Wow does it feel good to be able to update again! I get scared every time I go to the site because I don't want to have the same thing happen again! It was horrible! Thank you to those who stuck with me and reviewed the last chapter! You guys rock! So, here it is, we're going to see how Bella handles Jake's news :)
Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns these characters and the awesomeness that is Twilight! I'm just subjecting them to my fun little schemes. I do own Jasper Cat. Literally. I have a 17 lb tabby named Jasper Cat. :)
Previously on Waiting for the End: A little bit later he came over and said, "We should be getting home. Charlie, Billy, would you like to join us for dinner? We have a special guest coming." So these two aren't the mystery guests... With a curious look, Bella followed them out of the courthouse, praying she wouldn't have to step foot inside this place for a long, long time.
Chapter 37
Bella sat at the head of the large dining room table that they rarely ever used. Edward was opposite her while her father and Billy sat in between them on one side. There were two place settings opposite of them. Edward still hadn't told her who would fill those seats. While Charlie and Edward made awkward small talk, Billy told her about the news from Forks.
Just as she was about to ask Edward when they could dig into the food that was sitting in front of them, the doorbell sounded and Edward got up. From where she was sitting, she couldn't see the hallway that led to the dining room. Just the doorway. So, when Billy gasped, Bella stood up to walk over to where her husband had moments ago walked out into. Before she could push her chair back enough to walk away from the table, her childhood best friend rounded the corner.
This was him, not the stranger she'd met during her last trip to Forks. She could see it in his eyes, the way the infectious smile broke out across his face, her friend was back. To her surprise, he was holding Natalia's little boy and Natalia was right behind him. She returned his smile, frozen to the floor and unable to go to him. When Billy finally cleared his voice and said, "Jacob," Bella saw Edward help Natalia to her seat, trying to keep his distance. She knew he was watching his wife become happy to see another man. Her heart went out to him.
"Dad. I've missed you," Jake said, setting Alex down and walking over to bend down and hug his father. Billy patted his son's back and Bella saw he was tearing up. When he came over and hugged her, he whispered, "I'm so sorry, Bells. I never, ever wanted to hurt you."
He pulled away and Bella saw that Billy wasn't the only one with tears. "I know. It wasn't you, Jake. It was someone else." A little more loudly so that everyone could here she asked, "What happened? I mean, not that I'm not happy but why are you here?"
"Why don't we sit down and eat. Jacob and I can explain but I want to make sure you get dinner," Edward said quietly.
Jake sat down beside her and little Alex reached for him from his mother's arms. "Sorry it took us so long to get here. Natalia and I took Alex to the park when we got into the city and we lost track of time."
"So, you and Natalia, huh?" Bella asked with an amused smile.
"Yeah. She was my rehab sponsor. I guess your husband's schedule was a little booked with taking care of your issues," Jake said playfully.
"Wait...Edward...I don't..."
"Bella, do you remember that night when someone came to the door. Right after we decided to move back here permanently? It was Jacob. He was demanding to see you."
"Why didn't you come get me?" Bella asked, slightly annoyed.
"I'm glad he didn't," Jacob said before continuing, "I was a mess. He invited me in, offered me his coat, and gave me some tea. He told me he wouldn't let me see you until I was clean. Bella, Edward saved my life."
"I had no idea..."
"I couldn't afford it. There was no way and I told him that. He offered to pay for everything and if I stuck with it, he promised I could see you when I wanted. Even the babies, as long as he's there, too. If it wasn't for him, this wouldn't have been possible."
"I'm glad he did it, too," Natalia said, smiling and reaching for Jake's arm. "Edward arranged everything but didn't have the chance to drive up for the sponsor meetings. Boss-man here offered to pay me some extra cash if I would do it. So I agreed."
Bella watched Jacob look at the receptionist that had grown on her over the past months in a way that screamed, 'I'm absolutely in love with this woman!'
Looking over to her husband, who was looking right at her, she smiled and began to tear up again. She mouthed a silent 'Thank you' and made a mental note to show him just how much she appreciated what he did for someone she knew he didn't particularly like.
