AN: Sorry for delay. Already started the next chapter—hope to get it out this weekend to make it up to all of you loyal readers. Thanks for your patience.
CHAPTER NINETY-SIX
BELLA'S POV:
I don't know if it's my progress, or just the excitement of Angela's baby coming, but boarding the plane and the actual flying weren't as difficult this time around. Looking around at the luxurious plane, I couldn't help but think that flying in comfort also didn't hurt things. The Cullen's can't do anything small scale which is why I find myself on a private plane. I tried to fight them, and say that this was an unnecessary expense. Esme was the one that quickly shut me down.
"Sweetheart, if you take a regular flight, that will put you into Seattle. Then you'll have four hours of driving to get to Forks. While flying private is more expensive, it will cut down on time. You can land right in Port Angeles, and only have an hour drive. We just don't want you to miss out on this birth. Angela needs you."
I hated that what she was saying made sense. Angela's water had already broken, so I was at a disadvantage being so far away. The only thing working in my favor was the fact that this was her first child, and those labors tend to take time to progress. I rubbed a hand over my stomach, thinking about my own labor, which lasted thirteen hours. I prayed to whatever God was listening that I could get there in time for my friend.
I felt a hand reach over and rest upon mine. Esme had graciously agreed to be my travel companion on this trip. I sent her a smile, and said, "Just reminiscing. Labor is such a scary. But exciting time too."
"A mother never forgets the trials her children put her through—and that includes labor. Strangely enough, Emmett was my easiest birth. Despite the size he's grown into today, he was my smallest baby," Esme said, a soft smile on her face.
"Really? I figured Alice. Would have walked out herself," I mused, happy to hear Esme sharing her stories.
"No. While she may be known for her excitability, she is also known for her stubbornness. She wouldn't fly the coop. We were reaching the twenty-four mark after my water had broken, and the doctors were talking about going in to retrieve her. Only then did she decide to grace us with her presence."
"Sounds like Alice," I chuckled.
"Was Renee there for Tony's birth?" Esme asked. Her question surprised me at first. With how easily the family has integrated themselves into our lives, I often forget that they are still so new to Tony. I brushed aside the pang of guilt I felt, and answered her.
"No. Couldn't reach her. Phone always dead. Charlie took me to the hospital in the squad car. Lights flashing. Think he was more nervous than me," I shared. And for the first time, thinking about Charlie didn't hurt so much.
"I can so see Charlie doing that. He comes off as such a rough man, but deep down, he's a true softie. I've seen it in how he handled you growing up. I expect his grandbaby would be no different." Esme paused briefly, before continuing, "Were you alone then? During the labor."
"No, Angela was there. She stayed with me. That is why I need to be there for her."
"She is a great friend. I do hope we get there in time. We should be landing within the hour, and I've already reserved us a car. But how are you doing? Do you need any pain medicine? I know traveling isn't easy in your condition," she fretted at me. Esme is the epitome of what a mother is. I don't think she can help herself.
"Flying in comfort helps, but don't tell Edward that."
Esme mimed turning a key against her lips. "Your secret is safe with me."
"He'll never let me live it down. First class everything," I rolled my eyes, just imagining the lengths he would go to.
"He means well, sweetheart. He tried to hide it, but he was so frustrated he couldn't come with you himself. So, if shelling out cash is how Edward can best assist you, it's a no brainer."
"Rationally, I know this. But still seems excessive." I don't know if I ever will come to turns with the Cullen's wanting to spoil me.
"I'm sure the two of you will figure out a healthy balance between too much, and not enough. But it would appear that you guys have been doing well this past month," Esme said, a coy smile on her face. Seems she was fishing for information.
"Some ways, its so easy. Like riding a bike. Other times, guilt creeps in. Its hard to move past. Trying though," I told her.
"No ones saying you aren't, Bella. I'm just glad things are working out. And I'm loving this time I've gotten to spend with my grandbaby. Having everyone together has just been a dream for me." A worried look came over her face, before she quickly added, "I didn't mean that in any scheming way. You guys need to do what's best for you, whether that be in Chicago, or Forks. I promise I'm not trying to push an agenda."
"Too soon to make decisions. Keeping an open mind," I told her, because honestly, I still wasn't sure what we would end up doing.
Settling back in my seat, I thought about my hurried goodbye with Tony and Edward.
FLASHBACK
While Edward went off to book my flight and figure out who would be my traveling companion, I quickly wheeled myself back to my room to pack a bag. I wasn't planning on staying long, so I only grabbed an extra set of clothes and toiletries. Once I was set, I made my way out to the hallway to head to Tony's room. He would need clothes too. When I made it to his room, I saw that he was playing with his toys, blissfully happy. I didn't want to interrupt him.
