Chapter Two

Bella

"Bella? Are you awake?"

Edward came in looking extremely concerned and my heart skipped a beat. I was sure that he'd spoken to Carlisle and had come to terms with the pregnancy. We'd been wrong about him. He would never ask me to terminate the pregnancy. I smiled in joy.

"So, you're talking to me now? I was getting worried. I know it came as a shock. I can still hardly believe it myself."

He sat beside me and took my hands in his, "Yes, it was a shock. We should have been more careful. I never thought for one moment that… Anyway, Carlisle would like to examine you. We could be mistaken."

"OK, but if we're not. If I am pregnant, what then?"

His upbeat mood vanished and he looked grim once more.

"Then I don't think we should wait. The sooner it's done the better for you. It would become dangerous if we left it too long. I understand that it won't be easy for you but the sooner it's over, the sooner we can get on with our life."

I stared into his face, "Get it over? Get on with our life? What life, Edward? We have created something wonderful. Don't you see that?"

He sighed frustrated at my words, "We've created a monster that will kill you. That's what I see. I won't lose you, Bella. I refuse to allow this abomination to take you away from me. I understand it's a little difficult for you but it will soon be over. No one will ever know it happened. Afterwards, I'll take you away somewhere. We can take a holiday, see the world, and make a home together wherever we choose. You'll forget soon enough, after all, it's not as if it's viable, it could never survive."

I snatched my hands free of his and stood up outraged by his words.

"It? Viable? How can you call a baby that we made together from our love an abomination? I don't understand you."

His jaw was clenched now. He was angry at my stubbornness but he was trying to sound reasonable as if talking to a recalcitrant child.

"Then understand this. I love you and I'm not prepared to put your life in danger for anything. Not for anything, Bella. This is your hormones talking. This is not a baby, Bella. It will kill you. What kind of creature kills its mother?"

I didn't recognize the man who sat there. This wasn't the Edward I fell in love with. The man I had married just a few short weeks ago.

It was clear that he'd made up his mind about our child and nothing I could say was going to alter his position.

"Let's wait and see what Carlisle has to say. Maybe he can talk some sense into you. I know you have a mind of your own Bella but in this case, I will make the decisions. This affects both of us, not just you. I will not let your stubbornness, your inability to see clearly come between us."

Carlisle appeared at that point and asked me to join him in his study and I was relieved at the opportunity to walk away from Edward.

He smiled reassuringly as I undressed and then he did a thorough examination although it was so fast I hardly had time to be embarrassed. When he finished I dressed quickly and joined him at the desk.

"Well? Was I right, Carlisle?"

He nodded looking grave, "Yes, you were, Bella. Now, you must decide what to do. You already know what Edward wants and I believe that Rose has told you that there is an alternative. I don't enjoy going behind my son's back but he left me no choice. I don't believe anyone should be forced into such a decision but I can't get him to see that. His fears for you outweigh everything else.

Now, listen because this is very important, Bella. I can't promise you a happy outcome to this and I won't lie and say that it's without risk. What I can do if you are determined to go through with this is to send you to the one person I know who can help you. I cannot be involved personally without Edward's knowledge and that would be a grave mistake, I can't explain everything to you now, there isn't time. Along the way, you will learn why." this will have to be goodbye if that is your decision."

"He can't force me to terminate, Carlisle."

"Perhaps not, although he can be very persuasive when he wants to be. What worries me is that if he fails he might involve others."

"Others?"

"Yes. Edward doesn't want to share you with anyone. He's scared for your safety and he might reach out for help if he doesn't get it from me."

It dawned on me suddenly, "The Volturi? But what can they do?"

"The idea of a part vampire child would make them very unhappy. Imagine an immature child with vampire traits. It would be far too dangerous for them to allow it to live."

I sighed, "It seems any choices I might have are being snatched from me. What about you, Carlisle? Why are you willing to help me?"

"I choose to believe that a hybrid child would have the best of both human and vampire traits and could be taught to fit in. Do you think that over the centuries there haven't been others like you and Edward? I cannot believe that every birth resulted in catastrophe and death. Besides, I don't believe anyone should be forced into such a decision against their will. The choice is yours, Bella. If anyone can prove Edward and the Volturi wrong, it's you."

