I don't own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.
Cheryl and Gabby, thank you for pre-reading, and April, thank you for editing. Any mistakes left are my own.
Small time jump
Ch. 20
Days melted into weeks then into months, and before I knew it, it was Christmas time. Seth had kept in contact to keep us updated. There had been no sign of Jacob since he ran off. Billy swore up and down he had no clue where Jacob was, and his worrying was staring to make him sick. Rachael came home to take care of him and ended up imprinting on Paul.
Currently, I was 34 weeks pregnant, both my doctor and Carlisle were certain the babies were a couple of weeks away from arriving. I was put on real moderated bedrest at 30 weeks. As a result, Edward rarely left my side anymore, until the shadows under his eyes were so dark it took both Emmett and Jasper to drag him hunting. I was upset with him at first when I found out he'd exaggerated the need for me to be on bedrest the first time a few months ago. I knew he meant well, and I realized he was more worried than anyone that I could be taken again—so my anger faded.
I sat on the couch in the living room, watching Rosalie, Alice, and Esme decorate for Christmas. My mother surprised me by deciding to come after all. Charlie was also going to make it for dinner tonight, Christmas Eve, and he was going to bring Sue and her kids with him.
I tried to get into the holiday spirit and get excited they were coming, but the third trimester was dragging me down. I felt huge and uncomfortable. I didn't know it was possible for my stomach to stretch so big. I couldn't remember the last time I saw my feet.
"Bella, can I get you anything, dear? I picked up some hot chocolate with marshmallows when I was out," Esme asked, looking over her shoulder as she adjusted the garland on the banister.
"No thank you, Esme." I shook my head.
"Would you like to help me hang ornaments?" Alice asked, hanging an expensive looking crystal angel on the tree.
"I don't think you want me handling those. I'll probably drop them," I told her.
"Come on, you have to at least hang yours," she insisted as she twirled around and disappeared behind the tree.
"I don't have any here." I became confused.
Alice reappeared, holding a Christmas bag. "You do now," she announced cheerfully.
"Real subtle, Alice." Rosalie chuckled.
"Oh shush, you." Alice stuck her tongue out playfully before dangling the bag in front of me. "Everyone has their own ornaments on the tree to represent them. It's only fitting for you to have some."
I placed the bag beside me and lifted the tissue paper carefully. I gently removed a crystal swan first. "It's beautiful."
"I'm glad you like it. Wait until you see the others." Alice bounced up and down.
"Don't rush her, dear," Esme scolded lightly as she came over and sat next to me.
"Sorry, I can't wait for her to see one of them." Alice perched on the edge of the coffee table.
Her perky mood lifted my spirits. I pulled from the bag a small red truck that looked very similar to my old one. My smile grew wider as I turned it over in my hand. With more enthusiasm, I reached in for the last one. When I saw it, I knew immediately it would become my favorite. A small porcelain lamb was curled up beside a lion.
"Awww…this one is so sweet." My eyes started to mist. "Thank you."
"Come on, lets pick out the perfect spots for them." Alice held out her hand for me to take.
"I can do it," I said stubbornly, handing Esme the ornaments.
I shifted to the edge of the couch and tried to get up. After several failed attempts, I gave in and took Alice's hand. She helped me to my feet and steadied me. I waddled over to the tree and glanced around the branches. I spotted a piano which must be for Edward and placed the swan on the closest branch.
I glanced around for any other ornaments that looked like they might be Edward's but was having hard time. The bear and sports seemed like they were more Emmett's style. Flowers had to be Esme or maybe even Rose. I was unsure who the horse belonged to.
"Does Edward have any more up here?" I asked.
"Yup there's one of the Chicago skyline over to your right." Alice pointed to a flat golden piece.
I shifted over and hung the truck nearby. I glanced back at Alice as she waved me over to the other side.
"This actually belonged to Edward's mother." She indicated to a white fragile looking one that reminded me of a shell.
"Is that pearl?" I asked, reaching to touch it.
A hand shot out and caught my hand before I could. Startled, I glanced up, surprised to see Edward had returned.
"Careful, love. This one actually contains mercury. It was made back before they knew the dangers," he warned me.
"You're back. You weren't gone very long." I turned to see his face better. His eyes were lighter, but there were still some shadows.
"Tell me about it," Emmett grumbled, entering the room.
"I had enough," Edward insisted, shooting his brother a glare.
I focused back on the bauble. "Your mother's ornament is beautiful. Will you hang this one near it, please?" I handed him the lion and lamb.
He took it gently, then dangled it to admire it. "So this is what you have been hiding," Edward commented.
"That, among other things," Alice said with smug grin. "I actually have had it for a while now. I'm just finally glad I could give it to you." She winked at me.
