Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight—SM does.
I hope everyone likes this chapter. Please tell me what you think about it. It means so much to me when I hear from everyone. Much Love—Hanna.
What the hell am I going to do? I can't be pregnant. This can't be happening! I'm only 17 years old; I can't be a mom. This isn't real. What am I going to do? I can't tell Charlie right now. Am I going to keep it? I don't think I could kill it; I don't have it in me. But, who is the father? Oh my god. I don't know who the dad is. This seriously cannot be happening. I have to talk to somebody. But who could I tell that won't tell on me? Alice! Yes, I'll call Alice and tell her everything. But wait, no I can't, Edward is her brother and he might be the dad. Crap. This is definitely the end of a beautiful friendship. He's going to deny me and say its Jacob's baby-but what if it is. Well, there's only one way to find out. I have to go to the doctor and find out how far along I am. If I am no more than three weeks or four weeks along then its Edward's; if I'm any further along than that then I know its Jacob's. I have to find out soon.
I called the Forks Health Department and made an appointment for tomorrow morning. I'm going to tell Charlie that I'm not feeling well and I'm going to just stay home. I can't face Edward or Jacob knowing that I'm pregnant with either of their child. But after I find out I will have to tell them. I'll tell them together that way there aren't any secrets and I don't get accused of anything or what not. No one is going to deny this child. I'm not even going to deny it. I can't have an abortion; that's not an option for me. The only way I would have an abortion would be if there was something medically wrong and for some reason, I feel this great ache in my chest when I think of killing my child.
My child. I'm going to be a mommy. This is so surreal but amazing all at the same time. I want this baby. I hope this is normal thinking for a pregnant teen. Probably not. Oh well, all I want to do right now is to sleep away my troubles and go to the health dept. tomorrow.
That night, I dreamt of a child. I could tell that it was a girl. She had tight curly hair like my father and it was this odd bronze color. I couldn't see her face though. I heard her laugh and coo but she never turned to look at me and I never approached her. I did feel this amazing connection to her that told me she was mine. So, I just watched her play with her blocks in silence. Then I woke up.
"Bella, honey, get up. You're going to be late for school." Charlie said quietly as he shook me.
"I'm not going to school today, dad. I don't feel so good. I got sick yesterday at lunch." This wasn't a lie in the least.
"Well, alright. If you need me call me, okay?" He asked.
"Sure, sure." I rolled over and went back to sleep. I would only have until 10 am to sleep before I have to get ready for my appointment. I made it for 11 am so that I could sleep in a bit.
I woke up to my alarm but as soon as I opened my eyes I noticed my hands on my stomach. I was rubbing my flat belly in my sleep. I smiled.
I groggily rolled out of bed and headed down stairs. I managed to get my cereal poured into the bowl along with the milk before I couldn't take it anymore and hurled in the sink. This is getting ridiculous. Morning sickness is a bitch. At least I know what it is now. I was started to get worried that I had come down with something but no---I got pregnant.
No breakfast for me today. I jumped in the shower and washed my body quickly, being very gently on my stomach. I'm not sure why-it's not like I'm going to kill it by running a wash rag over it. I'm being paranoid. I'm glad that today I will be able to figure out everything I need to do in order to be health for my little bundle of joy. I think I'll talk to Charlie tonight when he gets home. That way I already know who the father is and that way he can be there with me when I tell Edward and Jacob. I think that if my dad is there, then they won't be such guys about it.
I don't really know what to expect from them. Hell, I could possibly be degrading them by thinking so negatively but I just don't know them in that way. All I know is how most guys react around this age when their girlfriend tells them she's pregnant. It never works out good in the end. The girl always ends up alone and broke trying to take care of the kid on her own. I don't want to be like that. So I'm hoping that whoever the father is will gladly step up to the plate and be responsible.
I arrived at the clinic just in time. It wasn't very full. There were only a few other people there besides me. There were two teen mothers and one couple with their new born baby. It was all a very depressing sight.
"Isabella Swan?" The receptionist called.
"Yea. That's me." I said as I approached her desk.
"Here fill these out and the doctor will be with you shortly." She handed me a clip board with some paper work on it. I nodded at her and took my seat.
About half way through the papers, a woman poked her head out of the side door and called for me. I jumped a little but headed her way. She told me to follow her down the hallway to a private room with a cot in it. It was covered with that one sheet of paper that makes way too much noise when you lay on it. I could feel my stomach turning. I was so uncomfortable being here but I had no choice.
"So, Isabella, you're here for a pregnancy test and possibly an ultra sound?" The doctor lady asked.
"Y-yes. I took a pregnancy test from a gas station yesterday and it came up positive. I've also been feeling really tired lately and I've been getting randomly sick." I explained.
