25

Change is Coming

A few days after the wedding, Ashley decided it was time to go through the stuff at her house. It had to be done and she had a lot more time since she didn't have the wedding anymore to worry about. She enlisted Jacob's help to go through everything.

"Are these your books?" Jacob asked.

Ashley looked up and moved her hair out of her face, "No, they were mom's…Pack them up in a box. I'll donate them to the library."

"Okay," he said, "Who were you texting last night?"

She looked back at him, "I didn't text anyone."

"I heard you at three this morning texting and giggling."

She avoided eye contact, "No one…Alright, I was texting Bella. It's like seven their time," she turned back to sorting the kitchen, "I wanted to know what it was like having sex with a stoned shaped vampire."

"You want to know the strangest things."

"It had to have hurt. I cringe just thinking about it," she said, "Does it sound like two stones making that clicking noise?"

"Please stop talking."

"If they're having a nooner and the sun hits Edward just right…It'll be like Bella is having sex with sparkly jewelry."

"Ash, can we please talk about something else?"

"What do you want for your birthday?" she asked, standing before him.

"Nothing."

"You have to want something," she said.

"I have everything I need. I have you. I have the pack," he said, "I don't need anything else."

"Jake, you only turn eighteen once," she said, looking serious, "You're becoming a man and not jail bate."

"I'm glad I can appease your conscious."

She leaned up to kiss him, "I'll think of something special."

XXX

There was a lot of stuff Ashley didn't know what she was going to do with yet, but she had the things she didn't want boxed and ready to donate to different organizations.

Most of the pack would come over, sit around and eat food. Emily helped with putting the house up for sale.

Lately she hadn't seen a lot of the Cullens. Only when the pack had to go off and do pack things, she would spend time at the Cullens, but that was sometimes once a week. She stayed mostly at her house with Jacob.

It was almost like they were playing house, and she kind of liked it.

She would say things like, "Dinner is at seven."

He would say things like, "Honey, I'm home."

Okay…She loved it.

Jacob's birthday had finally come around. Sam had put together a bonfire/cookout with family and friends. The fire just had gotten going when Emily brought out the food. The pack lined up to get food. If there had been little old ladies around, they would have been trampled.

"Gosh!" Ashley said, "Billy, I'm glad you weren't over there. You might have been killed."

"I should have handled them with my chair," Billy said, "How are you doing?"

"You always ask me that," she said.

"And?"

"I'm always good," she said, looking at Jacob rustling Embry.

"You've been good for him," he said, "I don't know what he would have done about Bella. You've kept him sane. I would also love some grandchildren one day, but not anytime soon, okay?"

"I think you always tell me that everyone I see you," she said.

"Its always good to have a reminder. You guys are still kids," he said, "Now, go get some food before it's all gone."

She walked half way to the table of food when Jacob appeared with a plate for her, "Everything you like," he said.

"Wow, you actually saved me some," she teased.

"What did you get me?"

"I thought you didn't want anything," she said.

"No matter what I said you'd still get me something."

"You'll get it later," she said. He looked really happy and she rolled her eyes, "Not that," she poked him, "We do that all the time. What kind of birthday surprise would that be?"

"Every time with you it's new and surprising."

"Well," she smirked, "Someone might have just gotten themselves lucky later."

"Guys," Seth said, running up to them, "We're gathering around the fire."

"Is there going to be story telling tonight?" she asked.

"With my dad," Jacob said, "Anything can happen."

"Yay! Story telling," she said sarcastically.

XXX

Mostly everyone went home leaving Ashley, Jacob, Sam and Emily at Billy's house sitting around the table when Sam excused himself to go outside. A few minutes later he came back in.

"Jake, your present is here," Ashley said, grabbing his hand and leading him outside. Sitting in the drive way was an old beat up Chevy Impala. Beat up couldn't really describe the car…It was junk, something Ashley knew he would love to fix up.

"This is for me?" Jacob asked.

"Um, no, it's for my other boyfriend. I was wondering if you could take it to him," she teased.

"Sam helped her find it," Emily said, standing behind Jacob, who couldn't stop staring at it.

"It's a '67, right?" Jacob asked.

"So I'm told," Ashley said.

"It is," Sam said, "We had to talk the guy down in price, but she got a good deal."

"Happy birthday," Ashley said, he couldn't take his eyes off the junk car. She grabbed his chin to make him look at her, "Happy birthday."

"Sure, sure," he said, giving her a quick his on the cheek before looking back.

"I think he liked your gift," Emily teased, warping an arm around her, "We have to go. I have work in the morning."