"So, enough about me, tell me about these little ones on the way."
"They're great. Really active to the point that I barely sleep at night but I would rather them be moving around then not moving at all. It's reassuring. They're like their father, though. They never want to sleep. I see Alex has taken to you rather well."
"Yeah, today was actually my first day with him. I was kind of nervous at first but I think we just kind of clicked."
"He's been following Jake around like he had with Edward...only worse. At least he lets Edward put him down. Poor Jake has had him glued to his hip the entire day."
"I don't mind. I was just glad I got out early. They had planned on me being there until the end of the week but the doctor decided it was time. So, any news? Did you have a shower or anything? I bet Alice planned something for you."
"She wanted to but Edward and I don't need anything right now. We did um...kind of decide, maybe decided, something earlier today." Everyone turned to look at her, including Edward with a confused look on his face. "We aren't totally decided yet. Dad, do you remember Liz and Pete Masen? They own the big house right outside town? Well, I guess gloomy Forks finally got to Edward's Aunt Liz and they're moving to North Carolina. Pete called Edward and um...we're considering buying the house."
"You're moving back?" Charlie smiled a thousand-watt smile.
"We're considering it. We still need to work out the details and Edward has a few cases to wrap up. If all goes well and we decide to take the opportunity, we'll be able to move before the twins come."
"Bella, this is awesome!" Billy beamed.
"Wait, wait. Not that I'm not ecstatic that my little girl is coming home but don't you think this is a little too stressful for you right now. Moving is a big deal. Especially moving a few hours away. Everything you need is already here and what about Edward's job?"
"We've already discussed most of this," Edward said before Bella could, "she won't be doing any lifting at all. We'll rent a moving truck and my dad, Emmett, Jasper, Tyler...everyone will help us move. We can do it over one weekend. Bella won't lift a finger. As far as packing, I'm going to let her help with that but that's it. Just help. The second it seems to be too much for her, I'll stop her and finish myself. Charlie, I won't put her or my sons at risk. Ever."
"What about work?" Natalia reminded him of the other concern. She looked like she was a little panicked.
"Well...I was going to tell you about all of this at work but...I put in my resignation notice."
"Edward..."
"Relax. I won't let them put you with some of the idiots we work with. I actually spoke to Trenton himself about moving you up as his own secretary. Agnes is retiring soon and he'll need someone. It will be a pay raise and less hours. Plus, you won't have to deal with my crap. I know putting up with me is probably the most difficult part of your job."
"I love working for you, Edward. Since the beginning, you've always been kind. I never felt like I was below you or just a secretary. What are you going to do now, though?"
"Well, I'm going to enjoy my sons and my wife. When I get the chance, if we decide to move, I've been wanting to open my own firm. I've learned a lot from Trenton and have wanted to do this for awhile now."
"We're taking things slow but who knows," Jake smiled, "maybe someday you'll have the opportunity to work with Edward, again. In Forks."
Natalia smiled back, "Maybe someday."
It was after nine until everyone left and Edward had the place cleaned up. Bella was perched in her window like usual, reading "Water for Elephants", when she saw lights pull into the driveway. Calling out to Edward, he came in a matter of seconds. "What? What's wrong?"
"Calm down. I just wanted to know if you invited anyone over? Anymore surprise guests?" she asked with a smile.
"No. Why?"
"Someone just pulled into the driveway. I thought maybe you knew who it might be," Bella shrugged, getting up and following her husband to the door.
"Bella, go upstairs and wait for me to tell you to come down. Go."
"Edward..."
"Just do it!" Edward couldn't believe who he saw getting out of the strange car. After making sure Bella made it upstairs okay, he threw the door open and came face to face with a girl who weighed about a third of what he did and was shorter than his wife. He long, black hair was pulled into a messy bun and tears were running down her face. He was just about to demand what the hell she was doing there when he really saw her. "Angela...what are you doing here?"
"I...Ben...he..."
