Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight the amazing Stephanie Meyers does.
Chapter Twenty Nine
"You look stunning," Alex whispered in my ear as we walked into the charity ball.
"I look fat," I scowled, holding my bump, scanning the crowd already for him. I didn't make life easy for Alex. I wanted him to understand I wasn't someone he could walk all over.
"You always look beautiful," Alex smiled touching my stomach over my black lace maternity dress.
"I know baby is worth it all," I cooed rubbing my stomach.
"Come on, let's get a drink." Alex guided me through the crowd to the bar. I was still looking around. I guess they hadn't arrived yet.
Alex bumped into a few associates he knew and soon became deep in conversation with them.
"Bella," a female voice called.
"Hi Tanya," I replied a little deflated.
"God, you will not believe who I have just seen."
"Who," Please say Edward, please say Edward.
"Edward Cullen. What are the chances? Damn, he looks good."
"Where was he?" I asked, my heart almost sprinting ahead of my body.
"In the lobby." I was gone before Tanya even finished her words.
I tried to keep myself hidden, which was kind of difficult when you are seven months pregnant. I hid behind a waiter as I watched the lobby. Then he appeared.
My breath stopped taking him in and as if baby bump knew I was looking at the love of life and needed some comfort it gently kicked. I rubbed my belly just watching him. God, would I ever stop thinking how beautiful he was. He was confident as he shook hands with people in the lobby. A few females were freaking out that 'Edward Rock God Cullen' was standing in front of them. Rose and Alice both looked stunning in their dresses and then I saw her. The most perfect blonde appeared, walking straight up to Edward. He kissed her passionately, swinging her around. Alice was giggling, Rose was dragging Emmet nearer my direction, but my eyes were fixed on Edward. He seemed so . . .happy. I needed to leave, fast. I couldn't spoil this happiness for him.
I turned darting into the crowd trying to find Alex. Damn it, he had moved from the bar.
I moved trying to leave by the side entrance, but people were everywhere. As I turned back fate was laughing at me as I almost slammed right into Edward's chest.
"Bella," Edward was stunned for a few moments just looking at me. I couldn't speak, I was lost in his green eyes.
"Who is your friend darling?" The blonde asked.
"Sorry Kate," Edward snapped out of his daze, putting his arm around her waist. "This is Bella. An old . . .friend." So that's all I meant now.
"Nice to meet you," I smiled, taking her hand.
"When is your baby due?" Kate asked smiling. "You look wonderful with it. You are blooming."
"Thank you," I blushed, not daring to look into Edwards eyes. "I have about eight weeks left." God Edward, please work it out, please understand this child could be yours, but I got nothing from him, nothing at all.
"I love babies," Kate beamed. "Do you Edward?" Ground, please swallow me.
"Not really," Edward looked at me, his glare was cold. He was still pissed, big time.
"I really better find my husband," I smiled. "Lovely to meet you, Kate." I hurried away quickly. Could that have gone any worse? Nope, I don't think so.
"Bella," Alice called. For fuck sakes, was God taunting me for all the time I used his name in vein? "Look at you."
"Hi Alice," I smiled, looking around the crowd. Alex would flip once he realised they were all here, just when I thought it couldn't get any worse overcame Emmet, Rose and Jasper.
"So the rumours are true, Alex did manage to knock you up," Emmet chuckled hugging me. "Good to see you Bella."
"And you. Look guys I know I really need to apologise for . . ."
"No need, we all understand," Rose smiled hugging me.
"Thanks," I whimpered, beginning to fill up with tears.
"Hey," Rose pulled me to her. "What's wrong?"
"It's the hormones," I mumbled against her shoulder. "And I can't find my husband and soon my feet are going to start to hurt and swell."
"You really aren't selling this pregnancy thing very well, Bella," Rose teased.
"Is she okay?" Came tender a voice that made my insides burn.
"She is fine, Edward. Bella is just a little hormonal," Rose replied. "Come on, let's sit you down." Rose looked around, but there wasn't a seat free in sight. "Let's try the lobby." As I began to move, I felt a little twinge. I stumbled a little clutching my stomach, everyone started panicking.
"Its fine," I reassured them. "It's a little cramp. Trust me I get it all the time." I winced. God, baby bump was really pushing on my ribs this time.
"Fuck this," Edward muttered. Before I knew it I had been scooped up into his arms and he was carrying me into the lobby. "I'm surprised you could breathe in there with all the people." He commented as he carried me. "You look good, Bella. Really good." He smiled and my heart was melting as he placed me down on a couch in the lobby. "Do you need some water or anything?"