"When was the last time you had your menstrual cycle?"
"Uh, about six weeks ago."
"Okay, when was the last time you were sexually active and are you on any medications?" She asked, taking notes on her notepad.
"I was on birth control but I had been throwing it up every time I took it so I just stopped about two weeks ago; and the last time I had sex was exactly a month ago but I had sex a week before that-with someone different." I said while looking away, ashamed.
"Okay, so did you use a condom both times?" She asked me with a comforting smile-as if saying that she understood and she wasn't judging me.
"Uh, well, the first guy-we always use a condom but the other guy-well we were drinking when it happened so I don't think so. It wasn't planned or anything it just sort of happened. But I know both of them really well. In fact, they're both my best friends." I said confidently.
"Alright, so you don't think that you have any diseases?" She asked.
"Oh no, um, guy number two-his father is a doctor and they do checkups all the time just to be safe and guy number one has recently been checked so I know that they don't have anything." I assured her. She looked relieved.
"Well, that's good. We're still going to take some tests just for precaution but right now, let's get you that pregnancy test so that we can find out how far along you are if you are pregnant-it seems that you are but just to be sure." She pulled a cup out of a cabinet and I already knew the drill. "Take this; there is a bathroom right down the hall on your right. It won't take long to get the results since we aren't that crowded today. But while we're waiting on that-I'm going to take your blood after you're finished with this. Just come back in here and I'll come to you."
I nodded and took the cup from her and headed to the bathroom.
I walked back into my room when I was finished and waited for her like she said. I was a little anxious to know the results-even though I already knew. This time it's more official though.
She walked in a few minutes later with a needle and some kind of thing that you put blood in. I was instantly nauseated. I hate getting my blood taken.
"You ready?" She asked as she prepared my arm for insertion. Ugh.
"Ready as I'll ever be." I said as I squeezed my eyes shut and turned my head.
I felt the needle go into my vain; the pressure wasn't so bad but just knowing it was there was making me nuts.
"There, all done." She said.
"Thank goodness. I hate that part." I told her.
"Everyone does. I'm going to go wait for your test results and then we can start the ultra sound." She told me as she gathered her things and left the room, sending me a quick smile.
I've never met a nurse so kind before. She seems to really get what I'm going through. I still can't believe I got myself into this mess. But really it's not that much of a mess. I'm going to be having a baby. It's more or less of a blessing; it's just that it's such an early blessing. I'm not quite ready to be a mom yet. But, I know I can do it. It's not like I will be completely alone; I'll have my dad and my friends and hopefully the baby's dad.
"Isabella? I have your results back." The doctor said as she walked in my room. Wow, that didn't take long at all. I expected to be in here for at least 30 minutes before knowing anything. "These are only the pregnancy test results. I'll have your blood work after we do the ultra sound."
She said we are doing the ultra sound. "So wait, does that mean…" I trailed off.
"Yes, you are pregnant. But don't get too discouraged about it. A baby is a beautiful thing-planned or not." She tried to soothe me. It worked. I already knew this and the truth is-I'm not sad about it. I'm actually kind of happy. It's official. I'm going to be a mommy.
Despite myself, I could feel a sad smile tugging at my lips. The doctor smiled in return. "Wow, I'm going to be a mom."
"Yes you are. And I'm sure you will make a great mother. When are you planning on telling your father?" She asked in a friendly tone-not in a way that was telling me I had to. Even though I do.
"Tonight-after I find out whose it is. I don't want to tell him that I don't know who the father of my child is." I told her truthfully.
"Well, even though you did sleep with both of them a week apart-we should be able to back track enough. Come on, follow me." She walked out of the room.
We entered another room with a big machine and a computer screen. This is where I will find out who the father is. I lay down on the paper covered cot again. Crunch, crunch. How embarrassing.
"I'll need you to take off your pants and put the sheet over you so that I can do the internal exam." She told me before walking out of the room.
I did as she said and waited patiently for her to come back into the room.
She came back in only 10 minutes later and began doing whatever it is that doctors do down there. It was so disorienting. She finished quickly and then pulled my shirt up to do the ultra sound.
"Okay, are you ready to see your baby?"
"Yes, definitely." I nodded my head enthusiastically. I was actually excited about this.
"This is going to be cold." She warned as she squirted the goo on my belly. I jumped a little but relaxed as she rubbed it around with the controller thingy. I looked up to the screen not knowing what I was looking for. "There it is. That little black thumper," she pointed to a spot on the screen, "is your baby's heartbeat."
"Oh wow, that's it?" I cooed. I could feel the tears form in my eyes as I watched the little thumper. I have never felt so complete and whole in my life. I'm going to be working for two now.
