so no month long wait… an improvement, no?

*I don't own Twilight.*

Chapter Thirty-Six

Bella Cullen

Okay, don't panic.

I was standing outside Edward's office, which had walls made of glass so I could see straight in. Jane, the twenty-year-old-blonde-big-breasted-perfect-bodied-receptionist, was standing next to my husband with her arm around his shoulders. He was sitting at his desk, laughing at something on his computer.

The way she was leaning… if he turned his head just to the left, he would get a face full of boobs. Thankfully, he didn't.

I didn't mind him working with such a pretty girl, I really didn't. I trusted Edward. But they looked so familiar with each other and here I was, feeling fat and twenty weeks pregnant with a fussy six month old on my hip, while he flirted with her.

It was the day we were finally having the big ultrasound done. The appointment had already been postponed twice due to someone forgetting about it and scheduling appointments with clients but I'd reminded him twice this morning and about a billion times yesterday.

After the appointment, he was leaving for New York for a few days to visit some friends that he hadn't seen since coming back to Chicago. Since I wouldn't be seeing him I had decided to stop by a little early and hopefully convince him to have lunch with me beforehand.

The past few months since the wedding hadn't been great. We were both stressed. Him with the office, me with Audrey and worrying about how things would be in a few months. He had started acting off the day his parents brought Audrey home and though he was an attentive father when he was home, he definitely wasn't the same.

I always got the feeling that he was almost… faking it.

And when we went for the first ultrasound for this pregnancy and got a huge surprise, he looked horrified and like he was going to throw up. I thought about that day, biting my lip.

I was lying on the table, the ultrasound technician had just started. Edward was holding Audrey with one arm and the video camera with his other. He had taken the day off from the office and we were going out to dinner afterward, our first time in a real restaurant with Audrey.

"Everything looks great. There's the baby… you can see the heartbeat flickering," she told us, pointing to the image on the screen. I nodded, sighing with relief. I had been so worried that something was wrong. I was constantly sick and tired.

Not to mention the nightmares I'd been having. It seemed like every night was worse than the last. Nightmares of losing the baby, of Edward leaving when the baby after the baby was born.

"So the baby is good?"

"Actually… the babies are good," the technician told me with a smile.

"Uh, shit. Babies? More than one?" Edward croaked out.

I looked over at him and all the blood had drained from his face. I had never seen him look so scared before. I was sure he was going to faint.

"Yes. Look, there's the second baby and the second heartbeat. Congratulations!"

Just as I snapped out of it and was about to turn around and leave – not wanting to see anymore – two things happened. Jane reached over with her free hand and swiped her thumb over his bottom lip and Audrey looked over, saw her father and shrieked with happiness. Her little hand shot out immediately, as it always did when she saw Edward, and she made a grabbing motion.

Edward's head snapped up and for the briefest second, I swear he had a guilty expression on his face before he arranged it into a grin. Jane straightened up and smiled at me, I smiled tightly back at them.

The option to run was off the table, I had no choice but to go into his office.

"B, you're early. I thought you were coming at three?"

"I was but, um… I thought you might want to get lunch first… um, it was stupid, don't worry about it."

When Jane excused herself from the room, Edward stood and walked over. Audrey reached for him again and he took her. "That would've been great but I have an appointment at two."

I immediately felt tears well up in my eyes.

I couldn't help it.

"Jesus, Bella… don't cry."

"What did I just walk in on?"

"Huh?"

"What… why was Jane all over you?"

Edward laughed. He laughed! I felt myself growing angrier by the second. My cheeks and eyes were burning. I could feel my heart thumping in my chest.

"It's not a joke! She was… touching you! Like… like I do! Are you sleeping with her? Is that why you haven't wanted to have sex with me lately? Is it because I'm fat?"

"Oh Christ, of course I'm not sleeping with her. You're losing it."

"But…" I wiped my eyes, pausing. I stared at Audrey, not wanting to look Edward. The problem was that she looked so much like him. Her eyes were that brilliant green and her hair was the same, weird reddish-brown color.

"No buts, Bell. You're the one who hasn't felt like sex, baby. You're always tired and ready to go straight to sleep when we get into bed."

Maybe he was right.

Taking care of Audrey all day alone and being pregnant was exhausting.

Especially since she'd started army crawling and could get from one place to the next faster than you'd think. I spent her naps cleaning the house, doing laundry and cooking. By the time Edward was home and dinner was eaten, I was beat.

"Plus, Jane has her eye on Felix."

I snorted. She seemed to have her eye on Edward, as well. I didn't blame her, he was handsome and funny and rich but she knew very well that we were married and had even watched Audrey for us a few times.