"Did he hurt you?" Edward asked, hating the idea that any man would lay a hand on someone in a hurtful way—unless it was consensual...
"No, he tried, but I ran."
Bella had to be his first priority. "Did he follow you here?"
"No."
"Why are you here, Angela? Why not just call the police?"
"I wanted to apologize to Bella. I didn't know what happened...I mean, I knew about Mike but not about...what he did. What Ben did. I didn't know until a couple hours ago. Ben came home from the courthouse, changed, and took off again. I was worried about him so I started calling around. Eventually I called Tyler Crowley and he said to maybe try Emmett. So I called and Rosalie answered and she told me...she told me everything. Oh, God...I'm so sorry. If I'd known he'd even consider hurting Bella I would have left him a long time ago. I can't believe I didn't see it..."
"Angela, come in. It's chilly out and you need to calm down before you drive anywhere else." He motioned for her to come in and yelled up to Bella, who peeked over the railing at them. As soon as she saw Angela, Bella waddled down the stairs as quickly as she could and walked right over to her friend, giving her a hug.
"Ang! What happened? Are you alright?"
"I...no. I'm not," Angela answered honestly. "Bella, I'm sorry. Rose just told me what happened with Ben. He was sleeping with her just to save Mike's stupid fucking ass! I can't believe he'd want to help Mike. I honestly don't think they planned for what happened. I really think Ben just wanted to keep Mike out of jail...which is absolutely no excuse...I'm just sorry."
"Oh, sweetie, this isn't your fault. Did he hurt you? Do you need..."
"He got really angry when I confronted him about it but he didn't hurt me physically. I ran. I don't have anything except what I'm wearing and my car, though. I'm afraid to go home. I just wanted to stop here and say that I was sorry."
"Where are you going to go?"
"I was going to go to my mom's but I don't want her to know..."
"Why don't you stay here tonight? We can make up one of the guest rooms for you and tomorrow I'll take you over to your house myself to get your things. I won't let him hurt you," Edward said kindly.
"That would be great. I mean...he probably won't be there anyway but I'm still scared."
Bella gave her another hug, "Come on. We can call the cops and we have tons of left overs from dinner if you're hungry..." Bella and Angela stayed up most of the night. Edward let them have their space and in the end, he wound up in the guest room while his wife and her friend fell asleep in his bed while watching some late night talk show. Throughout the night, he must have checked four hundred times that every door in the house was locked and that the girls were sleeping safely.
The next morning, he made the girls pancakes as they sat at the kitchen table and watched the news. "The case of the wife of a local millionaire came to a close yesterday as Micheal Thomas Newton was sentenced to forty years behind bars for the sexual and physical assault of Isabella Cullen. In related news, this case may not quite be over. Benjamin Bryant, friend of Mr. Netwon, was arrested last night when he wrecked his vehicle into a nearby ravine. Under the influence of alcohol and a mix of narcotics, Benjamin admitted to helping Newton clear his name by trying to get answers from people close to the case. He is in jail this morning and will remain there until someone has the ability to put up his bail."
"Oh, my God! I can't believe this! I never would have thought Ben could be involved with drugs!"
"People do a lot of strange things, Angela. Do you want to head back home this morning?"
"Yeah, I guess so. My name is on the lease, I'm going to have the locks changed."
"Alright, finish eating and I'll drive you over there before work. Bella, do you need anything while I'm out today?"
"No. I'm going to spend the day doing absolutely nothing."
Over the rest of the week, Edward and Bella spoke with his aunt and uncle, Trenton, a real estate agent, and the bank. Now, it was Saturday afternoon and they were standing in the home that would soon be theirs. His aunt and uncle had flown to North Carolina to go in search of houses, so they had this one to themselves.
The stone house had three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a large kitchen, a dining room, a common living room area, an office, and another living room area tucked away towards the back. It was the perfect place for Edward's grandfather's piano. It was still a chilly, spring day but they headed outside. The yard was huge with a big picnic table and a wooden swing. It would be the perfect place for the boys to play and was nowhere near a main road that actually had a lot of speeders.