I only briefly wondered what she meant by that; however, I decided it was probably better I didn't ask. Knowing her, she probably bought it the day after Edward's and my first visit to the meadow, if not before. Edward hung it on the branch above his mom's and took a step back, guiding me with him. I leaned into him and enjoyed the coolness of his body since I was sweltering.
He took a step away. "I'm going to make you cold."
"I disagree. Right now, I feel like a fat pig roasting over a fire pit. I would welcome any coolness." I hugged myself to him.
"You don't look remotely close to a pig." Edward rubbed my back lightly. "At least sit down, you shouldn't be standing." He started to lead me to the couch.
I tugged on his hand. "Actually, I think I would like to try and take a nap before everyone gets here. Do I have time?" I looked at Alice.
She nodded. "A short one. Carlisle should be back with your mother and Phil in about two hours. The others will arrive shortly after."
"They can wait if you need your rest," Edward insisted, lifting me off my feet.
Edward brought me to our room and settled me on the bed. He straightened and grabbed a pillow to support my back. I frowned, as he only did that when he wasn't going to lie down next to me. Which seemed to happen more often than not lately.
I tried not to let my insecurities bother me, but it didn't help—I felt completely unattractive. I was also convinced our discussion about marriage and being changed was another one of my weird dreams. They seemed to range from erotic or romantic moments with Edward to scaring the crap of me—being chased by Jacob, ending with me shooting him in the head. All of them left me siting up in bed, breathing hard.
"Will you stay with me a bit?" I asked.
"If you'd like. I wasn't sure if I was keeping you awake recently." He tossed the pillow aside.
"It isn't you. I'm having trouble finding a comfortable position and then when I do the dreams are often weird." I yawned.
"Here's to pleasant dreams, love." He kissed my forehead.
SS
It seemed too short when Edward gently woke me. "Love, they are about ten minutes out."
"I'm awake…" I mumbled sleepily, blinking open my eyes.
"Your dream seemed to be happier," Edward commented, helping me to a sitting position.
I nodded. As I shifted to the edge of the bed there was a knock on the door. Alice bounced in, carrying a dark green dress. I shook my head when I saw it.
"I really don't feel like dressing up, Alice," I told her.
"Are you sure I can't get you to change your mind? The material is very light, and since it's sleeveless, it will probably be cooler than oversized sweats." Alice brought it over for me to feel.
I fingered the feather light material, and it felt softer than it looked. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to try it on."
"You won't regret it." Alice grinned. "Out, Edward, so I can help her. We will see you downstairs."
"I'll wait outside the room. I'll take her down; it would only raise eyebrow for you to be carrying Bella down three flights of stairs," he told her.
"Good point," Alice agreed. "Now shoo. We don't have a lot of time."
Edward grabbed a green shirt out of his closet and left the room. Alice helped me change and stood me in front of the mirror. I had to admit the dress was actually comfortable to wear. In fact, it felt like I was almost wearing nothing. The design was flattering to my curves too.
"I like it." I smoothed out the skirt.
"Good. Here, sit, and I'll quickly braid your hair so it's off your neck." She carried over a desk chair for me.
Once I sat, she handed me a small container of lip gloss. "This has some moisturizer in it."
"This is it?" I asked in surprise. "No other makeup?"
"Nope. You have a natural glow to your skin, so you don't need it." Alice's hands moved quickly as she neatly braided my hair. "Done."
"That was fast," I commented. "Why can't it always be this fast?"
"Where's the fun in that," Alice teased. "Oops, we've forgotten something. Where's your necklace."
"I'll get it." Edward returned and went into his closet.
He reappeared moments later with the necklace dangling and sparkling in the light. He stood behind me and clasped it around my neck. His fingers brushed against my skin as he centered it between my breasts. My heart fluttered, and he smirked at me through the mirror.
"You look beautiful," he commented.
"Thank you," I responded.
"Are you ready? They are turning down the driveway," Edward asked.
"Yes…wait. Did Alice leave me shoes?" I turned my head to look around the room.
Edward shook his head as he scooped me up. "No. She saw they would only make you uncomfortable, so she didn't bother."
SS
I'd just got settled on the couch when the front door opened. My mother entered first and squealed when she saw me. She hurried over and gave me a hug. Phil followed more slowly, looking rather uncomfortable standing next to Emmett.
"Look at your belly. It's so huge," she commented, placing her hand on it.
I frowned slightly and decided to ignore the comment. "How was your trip, Mom?"
"Crazy. The airports were busy and everything was delayed. But that's over with for now. You must be close to delivering," she observed.
"The doctor thinks I'll be early." I nodded.
"How exciting. I bet you can't wait to be done. Will Angela let you breastfeed? It's the best way to lose the baby weight," she asked.
I blinked, taken aback. "Um…I don't think that has even come up. But I have no plans to."
"Well, I definitely suggest looking into yoga or a gym. There are some great ones in Florida that I can highly recommend. Have you considered transferring to Florida to finish school?"