"Yea, it's perfectly healthy and normal and it looks to me like you are exactly three and a half weeks along. So I believe that guy number two is the father. No more mystery there." She said with a smile in her voice.
"Oh my, Edward is the father. Wow, this is insane. I really hope he doesn't get mad. Well I'm more worried about the other guy getting mad. We sort of had the whole 'friends with benefits' thing going on and he's always been over protective. They're friends but they haven't always been. I just hope I don't have to deal with another show down in my living room." I confided.
"Oh, I hope not too. Maybe you should have your father with you." She read my mind.
"I plan too. I just hope he doesn't try to kill Edward too. He already knew about Jake and me but he doesn't know about Edward-well it's not like it was planned or anything. And we agreed to just forget about it so it didn't get in the way of our friendship." I explained.
"Well, I hope it doesn't get in the way but this certainly will change some things; hopefully for the better." She said.
"Hey, thanks a lot for being so understanding about this. And for being so helpful-I know it's your job but I don't think I could've done this with any sanity if someone was judging me the whole time." I laughed nervously.
"No, of course. I've been through a similar situation. I had my first child at an early age and went through hell and back. So I try to make things easier on you young girls that find yourselves in this situation." She said with a warm smile. "Now get dressed and I will give you everything you need that way you can get started on your prenatal vitamins and getting that baby all the nutrition it needs."
I laughed as she walked out of the room. My spirits are so uplifted now. I can get through this. All I have to worry about now is Charlie. If things don't work out with Edward, then that's okay; I can handle this on my own. People do it all the time.
I got dressed and walked out of the room to the doctor. She handed me a few pamphlets and told me some rules. She told me the best vitamins to buy and said that I need to do that when I leave here. I promised her that I would. She then told me to find a doctor soon so that I could get comfortable with them enough for them to deliver my baby. She suggested a few doctors and one of them she preferred that I go to happened to be Edward's father. I didn't tell her this. I figured that I could keep that piece of information to myself. But in all honesty, I would prefer for Dr. Cullen to be my doctor for the baby. I trust him so much more than any other doctor I have ever had but I'm not sure if he would do it after he finds out that it's his son's baby. I'll have to talk to Edward first.
I drove straight to the drug store after I left the clinic and bought everything I needed. But when I got on my road, the butterflies really kicked in. I was starting to feel the nerves about telling my father. I figured I might as well make him a big dinner-one of his favorites. Maybe that can take some of the load off.
I called his office as soon as I made it in and gave him a heads up and asked what time he would be home so that I could have his dinner ready in time. He seemed a little nervous after I told him that I needed to talk to him about something big so he said he would be home early. I got started on his meal.
Around 4:30, the phone started ringing. I answered it. "Hello?"
"Bella, hey, I was just calling to make sure you were okay. Are you okay?" Jake asked me.
"Uh, yea, about as good as I'll ever be. Um, hey, don't make any plans for tomorrow. I'm going to need you over here-well you don't have to come but I figured I would tell you the big news too." I said with a shaky voice.
"Yea, okay. Well what's it about?" He asked. I should've known not to tell him but he would've thought the meeting was sexual if I didn't tell him it was to talk.
"Don't worry about it yet. You'll find out soon enough. But hey, I have to go. I'm making Charlie's dinner and I have to call Edward for tomorrow too."
"Edward's coming too? Is the news that big?" He asked with a laugh.
"Well, sort of. It's bigger for him than you but like I said, I figured you would want to know." I told him truthfully.
"Oh okay, well what time do you want me?"
"I don't know yet. I still have to talk to Charlie about this and see how he wants to do things."
"Okay well call me when you figure it out, okay?" He pressed.
"Sure, sure. But hey, promise me that you won't let anything come in between our friendship. Please?" I begged.
"Okay, Bells, don't worry, whatever it is, it can't be that bad. Nothing can ever come in between us." He soothed me.
"Thanks Jake. I really hope you still feel the same way tomorrow. I'll talk to you later." I hung up. This is going to hurt him more than he knows. If he really does have feelings for me, then I don't think he will be able to forgive me.
But right now, Edward is my priority. He is the main person I need in my life right now, besides my father. He is going to decide how this life for our child is going to play out. I picked up the phone and called dialed the Cullen house.
"Edward, hi, it's Bella." I said.
"Oh, hey! How are you? You just ran out yesterday and didn't come today; I was worried sick about you." He sounded truly relieved to hear from me.
