So, I've decided to update everyday this week. I'm almost finished with chapter fifty, and I want you guys to be caught up. It's killing me! I'm sure you guys are happy about that! Enjoy!

Chapter Forty-Three

"How are you feeling?" I asked Edward once we got into the car.

He shrugged, "I don't know. He was an old family friend. He was my dad's friend, but I knew him well. He was a really good guy."

I reached over and grabbed his hand, "And the circumstances didn't make it any better. It's just terrible."

"It really is."

A few days ago, the Cullen's family friend, Aro, was found in the Hudson river. Someone had strangled him to death. I was in complete shock when Edward told me. Aro was so nice, who would want to murder him?

I smoothed out my black dress as we drove to the church where Aro's viewing was being held. We had driven to Vermont yesterday with the rest of Edward's family. Of course, we got here several hours later than everyone. I kept getting sick and we'd have to stop so I could vomit.

I had planned on going to the doctor, but when I heard about Aro, everything else was forgotten. We had left Thursday morning to get to Vermont. It was a five hour drive from Manhattan. Once we got here, I had to run out and get acceptable dresses for the funeral and the viewing. Alice came with me and helped me find the dresses I needed.

We pulled into a large church along with several other cars. It seemed like Aro was quite popular. The church was already so full.

Edward's arm was looped inside of mine as he lead me into the church. There were large flower arrangements everywhere and now I knew that Aro was very popular. His wife, Sulpicia was sitting beside a closed casket, along with two children who were sitting there like statues. They were all wearing sunglasses, even inside the building. But I guessed that was to hide tears.

We got in the long line of people that were waiting to give their condolences. We stood for about thirty minutes until we were finally able to talk to Sulpicia.

"I'm very sorry for your loss," Edward said when he grabbed her hand, "I promise you, we will find who did this and make them pay."

Sulpicia nodded once, seeming to not hear his words. Instead her eyes just stared blankly ahead. She looked like she was completely numb to the entire situation. I figured someone must've given her something to get her through today.

"I am very sorry for your loss," I told her, unsure of what else to say. I'm sure she's heard it about a thousand times today.

She nodded at me then turned to Edward, "Tomorrow after the funeral, Aro's will is being read. Your presence is requested at the will reading."

Edward looked shocked, "Of course."

I was a bit in shock too, I'd never heard her speak. Her voice was low, emotionless. It was almost unnerving how emotionless her voice was.

Edward and I left her and went into another room. Everyone who had already given their condolences were in this room. Edward's family was seated in the chairs. We walked over to them and sat.

"Edward, Sulpicia told me that Aro wanted you at the will reading." Carlisle said.

"Yeah, she just told me," He said, "I don't know why he'd want me there. Do you know?"

"I do not," He said, "But it's important."

Edward nodded, "How are you holding up?"

"I'm fine," Carlisle said.

"Bella, how are you feeling now?" Esme asked.

"I'm okay. I got a little sick this morning but I'm fine."

"When we get back to New York you need to make an appointment with Dr. Fuller." Esme said.

"I did have an appointment set, but then this happened and we kind of forgot. But don't worry as soon as we get back I'll make that appointment."

She nodded, "Good. He can figure out what is going on with you."

"I know. But honestly, I think it's just a combination of stress and nervousness."

"Nervousness?" Esme asked.

"Yeah, with everything going on. Reopening the bakery and trying to build business. I'm just nervous and stressed about a lot of things right now."

"Bella, you don't need to worry." Esme said, patting my hand.

"Bella, are you hungry? There's appetizers." Edward said.

"No, I'm okay."

"You haven't eaten anything today. We're going to be here for a while, you need to eat something." Edward whispered to me.

"I just don't want to get sick." I whispered back.

"They have crackers," He said, "I can get a plate and you can eat the bland stuff."

I was hungry. And I assumed Edward was right about being here for a while. The only viewing I had ever too been for my grandmother's, many years ago. I remember it didn't last very long, but my grandmother also didn't know this many people.

