I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.
CH 36: Special Delivery BPOV
I sat in the rocking chair, rocking slightly. It was a cloudy October day and the baby was due in about a week. Although I was convinced he was happy in there and that he was never coming out.
I was done being pregnant. I couldn't wait for him to come out and for me to hold him in my arms. I was tired all of the time, again, and I felt as big as a house. I woke up this morning with my back killing me. No matter what position I tried, it ached. The rocking chair was the most relief I got.
I glanced around the room making a mental checklist of anything we may need to do before the baby was here.
Emmett had stained the rocking chair and crib while we were away for our brief honeymoon. They were now a deep cherry wood color. Alice found a dresser that matched it. We were going to use the top of that as a changing table. It already had a blue clothed covered pad with stacks of diapers and wipes next to it. The closet and drawers were filled with clothes. Also in the closet was a mini fishing rod and tackle box from Charlie. A bookcase filled with books came curtsey of Jasper and Carlisle.
Esme made a small quilt and bumper pads out of material that had a forest animal print. The sheet were green. Next to the crib was a small nightstand with a baby monitor on it, which was pointless to Edward but I wanted it in case he was out hunting. There was also a small turtle that would play music and project stars on the ceiling. That was a gift from Renée.
Esme also made curtains and a matching seat cushion for the rocking chair. The blanket that I made was on the arm, it came out decent. Most of the walls were painted a light blue with the exception of one large wall where Alice and Rose painted a mural of a forest scene. They had incorporated all the family members into the mural as animals.
Emmett was of course a bear standing by a tall tree. Carlisle was an owl sitting in a high branch by the moon. Jasper was a fox sitting on a rock by a stream. Esme was a doe drinking from that stream. Alice was a rabbit sitting in the bushes close to the Fox. Rose was a graceful heron standing in the stream. In the center of the mural was a small clearing where a mountain lion was lying down with a sheep curled into him.
"Bella, are you ready to go the main house?" Edward asked from the doorway.
"Why can't I stay here? I am comfortable. I am sure if I needed anything Jasper and Emmett could here me screaming from the house." I sighed as I clutched my very swollen stomach.
"I would feel more comfortable if you were with them," Edward came and knelt by my side. He gazed into my eyes trying to dazzle me. Today it had the opposite effect. Make him, more comfortable? He was a vampire while I was 39 weeks pregnant.
"Sure, let's make sure you are more comfortable. Who cares about making me more comfortable while I am about to give birth to your child? Who cares that I am a whale with ankles the size of watermelons?" I sniffed. I tried to get up from the chair and wasn't having much success. Edward held out his hand to me to help me.
"I can do it," I snapped. His hand dropped and he took a step back frowning sadly. I tried a few a more time before collapsing in tears.
"I am sorry. I am being such a witch. You haven't done anything to be treated that way." I wiped the tears from my eyes.
Edward knelt in front of the chair and brushed back the tears from my face.
"It's okay. I was insensitive. If you're more comfortable here, I am sure the guys wouldn't mind coming down here," he told me lovingly.
"All their stuff is at the main house. It will make more sense for me to go there." I shook my head.
"For the record, nothing about you resembles a whale. In fact, I am sure most pregnant women would envy you because you have what most refer to as a basketball pregnancy. All the weight you have gained is mostly all baby; the rest, well…" Edward trailed off looking at my chest. I blushed bright red under his lustful stare.
"Help me, please." I held out my hand. Edward stood and gently pulled me to my feet. He pulled me into a hug.
"I can stay," he whispered into my hair on the top of my head.
"You have to hunt," I answered as much as I wanted to stay in his arms. The whole family was hunting every other day, with exception of Carlisle who stayed with his regular hunts. Everyone wanted to be prepared just in case.
"I know. I just wish Alice could pinpoint when the baby will come. It would make things much easier." Edward sighed rubbing my back. I sank into him because it felt good.
"I'm convinced he doesn't want to come out. That's probably why she can't see it," I groaned.
"He will come out," Edward chuckled as he caressed my belly. I felt the baby kick away at his hand. I stepped away from him.
"Okay, let's go." I headed towards the door.
"Do you want me to grab you a sweater, just in case?" Edward asked. I have been so hot recently that I was still wearing a sundress in October. I shrugged, knowing that it would make him happy if I was wearing one. "Don't do the stairs without me," he called over his shoulder as he disappeared into our room. I rolled my eyes, but I waited patiently.