"Um, I'm fine. I was just calling to ask you not to make any plans for tomorrow. I have to talk to you about something but ask your parents the same. I still have to talk to Charlie but tomorrow we're going to have a full house. I've already called Jake because I figured he needed to be here for this and I'm going to talk to Charlie tonight so that leaves you and your parents. Just don't ask questions right now; I'll explain tomorrow." I directed him.
"Is everything alright? Did something happen?" He asked.
"Not exactly. Everything is fine; no one is dying or anything…yet. Like I said, don't stress over it for now. Just explain to your parents that we have to have a family meeting. I'll call you tomorrow when I need you over here." I hung up on him. I couldn't handle any more questions from anyone for now. I have to prepare myself for Charlie.
As if right on cue, Charlie comes walking through the door at exactly 4:50. When he said early, he meant early. He walked into the kitchen and leaned up against the door way. I could feel his eyes on my back. I knew I had to say something.
"Dinner is almost ready if you want to sit down." I said quietly. I heard him move to a chair and take a seat.
"Smells great, Bells. So, you needed to talk to me about something big?" He inquired. Damn, I was hoping to wait until after he ate.
"Uh, yea but let's eat first, I'm pretty hungry." It wasn't a lie. My appetite finally came back after my incident this morning. I made our plates and took my seat in front of him.
"You look different." He said while studying me. I was starting to get really nervous. I could feel my appetite slipping away again. "You're glowing."
Oh no, the stupid pregnancy glow! I should've put on some make up or something. How the hell is it so noticeable? I've never noticed a glow on a pregnant woman but this goes to show you that there really is one. "Huh." That was all I said and I looked down to my plate.
We sat in silence for a good 10 minutes before he was done eating and I had only picked at my dinner. My appetite was out the window. My stomach was occupied by dangerous butterflies—and a baby.
"Alright. So what's going on? Why in the world do I feel so nervous and why do you look so nervous?" He asked as he leaned forward on the table.
"Well, dad, I went to the doctor today." I started.
"What for? Are you sick or something?" He looked at me with concern in his eyes. I felt so bad for doing this to him.
"Not exactly. I didn't go to the hospital or anything; I went to the health clinic." I heard him gasp. I threw my hands up in the air to make him stop before he assumed anything. "I don't have a disease or anything, dad."
He breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness for that. I thought I was going to have to kill Jacob." He laughed. "So what is that you have to tell me, Bells?"
"Dad, I'm a three and a half weeks pregnant." I told him.
Silence. I waited while he just sat there and stared at me. There were no emotions on his face so I didn't know what to think about his scrutiny. I was growing more anxious as he sat there not saying a word. "Dad, say something, please." I begged.
"Scratch what I said earlier about not killing Jacob. Because I'm going to kill him. Do you kids not know about protection? God, I shouldn't have let him stay the night. I knew what was going on I just figured you two were more responsible than this. And I thought you were on birth control." He yelled at me. I let him do it without getting angry. I deserved this, I wanted this.
"I was taking birth control when Jake and I were doing things and he always used a condom. Dad, the baby isn't Jake's." I blurted out. His eyes bulged out a little.
"Then who in the hell is the father?" He asked, shock coloring his tone.
"Edward Cullen. It wasn't planned or anything. We were just hanging out and we started having some drinks at his house and next thing I know we were having sex. It was that weekend I told you I was staying with Alice. Well I was really staying with Edward but like I said-nothing was planned. Our relationship has never been like that. It was always strictly friends. We didn't even like each other like that. It was only the alcohol. He would never take advantage of me like that." I explained.
He sat in silence for another few minutes. I let him take it all in.
"So let me get this straight, you have slept with Jake time and time again and never so much as gotten a scare but you sleep with this guy once and you get pregnant? That's just your luck, Bella." He shook his head at me. I wasn't expecting that. "But what in the hell were you doing drinking, Bells? That's not like you."
"We were just being rebellious and celebrating that we're friends again. We really missed each other and I guess that came out along with everything else. I'm really sorry to disappoint you dad. But I have decided some things." I told him.
He sighed. "I'm not disappointed in you, Bella. A little angry but not disappointed. But what do you mean you've decided some things?"
"I've already started my vitamins and I already got my first ultra sound done today. I'm keeping the baby—with or without Edward's help or yours. It would just be a lot better if I had that help though. Do you want to see the pictures? It's not much but you can see the little heartbeat." I said with a smile spreading across my face.
He smiled back at me. "Sure sweetheart, show me the pictures."
I smiled even bigger and hurried to get my pictures and ran back to him. "Here, see, there's my little thumper." I cooed looking over Charlie's shoulder at my baby.
"Aww, I'm really going to be a grandpa. I can't believe this is happening. Oh Bella, how do you expect me to be mad when I see this?" He asked in a sad, but happy tone. I laughed.