"Renée, can I take your coat?" Esme appeared, interrupting us.
Mom looked startled for a moment before standing. She looked around the room as she removed her coat. "Thank you. Your home looks simply lovely and festive. I wish I had this much creativity."
"Thank you. Although, I must give Alice the credit for decorating. She wanted it to look perfect," Esme said graciously.
Alice, Esme, and Mom started talking about home decorating. Renée was looking for tips for her house in Florida. Emmett mentioned the upcoming baseball season to Phil and he finally seemed to relax.
I knew the moment the Clearwaters and Dad arrived because Alice's face pinched slightly. Carlisle greeted them at the door. Seth walked right in, looking at home, while Leah trailed behind, looking around apprehensively.
"Merry Christmas, everyone. How are you feeling, Bella?" he asked, giving me a hug.
"I'm doing well. How are you, Seth?" I couldn't help but smile at his jovial spirit. It pleased me to see he was comfortable around the Cullens, as if they were anyone else.
"Can't complain," he said.
After a few introductions, Alice clapped her hands and got everyone to find seats around the tree. She excitedly started the gift exchange, making sure everyone had a gift in their hands. The Clearwaters looked shocked to see they had been remembered at all.
"Wow. I feel horrible, I didn't bring anything." Seth stared at the box in his hands guiltily.
Alice waved her hand. "Don't be silly. I don't need anything in return. I love to buy gifts for others. Just ask Bella." She gave me a wink.
"That is true. Alice will use any excuse to shop," I teased.
"Who is going first?" Emmett resembled an eager little boy, unable to contain himself.
"I think Bella should," Alice directed.
I carefully opened the wrapped gift from my mother and Phil. My eyes widened at the contents. I lifted the blue string bikini up, then dropped it back in quickly.
"Is that gift for Bella or Edward?" Emmett snickered and stopped abruptly when Charlie shot him a glare.
"Don't be a nudge, Charlie. Bella is a grown woman now. Bella, there's more," Mom said eagerly.
I pulled out a pamphlet with a ticket stuck inside for a singles cruise in March. Edward stiffened beside me. And I became angry Mom would be so insensitive to give me this in front of him.
"Wow, I'm speechless." I couldn't very well thank her, and this wasn't the place to tell her off for it.
"You'll love it. Phil and I enjoyed our cruise last month." She was completely clueless I was upset.
I glanced at Alice for help. She caught my eye and turned her head immediately.
"Emmett, you're next," she said without missing a beat.
"Edward, I am so sorry," I whispered under my breath. "I'm not going."
Edward leaned down and kissed the top of my head. However, he didn't say anything back to me. In fact, his whole demeanor was very stoic during the celebration. Even though he smiled and thanked the others for their gifts politely, I knew it was bothering him. I was also surprised he didn't give me a gift.
By the time the last gift was opened and the wrapping paper was cleared away, I was starting to wish Mom had never come. Once we were through, several people went to help Esme in the kitchen as Carlisle gave the others a tour of the main floor of the house. Edward remained at my side on the couch.
"Edward, I am sorry. I don't know what she was thinking. Please, don't be offended, I have no intention of going," I said, leaning into him. "In fact, I think I should give the trip to Leah. I bet she'd enjoy it."
"I know, you already said you wouldn't. I agree, I bet Leah would love to get away from all of this," he said soothingly. "Thank you for my gift. I love the pocket watch; it reminds me of my father's. I apologize your gift isn't quite ready yet. I'll give it to you later when we are alone."
"I like the idea of alone." I perked up some.
Edward chuckled. "I do too." He cupped my cheek and kissed me lightly.
"Oops sorry," Seth apologized.
I opened my eyes to see him back away, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
"It's okay, Seth." Edward paused and his eyebrows furrowed.
"You hate the idea." Seth grimaced "I just wanted to help."
"No…on the contrary. You have a very good point," Edward admitted reluctantly.
"Share with the class, please." I looked between them.
"Seth wants us to call him when you go into labor. He thinks it would be wise to have a member of the pack close by the hospital, especially if it's a sunny day," Edward explained, giving my hand a squeeze.
"That is a good idea." It also explained some other things. I thought about how this might explain Alice's lack of visions.
"I figured if he was going to resurface again, it would be around the time of the babies' arrival," Seth admitted.
"Wonderful. That's all I need," I scoffed.
"Don't worry, Bells, we'll keep you safe," Seth promised.
"Yes, let us worry about Jacob Black. Don't give him another thought, love," Edward insisted.
I forced a smile, but inside I started to worry…except not about Jacob. I had assumed Edward would be with me when it came time to deliver the babies. But I realized sun or no sun, it might be unreasonable to expect it, due to the fact I might be bleeding at some point. I swallowed my disappointment and decided to worry about it later.
A/N: Small time jump to move things along. We are getting closer to the babies coming. What do you think of the ornaments?
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.