He was back in less than ten seconds. He placed the thick blue cardigan over my shoulders looking very pleased. He guided me down the steps, holding on to me tightly. We paused so I could slip my flip flops on at the door.
Edward took great care driving up to the main house in the golf cart avoiding any bumps in the road.
He pulled up to the front and rushed to my side and helped me out.
"Do you need anything at all before I leave? Are you hungry," Edward asked leading me into the house.
"No, I am fine," I answered walking, or should I say, waddling into the house. I had a hand on my back trying to rub it myself as I headed for the living room. Jazz and Em had set up some sort of game board. It looked like a world map with a bunch of army men on them. Did Emmett think he had a chance? This actually might be amusing.
I felt Edward come up behind as he replaced my hand with his and he rubbed the muscles in my lower back.
"Is it bothering you that bad?" He looked at me with concern. I felt guilty for making him worry about me.
"It will be fine I will just use a heating pad or something if it gets worse." I told him.
"I'm not going," Edward said decisively. I saw Emmett and Jasper exchange a look.
"Edward, you need to hunt," I said firmly as I lowered myself into a recliner. I was hoping it would be easier to get out of than the couch.
"I will hunt when Carlisle gets home." He shook his head. I rolled my eyes trying to adjust the pillow behind my back. I hit the release and I tiled back some, my legs raised up.
"Just go, now. Alice doesn't see the baby coming today. Carlisle will be here in two hours. In the mean time, I am sure Jasper or Emmett can help me, if I need help." I told him.
"Seriously, Em and I got it under control. You need to hunt. The sooner you go, the sooner you will be back." Jasper didn't look up from arranging his little army men on the board. "Nothing bad is going to happen. Will you please relax, because your anxiety is starting to affect Bella."
"Alright, I will go hunt." Edward looked defeated as the girls entered the room. He leaned in and kissed me on the lips "Call if you need anything at all, or if you feel any more pains."
"Come on, Edward. I will let you know if anything changes." Alice started pulling on his arm. He straightened up and allowed himself to be dragged toward the door. Alice winked at me.
"Here is the heating pad, dear." Esme handed it over to me.
"Thank you." I took it and placed it behind me. The warmth immediately felt good on my back. Rose and Esme went out the door.
"Finally." Emmett shook his head. "And I thought he was over protective before. Do you need anything?" He looked over at me.
"I am good for now." I had just gotten comfortable so I will probably have to pee in another two minutes. I didn't share that information though. I glanced at the television to see that they were watching a cartoon.
"By the way whales don't have ankles," Emmett smirked. I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Did you just imply that I am a whale?" I glared at him. His smirk fell and he grew alarmed.
"No…I… help me," he pleaded with Jasper. Jasper glanced at him then at me.
"Em doesn't often think before he speaks. You're not a whale. I think that was what he was trying to say." Jasper sent me some calming waves.
I turned back to the screen and watched some horse pulling an old farmer's cart to town. Suddenly the horse throws off his harness and runs away to the big city, leaving the farmer stranded.
"What are we watching?" I asked.
"Looney Tunes," Emmett answered looking up at the TV. Looney Tunes? I thought that was Bugs Bunny or Daffy.
"I thought Looney Tunes was supposed to be funny? What is funny about a horse leaving an old farmer in the road? How is he supposed to get to town and sell his goods? If he doesn't sell his goods, how is he supposed to prepare for winter or the next growing season?" I ranted. They both looked up from the board to give me a strange look.
"Bells, it's just a cartoon." Emmett looked as if he was trying not laugh at me.
"But what if it was based on something real?" I looked at him with a sad puppy dog face. His smirk fell and he frowned looking at the television. Jasper raised an eyebrow; I knew he was suspicious of me. I winked at him then looked back at Emmett.
"Now that poor farmer has to walk. What if someone steals his stuff while he is gone?" I sniffed.
"That might not matter. He's up there in age, he might not make it back home," Jasper spoke up. My mouth dropped open as I looked at him. He winked back at me and I realized he was playing along.
"Dude, not cool. What about his wife and all the other animals on the farm?" Emmett sounded all choked up. I stifled a laugh by biting my knuckle. Emmett got up abruptly and headed for the door.