"I know how you feel. Oh and by the way, we're going to have a full house tomorrow. Jacob called earlier to check on me so I invited him over for the news. I figured he had a right to know. He doesn't know about Edward and me. I also called Edward and told him that he needs to come over tomorrow with his parents. I hung up on him before he could ask questions. But, if Carlisle is okay with it, then I'm going to ask him to be my doctor. I can't imagine anyone else that I could trust like I trust Carlisle. I only hope Edward doesn't try to deny me. I don't think he would but that's the other reason why I want Jake there—so that he can vouch for the last time I was with him if it comes to that."
"I'm so proud of you, Bells. You're being very adult about this whole situation. You're only 17 years old and you're already taking care of that baby. How could any dad be disappointed in a daughter like you?" He asked. That did it for me. All the traitor tears rolled down my cheeks as I flew onto my dad's lap. I wrapped my arms around his neck and cried into his shoulder. He rocked me back and forth like a baby and here I am—pregnant with a baby.
"Shh, its okay, Bells. We'll get through this. I'll stick with you even if that boy doesn't." He soothed me.
"I know, dad. Thank you." I sniffled into his shoulder. He snickered at me.
"Hey, what do you say we go watch a movie or something to try and unwind a little before tomorrow?" He suggested.
Sniffle. "Yea, that sounds great." I agreed.
Charlie and I sat around on the sofa all night watching horror movies. I felt so relieved and worry free as I relaxed with my understanding father. I'm not as worried about Edward turning me down anymore. If he doesn't want to be a part of this baby's life, then he won't have to. But I really don't want my child to grow up in a broken home. But what am I expecting, for him to marry me? No, I don't even want that. What if he wanted to be with me? I doubt he would but could I do that if he wanted me to? Not yet. That would take time. I can't deny that I'm attracted to him but I don't think I could be with him, yet. Maybe in time if he ever wanted that. I think I'm just jumping too far ahead into a future that might not happen.
After about three movies we called it a night and headed to bed. I was so exhausted by that time that I was out by the time I hit my mattress. Being pregnant can take a lot out of a person. Thankfully I slept through the night dream free—at least I couldn't remember any of them.
The next morning, I woke up wide awake for the first time in two weeks. I felt so rejuvenated and relieved. I walked down the stairs with a bounce in my step. Charlie must have noticed because he started smiling brightly at me.
"So, you ready for today?" He asked. I didn't know what he was talking about at first but it hit me full force when I remembered. I have to tell Edward that he is going to be a daddy. I'm so not looking forward to this. Why can't this be a school day?
"No, not really but I'll manage. The worst that could happen is him choose not to be around." I said.
"Well, I doubt he will do that." Charlie tried to relax me. It didn't work, at all.
"I don't know. We will just have to wait and see. But I guess we should go ahead and get it over with." I suggested.
"What about breakfast?" Charlie asked.
"I'm not hungry. I'll eat something if I need to but I'm okay for now." I assured him.
"Alright well I guess if you want to do this then make the call."
"Okay, I'm going to call Jacob first." I walked over to the phone and dialed Jake's number. He answered on the second ring.
"Hello?" Jake greeted.
"Hey, Jake, it's me. Um, I'm ready for you to come over." I said quietly.
"Okay, I'll be there in 15." He hung up.
I hung up and dialed Edward's number. He picked up on the first ring.
"Hello? Bella?" Edward asked into the phone.
"Yea, it's me. Could you guys come on over?" I asked.
"Uh, yea, we're on our way. Are you sure everything is alright?"
"Yes, Edward, everything is fine…for now. Just hurry and we'll explain everything when you get here." I told him.
"We?"
"Yea. Me and my dad." I informed him.
"Okay, is this bad?" He asked nervously.
I paused. "Not really. It depends on how you look at it; just get here soon. I have to go." I hung up on him.
"They all coming?" Charlie asked from the living room.
"Yes. They'll be here as soon as possible." I started to cry.
"Oh Bells, come here." He told me, hearing me sniffle. I walked in there to him and cried on his shoulder again. I don't know why I was crying. Maybe I'm just scared of what he's going to say.
About 15 minutes later, Jacob came barreling through the door. He saw me sitting with Charlie and noticed the tissues in my hands. "Aw, Bells, what is it? Did something happen?" He asked, coming to sit next to me.
"Sort of but you have to wait until Edward gets here. I'm going to tell you all at once." I told him while resting my head on his shoulder. He nodded and said okay.
"'Sup Charlie?" Jake asked casually.
"Jacob." Charlie said without looking at him.
"What's with the cold shoulder, old man?"
"There is no cold shoulder. You just have a guilty conscience." Charlie pointed.