She was just so young… and pretty.

"So you don't think she's hot?"

"She's hot, Bella but she's twenty. She's a kid. Plus, I can't stand her voice."

Jane's voice was high-pitched and almost childlike. Just then, it came through the intercom, informing Edward that his two o'clock was there.

I couldn't help but laugh and Edward started laughing too. He told her he'd be there in a minute.

"Listen, in all seriousness, I don't like that you just accused me of cheating, Bella. I was showing her a funny video and you know she's a touchy-feely person. I'm just used to it, I guess. You don't have anything to worry about."

I nodded. Jane was very big on being affectionate even with people she barely knew. I still thought there was something off about her, though.

Maybe he was sleeping with her and trying to throw me off. It wouldn't be the first time a guy had done that to his wife. But I didn't want to argue with Edward or believe that he would do that. And I had no solid evidence.

"C'mon, why don't you wait in the lobby and I'll come out as soon as I'm done?"

I nodded again, reaching for Audrey but Edward shook his head and kissed her chubby cheeks. Audrey immediately tried to gum his nose, making him chuckle.

I walked ahead of him to the lobby, where a lady who must have been in her late seventies sat.

Jane was on the phone and playing Solitaire on the computer as she chatted. I was sure glad to see she earned every penny of her salary.

"Oh, Edward… that must be your little girl! She looks just like you."

"Yes, Mrs. Gardiner, this is Audrey and my wife, Bella… Bella, this is Mrs. Gardiner."

"What did I tell you about the Mrs. Gardiner business, young man? It's Joan. And you're expecting again?"

I smiled politely and nodded, "Yes… twins, in May."

"Twins! I had a set of 'em myself. It was a lot of work but delightful."

"I can't imagine what it'll be like having two more but I hope we'll manage," I said softly, glancing up at Edward.

He nodded his head, giving me a tight smile and tried to hand Audrey over but she wasn't having it. She wrapped her fist around the collar of his button-up shirt and whined.

Audrey, like most other girls, loved and favored Edward.

Every day when he got home, no matter what sort of mood she'd been in, her face lit up and she gave him gummy grins. Much more of a reception than I usually got.

When Edward finally untangled her and she was in my arms, her little face was bright red and she was crying those sobs that absolutely broke my heart and by the look on Edward's face, he wasn't fond of them either.

He also looked kind of annoyed.

Maybe because I'd come to the office without calling.

Or maybe I was right about him cheating on me and he was upset.

It was also possible that I was just losing my mind and he didn't look annoyed at all. That was the option I chose to go with.

"Why don't you feed her in the conference room, B? That'll calm her down. I'll come in after I'm done with Joan."

I agreed and made my way to the conference room, trying to sooth Audrey along the way but she was inconsolable until I sat in one of the comfy leather chairs and started feeding her. She settled down quickly and I watched as she ate, stroking her cheek gently.

A few minutes later, there was a quick knock on the door and Jane came in. I smiled at her and she smiled back before sitting across from me.

I went back to studying my daughter. When she blinked, her long, reddish eye lashes hit her cheeks.

"I don't know what you saw earlier… I'm sorry. We didn't know you were coming."

We didn't know you were coming? We? Her and Edward? I felt the blood drain from my face and felt lightheaded suddenly.

"What exactly did I walk in on?"

"Oh… I thought… Edward would have told you," Jane stammered, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth.

"Edward did tell me," I said coldly. "I want to hear it from you."

"I'm so sorry, it just happened…"

I stood up, having heard enough. "Please tell Edward that I went ahead to the appointment and ask him to meet me there?"

"I'll tell him," Jane said softly before she left the room.

Gently as possible with my shaking hands, I moved the baby from my breast and adjusted my bra and shirt. Audrey fussed but settled down when I walked out of the conference room and the office to the parking garage.

Once she was settled in her car seat, I got into the car and stared straight ahead, trying to stop the tears that were threatening to spill.

I knew it. I knew something wasn't right.

I called Carlisle and Esme on my way to the appointment and asked them to come so they could watch Audrey. I knew the appointment would be long and I knew she wouldn't last an hour sitting in her car seat. Who knew if Edward would end up coming along.

Thankfully, Carlisle had the day off and they agreed to meet me there.

Thirty minutes later, I arrived at the office early and immediately started chugging the water required, moving to the backseat to try to entertain Audrey. She was already growing restless. She'd be delighted to see her grandparents as Carlisle and Esme tied for second on Audrey's favorite people list.

My in-laws arrived shortly after I did and walked over to the car. I opened my door and smiled the best that I could at them.