Ashley hugged Emily and Sam gave her a kiss on the forehead.

"We better get going to," Ashley said, giving Billy a hug, "Jake, you coming."

"But," he said, pointing.

"You can get it in the morning," Billy offered.

"Yeah, come on. You still have a present to open," Ashley said.

Jacob's eyes following Ashley as she walked to her car, he followed shortly after.

XXX

Ashley woke up the next morning facing away from Jacob on her side. She felt a finger, lightly going up and down her arm. Almost tickling her, "Jake, stop," she whispered. She then felt light kisses on her bare neck and shoulder, "I'm trying to sleep." She felt Jacob lean closer and then she felt nibble on her shoulder, "I'll go another round, just give me some time to sleep."

"Ashley," he whispered.

She sighed before bringing the cover up under her arms before turning around to face him. He stared back at her until she looked down and saw what he was holding toward her, "Why do you have that?" she whispered as she slowly sat up.

"Why do you think?" he responded, joining her in the sitting position. They were facing each other, "Will you marry me?"

She reached a hand out to touch the diamond ring in the red box before looking back up at him. She slowly shook her head up and down, "Yes."

Jacob put the ring on her ring finger, "I love you," he whispered.

Ashley looked at the ring on her hand before running her ringed hand in his hair to grab and pull herself to straddle him. A grunt escaped his lips before she kissed him. Her cover was long forgotten as she slowly thrusting her hips into him. She never broke eye contact, even when he flipped them over to where he was doing the thrusting.

XXX

The next morning after Ashley had taken her shower; she was drinking a cup of coffee and staring at her engagement ring. She looked up as she heard the shower turn off. She couldn't help but smile.

She was standing at the kitchen window looking outside when she felt arms warp around her. She smiled as he took her hand and brought it out before them to look at, "It looks good on you," he said.

"Everything looks good on me," she said.

"And off of you," he said, causing her to twist her hips to get away. She looked back at him before looking around the room at all the boxes, "I was thinking," he said, "We could move in here."

She smiled, "I was thinking the same this, but I wish it came up before all the packing."

"It'll take five minutes to unpack all the things you wanted to keep," he said.

"We have everything we need. My mom kept it furnished and we have appliances," she said.

"So?" he asked.

"Care to move in with me?" she asked.

"I'd love too," he said.

She poked his side, "Good, because you get to unpack everything."

She began to walk away from him when she was grabbed and lifted off the ground. She squealed with delight.

XXX

A few days later, the two of them were sitting down to eat at home.

"I should probably tell the Cullens that they have one less roommate," Ashley said, "And that we're engaged."

"Will that be a problem?" Jacob asked.

"No," she said, "They took me in and I became apart of their family. I will always be grateful. I think Rose will have a harder time accepting the news."

"Why?"

"Well, in order for me to join the Cullen family on a permanent member, she was willing to share Emmett for I won't feel sad for leaving you," she said.

"Kinky."

"You're telling me," she said, "You should have seen the look on his face when she said it to me. He had so many emotions cross his face at once. I declined the offer and then we had a group hug…It was a very interesting moment in my life…Stop laughing."

"I'm sorry," he smiled, "Should we go over and break the news?"

"I can go alone," she offered, "I think they'll take it better if it's just me."

"You're right," he said, "I have to tell my dad and the pack. I've been neglecting my duties the past couple of days."

"Then it's settled. You go tell our wolf friends and I'll tell our vampire friends," she said.

Jacob looked at her funny, "We live a very interesting life."

XXX

Ashley drove up the drive way to the Cullens house and found Alice was waiting for her outside. She closed the door and smiled at Alice but found that she did not return the smile.

"Is everything okay?" she asked Alice.

"You should come inside," Alice said.

"Is something wrong?"

"Come in and see," Alice insisted.

She followed Alice into the house and then into the kitchen where she found the rest of the family standing around. Rosalie was sitting at the table with Bella, "You're back," she said, "Did you cut the honeymoon short? You look sick."

Edward stepped forward, "There was a reason why we had to come back early," he said.

"We came back two weeks ago," Bella said.

Ashley was surprised, "Two weeks? I know I've been gone for a while too, but why didn't anyone tell me."

"Bella," Edward said, "Show her."

With the help from Rosalie, Bella stood up.

Ashley looked at Bella but her eyes were forced on her large belly, "You're pregnant," she whispered, "How is that possible?"

"We don't know," Carlisle said.

"Bella, you left for your honeymoon," she counted on her fingers, "Like almost five weeks ago…You look about six months."