I smiled, "Then I choose to believe you, Carlisle, and thank you."

He stood up, nodded, then took me in his arms and hugged me, "Take care, Bella. Maybe one day we will meet again. I wish you all the luck in the world. You'd better go quickly."

As soon as he shut the door I climbed out of the window and ran for the trees terrified I would be seen. That I would hear Edward calling my name and feel him grasp my arm.

The trees soon hid me from the view of the house and I looked around panicking when I didn't see Rosalie but then she appeared and I fell into her embrace sobbing in relief.

I knew we should get moving but my legs wouldn't carry my weight any longer. As I slumped she scooped me up into her arms and took off running through the woods until we reached a back road where her car sat waiting.

She took off at speed glancing over at me from time to time.

"I'm so sorry, Bella. I was hoping I wouldn't see you but it'll be OK now. I promise you that we will do all we can to see you safe."

I nodded, wiping my eyes with my sleeve as I realized I had left the house without a jacket or pocketbook.

Rose saw me shivering and turned the heater up to full then smiled reassuringly at me.

"Esme thought you wouldn't be able to get your things so she asked me to give you this."

She handed me an envelope stuffed with money.

"I can't take this!"

"Sure you can. You need money, you'll need clothes and things for the baby and you couldn't use a credit card even if you had one with you. We knew you would have to disappear altogether. We didn't get much time to prepare, we had to leave it all to Carlisle."

I nodded trying to pull myself together, "Thanks, Rose. Thank Esme for me. I don't know what I'm going to do or how I'm going to do it but you've bought me some time."

"Oh, we've done better than that. I just don't know exactly what. Anyhow, here we are and Alice is waiting."

I saw Alice's car parked by the side of the road and she came running over when Rose pulled up opposite.

"Hi, Bella. We need to go. Thanks, Rose. I'll be in touch soon."

I turned to Rose and she pulled me into a hug, "You take care of my niece or nephew, Bella. Good luck."

I thanked her filling up with tears once more and as Alice pulled out into the highway I turned back to see Rose turn around and head back home through my tears.

It occurred to me that I hadn't mentioned Charlie. He would be expecting a visit when he discovered that Edward was back. I just hoped that Carlisle would think of something. My choice meant that I couldn't contact my dad. What the hell could I tell him that would make sense? I decided that I was too exhausted to worry about that but I did mention it to Alice.

"I'll talk to Carlisle. I'm sure he'll think of something. I think you are very brave to go it alone with this. I don't think I could do it."

I didn't feel very brave and I knew if I opened my mouth I would probably burst into tears so I sat back in my seat and closed my eyes. Alice seemed to understand and put the radio on to break the silence.

The tears came anyway and Alice let me cry myself out before turning the radio off and speaking.

"I'm sorry, Bella. I wish one of us could go with you but you understand why we can't?"

I nodded, "Edward. What a mess. Have you seen anything, Alice?"

She glanced over looking troubled, "I didn't see this soon enough. It's a good thing Carlisle can think on his feet. I daren't look for your future in case I say something to change it inadvertently. Maybe sometime in the future when it's all over. If anyone can do this it's you. My brother is a complete idiot. He's losing everything important to him. I hope you find happiness eventually, Bella."

I nodded, "Where are we going?"

Alice shrugged, "My part of your journey ends in Portland. I have to drop you off at the train station. All I know is that someone will meet you there. That way, if Edward reads my thoughts they'll only lead him to a dead end."

I nodded finding that I couldn't talk anymore. I had too much to think about. Last month I was celebrating my wedding to my soulmate and now here I was running away from him and everything I knew to keep my baby safe. It didn't seem possible that life could be turned so completely upside down so rapidly. I should be celebrating the creation of a baby and making plans for the birth. Talking about becoming parents. How could I when the father wanted nothing more than the death of that same precious child?