"Sure." I said.

He got up and walked to the large table that had the appetizers. He returned with a plateful of different food. I grabbed a handful of crackers and ate slowly.

"Edward did you see who was here?" Emmett asked.

"No, who?" Edward asked, tensing up slightly.

"Caius."

"He's here?" Edward seemed surprised to hear this.

"Who's Caius?" I asked.

"Aro's brother," A voice from behind me said. I jumped slightly and turned.

A tall man with snowy white hair was standing behind us. Something about him terrified me.

"Caius," Edward said as he stood, "Haven't seen you in a while."

"I've been busy."

Edward nodded, "I see."

"Terrible situation isn't it?" Caius said, "Poor Aro. He was such a gentle person."

"He was. I had a lot of respect for Aro." Edward said, but it sort of sounded like an insult.

"Mm. Well, I'm sure I'll be seeing you soon." He said as he turned.

Edward stood until Caius was out of sight. He slowly sat down, his jaw tight.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"We'll talk about it later." He said.

I wanted to pry but something about his tone just made me nod and nibble my cracker. That whole exchange was just very strange. And it seemed as though Edward was on edge.

An hour and a half later, they called everyone to the main part of the church. It was packed. People were standing outside of the doors to listen. Edward and I sat in the front row, along with his family.

Edward put his arm around me as the preacher began. He made a long sermon about the afterlife and how Aro wasn't dead, he was simply home. I wondered if he speech really did anything to soothe Sulpicia or her kids.

After the preacher's sermon, several people who knew Aro were allowed to go up and speak. At least twenty people spoke, telling stories of Aro and talking about how he was a great man. Carlisle was the last to go.

Carlisle's speech wasn't very long, but it was sweet. He talked about their friendship and the good memories he had of Aro. Esme was in tears by the end of it. Edward had reached over and wrapped his arm around her.

Once the speeches were done, everyone got up to leave. This had been a long event. I was dying for something more filling to eat.

"Edward, we're going to dinner," Carlisle said, "Why don't you and Bella join us?"

"Of course," Edward said.

"We invited Sulpicia and the kids." Carlisle said, "Sulpicia doesn't want to go, but Alec and Jane are coming."

"It'll be nice to see them again. We'll follow you." Edward said as we got into the car.

"It was a nice service." I said as we drove down the street.

"It was," he said, "Just sad circumstances."

"Yeah," I said, "So, what's up with Caius? You seemed really tense when you talked to him."

Edward sighed heavily, "Caius is Aro's younger brother. He's a loose cannon. Violent. Irrational. I've always been wary of him, so has my father. A few years ago, Aro sort of cut him off from their family completely, because he is so insane."

"Why is he like that?"

"Caius always wanted Aro's businesses. Aro was the head of their family, and that drove Caius crazy."

"Head of the family," I chuckled humorlessly, "It kind of sounds like they're in the mafia or something."

"Mm." Edward simply said.

"So, now that Aro is gone, will Caius get the businesses?"

"I'm not sure. It should go to Alec, but he's only twelve. I'm really not sure what will happen now."

We pulled into the restaurant and walked in. Carlisle had already gotten a reservation for a private table. They lead us into one of the private rooms.

"Bella, these are Alec and his twin sister Jane," Edward introduced me to the kids as we sat, "Alec, Jane, this is my girlfriend Bella."

"Nice to meet you." Alec said. Jane simply smiled.

"Nice to meet you too," I said. I wanted to ask how they were holding up but I'm sure they've heard it about a thousand times this past week. They probably wanted a break; I know I did when my parents died.

"So, Edward did you hear that Alec got accepted into the Frederick Academy for Exceptional Young Men?" Carlisle said.

"I did not," Edward said, "Congratulations. That is certainly an excellent achievement."

Alec smiled, "Thank you."

"So, I'm guessing you'll be attending in the fall?" Edward asked.