Then I paused. I didn't want to interrupt him—and I didn't have to. This wasn't Forks, where I was on my own. I was in Chicago, where I had plenty of helping hands who could look after Tony. He's spent enough time in a hospital. He didn't need to come on this trip. Turning back around, I went off to find Edward to see what he had accomplished, and see what he thought about Tony staying here.
I found him leaning over the counter in the kitchen, notepad in front of him and phone to his ear. "Okay Cathy, so that flight leaves at 7 PM this evening? Perfect. And it will go straight through? Yes. That will work just fine. How many passengers?" I saw his eyes fly up to reach mine, his hesitancy to answer her question clearly showing. I held up two fingers. He raised an eyebrow at that. "Hold on please," he told whomever he was talking on the phone, and addressed me, "What about Tony?"
"Happy here. Doesn't need more time in the hospital. Who is coming with me? Can someone watch him?" I told Edward.
"Mom is going to go with you. I'm sure either Alice or Rose can watch Tony during the day. And if it's okay with you, he can come spend the night by me. Or I can come stay here if you'd prefer," Edward offered. Though he was trying to mask it, you could tell that he was excited by this prospect of spending time with his son.
"Either way. He'd love a sleepover," I told him, which brought a smile to his face.
Putting the phone back to his mouth, Edward finished booking the reservation for Esme and I. When the call was done, I noticed that he had lost that smile. Coming closer to me, he gave me a sad look. "I know I'm being selfish, but I hate that you're leaving."
"Quick trip. I'm coming back," I told him.
"Yeah, I know that. I just don't want to miss out on time with you," he said, leaning forward to rest his forehead on mine. We seem to find ourselves in this position often. I think it was just an easy way for us to achieve intimacy. Personally, I liked the few minutes of quiet where we just spent consumed with each other this way, the two of us just being.
"Time away means we'll have a reunion. Heard absence makes the heart grow fonder," I joked, trying to bring that smile back to his face.
"I don't think I could grow anymore fond of you than I already am," he countered, but his lips did curve up a bit making my mission a success. Wiggling his eyebrows at me, he added, "Though reconnecting does have its advantages." I couldn't help but laugh at his antics.
"Definitely." With a long sigh, I rolled back slightly, and said, "Come break the news with me?" Edward also sobered up, and together we made our way to talk with Tony.
Edward got his attention from the doorway. "Hey buddy? Your mom and I have got to talk with you. Can you take a break from your game?"
Tony had a look of panic over his face, "Am I in trouble? 'Cuz I don't think I did anything wrong."
"No. Not in trouble," I added, wanting to alleviate his worries. His huge sigh of relief made me chuckle, but wonder if I was missing something that he should be in trouble for. Considering all that was going on, looks like he would get a free pass since I'm too distracted to catch him doing anything else right now.
"Your Mom needs to go back to Forks because Miss Angela is having her baby. She is going to be gone only a short while, just like when you and I went on our trip to Chicago."
I'm not sure if Tony heard all of what Edward was saying, because he was excited about his friend's baby coming. "Miss Angela's baby is coming? Oh boy! That is so exciting. How is it going to come out? All she told us is the doctor will help her—but how? Will her stomach pop like a balloon? Will there be a lot of blood? Can I see the baby? Will the baby be small? How about—" Edward quickly interrupted him and his five hundred questions.
"Daddy can answer those questions later. But for now, Mommy needs to go on a plane because Miss Angela needs her help," Edward tried again to get this goodbye going.
"Am I going to go too?" Tony asked.
"No Tony. You're going to stay here with me since this is only going to be a quick trip. You and I can have a sleepover," Edward offered.
"A sleepover! Like in Forks, when you slept on my floor?" Tony asked, distracted from my leaving.
"Well, we can stay at my place and sleep in my bed, so no floors this time," Edward told him.
Tony's smile was so big as he talked with his Dad, but then he turned and looked at me, and that smile fell. "But I want to see the baby," he said.
"Babies are so small when first born. Don't want a lot of people around. Too many germs. Will take pictures and show you," I told him. When I saw that he was still upset, I added, "We will visit soon to see baby. After it grows up some. Can Facetime 'til then."
"Do you think I will be the first person to meet the baby from the fun center?" Tony asked, his competitive side showing.
"I don't know buddy. Maybe," Edward answered him. He didn't want to make any promises that he couldn't keep. "Come say goodbye to Mommy."
Tony quickly came over, and climbed up onto my lap, wrapping his arms around my neck. "I'm going to miss you so much Mommy. But it's only quick, right?" he asked, pulling back to watch my face when I answered his question.