"Bella, you look pale… are you alright?" Esme asked. I nodded and climbed out of the car. I hugged Carlisle then Esme, who held me tightly. She was a few inches taller than me and the way she hugged me close to her made me long for the mother I never really had. "Oh, honey. Are you crying?"

"N-no," I lied, sniffling.

"Where's Edward?" Carlisle asked. I could tell they were both dying to know.

"Hopefully on his way," I shrugged and busied myself with getting Audrey out of the car, making sure she was bundled up. The early January weather was freezing and I didn't want her to catch a cold.

Much to her delight, Esme scooped her out of my arms.

"Did Mommy and Daddy have a fight, Audrey?" Esme cooed to her granddaughter, holding her so they were face to face. She kissed Audrey all over the face, making her laugh and squeal.

"We didn't have a fight," I mumbled.

I didn't want to tell his parents the truth, not when they'd been so proud of him lately. Why was I protecting him? I wasn't really sure. I was the one who had her heart broken.

Maybe they should know… but he should be the one to have to tell them. He should be the one to see the disappointment on their faces when they learned he cheated on his wife, the mother of his children.

The stabbing pain in my chest was making it hard to breathe.

"I have to finish this water then we can go in," I told them, taking another sip. Audrey was happily playing with the necklace that her Nana was wearing, perfectly content in her arms.

I checked my phone about a thousand times.

When we finally made it inside, we got taken into the room immediately. I asked the receptionist to please send Edward back if he arrived.

It turned out that Carlisle knew the technician, Mary, and they chatted away while she did the ultrasound. I noticed both Carlisle and Esme trying to discreetly check their watches as it became more obvious that Edward wasn't going to show up.

"Do you want to know the sex of the twins, Mrs. Cullen?"

"Um…" I felt guilty finding out without Edward there. I knew how much he was looking forward to this and how he was really hoping for a boy but at the same time… I could just have his parents tell him. "Sure?"

"Looks like you're having another little girl… and a little boy!"

"Really?"

I couldn't help the grin that spread over my face. I hadn't realized how much I'd wanted at least one of the twins to be a girl but I did. Audrey would have someone to play dress up with and go to ballet class with. And I was over the moon about having a boy, I had a feeling that at least one of the babies was. Having it confirmed made me feel giddy.

"That's wonderful! Oh, Bella, you should call Edward!" Esme gushed, beaming.

My breath caught in my throat. Edward would be thrilled. At least, I hoped he would be.

"Um, maybe one of you could call him later?" I said hopefully.

Mary finished the ultrasound and wiped the gel off my rounded belly before saying her goodbyes and good lucks.

"Bella, I'll call Edward if you'd like but isn't this something you want to tell him?" Carlisle asked softly after Mary left.

I pulled my shirt down and shrugged. No, I didn't particularly want to talk to my cheating husband.

"Edward's… busy today. Then he's leaving for New York."

"Do you want to stay with us while he's gone, sweetie? I hate the thought of you all alone in that house with the baby. You could probably use a break," Esme said sympathetically.

"Um, yeah… that would be great, actually."

I hated, absolutely hated, being alone in our house overnight. I got scared and would hear noises and get terrified that I was being robbed. It was never bad when I was in my apartment, I could justify that the noises were the people around me but alone, there was no one to blame.

"Let Carlisle and me take Audrey back to our house and you can go home and get your stuff. We've got plenty of diapers and clothes for her so just pack up your stuff," Esme reached over and patted my hand.

I nodded and kissed Audrey before going down the hall to the bathroom. By the time I got outside, it was even colder and snowing. I pulled my coat snugly around myself and got into the car, cranking up the heat.

Looking through my purse, I found my phone and there were four missed calls. Two from Edward's cell phone and two from the office. There were also three text messages from him. All from far after the appointment started. I sighed, viewing the messages.

What happened? I came to get you from the conference room and Jane said your appointment was moved

You could have stayed, now I probably won't see you until I get home

B? Are you ok? Is A ok?

I didn't answer. I couldn't answer. Instead, I swiped my thumb across the screen and deleted his texts. Jane said the appointment was moved? I'd asked her to tell him to meet me here. My hands were trembling and I took a few deep breaths.

My phone started ringing and I jumped, startled by the loud sound. Edward. The picture that came up was one of him sleeping with Audrey on his chest. I felt my heart break all over again. I pushed 'Answer' and put the phone to my ear.

"Hello?"

"What the fuck is going on? My mom just called me and reamed me out for not making it to your appointment but I was fucking told it was cancelled."

"I told Jane to ask you to meet me there," I snapped.