"Where are you going?" Jasper called after him.
"I am going to see a man about a horse," he answered opening the door.
"Em," I called my voice was strangled as I held in my laughter.
"Yeah?" He turned to look at me.
"It was a cartoon?" I pointed at the screen. The horse had given up city life and went back to the farmer at this point. I couldn't help but to start laughing when I saw Em's face go blank. Jasper started laughing too.
Emmett looked at me then at the television and back again. He huffed as sat down on the couch again.
"You guys were just fu…fudging with me, weren't you?" He pouted. I couldn't help but giggle.
"No. At least not at first. It was a sad cartoon, though," I insisted. I sighed because now I wanted fudge. Or at least something chocolaty. I struggled trying to get out of the chair. Jasper was immediately up and helped me.
"Where are you going," he asked pulling me up and steadying me.
"I need a human moment. Then I am going to find something to eat." I waddled down the hall.
Entering the kitchen I checked the fridge to see if we had all the ingredients for fudge. I opened up the cabinets and was disappointed with the results. I did, however, spot a box of fudgy brownie mix on the top shelf. That would work. I looked around and spotted a stool and dragged it to shelves. I couldn't see my feet at this point and had to feel around for the step. Just as I was about step up, the stool was gone, Jasper's hands were on my shoulders and Emmett had the stool in his hands. Both were glaring at me.
"Are you trying to get us in trouble with Edward," Emmett asked.
"No, I am trying to make brownies and the mix is up there." I pointed. Emmett reached up and grabbed it down.
"Thank you." I gave him an angelic smile. He just shook his head, smirking slightly.
"Is there anything else, we can get you?" Jasper asked letting go of my shoulders.
"Ummm," I looked around for the supplies I needed. "The medium size bowl up there." I gestured to a different cabinet. Jasper went and grabbed it. He placed it on the counter in front of me.
"Anything, else," they asked, I shook my head, embarrassed slightly that I couldn't even make brownies without help. "No more, ladders." Jasper gave me a stern look.
"Yes, sir." I saluted him and he narrowed his eyes at me. Emmett coughed covering a chuckle. Jasper reached over and moved my hand and elbow into another position.
"If you are going to do it, do it, right." He smirked.
"Aye, aye," I bit back my giggles. Jasper groaned as Emmett howled in laughter.
"That's sailor talk, not the army."
"I know." I lost control of my laughter. He shook his head and walked out of the room muttering something about insubordination. Emmett followed him still laughing.
I grabbed the remaining ingredients and started mixing everything taking my time as the oven heated up.
When the oven beeped I placed the tray in and stood up. My back was killing me more then before. I let out a small whimper as I felt a spasm when stretching.
"Bella?" I heard Emmett call.
"I am fine. My back is just bothering me." I set the timer and made my way into the living room. Both of them looked up as I entered. They both looked concern. And they thought Edward was bad.
"Really, I am okay." I rolled my eyes trying to get comfortable in the seat again. If they are so willing to help me, one of them might need to get it out of the oven for me. By the time I get there they might burn.
"Do you want us to call Edward," Jasper asked his phone was already in his hand.
"No, he needs to hunt. Carlisle will be home within an hour anyways. Will you both relax. You are starting to sound like Edward." I got comfortable again. I looked on while they played their little game. It wasn't as amusing as I thought it would be. In fact, I found it a bit boring.
I rubbed my belly and closed my eyes for a moment. Next thing, I knew I heard a loud beep and jolted awake.
"Was that timer?" I asked groggily.
"Yeah," Emmett answered, both were still looking at the board intently. I struggled trying to get up rocking back and forth a few times. The brownies smelled really good.
"Would one of you please get it out so it doesn't burn, please?" I asked when realized I might not be fast enough.
"Yes, Ma'am," Jasper got up and moved into the kitchen at vampire speed.
"Em, would you?" I held my hand out to him. He looked up from his intense stare.
"Of course, Bells. I got you." Instead of taking my hand he scooped me out of the chair and placed me lightly on my feet.
"Thank you," I grunted when I realized my nap didn't help my back. In fact, it was much worse.
"You're welcome." Emmett frowned when he realized I was grimacing. I was wondering if I should call Edward, but I didn't want to worry him over nothing. He already does that enough. I glanced at the clock and saw that Carlisle should be home in about half-an-hour.