"Real quick. Promise."
"And I can call you and tell you about my sleepover? And you will tell me all about the new baby?" he checked. I could tell that despite his excitement over the sleepover, he was slightly apprehensive about this separation.
"You better! Mommy wants to hear everything. And I will take lots of pictures. And you can talk to Miss Angela too. I promise."
That seemed to be what he needed for he nodded, and came back in for another hug. "I love you Mommy."
"Love you too, Tony. Be good. Listen to Daddy, or whoever you're with."
"I will Mommy. I'll be a good boy."
"The best boy," I told him, giving him another squeeze while I still had him in my arms. I wasn't thrilled about this separation either—but I needed to be strong to get us through this goodbye. "Talk to you later baby."
"Bye Mommy. Give the baby a kiss for me," he said, before returning back to his game.
"Will do," I choked out. Edward, seeing that I was going to lose it, quickly wheeled me out of his room.
"He's going to be okay Bella. I'll make sure of it," he said, trying to soothe me as the tears started to flow down my face.
"I know. Just hard to be away," I blubbered.
"The sooner you leave, the sooner you can get back to us," he said, wiping the tears from my cheeks.
I nodded, and took a deep breathe. Once I got myself under control, we quickly packed up the car, and headed out. By now, Carlisle was home so Edward was driving Esme and I to the airport. After helping us to the curb, and putting me in my chair, Edward squatted down in front of me and put his hands on either side of my face.
"I'm counting on that reunion, Swan. You gonna make it worth my while?" he joked.
"Maybe. You going to be good?" I asked him, like I would a child.
Leaning forward to whisper in my ear, he told me, "I can be good. I only want to be bad when I'm with you." This man will be the death of me. I'm going to look like a flaming tomato as I make my way through security. Pulling back, he chuckled at my reaction. "Call me when you get there. Keep me informed."
"Will do. Thank you for helping."
"One of these days you're going to realize I'd do just about anything for you, woman." Pulling my face to his, he left me with a sweet, yet smoldering kiss. One that I would definitely remember him by. When he finally released me for air, he looked like he wanted to say something, but bit his tongue instead. He let go of my face and stood back up.
Worried he was upset I was leaving, I pushed him, "What's wrong?" I didn't want to leave us on awkward terms. Especially since our conversation earlier had gone so smoothly.
Shaking his head, Edward said, "Nothing—just I'm going to miss you. But I'm looking forward to our text conversations picking up again."
I knew that wasn't what he was going to say, but I decided to leave it for now. "Miss you too. Talk later." With one final kiss, Esme and I were on our way to check in.
The sound of the captain announcing we were preparing for descent pulled me out of my memory. I was pleased to see that we had made good time in our travels. Looking at my watch, I saw it was almost 11. I knew that Esme tended to drive rather respectfully, unlike her speed-demon offspring. I was hoping she could be persuaded to have a bit of a lead foot today since we were in a hurry. Maybe we could make it there before midnight. By now Angela had been in labor almost 7 hours. After we landed, I quickly turned on my phone, and saw that Ben had updated that Angela was about 6 cm dilated. That meant she was considered to be in active labor, but she still had awhile to go. We may just pull this off.
While Esme drove us towards Forks Hospital, I called to check in with Edward.
"Hey. How was the flight?" I heard when the call connected.
"Smooth. Heading to Forks now. Should get there by midnight."
"That's good. Angela doing okay?"
"Last update I got was 6 centimeters. So, unless things speed up, we should be fine."
"Good. I'm glad you're going to get there in time for your friends."
"Fingers crossed," I replied, hoping we weren't jinxing things. "How's Tony?"
"Passed out. Was confused he couldn't talk to you before bed, but I explained to him that you were on the plane, and all electronic devices had to be turned off. But I would venture he will want to speak with you when he wakes up."
"Went down okay?" I asked, trying not to focus on how I had upset my boy unintentionally.
"Yeah. He really was excited for a boy's sleepover. Went to my condo to make it more special. I thought that last time he was far away from you, he slept here. I figured maybe that would be a comforting reminder or something. That he could be safe here with me, without you. Might just be silly thinking. He probably would have been just as comfortable at Mom and Dad's."
"Good thinking. Might help," I told him. Truthfully, we wouldn't know the answer until we saw if he slept through the night or not. Only time would tell.
"He was quick to remind me that my condo isn't very child friendly though. Apparently, I need more toys and movies, and he hates my bare walls. I should have more pictures up and about. He colored me some to start me off. I guess if he is going to spend more time around here, I'll have to work on that."
"Esme can help," I offered.