"So, what do you think?"
"I love it."
"But?"
"I'm just worried about you. Are you going to be able to leave your family like this?"
"You are my family. You and the boys."
"You know what I mean. You're not going to be able to get upset and take off to your mom and dad's to calm down. You aren't going to be able to call your mom when we need help with the twins. You won't be able to drop everything and go out with Emmett when he calls and needs a drinking buddy. This is just going to be you and me. Raising two babies. On our own."
"I want this, Bella. We're not going to be on our own. We have your dad, Billy, Sue, and everyone else down at La Push. You know my family will be visiting pretty often. We'll have plenty of help. I really think this will be good for us. I want to get away from Seattle, Bella."
"I love it here. This is my home but I can't let you give up the life you knew for this one. Edward, why are you wanting to leave so badly? Why do you want to come here? If it's not a good reason, I'm not going to agree to it. I'm telling you that right now. Why?"
"Do you really want me to be honest with you?"
"Yes!"
"You aren't happy in Seattle. It's not home to you. Bella, I never should have taken you away from everyone like I did. I see now why your dad was so unhappy about you moving up there with me. I was so caught up in my career that I didn't stop to think about what would be best for you and that wasn't right of me. I knew you had your own hopes and dreams and I feel like I never gave you the opportunity to achieve them. You were so, so happy here. You loved teaching at the reservation. Who the hell was I to pull you away from that?"
"Edward, we can't do this just because of me. I have a soft spot for Seattle, too. Not as much as I love it here but I'm still happy."
"It's me too, Bells. I'm not the person that I want to be. This cold-hearted big shot lawyer aura isn't me and I don't ever want it to be. I got into this because I wanted to help people. Now look at me. I'm a divorce lawyer, coaching people on how to rob each other blind legally. I dove completely into my job when I should have been home with you getting ready for my sons to arrive. I've said things to people who I care about that I should never have said..."
"Like when?"
"I...I said something to Tanya that I'm still not totally believing that I did..."
"Tanya?"
"Yeah. I kind of told her that she never meant anything to me. That it was just me having fun."
"I don't even like Tanya and I don't think it was right of you to say that."
"Do you see what I mean? I just want to get away from the city. Settle in somewhere a little calmer. Of course I'll miss my family once in awhile but it's not like you haven't been able to manage. The drunken nights with Emmett will still happen-just a lot less frequently. Which makes sense being that we're going to have not one but two newborns on our hands."
Bella stood up on her tiptoes and kissed him right on the lips. "I love you, Edward Cullen. We're going to be okay. On our own. Here in Forks."
A smile broke out across his lips as he pulled out his cell phone. "Hey, Uncle Pete. Yeah, we're going to do it. We're buying the house."
Over the next couple of months, they managed to sell their current home, move everything to their new home, and were finally getting settled in. To Bella's surprise, Jake had stopped by the day before and told her he was going to ask Natalia to move down to Forks with him. While Natalia would no longer have a job, Edward had found a small office building not too far from the new house and offered to have Natalia help him organize and get everything ready for when he decided to start working again. Bella knew that between the promise of a job and the chance to see Jake more, Natalia would almost definitely agree to it. If not for herself, then for Alex, who absolutely adored his new father figure.
Rosalie and Emmett weren't quite living together yet but they still had a little one of their own on the way. Emmett would visit a lot and Rosalie would sometimes join him but she was pretty caught up in trying to wrap things up at work before she took her maternity leave. The most important thing was Emmett's happiness and Bella knew he was finally getting away from that dark hole he'd fallen into when he'd found out about his wife and Ben. Angela and Ben were over, Ben never did get out of jail.
Away from the hustle and bustle of Seattle, Bella finally began to feel like she'd gotten her Edward back. The same one who she fell in love with years ago at this same place. Not having to go into work freed him up to get ready for the twin's arrival. He had packed and unpacked them pretty much by himself during the move, set up and painted the new nursery, and even started seeing Kathy again—who he and Bella decided they would drive up once every two weeks to see.