Alice dropped me off at a small motel by the railway station in Portland handing me a key then drove off leaving me alone and scared. The enormity of my decision weighed heavily on me and I began to wonder if I could do this. I was only just an adult myself, what did I know about bringing a child into the world? How could I manage it alone? Carlisle had told me he was giving me the only help he could, my best bet of succeeding in carrying this baby and delivering it. I had to put my faith in him.

I saw the number 8 on the key fob and sure enough, the key opened the door to room 8 and I slipped inside. I had no idea how long I would have to wait to discover where I was headed next but I was tired and hungry so I grabbed some snacks and drinks from a nearby vending machine and then made myself comfortable on the bed.

When I finished eating I lay down and closed my eyes laying one hand on my belly, "Don't worry little one. I'll protect you. I don't know how but we're going to be OK. For now, all we can do is to trust in Carlisle and wait."

Edward

I stared at Carlisle in disbelief, "You did what? Where is she? Where did you send her?"

It hadn't dawned on me that Carlisle was delaying me when he talked about Bella's health and the creature that was even now sapping her strength and would soon kill her. Only when I realized how much time had elapsed and told him I was going to see Bella before he operated did he admit his duplicity.

"She made her choice, Edward. Bella wants to have this baby."

"Well, she can't. Didn't you explain that to her?"

"I told her all that I knew but in the end, it was her decision to make and I knew you wouldn't allow her to carry the child."

"No, I won't. I have no intention of losing my soul mate for the sake of a creature that will either kill her or both of them. So, where is she?"

"I'm sorry Edward, I won't tell you. Bella made her decision and as a doctor, I have to respect that."

I stared at the man I had called father in disbelief, how could he do this? He knew how much Bella meant to me yet he stood here telling me that he was about to allow her to kill herself because of some crazy notion that she could carry a vampire baby!

Pushing past him I ran to the study but it was empty, the drapes wafting in a breeze from the open window. Following Bella's escape route I found myself in the woods that bounded the grounds of the house. Did she really think that she could run and hide from me? Then I realized that she hadn't been alone out here, I could smell Rosalie's perfume. What was going on? I followed the trail of the two women until it disappeared at the side of the road. So, Bella had help! And not just my dear father.

I ran back to the house to find Carlisle sitting at his desk waiting for me.

"You think you've been clever, don't you? How many of you are involved in this? Rose? Esme? Who else?"

"It doesn't matter, Edward. You left Bella with no alternative but to leave."

"How do you know that? You haven't had time to talk to Bella in any depth, or me. What makes you so sure?"

I stopped suddenly, "Alice! What did she tell you that she saw? You know I would never harm Bella. Did she say that I would? What lies did she tell you?"

"Sit down, Edward."

I brought my fist down hard on his desk denting the thick metal plate that lay under the wood veneer.

"To hell with sitting down. I want to know where my wife is and I demand to know now."

Carlisle seemed to change suddenly, his face darkened and his voice became deeper and commanding, "Sit down."

Grabbing a chair I slammed it down beside the desk and heard one of the legs crack but sat down anyway.

"Well?"

"You called me for my help when you found out that Bella was possibly with child. You never asked for my advice. You simply told me that you wanted the 'creature' removed. Your words, not mine. What did you expect me to do? Did you think that I would simply ignore what Bella wants? What exactly do you intend to do if you catch up with her, Edward?"

"Talk sense into her. We both know she can't do this, She's my wife and I refuse to put her life in danger. I need her."

"No one knows for sure if she can do this but you have no right to force a decision on her. It's her life, her body and she must decide. Did you try talking to her? Did you listen to her?"

"She doesn't know what she's talking about. She's just acting crazy. She's not thinking about me, about us."

"I disagree. This baby is about you, both of you. So, I'll ask you again. What do you intend to do if you find her?"

I stared at him, what did he think I would do?

"You're not the only one who can help me, Carlisle. I came to you because I assumed you would understand. After all, you're my father and I assumed that meant you would be there for me."

"I am. I think you are wrong on this occasion. Bella may not survive this but that has to be her decision. You can't strong-arm her into anything. Not even as her husband. That's what Alice saw and I will not be a party to it. I thought you would understand that. If you knew me as well as you seem to think you do then you would have understood."