"Edward, I'm fine." I laughed, "Relax."
"Where is your husband anyway? He should be looking after you."
"I'm not sure. I lost him," I replied. "Your girlfriend seems nice." God, why did I say that?
"She is," Edward whispered. "I am a lucky guy." I nodded. "You do realise you broke my heart don't you?"
"I'm sorry," I looked down at the floor.
"I can't believe you are having his child," Edward was pulling at his hair. "Didn't our time at the cottage mean anything to you?"
"Of course it did." Why couldn't he put the two together? Fuck it. I would just tell him.
"Yeah, it looks like it." He laughed, looking at my baby bump. "We really made a mess of everything didn't we? I think really we should have just stopped after our first night together."
"You do?" I whispered, feeling my heart shatter. How could I tell him now? He had given up on me- on us. What did you expect Bella.
"Yeah, it would have saved the heart break. It's okay though Bella. I have finally moved on. Knowing you are happy to have Alex's child gave me the strength to let you go. I knew I couldn't keep hoping one day you would realise I was the right choice for you. I just want you to be happy. I can see Alex does that for you. As much as I don't understand it. . . . I'm done fighting for you." Fuck this hurt. Edward didn't love me anymore. How did I move on from that?
"That's good. I'm glad you can move on," I smiled looking down rubbing my stomach, trying to calm myself so I didn't break down in front of him.
"I better get back to Kate. Take care, Bella," Edward smiled kissing the top of my head. Fuck me, it stung like hell.
"Bye Edward," I called as he walked back into the party.
I sat there looking at the floor, how long for I had no idea. Part of me was happy that I could no longer hurt him. I had wanted him to move on to be happy, but knowing that right now he was in the arms of someone else I couldn't even describe the pain in my heart.
"Here you are," Alex smiled wandering into the lobby. "I have been looking for you everywhere." I could tell by the look on his face he clearly hadn't seen Edward or anyone else. I suppose I would have to get some luck at some point.
"Can we go Alex," I smiled. "I'm really tired. I think coming out was a bad idea."
"Of course," Alex helped me up, wrapping his jacket around me as he led me away from the party.
EPOV
I sat on the balcony of the hotel playing my guitar, letting the songs just enter my head as I sang them. I was playing so hard trying to push Bella out of my head. She had made her choice by getting knocked up by that mother fucker.
"Edward," my sister called touching my shoulder as I finished the last song. Fuck, I was crying. How had that happened? I was such a fucking pussy. "You haven't played that song for a while." Alice smiled sitting next to me. "I'm not sure that is the best song to play though, Edward. It was hearting breaking to listen to."
"What song was I singing?" I was so lost I couldn't even recall what I had been playing.
"The kill, by 30 seconds to mars." Alice shook her head at me. Fuck, yeah that really wasn't the best song for me to play. No wonder I was crying like a fucking girl. "I guess it must have felt a little weird seeing her tonight?"
"Just a bit," I smiled putting my guitar down to reach for my whiskey.
"How many have you had?" Alice asked watching me down the contents.
"Not many. Alice, please . . . .I don't have a drink problem."
"I disagree," Alice glared.
"Look, we start our world tour next month. Do you really think I would risk the tour by being a drunk?"
"I just don't want to watch you burn out like you did when . . ."
"Alice I won't. I have Kate now remember. I finally have moved on. Bella is in the past," I smiled touching her hand. I would never forget what I had put them through those few months after Emmet's and Rose's wedding. I was on total self-destruct, without the support I had from all of them I wasn't too sure I would still be standing here.
"The way you were singing that song would suggest otherwise," Alice whispered with tears in her eyes. "Edward, I just want you to be happy, but it's not healthy holding onto Bella like this."
"I know that," I sighed putting my head in my hands. "But it's different now. I'm not hoping anymore. I know I will never win, but it doesn't stop me loving her."
"You know you couldn't have done anything else."
"I know," I smiled. "Alice, stop worrying," I laughed kissing her forehead. "I have Kate now, I am not going on self-destruct again."
"Promise me, Edward," Alice whispered. "Mom and dad can't cope with any more pain."
"I promise," I smiled getting up.
"Where are you going?"
"To my room, to see my girlfriend. Is that okay with you?" I chuckled.
"Sorry, I'm acting like mom aren't I?"
"That's why you are a wonderful sister," I smiled leaving to go to my bedroom.