Sitting outside on the wooden swing, Bella closed her eyes and thought about how happy she felt. It was true, Seattle wasn't home. This was home. The dinners with Charlie, visiting friends on the reservation—even Edward was becoming really good friends with Sam, and she was even thinking about going back to teach at the school when the boys were a little older, made her feel like her life was finally in order.
She was just about to doze into sleep when she felt a pain shoot through her abdomen and suddenly there was wetness on the swing underneath her. Edward was down at the new office, showing Jacob around. Waddling back into the house, she groaned as another pain hit her and called her husband. "I think it's time. I need you."
In less than ten minutes, Edward came flying up the driveway. "Bella! Bella!"
"I'm fine," she said coming out of the house, rolling her overnight bag behind her.
"Let me get that!" Bella bit back laughter when she saw how flustered he was.
"Edward, breathe."
"Eight months...you're only eight months..."
Bella walked over as calmly as she could and grabbed his shoulder. "Edward, this is something we've talked about. People rarely carry twins to the full nine months. I need you to calm down and support me, alright? You go grab the diaper bag and your overnight bag. I'm going to call people and tell them. They aren't going to just fall out. We have time. Now, go get the car loaded."
While Edward drove, like a total madman, Bella finished calling their families. Her mom and Phil were catching the next plane they could and Edward's family was on their way. They'd made it clear to everyone that it was going to be emotional for them and even after the labor, they would really appreciate some privacy. Of course, that didn't stop anyone from wanting to come.
Upon their arrival, Charlie was already staking claim to the television in the waiting room. "Bells! I'll be right in here if you need me!"
She had to laugh at that one, he wanted nothing to do with the idea of his daughter giving birth anymore than his daughter wanted him to. A nurse came in, taking vitals and Edward helped her change into a flimsy hospital robe. The doctor came in shortly after, just as Bella's stomach was beginning to tighten to the point where she was about to break her husbands hand from taking the pain out on it.
"Baby A is coming fast. Bella, I need you to push down as hard as you can on the count of three. Ready? 1-2-3-push!"
This continued for almost forty five more minutes before she finally delivered the first baby. He was only four and a half pounds and he was beautiful. They let Bella see and hold him while Edward cut the cord. As soon as it was done, they took him away, which Bella was in no way happy about but knew she had to get ready for the second baby to come.
"Edward, I'm so tired..."
"I know, baby. Just a little longer and you can rest. Did you see him, Bells? He's amazing!"
"I did," Bella said, tearing up.
"Alright, Bella, we need to talk about something important. Please don't panic. Everything is going to be fine with Baby B but I need you to listen carefully. He's coming through breech and I'm afraid we aren't going to be able to turn him. We could try to keep this up and have the possibility of not being able to deliver him naturally, anyway. What I highly recommend is a c-section."
Immediately, Bella began to cry. The thought of being awake to hear them cutting into her was enough to make her vomit. She felt Edward stroke her hair and kiss her forehead as he and the doctor both talked back and forth about what to do. After giving birth to one baby already, Bella was completely and totally exhausted. Add that to a case of serious hospital phobia and she was going from cranky pregnant woman to nutcase in a matter of seconds.
"Can I talk to her alone?" she heard Edward ask.
"Yes but we need to decide soon," the doctor said before leaving.
"Bella, you just told me how tired you are. If you let them do this, you can just try to relax and just let them do the work. I'll be right beside you. You can't even see what they're doing. Think about what could happen to him if the natural delivery doesn't work."
"I'm scared!"
"I know but think about him. Think about your son. Think about our son. I bet he's scared. His brother is no longer in there with him and he can't get out. I bet he's freaking out a little more than you are," Edward attempted to make a joke.
Bella laughed in spite of the situation and took a deep breath. "Alright. Let's do this."
Things are coming to an end very, very soon and I'm definitely feeling a little sad :( No worries, though, I have five chapters of a new story written and ready to go! The next, and possibly last, chapter will be up soon! Until then, LP.