"Bella… fuck, I don't have time for this. I'm on my way to the airport. Why would you go without me?"

"Of course you don't. You're too busy fucking your receptionist, aren't you?"

"What? I'm not fucking anyone!"

"Yeah, right. I know you've been miserable, I know it's so horrible being married to me and having kids with me. But you couldn't have respected me enough to let me know you were bored?"

"For Christ's sake, I'm not miserable or bored! Where is this coming from?"

"Ask Jane. Oh, God. Is this trip a little get-away for you two?"

"You're insane. Are these pregnancy hormones? Is that what's making you bat-shit crazy?"

"No!"

"It sure seems so, Bella. Listen… do you want me to cancel this trip? Will that make you feel better?"

"Go. I don't care."

Edward made a frustrated noise.

"Fine. Just tell me one thing, are the babies alright?"

"They're fine."

"Were they able to tell if they're boys or girls or a boy and a girl?"

"A girl and a boy."

"Really? Bella… that's great! I'm so fucking disappointed that I missed it."

"It's good to know I'm not the only one who's disappointed."

I could hear Edward talking but couldn't make out the words as I moved the phone from my ear and pressed 'End Call'. I tried to make sense of the situation. There's no way Jane could have misunderstood what I said. I was clear about it. Why would she lie?

I drove home, frustrated. Edward called three more times and possibly more after that but I turned off my phone, wanting to wait to deal with him. It was probably just his guilt. Maybe he just planned on staying with me until the babies were born…

It had started snowing heavier than when I'd first gotten into the car and the ride home took twice as long because everyone I drove behind seemed to be eighty years old and doing half the speed limit.

I parked in the garage and let myself into the house. When I'd left, I had been so excited about surprising Edward and seeing the babies. Now I just felt… listless and sad.

Packing didn't take too long, especially since Audrey already had stuff at the Cullens' house. I kept it simple, packing jeans and hoodies and comfortable pajamas. I grabbed Edward's favorite sweatshirt, too. I didn't want to think of him but I knew Audrey would miss him and the sweatshirt smelled like him.

When I finally made it to Esme and Carlisle's, I was ready to sleep for a few days but Esme had cooked dinner so I had to join them, not to mention the baby needed to be fed.

"Did you talk to Edward, sweetie?" Esme asked as she brought a basket of rolls to the table.

"Yes, I did… he was on his way to the airport," I forced myself to smile at her. Audrey sat in my lap, gumming a teething toy that Carlisle had given her.

"He said you told him the appointment was cancelled, is that true?"

Ugh.

"No. I asked Jane to let him know to meet me there… I don't know what she told him."

Carlisle brought the high chair out from the kitchen, exchanging looks with Esme, and sat it next to me but I held onto Audrey. I felt like I needed to cling to whatever part of Edward that I had left. The phone rang just as we were about to start eating and Carlisle apologized, explaining he needed to get it incase it was the hospital or some other emergency. He returned a few minutes later, phone in his hand.

"Bella, Edward is on the phone. He'd like to talk to you."

I nodded and traded Carlisle. I gave him Audrey and he gave me the phone. While I didn't want to talk to him, avoiding him would get me nowhere. I got up and left the room, my hand on my swollen stomach, right over where I could feel one of the babies moving.

"Hello?"

"There sure as hell better be an explanation for lying to me about your appointment then disappearing and turning your phone off."

Edward sounded angrier than I'd ever heard him sound before. I was silent for a minute, not really sure how to react.

"Edward…" I paused, sighing loudly. I was tired and just wanted to get into bed and sleep. "I told Jane to tell you to meet me there. I didn't lie about anything."

"Why would she lie, B?"

"I don't know! I don't know what's going on, Edward. I honestly, I wish I did because maybe then everything that's going on would make sense. When I left the house this morning, it did. But now? Nothing does."

"Alright, I'll talk to her and find out. She probably just got confused. I'm sorry I missed it, Bella. I'll call you when my plane lands, can you keep your phone on? It'll be late and I don't want to wake my parents."

"Um, yeah… I'll answer," I said quietly.

I was amazed that he was defending her. Or did he think she was really stupid enough to get a message confused that badly? What kind of receptionist was she in that case?

I disconnected the phone call before he had a chance to respond then told Esme and Carlisle that I had a headache and wasn't hungry. I retreated to Edward's old room, regretting my decision to stay here.

But no matter where I stayed, I'd constantly be surrounded by him.

before you say anything, you should all know that i was scared to post this and maybe you can wait to hate me until the next chapter? it should be posted by sunday, it's already partially done.

(btw, i'm a HEA kind of girl… just to let you know.)