"Dad." I scolded him. He smiled wickedly.
"I don't have a guilty conscience. I've done nothing wrong." Jacob stated. I rolled my eyes.
"Sure you haven't." Charlie said with heavy sarcasm. He was so messing with Jake.
"No, you haven't, Jake, just ignore him. Dad, cut it out." I ordered with a laugh.
"You know, any normal father wouldn't have even let him in the house after everything you two have done." Charlie argued.
"Well, he's not the one on trial today. He's just here to back me up if there is any name calling." I think that might have been a little too much information.
"What are you talking about? Who would be name calling?" Jake asked. I noticed Charlie peaking out the window.
"Well, we're about to find out. They're here." Charlie said this like the little girl on Poltergeist. It creeped me out.
I took in a shaky breath while Charlie went to open the door. He was kind enough to Dr. and Mrs. Cullen but he didn't even acknowledge Edward. He promised to behave though. He knew how it happened and knew that I and he both were equally guilty. The Cullen's walked into the living room casually enough. I could see the nerves that they were trying to hide.
Edward seen me and smiled. He started toward me but Charlie cut him off by sitting next to me before he could. He sat next to Jake instead. They did their handshake thing and whispered to each other for a minute before Carlisle spoke up.
"So, Bella, you invited us over here with some news. What's going on?" Carlisle asked kindly. I don't know how much he's going to like me after I tell him that his son got me pregnant. Everyone looked to me expectantly. Charlie nudged me and gave me a reassuring smile.
"Well, Carlisle, Esme, Edward, Jacob, and Charlie, you already know; I found out recently that I am three and a half weeks pregnant." I said quietly only looking at Carlisle. No one said anything. "Carlisle, I understand if you don't want to but I was wondering if you would be my doctor for the duration of my pregnancy because I'm keeping the baby."
"Of course I will, Bella. I'll do anything I can to help you and I'll gladly deliver the baby for you but why didn't you just come see me at work or at my home? You could've asked me then." He suggested. They didn't understand what I was saying.
"But Bella, I wore a condom and you were on the pill. How could you get pregnant?" Jacob asked, beginning to worry. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry Charlie."
"Oh, Jake, you're not the one who needs to apologize; honestly, Bella has done enough apologizing for everyone." Charlie told him in a sarcastic tone.
"I don't think I understand what you're saying." Carlisle said. "Bella, why exactly did you invite all of us here?"
"So I'm not the dad?" Jacob asked in a sad tone. I almost laughed at the disappointment in his voice.
"No, Jacob, you're not the dad." I sighed.
"So who is?" Carlisle asked.
"I am." Edward said next to Jacob.
Everyone turned to look at him, except for Charlie and me. Wow, he caught on pretty quick.
"Is this true, Bella?" Esme spoke up this time. I nodded. "When did this happen?"
"The night you two went away on the business trip. It wasn't planned but we sort of got drunk and one thing led to another. It was the only time it happened and we agreed to keep it to ourselves." Edward explained to his parents.
"So, you are the daddy?" Jacob asked, looking at Edward, still lost.
"Yea, I guess I am." Edward said in a calm voice.
"You have got to be kidding me." Jacob muttered, mostly to himself.
"Oh my. Did you not think to use protection?" Esme asked both of us.
"Well, mom, we were kind of drunk and not really thinking about what we were doing, so I guess not." Edward said sarcastically.
"Yea, Bella has been very responsible about the whole thing. She's already been to the doctor and started her vitamins and she has a picture of its little heart." Charlie spoke on my behalf. I smiled at him.
"Can I see it?" Edward asked quietly. I looked at him surprised.
"All it is is a black spot on film. There's nothing to see." I told him. He looked at me then as if I had lost my mind.
"I want to see it, Bella." He demanded.
"Edward, son, calm down. If Bella doesn't want to show you then she doesn't have to." Carlisle said to his son.
"It's my baby too. I can see it if I want to." Edward challenged his dad. He looked at me expectantly.
"Edward, you don't have to say that. I-I-I don't think I want to show it to you." I said, looking away.
"Bella, just show the boy his kid, or what's there of it." Charlie insisted. I looked at him with sadness in my eyes.
"No. Look, I just called you here to tell you. I thought that you had a right to know. And I wanted someone I trust to deliver my baby—"
"Our baby." Edward interrupted. I looked at him with a scowl on my face. He looked back at me shocked.
"Bella, I will gladly take care of you and the baby." Carlisle told me as he watched Edward and I stare each other down. This was going nowhere good.
"I can't believe you two slept together and you got her pregnant? Who does that?!" Jacob shouted while standing up. He turned to look at Edward.