"What am I suppose to do with this?" Jasper called from the kitchen.
"I am coming. It needs to cool a bit before I can cut it." I started to walk towards the kitchen with Emmett hovering behind. Just as I was about to step into the kitchen, a spasm of pain hit my back. It was so strong I felt it in the front too. My knees buckled a bit and I felt Emmett grab me from behind. Before I could say anything, I felt a small pop and water started trickling, then gushed down my legs. I looked down in shock at the puddle.
"What is that?" Emmett looked down. Jasper came around the counter and was standing in front of us.
"My water broke. Call Edward." I snapped out of my shock. The baby was coming and I was in labor.
"Edward is already on his way. He called when you were asleep. He should be here in the next ten minutes. Carlisle in twenty." Jasper sent me some calming waves which I accepted.
"Ahhh," I grabbed onto Emmett as I felt a strong cramp this time in the front.
"How far apart was that?" I asked because it didn't seem that long.
"About two maybe three minutes." Jasper answered. They were that close already? I thought they were supposed to start further apart. I must have been having back labor, that would explain my back pain. If that was the case I have been in labor since early this morning.
"Em, I need to sit," I mumbled, realizing he was supporting all of my weight at this point.
"Right, come on, Bells, I got you." He was guiding me back to the chair in the living room.
"Not there, I will ruin the chair." He paused, looking around the room.
"Perhaps we should take her to Carlisle's office. I think he has the bed already set up." Jasper was still behind us. Emmett scooped me up and carried me up the stairs swiftly.
He was placing me on the bed when another contraction hit. I gripped his arms as hard as I could. I bit my lip to keep from scream out.
"Hey, I actually felt that," Emmett looked surprised. I gave him a dirty look. "What? It is not often you can feel a human squeeze that hard. That would've hurt if I was human." I snatched my hand back. I wasn't in the mood for his jokes any more.
"Emmett, why don't you go boil some water?" Jasper suggested entering the room.
"Isn't that the job that they give the idiot?" he narrowed his eyes at Jasper.
"You use boiling water to sterilize any instruments needed," Jasper answered with a raised eyebrow.
"Right," Emmett zipped out of the room. I gave Jasper an incredulous look as he silently chuckled.
"Carlisle's instruments are already sterilized," I whispered for only him to hear.
"I know," Jasper winked at me. "He wasn't helping with the stress."
I started to laugh as another contraction hit. I felt waves of calm hit me as Jasper reminded me to breathe. I worked on the breathing techniques we learned at the Lamaze classes at the hospital.
"You only feel emotional pain right?" I asked worried he was suffering with me.
"Yes, but I do feel the emotions that come from physical pain. Like stress and tension." He answered, I looked at him he seemed calmed.
"Don't worry about me. I'm fine. I will do what I can to make it easier for you." He gently squeezed my hand.
"No offense, but is Edward here yet?" I asked. I need him here. Not only that, I didn't want him to miss anything.
"He should be here within minutes," Jasper promised. In the middle of my next contraction Edward came bursting through the door and to my side.
"Bella, love, I am sorry. I should never have left." Edward came to my side and he pushed back hair from my neck and he kissed my forehead.
"You're here now." I leaned back into the pillow.
"How far apart have her contractions?" He looked at Jasper.
"About a minute or two apart." Jasper answered him.
"When her water broke, was it clear?" Edward rubbed circles on the back of my hand. His eyes didn't leave me as he questioned Jasper.
"From what I could see. I was too distracted to really look." Jasper shrugged.
"Carlisle will get here in about five minutes to check you, sweetheart. We called him while running home. The baby's heart sounds good. Is the pain too much?" Edward focused again on me completely.
"It's manageable. Jasper has been helping." The last part came out in clenched teeth as another contraction hit. I squeezed his hand so tight my knuckles turned white.
"You can do this." Edward soothing voice relaxed me, but I couldn't get rid of the urge to push.
"Edward, I need to push." I whimpered clenching his hand.
"Sweetheart, Carlisle will be here soon." He tried to calm me.
"No, I need to push, now," I shook my head. Edward's head snapped towards the door.
"Jasper, you should probably, leave." Edward moved to the end of the bed. Jasper left with vampire speed.