"Maybe. Or maybe I just need to start over. I was thinking something bigger. Maybe with a yard? Real estate is a good investment." Edward was thinking of buying a house? But we hadn't even decided where we were going to end up yet. As if he heard my inner thoughts, he quickly added, "I'm just spit balling here. I'm not saying I'm setting up roots here. Just thinking if Mom is going to spend the money to redo my place, which isn't very family-friendly to start with, maybe I should save that money and just start over. The location is still undecided. I'm not planning things without you, Bella."
"I thought you were," I mumbled, embarrassed I hadn't given him enough credit.
"We just had this conversation today darling. No more big decisions without talking to you first."
"Sorry. Didn't mean to doubt you."
"Rome wasn't built in a day. We're working on trust. It's bound to happen. Just like you need to trust I'm not going to make decisions without talking to you first, I need to remember you're not flying off and never coming back."
"Edward…." I whispered, surprised by what he just admitted.
"I know that you're going to come back. If anything, I have your kid. You have to come back for him, right?" Edward joked, though it really wasn't funny. Seems like Edward has his own hang ups. I left him once—and he doesn't trust I won't do that again.
"Not just him. My boys are there." I put extra emphasis on boys so he knew he was included.
"Its just hard knowing you're going home."
Figuring I needed to give him something to reassure him, I said, "Home isn't a place. It's a feeling. Home is being complete. Together, the three of us. That is home."
"Bella, I…" he trailed off again. What was he trying to say? That's twice he changed course.
"What Edward?" I prompted, hoping to get him to finish his thought.
"That was beautiful. And I wholeheartedly agree. Hurry up and do what you need to do. Then come home." Like my emphasis on boys, Edward emphasized the word home.
"Will do Edward. Talk to you later."
"Bye Bella."
"Everything okay?" Esme asked. I almost forgot I had a spectator to that private conversation.
"Just insecurities. Working on things," I explained, not wanting to give too much away.
"Good to address things. Healthy even," she contributed, before leaving me to my thoughts.
For the remainder of the drive, I exchanged texts with Ben. Angie hadn't made any new progress, and was getting disheartened. I hoped my arrival would help boost morale. After what felt like hours, but really was just a handful of minutes, we arrived at the hospital. Esme pulled up front and helped get me situated in my wheelchair before heading off to park. She told me to send her a text with room details once I figured it out.
The first person I saw when I rolled myself through the doors was Mrs. Cope. "Bella, thank God you're here! I was worried you weren't going to make it." Of course, Mrs. Cope would know I was coming. She knew everything that was happening in this town.
"Wouldn't miss it. What room?" I asked her, hoping she'd pick up on my desire to not chit-chat.
"She's in 310."
"Thank you," I called over my shoulder, already heading towards the elevators to take me to the labor and delivery floor.
While waiting for the elevator, I sent Esme a text so she knew where I would be. Then sent one to Ben telling him I was here. In return, he sent me the folded hands emoji. I wasn't sure if it was him praying/thanking me for getting here to help, or if it was meant to be more of a high five for a job well done. Either way—I knew he was happy I had made it. So happy in fact, he met me in the hallway.
"I was so worried you weren't going to make it Bella. I'm trying to be as supportive as I can be, but everything I say or do is just wrong. She keeps snapping at me. I don't know what I'm supposed to do," Ben whined, while pushing me down the hall towards his wife.
"She's very emotional. And hormonal right now. Don't take what she says too seriously," I tried to console him.
"I know, but its just hard when your wife tells you she hates you and this is all your fault," Ben told me.
"She doesn't mean that. You know the second the baby gets here. She's going to thank you for giving her this gift. Just relax," I explained.
"I guess. Maybe you can get her to ease up a bit?" He asked. He truly was hoping for me to create miracles while I was here.
"I'll see what I can do. Go take a break. Get a coffee. Going to be a long night," I told him once we reached Angela's door.
"I just might do that. I have to update our parents anyways. Thanks Bella. I'm really glad you're here."
"Wouldn't miss it," I said, while letting myself into her room.
Angela's eyes were closed, so she couldn't tell who had just entered. "I thought I told you to leave me alone. I don't want to see your face right now," she said through gritted teeth.
"Oh—that's news to me," I said, wheeling closer. Upon hearing my voice, Angela's eyes snapped right to me in shock.
"Oh my God! I didn't think you were going to make it. I'm sorry. I thought you were—" I cut her off.
"Ben? Yeah, I gathered. What did he do to piss you off?" I asked, taking her hand in mine.
"Besides putting me in this position? Oh, I don't know. He is just saying the stupidest things. He's not helping me at all."
"He's a guy. He can't fully understand. Gotta cut him some slack," I told her.