"Oh so it's okay for you to sleep with her whenever you feel like it but it's not okay for us to get drunk and do it by accident?" Edward snapped at Jacob.
"NO, it's not!" Jacob spat at him.
"Hey now, you boys need to calm down. There's no need for this. What is your deal anyway, Jake? You should be relieved it's not your kid." Charlie said, standing up.
I stayed put. I looked at my feet on the floor. I saw Carlisle stand in my peripheral. I guess he was going to help Charlie keep those two from killing each other…again. Esme came to sit next to me then.
"Bella, honey, don't worry about those two. Everything's going to work out for the best. This is great news. Maybe a little too soon but happy anyways." Esme tried to soothe me.
I nodded but knew it wasn't because I'm not going to let them be a part of this baby's life. While we were discussing everything, I couldn't help but think of the things Edward told me about his dreams. He wants to move out of this place and become a big time doctor. He might even open up his own business or something. I can't take that away from him. I won't. I don't care what he says; he is going to forget about this baby. I can do this on my own. That's why I wouldn't show him the picture. Even something as small as a picture can have a huge impact on a person—especially a parent.
"Esme, you have to help me. Tell him that he can't be a part of this baby's life. Tell him that he needs to live his life. Please." I begged her in a whisper. Her eyes got wide at first.
"What, why?" She asked.
"Because, I'm not going to take away his life. This is my burden to bear and I refuse to let him give up his life because of it. I refuse to do it." I shook my head back and forth mechanically.
"Bella, Edward is a very honest person just like his father; there is no way in the world he would go for that and we wouldn't want it. We want to be with this child." She tried to convince me but it wasn't working. I have made up my mind.
"Too bad, for him. I'm sorry to hurt you but I had to tell you all. If I didn't then I wouldn't have been able to face him again. But he doesn't have a choice." I informed her.
I stood up then and everyone was still arguing. Jacob and Edward were getting very close to taking a swing at each other. Great, we're back to this again. "Everyone, stop!" I yelled. They all froze and stared at me. "Carlisle, I would still like for you to be my O.B. but Edward, the only reason I called you here was to tell you what was going on but I've made up my mind and I'm not changing it so don't try: I want you to leave. I won't bother you again. Go about your life; I don't want you to raise this child. It's my burden to bear and that's my final decision." I didn't look at any of them.
I heard everyone gasp and I saw Edward walk up to me. He tilted my chin up. "Bella, I'm not going anywhere. This is my baby too."
"Edward, you have dreams and goals and you're going to complete them without the responsibility of a child. I can handle this by myself." I told him with strong conviction.
He shook his head at me and said no. "You aren't going to do this to me, Bella. If you didn't want me to be a part of this life then you shouldn't have said anything to me about it. How the hell do you expect me to pretend like I don't have a baby in the oven?" He looked at me incredulously.
"Easily, you just do."
"Bella, what the hell are you doing?" Charlie asked. Everyone was looking at me as if I had lost all sense. Why can't they understand my point?
"No, you can't and I won't! You can't take my baby away from me; I won't let you!" Edward nearly shouted at me. I cringed away from him.
"Bella, this is unnecessary; Edward wants to take care of his child so why are you trying to stop him?" Carlisle asked.
"Because, I'm not going to let him throw everything away for the baby. I don't have dreams; I'm not going anywhere." I argued.
"Well, I'm not either unless you go with me." Edward announced.
"This is too fucked up. I'm out of here." Jacob announced angrily. I didn't try to stop him from leaving. I can't deal with him right now anyway.
"I'm not going anywhere with you Edward. Just leave please. I can't talk about this anymore. There is nothing more to talk about." I said forcefully.
"You're right. There is nothing more to talk about because I'm going to raise my baby—with you and you can't stop me." He said, matter-of-factly.
I stared at him in disbelief. "Why can't you just take this chance to leave and make something of yourself? I don't understand. Why can't you be like any other guy our age and not want a kid?" I demanded.
"Because I'm not, Bella. You didn't do this by yourself so get over it! I'm not going anywhere." This time he did shout it at me.
"Hey, why don't you calm down? She doesn't need this stress." Charlie ordered Edward.
"He's right, son, you need to lower your voice. Why don't you two go somewhere private to discuss this while we discuss this?" Carlisle suggested to Edward and me.
"That's a great idea, dad. Come on." Edward ordered me, heading upstairs to my room.
I looked back at Charlie and he gave me a look that said 'go now.' I sighed and walked up to my room. Edward was sitting on my bed when I walked in. "Bella, why are you doing this to me?"
"Why are you doing this to me? I can't live with myself if I take away everything for you when you have a choice." I tried to explain to him.