Alec nodded, "Yeah. I got my acceptance letter last week. I'll be moving to New York at the end of August."

"Well, you certainly have a place to come when you need a break," Edward said, "Bella and I would love to have you."

"Yeah, you can come over and hangout," I said, "Maybe we can show you around New York sometimes. Hopefully by then I'll know more hotspots."

"It'll be an adjustment." Alec said.

"I'm sure," Carlisle said, "And you know, your father was very proud of you. The moment you opened the acceptance letter, he called and told me. This is a huge accomplishment. The Frederick Academy is a fantastic school. That's where Edward went. Where your father and I went. It's going to be an amazing experience for you."

Alec nodded, "Carlisle, did my dad say anything about the family?"

Carlisle shook his head, "Not to me. We'll find out on Saturday. But I wouldn't worry about it. His intentions were for you to take over. Even if the businesses are handled by someone else for a while, it'll go to you once you turn eighteen or twenty-one, depending on what your father wanted."

The waitress came in and took our orders. I ordered the Cesar salad and soup combo. I tried to order something bland, so I wouldn't upset my stomach.

Dinner was nice and quiet. But I wasn't expecting anyone to be very talkative. Today was a tough day, and tomorrow would be even tougher.

"Oh no," I said as we walked into the hotel room. I immediately ran into the bathroom and threw up my dinner.

"Jeez," Edward said, "You must have a really bad stomach bug or something."

I opened my mouth to answer but more vomit came out. Edward rubbed my back and held my hair until I finished.

"God, I am so sick of being sick." I said as I pressed a cold, wet cloth to my mouth.

"When we get back we really need to get you in with the doctor." He said.

"Yeah, I'm going to schedule one for Monday, when we get back." I sighed.

Someone knocked on the door. Edward got up and answered it. Alice walked in, dressed in comfortable clothes. It was strange seeing her in such a lowkey outfit.

"Hey," She said as she leaned against the doorway, "Feeling a little sick?"

I had started vomiting again. I had thought I was done, but apparently not.

"Yeah, she's got a stomach bug or something." Edward said.

Alice snorted, "And you don't feel sick?"

"No, I'm fine." Edward said.

"Then it's not a bug," Alice said, crossing her arms.

"Well what do you think it is, doctor?" Edward said with an eye roll.

"I'm thinking Bella missed a couple pills on her wheel."

"You stop talking," I said once I finished vomiting, "I've never, ever, missed a pill. Don't even speak that evil. It is not welcomed here."

Alice laughed, "Eh, still. Things happen."

"Wait, what are you two talking about?" Edward asked.

"We're not talking about anything," I said, "Why are you here Alice?"

"Okay, rudeness," She said, "I brought anti-nausea medicine. The good stuff. The stuff my OBGYN gave me. It'll help. It's certainly helped with my morning sickness."

"Please hand it over," I said.

She dropped a couple of white pills into my hand.

"Just take one now. It'll help. And take one tomorrow. I swear, everything you eat will finally agree with you."

"Perfect," I dry swallowed the pill, eager to get rid of the nausea.

"Whoa," Edward said, "Wait, you said morning sickness. Are you pregnant?"

Alice smiled, "Yep. I was going to tell everyone this weekend but then all of this happened."

"Holy shit," He said, "You're really pregnant?"

"Yeah, why is that so hard to believe?"

"I don't know," He shook his head, "I just never imagined you'd have a baby. Damn. That's scary."

"Hey," She smacked his arm, "I'm going to be an amazing mother."

He laughed, "No doubt about that."

They bantered for a few more minutes before I kicked them out of the bathroom. I needed a shower.

When I walked out, Edward was laid up on the bed watching TV. I thumped down beside him.

"How do you feel?"

"Better now."

I curled up beside him and drifted off to sleep.

So, I'm assuming you guys have some new theories now! I love to hear them! The next update will be sometime tomorrow morning! Have a great day!