"Well, he doesn't have to push a watermelon out of his pee hole—so he can just bite me," she griped.
"Slow your roll, chica. HE didn't do this to you. Takes two to tango. And you were actively trying to get pregnant. So, your fault too," I said, sticking up for her poor spouse.
"Uggh, I know that. But I don't care right now. This hurts like a bitch. Why didn't you warn me it hurts this badly?" she complained, rubbing her huge stomach. I didn't think it was possible but she had gotten even bigger since I had last seen her. I guess a lot had changed in my month away.
"Outcome outweighs the hurt. Pros trump cons. I repressed those scary memories," I offered her, but I knew she wasn't looking for a real answer from me.
"I'm never doing this again. This is it. I'm closed for business," she said, as another contraction started up. "Where is Ben? I need Ben!" she wailed through the pain.
"I thought you sent him away," I told her, as I allowed her to squeeze my non-casted hand. If she squeezed any harder, I'll have no working arms.
"Didn't mean it," she said, trying to get her breathing under control.
"Sent him for coffee. He'll be right back. You have to be nicer to him if you need him. It's not fair."
"Fine, fine," she told me, as she gripped my hand even harder.
"Deep breathe. In through your nose. Out through your mouth. You can do this."
"I don't know how much more of this I can take, Bella. Why won't he just come out already? I want him out."
"Him?" I asked. Angela had been very tight lipped about what she was having. I was wondering if this was just a slip of the tongue, or wishful thinking.
"Shit. I wasn't supposed to tell anyone. Act surprised, or Ben will kill me."
"My lips are sealed. Did you do epidural?" I asked her.
"Wanted to try and do it myself. But I'm starting to regret that decision."
"No harm in changing your mind. Want me to get doctor?" I asked her.
"No, don't leave me. I'll page for nurse."
In no time, the nurse stopped by, and Angela admitted she had changed her mind. The nurse chuckled, before revealing she wasn't the first mother to change their birthing plan. She reiterated there was no shame in needing some help to bring this baby into the world. She quicky called for the anesthesiologist, who showed up about twenty minutes later. Thankfully Ben showed up in that time frame as well, so I didn't have to stick around and watch that scary long needle go into her back. I was getting freaked out just thinking about it. While that was going on, I found Angela's parents in the waiting room, along with Esme. I caught up with them for a little bit, but thirty minutes later I was quickly ushered back to Angela's room. Apparently, she was at 10 centimeters now, and having contractions pretty regularly.
I thought it was time to birth the baby, however I was sadly mistaken. Despite being fully dilated, the baby was still sitting pretty high up inside the birthing canal. The doctor warned Angela probably was looking at another hour or two of pushing before the baby made its appearance. I knew Ben and I would have our work cut out for us keeping Angela's spirits up during this long labor. I stayed by Angela's side the whole time, getting her ice chips, and cool compresses. I tried to give her words of encouragement, and shared funny memories to keep her distracted from the pain. But mostly I acted as a marriage counselor, trying to keep the two soon-to-be parents from fighting about nonsensical things that wouldn't matter in a couple of hours. I was exhausted, but anytime I felt that way, I quickly squashed it down. I knew Angela had to be far worse off than I, having been laboring now for almost half the day.
Finally, at around 3 am the next morning, a baby's shrill cry could be heard from the Cheney's birthing suite. And to keep Angela's secret, I acted surprised when I was the third person to hold Colin Brady Cheney. It was slightly awkward trying to hold the baby with a casted arm, but I did my duty while Ben assisted Angela in delivering the after birth. I had forgotten how small newborns were. To think Tony was once this small. And soon he's going to be even taller than me. Why do kids grow up so quickly? I missed cradling him in my arms. I brought the baby close to my face, and took a big whiff of that pure new baby smell. It was such a comforting and familiar scent. I was pulled from my baby huffing when Ben swooped in and stole his son back. Wanting to give the new parents some time alone, I made my way out to the waiting room to share the news that Mom and baby were doing just fine.
The grandparents tried to weasel the sex out of me, but I didn't want to deprive my best friend her moment to reveal it to them. They had waited nine months—they could wait a couple more minutes. Finally, after the baby was fed and dressed, he was introduced to the rest of his family. By this time, it was close to 4:30 in the morning, and I was exhausted. I gave Angela and Ben kisses goodbye, and after picking up the new keys from Ben, Esme and I headed towards my house to crash for the night.
Before my head hit the pillow, I texted Edward, as I promised. I sent him a picture of me holding the newest addition, and told him to show Tony the next day. And finally, I succumbed to sleep. I certainly needed it after this never-ending day.