He looked up at me with anger and sadness in his eyes. "A baby is not a choice. You can't choose to be a father or not. Even if I were to walk away from this I would still be the father and I would always know that I have a baby out there somewhere. That's not who I am, Bella. Besides that, I want to do this. I want to be in our baby's life, with you." He grabbed my hand and pulled me into his lap and rested his head on my chest and put his hand on my flat belly.
"Edward—"
"Bella," he interrupted. "I can still go to school. I can't believe that is your reasoning for me to forget about you. That's the stupidest reason I've ever heard. Love, I can go to college and take care of you emotionally and financially. Do you not trust that?"
"I don't need you to take care of me." I argued. I could tell that I was losing this argument.
"Well the baby does. Do you really want our child to grow up fatherless? Is that what you would've wanted for yourself?" He turned it around on me leaving me with no argument.
"I guess not." I gave in. I looked down at him and he smiled up at me smugly. He knows he won.
"Exactly. So it's settled then. I will raise this baby with you. We will do it together and there will be no more arguments." He stated with a nod of his head. He laughed up at my pained expression. "What, do you not want me around that bad?"
"No, that's not it. You know I always want you around but everything is just so complicated now. I mean, what do we do now?" I asked in a helpless tone.
"Well, first we go tell our parents and then we set you up an appointment with my dad. Too bad I'm not a doctor all ready. I would love to be able to do this for you." He said in a dreamy state.
"Ew. I would rather not." I cringed.
"Why not?" He asked surprised. I looked at him like he was the crazy one now.
"Because, you would never look at me again—well down there anyway." I muttered, blushing.
He smiled mischievously. "Are you planning on letting me down there again or something?"
"Well, you know, pregnant women and their hormones—they crazy. And, guys have needs too. But I'm not suggesting—"
"Bella, I would love to help you out in any way you need as long as you're okay with me getting some thrill from it too. I'd rather you do those things with me since we are having a baby. I don't think other guys really like to have sex with pregnant girls anyway unless they're the father." He said with a laugh.
"Of course you could get some thrill. I wouldn't want to be the only one. And you're probably right. Jake didn't seem too happy about this situation." I stated with a sigh. I hope I didn't completely lose him.
"Was it just me or did he seem disappointed about not being the father?" He asked, disbelief coloring his tone.
"No, it wasn't just you." I assured him.
"Hey, look at me." He ordered. I did. He was smiling sweetly at me and then he pressed his lips to mine. "Bella, you have made me happier than I could ever possibly be. We're going to be great parents." He kissed me again. I eagerly kissed him back. I tilted my head to deepen the kiss and ran my fingers through his messy hair.
"Uh, sorry to interrupt," Carlisle started in my doorway. I jumped off of Edward and moved over to my desk. "I didn't mean to frighten you but can I assume that kiss meant that I'm going to be delivering and spoiling my first grandchild?" He asked with a laugh. His face was very hopeful; it made my heart sell.
I laughed. "Yes, Carlisle, everything is fine now—as long as Edward still goes to school to become a doctor." I shot Edward a pointed look. He smiled brightly and nodded his head at me. I smiled in return.
"This is wonderful. Well, let's go downstairs." Carlisle told us.
We walked down to Charlie and Esme waiting for us. They looked up at us hopefully. "Everything is under control. I have talked some sense into her and we're going to be doing this together." Edward assured them. Esme let out a breath she was holding.
"Oh this is amazing. Welcome to the family, Bella. I can't believe I'm going to be a grandma!" Esme announced enthusiastically coming over to hug me. I hugged her back and laughed.
"Thank you." I told her and Carlisle.
"Okay, Bella, we need to get down to business." Carlisle stated with a smile and he went on to ask me questions about what I've found out so far. Edward disappeared with Charlie and Esme into the kitchen.
"Hey, Bella, can I have a copy of this?" Edward asked while staring at our little thumper's heartbeat on the picture.
"Yes, Edward, you can. The other copy is on top of the fridge in the brown envelope." I directed him.
"Thank you, love." He turned back toward the kitchen and Carlisle started where he left off.
Everything was set up after that day. Edward stayed with me throughout the weekend—he slept on the couch, though. I had an appointment with Carlisle the following Monday after school.
School. What a drag. I don't know how I'm going to deal with all the upcoming bullshit, but I have Edward by my side to help me through it. I'm so glad he talked me out of pushing him away. I wouldn't be able to do this without him and I can already tell that he is going to make such an amazing father.
Please please please comment. This is a big change in Bella's life for her, Edward, and Jacob to a certain extent so let me know what you think. Do you think Jacob with ever forgive Bella and Edward or will he never speak to them again what's your opinion?