"It's growing fast," Carlisle said.

"The baby is growing fast," Rosalie corrected.

"That's not normal," Ashley said, "Is she going to be okay?"

"There is a big possibility that this pregnancy isn't going to end well for Bella," Carlisle said.

"Bella won't let Carlisle take it out," Edward said.

"It's our baby," Bella said.

"And it looks like its killing you," Ashley said.

"This is why we didn't want to bring you into this," Rosalie said.

Ashley looked taken aback. She turned to take off her ring to place in her pocket without anyone noticing. This was obviously not the time.

"I have to tell Jake," she whispered.

"Why?" Rosalie asked.

Turning back to face them, "I can't keep something like this from him…He should know what we all are getting into," she said.

"We understand," Carlisle said.

"Bella, try to eat this," Esme said, putting down a bowl of soup.

"I don't think I can keep it down," Bella said.

"She's not eating," Ashley said, looking at Edward, "How could you let this happen?"

Edward walked to her, put an arm around her shoulders and walked her out of the kitchen, "If I would have known this could have happened, I would never have touched her," he said.

"That would have been a very entertaining honeymoon," she said, "How can you still have some swimmers in you? You're dead. It's not possible."

"I know its not. We haven't heard of anything like this happening before," he explained, "I respect Bella for what she's doing trying to protect it but who's protecting her."

"Its human nature for wanting to protect your kids," she said.

"I know it is," he said, "I was hoping Jacob could come over and talk some sense into her. He's one of her best friends."

"I don't think I could penetrate that thick head of hers, what makes you think he can?" she asked.

"If she wants children that badly maybe he could…" he stopped.

Ashley looked at him, "Jake can't give her what she's looking for. For one, I love Bella I really do. And two, I'm not sharing him. That might be the imprint possessive bitch in me but that would be too awkward for all of us."

"I'm sorry," he said, "I should never have mentioned it. You should think call Jacob, if that's what you think is best."

Ashley got out her phone and dialed Jacob. He picked up on the first ring, "How did they take the news? Do you need some back-up?"

Ashley looked at Edward. She knew he was reading her thoughts, 'Please don't say anything. I came here to tell everyone but…well, you know.' She saw him nod his head in understanding, "No, I didn't. Something else came up…Bella and Edward are home."

Jacob was silent for a few seconds, "They're home? Are you okay?"

"What? Oh, I'm fine. That hasn't happened, but Bella did come back with a surprise. It's not a good souvenir. You should come over."

"Does the pack need to come?"

"No…um, I don't know. You should just come over now," she said, hanging up, "It's done, he's on his way."

Edward and Ashley walked back into the kitchen, Rosalie was helping Bella move. Ashley could see how much Bella was in pain, "Why do this to yourself?" she asked, "You could always adopt."

"I want this baby because it's Edward's," Bella said, standing still.

"If you wanted a baby so bad, why not have a normal boyfriend. No offence," she said to Edward.

"I thought you would understand," Bella said.

"Understand what? I accepted that getting married to Edward would lead to an early death, but then you would come back, sparkles included…But this Bella, this leads to an early grave, no sparkles necessary," she said.

Bella didn't say anything, she just looked away.

"You've made her upset," Rosalie said, "I thought you would have been different than everyone else."

Rosalie helped Bella leave the room.

"Why is Rose as insistent as Bella on this?" Ashley asked.

"She always wanted a baby," Emmett said, "Through Bella that can happen."

"Even if it means killing her," Edward said before following Bella.

Alice grabbed Ashley's hand, "Come on, let's go upstairs too," she said as Jasper followed them.

"You two didn't say anything," Ashley said, "What do you think?"

"I can't see it," Alice said, "I don't know what it's going to bring."

"I'm with Alice. If newborns are vicious, then it can be as vicious or worse," Jasper said.

"You always agree with Alice," Ashley said, "You both bring up good points. We'll have to wait in see, because in the end, it's not our decision to make."

The Cullens, Bella and Ashley were now gathered around in an upstairs room where Bella spends most of the day besides when she sleeps. Now all they had to do was wait on Jacob to arrive.

"He's here," Carlisle said, "I'll greet him," he left the room.

"I don't see why that dog has to be brought into this," Rosalie said, "He's not one of us."

"He's with me so that makes him one of us," Ashley said, standing beside Edward.

Rosalie turned to look at Ashley from her position, standing in front of Bella.