"I am going to check to see how ready you are?" Edward lifted the damp skirt out of the way. "Can your bend your knees or do you need help?" Instead of answering I just did as I was told. I was trying to focus on breathing to keep calm. Edward's head disappeared for moment as he peered between my legs. He gently helped me fix my legs into a better position.
"Edward," I hissed when he didn't say anything.
"You're crowning. On your next contraction, I want you to push." He didn't look up. As soon I felt the next contraction. I bared down hard as I grunted as I pushed.
"That's it, push. Push as hard you can, sweetheart." Edward's voice encouraged me.
"I am," I growled at him. I panted as I tried to keep it up.
"Relax. Bella, you need to relax between the contractions." Edward looked at me briefly. I nodded and took a deep breath. I looked up as I heard the door open and Carlisle came in. He checked quickly with Edward then came and braced my knees for me.
"You are doing great, Bella. It's not going to be long now," Carlisle told me. I nodded closing my eyes as I pushed.
"The head is out." Edward told me excitedly a few minutes later. I took a deep breath. I can do this.
"Next, is the shoulders." Carlisle spoke I am not sure to whom. After a few more pushes; Carlisle allowed me to lean back a bit. I heard a baby start to cry and I sobbed in relief.
"You did it, Love. He is out and he looks perfect." I heard Edward exclaimed.
"I want to see him." I held my arms out.
"Hold on. I need to cut the cord and clean him up a bit." Edward answered. Carlisle moved to his side holding a pair of medical scissors. Edward stood and a small wiggling form in his hands.
"I'll take it from here. You take the baby to his Mommy, Daddy," Carlisle gave him a pat on the back smiling. Edward walked towards me with the biggest smile I have ever seen on his face. His eyes were sparkling with so much emotion. He placed the baby on my chest and covered him with the blanket Carlisle gave him.
"You did wonderful, Love. Thank you. He is perfect," Edward kissed the top of my head and brushed my tears of my cheeks. I didn't even realize I had been crying.
I held my perfect little boy in my arms as he wailed and started to nuzzle my chest.
I lowered my head and kissed his head. He already had a head full of dark hair.
"He has your nose," I looked at Edward with a smile. "His hands are so tiny," I cooed.
"He has your mouth and ears," Edward smiled.
"Does he have a name yet?" Carlisle asked with a smile on his face.
"Thomas William Masen Cullen," I announced with pride.
"I need to take him back for a moment, to wash him and get his measurements." Edward told me trying to take him from my arms. The look on my face made him stop on his tracks. "I will bring him right back. I'm just going to be a few feet away." Edward promised. I very reluctantly let go of the baby. Edward first brought him to a scale.
"7lbs. 2oz and he 19 inches long." Edward announced proudly.
Edward gently carried him over to the tub that had appeared at some point. The only thing I could think of was that Carlisle must have brought it in with him. I watched as he gently washed the baby, being careful to support his head. As Carlisle worked to clean me up the best he could.
"There we go little man." Edward soothed drying our son off. He grabbed a diaper and placed it on him. "I think he might be hungry, Mommy. Do you want to try and feed him?" I nodded eager to have him back in my arms. Edward brought him over to me swaddled in a warm blanket.
"I will give you some privacy," Carlisle left the room.
This part I was nervous about. There was a class at the hospital, but I still was nervous.
Edward waited until I adjusted myself so I was comfortable. I slipped the strap off my sundress so I could feed Thomas. Edward placed him in my arms and he grabbed a pillow to help hold the baby, which was a good idea since I was so exhausted.
The baby latched on fairly easily. I let another breath out when Thomas started drinking and there was no pain.
"Can you read his mind?" I looked up at Edward who was watching with an adoring smile on his face.
"I see images. Like seeing him picture blurred images of you and colors." Edward gave me a smile. "Do you need anything, Love."
"Some water. I am going to need a change of clothes too. Plus, clothes for the baby," I answered. Edward went out the door; he wasn't gone ten seconds before he came back in with clothes and a glass of water. Someone must have had them waiting for him in the hall.
About half an hour later the baby was fed, dressed and asleep in my arms. I was changed too, which was slightly difficult with how exhausted and sore I was. Edward had carried us to our room at the main house. We decided to stay here for the night. I laid propped up in the bed with Thomas asleep in my arms. Edward was lovingly brushing my hair for me.