I was enraged by his cool attitude, his insulting tone and my rage overtook me. I leapt over the desk and grabbed him by the throat.

"I don't care what you think, Carlisle. I only care about Bella and her well-being. Now, where is she?"

He stared into my face looking calm, his eyes filled with sadness, "Whatever you do to me makes no difference. I gave Bella my word that she would be safe."

I shook him like a rag doll, "Safe from me? Safe from her husband? That makes no sense. Where is she?"

He just hung there staring at me and I found my arm creeping around his throat, "I will kill you if you don't tell me where she is."

I had been so focused on Carlisle that I had missed Emmett's arrival. I may be faster than him but he was stronger and his brawny arms came around my chest squeezing hard.

"Let go now, Edward."

I released Carlisle and he staggered backwards pulling at his shirt collar. Meanwhile, Emmett shoved hard and I crashed into the wall before spinning around to find he had been joined by Jasper. I might be able to take Emmett, maybe even Emmett and Carlisle but not all three.

"Alice saw this too, Edward. I was hoping she had been wrong but it seems she was correct. Let me tell you what else she saw so you'll understand that this is one fight you can't win. You hire a tracker but he can't find her, you try calling the Volturi, offer them a deal, they find Bella and they can study the creature if they save her. That will lose you everything. Besides, Demetri will not find her. It will just put you under obligation to Aro."

"You think you're so clever, Carlisle. If Alice can see all this then she must have seen Bella's death."

"Alice saw many alternatives, they changed from minute to minute as you well know. I offered Bella a chance, I never promised her a happy outcome."

Eyeing Jasper and Emmett warily I knew it was over. Emmett was easy to read, I could have taken him but he knew nothing more than I did. Jasper was harder to read but then I doubted Carlisle would have told him more than absolutely necessary besides he would never tell me anything useful if he could help it and I wasn't a good enough fighter to take him down. He didn't need to think about his next move, it was instinctual, so gave me no clues. As for Carlisle, he seemed so confident that I couldn't track Bella down so what was I going to do? He held all the cards.

"I'll be back, Carlisle and I'll make you pay for ruining my life. For taking away my wife and my future."

"I don't doubt it, Edward but it changes nothing."

I left them there, packed my stuff and left knowing that it wasn't over. I may have lost Bella but I would make sure that Carlisle paid a heavy price for his interference.

It was only as I drove into Seattle that it hit me. I really had lost Bella. With Alice's gift Carlisle could outmanoeuvre me at every turn. Why he had turned against me so suddenly I couldn't understand. Not only that but he had turned the family against me too. Every one of them was involved in helping Bella to escape me. Why could no one see that I wanted to save her? That I only had her best interests at heart?

I stopped in the city not knowing where I was going or what I would do. A week ago my world had been perfect, I had everything I ever wanted. The most beautiful girl in the world who adored me. A girl I had made my wife and with whom I had planned an eternity together. Now? Now I had nothing, I was cut adrift.

As I walked about the city looking at the couples walking hand in hand, stopping to gaze into each other's eyes or kiss. Laughing happy humans with their partners. I felt suddenly very alone and filled with self-pity. I promised myself that I would pay Carlisle back for this. For snatching my soul mate from me. But how?

The words rattled around in my brain as I listened to the mundane thoughts of the humans around me. Work worries, money worries, relationship worries, sex worries. I almost laughed out loud, and I was feeling sorry for myself!

Then it hit me. I couldn't force Carlisle to tell me where Bella was but maybe someone else could. He had told me that Alice saw me trying to make a deal with Aro maybe, but had she seen this? I returned to my car and set off for the airport. Bella was mine, my mate, my wife. No one could come between mates, wasn't that one of the Volturi's most strict laws? Well, Carlisle had organized this and he was keeping Bella from me. Let Aro get the truth from him or let Carlisle suffer the consequences. What could he do about that? Even if Alice had seen it there was nothing Carlisle could do to avoid the showdown. No one successfully hid from the Volturi for long.