Kate was fast asleep wrapped up in the sheets when I entered. I took in her elegant face as she slept. Kate was beautiful undoubtedly, but then she was a super model. I had met her four months ago at a photo shoot. It surprised even me that after a wild night with her I wanted more, Kate was uncomplicated. She knew what she wanted and it was easy being with her. Did I love her that was a difficult question? After witnessing first-hand the powerful love I had with Bella it was hard to compare. I cared for Kate and that was enough for her at this point in time. We were just enjoying being together. I had to admit it felt kind of nice waking up to the same face in the morning. Even if every morning I wished her blue eyes were chocolate brown.
Kate stirred as I pulled her to my chest. She wrapped her arms around me, planting a tender kiss on my neck as she snuggled closer to me.
"Where have you been?" She whispered slowly opening her eyes.
"I was on the main balcony with Alice," I soothed. "Go back to sleep, baby."
"You seemed distant tonight."
"What do you mean?" I asked looking into her clear blue eyes.
"Ever since you bumped into that pregnant woman, Bella."
"Bella is an old friend. Her husband is a malicious man. We are all worried about her." I breathed. Fuck, did I really make my feelings that clear.
"You two seemed to have quite a connection," Kate sat up looking at me.
"Kate, I'm Edward Cullen. All females have a connection with me," I teased kissing her lips.
"You don't win that way, Edward," Kate teased, pushing me off as I began to trail kisses down her neck.
"Are you sure," I replied husky, running my hands down her legs, pulling myself on top of her. Kate groaned under my touch. "I'll take that as I win." I smirked moving down to kiss her.
oxoxoxo
"Kids," I had my hands on my hip just looking at Emmet. "Are you sure you are ready for that?"
"Hell yeah," Emmet beamed. "It's the ultimate act of love, Edward."
"You sound like such a pussy," I laughed waiting for my queue from the stage manager. The world tour was flying by. We were in Europe at the moment and playing to crowds of over fifty thousand a night. It was utter madness.
"Just get on stage and do your thing," Emmet glared. I had to chuckle, but I was happy for him and Rose. Fuck, any kid would be lucky to have them as parents.
The set was about two and a half hours long. After a gig I was always soaked through. My voice was taking a real battering at the moment. I had to laugh at Alice, a honey and lemon drink was always waiting for me as soon as I got back to the hotel.
"Amazing crowd tonight," Paul breathed almost collapsing into the bar.
"Did you see how many girls showed us their tits tonight" Seth laughed with a beer in his hand.
"It's always about tits with you, Seth," I laughed. "It's a good job you are behind the drums or some females would give you a harassment order."
"If the ladies what to show me there tits who am I am not look."
"Drink this," Alice stood in front of me smiling with my honey and lemon.
"Thank you dear sister," I smiled.
"You need to rest your voice. It was almost cracking in the last song," Alice commented.
"I have two days until next gig. I will be fine, Alice."
"I'm hiding your guitars."
"Alice, don't . .." I called as she walked off. She was so annoying, but she did have a point.
"Are we going to the race course tomorrow still?" Jasper asked, sitting down after having a shower. "I do want to whip your arse with my new car."
"We will see, Jazz," I smirked.
"Bring it on, Cullen," Jasper laughed.
We were all mega stars now. Jazz and I had at least half a billion to our names with our song writing perks and still the money was flying in. We were official sponsors for some of the biggest brands in the world. I was the face of a famous men's grooming brand. Never in my wildest dream did I think I would get this much fame. Garret was slowing calming the media circus around me just as he had promised. I had to admit I did get a little more privacy, but not much. I could however go to certain places and feel like me. My cottage was still my safe haven. I knew it was stupid. I had two other homes four times the size of the cottage, but if I wanted to be on my own I would go there. It was nice knowing my parents were nearby, if anyone could keep me grounded it was them.
Just as I was about to take a shower Rose came wandering in with an expression on her face I couldn't quite read.
"You alright, Rose?" I asked getting up.
"Yeah," Rose smiled. "I have had some good news."
"What's that," Jasper asked.
"Bella has had her baby," Fuck, why did it hurt? I knew this was coming. I had seen her for Christ's sake, she was defiantly pregnant.
"What did she have?" Jasper called. I was just motionless waiting for Rose's answer. Why did I care so fucking much? Bella had pushed me aside to have his fucking baby. Why couldn't I let her the fuck go?
Umm . . . Any thoughts?
Bee xxx