Jacob entered the room with Carlisle closely behind. He locked eyes with Ashley and she tried to smile for him. He tried to look around Rosalie at Bella. He couldn't so he took a few steps forward, "Bella?" he questioned.

"That's close enough," Rosalie snarled.

"She's like an attack dog," Ashley whispered to Edward.

"Rose, its okay," Bella said, "I'm glade he's here."

The blonde vampire slowly stepped to the side, revealing Bella. Jacob took a seat on the coffee table in front of her, "You look terrible," he commented.

"Yeah, it's nice to see you, too," Bella said.

"Why did Ash say I needed to come over?" Jacob asked, "Is there something wrong with you?"

Bella sighed, "Rose, you want to help me up?" She stood before him and the only thing he saw was her swollen belly.

Jacob looked at Ashley and then at Edward. He charged at Edward as Ashley stood before them. She took a step or two forward to stop Jacob, but he instead walked into her and causing her to fall over. Emmett was there to catch her before she hit the floor.

"You did this!" Jacob shouted, not realizing what he had done.

Emmett helped Ashley stand back up, "Look what you did!" he said.

Jacob looked at Ashley, "I'm sorry, baby."

"I know. You were upset," she whispered.

Jacob went back to glaring at Edward, "We didn't know it was even possible," the vampire said.

"What is it?" Jacob asked, looking at the doctor.

"We don't know. Ultrasounds and needles won't penetrate the embryonic sac," Carlisle explained.

"That's bad," Ashley commented.

"We've been researching legends, but there isn't much to go on," Carlisle said.

"Why haven't you done anything?" Jacob asked, "Take it out!"

"This is none of your business, dog," Rosalie said.

"Rose, chill pill!" Ashley said, taking a step forward, "Jake's it's not that simple. Bella doesn't want that."

Jacob looked at Bella, "What? You want to keep this thing!"

"All this fighting isn't good for Bella," Esme spoke up, causing Ashley to go to Bella. She sat down beside her on the couch.

"The fetus isn't good for Bella," Alice said.

"Say the word, Alice. 'Baby.' It's just a little baby," Rosalie said.

"Esme is right," Ashley said, "Everyone out."

"Jacob," Edward said, "I need to speak with you."

The two of them left the room to go outside and the rest of the Cullens filed out of the room too, leaving Bella, Rosalie and Ashley alone.

Ashley sighed, "I'm sorry that I'm against you on this."

"No, I'm sorry. I should have expected you to accept this bomb shell," Bella said, "I want this baby because its apart of Edward and if we kill it; it'll be like killing him. Can't you understand that?"

"Yeah, I guess I can," Ashley said, taking Bella's hand, "But what if you don't make it. You're leaving a child motherless in a sparkling world."

Bella laughed, "I wish that I never told you that. You've used it against me."

"Every time I can," Ashley said. She looked at Rosalie, "I understand why you're doing this, but that doesn't mean you can treat my boyfriend like that."

"I'm sorry," Rosalie said.

"No you're not, but I'll take it," Ashley said before Jacob entered the room.

Jacob tried to understand where Bella was coming from but he couldn't see it. He just didn't understand why she is choosing to kill herself.

"Jacob, don't go," Bella pleaded.

He turned around, "I know how this ends, and I'm not sticking around to watch. Come on," he said to Ashley.

She stood up, "I know you don't like this but it's not our choice."

"You are going to loose your best friend very soon and you're okay with that," Jacob said, getting in her face.

"You don't know that's going to happen," Ashley said.

He laughed, "You're just as blind as she is."

"Jake, come on, please. Bella needs you," Ashley said.

"She has plenty of bloodsuckers on her side," he said, "She doesn't need us. Let's go," he tried to grab her hand.

She pulled away from him, "I'm staying here," she said.

"Are you on their side?" he asked.

"I'm on Bella's side," she said.

Jacob saw that she wasn't wearing the engagement ring, "Fine, stay here then," he turned to walk away.

"Jake, come on," she ran after him, "Don't be like this."

They were now outside when Jacob turned around, "You belong here as much as Bella does. You deserve the bloodsuckers as much as she does," he said.

Ashley stood there shocked as she watched him transform into a wolf and run into the woods.

She was left there standing alone as she started to cry.

She didn't understand what just happened, this morning they were happy. They have only been engaged for a few days, but now…she had no idea.

It hurt her so much to think that. All she wanted was to be with her Jake, but now she didn't know.

She felt an arm being wrapped around her. She turned to look and saw that it was Rosalie.

She started to cry harder as she turned her body into the blonde vampire.

The day couldn't have gotten any worse if it tried.