We were now ready to introduce the others to our little one. There was a knock on the door. Edward stood and returned to the brush to the dresser.
"Come in," Edward called softly. The door opened and the family filed in. Esme carried a tray as she came over to me.
"I am sure you are hungry. " She set it down next to me on the bed.
"Very," I nodded. "Would you like to hold him?" I asked Esme when I saw that she was staring at him with so much affection.
"I would love to." She took him from me gently. "Hello, little Thomas, you are going to be a handsome little fella. Just like your daddy." She cooed rocking him gently in her arms. Rose and Alice crowded close to see him.
"May I hold him?" Rose turned to ask me. I nodded since my mouth was full of brownie.
Edward frowned slightly seeing me eat it.
"Don't give me that look. I worked hard for that brownie." Shielding it, afraid he might take it from me.
"Yes, you did. Thank you." Edward's face softened as he sat on the bed next to me with his arm around my shoulders. We watched as our family took turns holding the baby. Alice was currently holding him and she walked up to Jasper.
"Here, Uncle Jasper, your turn." She smiled looking up at him.
"I don't know about this, Darlin'." He looked nervous.
"You can do this, Jasper. I trust you." I encouraged him.
"So do I," Alice agreed. I saw Jasper take a deep breath and Alice very gently placed Thomas in Jasper's arms.
"Shoot, he woke up." Jasper looked apologetic. The baby was making gurgley noises in his arms
"He isn't crying so I am sure he is fine," Edward told him.
"Hey there, little guy," Jasper talked sweetly to the baby. "He is so small."
"He is adorable. The perfect mix of mommy and daddy." Rose smiled.
"When can I teach him to throw a football?' Emmett asked.
"He has to be bigger than one, first." Carlisle chuckled, taking his turn with the baby.
"Jasper, can you still not sense anything from the baby?" I asked looking at him.
Jasper exchanged a look with Edward. Alice glared at Edward.
"What aren't you telling me?" I huffed in irritation.
"Jasper still can't sense the baby. Now it seems that Alice can't always see the baby. She didn't know you were going into labor until your water burst. But I'm sure it's nothing to be worried about." Edward kissed my cheek. I watched the baby in Carlisle's arms.
"So you think Thomas has the ability to block them?" I asked.
"Tell her all of it," Carlisle murmured. Edward sighed in reluctance.
"The baby doesn't smell like anything to eat to us. He doesn't smell bad, but he doesn't smell like something you would want to eat." Edward continued.
"Well, that is a good thing," I was confused why Edward would want to hide this from me.
"We think so." Carlisle smiled as he handed Thomas to Edward.
I let out a big yawn. I only eaten half my dinner but I was too tired to eat.
"We should let them get so rest. We have plenty of time to visit the baby later." Carlisle announced. Most everyone had already left the room.
I shifted so I was lying down. Edward laid the baby carefully between us.
"Get some rest, love. You have earned it. I will wake you if the baby needs to eat." He promised, giving me a peck on the lips. Thomas was already fast asleep between us.
Edward started to hum and I fell into a deep sleep.
A/N: The baby is here. A normal name I am sure to the relief of most. Thomas after her ancestor she met in 1918. William after Shakespeare.
That cartoon was a real Looney Tune short(owned by Warner Brothers). I remember seeing when I was young. I remember feeling horrible for that poor farmer. I thought it might be funny to add it in there.
In case of you didn't pick it up Jasper was messing with Emmett emotions over the cartoon.
I might have confused some people last time. This baby was never going to be a hybrid. I was talking about a second baby. Most of you have spoken and I have made my decision. You will find that out soon enough.
Thomas is a special little guy. He can already block some physical things. The scent has to do with his physical shield. He can't block it completely because he is human and a baby still.
Thank You For All Reviews!
Preview:
"No one will touch him," I promised her. Her eyes were still darting towards the forest. I started to hear the minds of three wolves. Jacob, Seth and Paul.
"There are three of them." I announced. "They want to see the baby themselves to see if it is all human."
"Well, he is so maybe they will leave us alone. It is obvious he not a vampire," Bella looked at me. I saw the determination in her eyes. She was going to protect the child with her life. As I would protect the both of them.
(The wolves know…)