Disclaimer: I do not own anything except the plot.
This chapter is all me, so just ignore any/all mistakes you encounter.
Thanks for reading! ;)
CHAPTER THIRTY
EPOV
My eyes were glued on the TV screen, watching intently as the male broadcaster of CNN relayed the news of Aro's arrest. An international male correspondent then started speaking, showing the clip of the said arrest. Aro with his lawyers were making their way out of what I assumed was his house, which was now surrounded by what seemed to be more than twenty police cars. The camera then zoomed in to show him all handcuffed, but his face was calm and unreadable as he was ushered inside one of the cars.
"Mr. Volturi and his camp had yet to comment on the allegations of Caius, a previous member of the Volturi unit, and a star witness for the prosecution against Aro for various illegal activities such as running an extortion racket to murdering an associate."
"Details are sketchy at the moment, but sources say Caius is under police protection and would surface only when trail would start."
"The EBI are working together with the American FBI to come up with proof of illegal activities Aro Volturi has in the United States…" the anchor continued, but I tuned him out. I had heard enough to satisfy me.
Just when I thought nothing would shock me, this did. Not that I was saying I wasn't any less happy this happened to Aro. He was a friend of my father's, not mine. If only I didn't know he had something planned for Bella and me I might have felt some fucking remorse for what one of his closest confidante did to him. Somebody squealing on you was one of the worst things that could happen in this business. Aro being detained and awaiting trial would take some time, and I grinned. This was some kind of very good development for me.
This changes everything, but in the best fucking way.
The way we left things between us –Aro and I – back in Cannes made me wary of the possibilities. I had talked with both Carlisle and Jasper and discussed with them my suspicion about Aro and his motives for bringing me to France, and it was agreed between the three of us that Aro was definitely onto something – something we couldn't act upon drastically just yet. My impatience brought me to the decision of sending Aro a fucking warning. I had initially planned to send him a package - a rose and a bullet – to fuck with him, to make him back off, hoping he would be rattled enough to postpone whatever it was he planned for me or my Bella.
This shit that happened to Aro was better than anything I had planned for him. This would indefinitely postpone, if not halt, his intentions towards my wife and me.
My phone rang, and I picked it up, not checking the caller ID. I knew it was Jasper.
"Did you fucking see the news?" he asked breathless, as if he went running.
"Yes," I answered.
"That's fucked up…what happened to Aro."
"Yeah, I know. But I wouldn't say I'm not fucking happy about this; whatever happened between him and this fucking Caius is a blessing to us."
"This would be ugly for him."
"I want it to be ugly for him…and even for this case to drag for as long as it takes. I want him in jail, just because he's a fucking threat to Bella."
"Well, you know that'll happen. I just hope this Caius guy would live long enough to stand trial. You know what happens to a snitch. Aro is a motherfucking bastard, and I wouldn't be surprised if that asshole James would make sure his Boss won't step inside a court house."
"I think it's safe to say I'm relieved I wouldn't have to worry about him for as long as he's in trial. But make sure you are on top of this, Jasper. Aro can still send someone else to take care of the job if he wanted to."
"Yes, I already fucking did. I already informed Vicky to go to Italy. She'll be there early tomorrow morning the least."
"Make sure to inform me once she has all the deets."
"Of fucking course. She'll most likely be calling you soon. You know Vicks, she's as loyal as anybody could get."
"I know," I answered, never doubting Victoria's loyalty to me. "I need to go over some things with you, J. Meet me here in Bella Italia in thirty,"
"Okay, I'll be there," he said before he hang up.
I contemplated informing Bella about Aro, and decided to tell her tonight. When I left her this morning she was still asleep. I was sure by now she was again hovering over Rose. I was becoming bitter that she was spending less time with me because almost all her free time was spent with her best friend.
I hope Emmett would come and take his wife back to Seattle. I needed mine back.
I was a jealous motherfucker, I know. Sue me.
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BPOV
My hands were shaking, as I looked down, almost fainting as I saw the positive marker – two red lines – on the stick.
Oh my God! This can't be happening!
Afraid that my legs wouldn't hold me any longer, I sat on the toilet seat and put my head on my hands.
It was then the tears started to fall down. When I thought everything was settled down, this should happen. Edward specifically told me he wasn't ready for a baby yet, and I agreed. I knew I wasn't ready to be a mother, not any time soon. What was I going to do with this baby inside me? I couldn't just get rid of it and forget about it. Edward would be pissed…I was sure of that. His reaction was something I didn't want to see.
My head started to ache and my nose was stuffed. I didn't want anybody to hear me cry. It was a good thing Edward was out early, or he would see me losing my shit here.
I slowly stood up and splashed water on my face, hoping the cold would clear my mind. My eyes were blotchy; there was no denying that I cried. Sniffling, I straightened my hair and tried to act as if everything was all right, even though I had a very bad feeling about this.
Rosalie calling my name made me jump from where I was standing staring at my reflection. I didn't want her to see me like this, so I splashed water again on my face, hoping the redness would disappear.
"Bella?" Rose asked just as I finished fixing myself and was just barely out of the bathroom.
"Hey," I said and gave her a smile, hoping she wouldn't sense something was wrong. I moved towards her, and willed the not so good thoughts out of my mind. I would deal with all this later.
Rose was looking more herself now; she was wearing tight fitting jeans and a very sexy top, her standard casual outfit. This trip was really good for her. She needed time away from Seattle…what with all the bad shit that happened recently to her and Em. I was glad she agreed to come here.
"I was wondering if I could go with Angela to the hotel," she said softly. "I'm kinda bored outta my mind here, you know."
That information perked me up a little. "That's good to hear, sweetie," I said, trying to put as much enthusiasm into my words. Apparently it wasn't enough, because she suddenly looked concerned.
"Hey, are you all right?"
I gave her a smile, and nodded. She searched my face, looking for something. I knew she didn't believe me, but she just dropped it. I was relieved when she sat down on the couch near our bed. I wasn't ready to tell anyone about the pregnancy yet.
"When are you going?" I asked, plopping down beside her on the couch.
"Right after I finish talking to you. Angela's waiting for me outside, actually. Do you want to go with us?" she asked, her lips pursing and her dimples showing.
"Seth looks bored out of his mind, and I bet my ass he wants to go out again sometime during this century," she teased.
I had been cooped inside our penthouse suite for a few days now, and that meant Seth had been here with me all that time. When I suspected I was pregnant I got so scared, opting to stay inside the bedroom in the fear someone would notice. I know I was paranoid. A few minutes out to the pharmacy this morning for that pregnancy kit was not enough to satisfy his boredom. Edward wanted him with me, so even when I suggested he went outside to chill for even a few hours he declined. I wasn't in the mood to go out. My fear of what was in store for Edward, this baby and me was scaring me.
What if Masen would hate me?
I shook my head, afraid even to think about it.
"Bella?" Rose asked concerned. "You look pale…and I dunno, girl. Are you really sure you're alright?"
"Yes, I just have a headache. I'll just stay here and rest. I'm sure it'll be gone when you return," I answered, smiling to cover my nervousness. "I'll call Alice so she can visit you in the hotel. Maybe the two of you can go shopping after."
I could see the excitement in her eyes. It had been a while since she went to the mall and splurged. She and Alice weren't close, and this time alone with each other would give them the opportunity to remedy that. They could bond over their favorite past time. Besides, it was high time for both of them to have some girl time, even if I was absent. It would be a good practice to get them together from time to time since they were both my family.
My head was throbbing yet again, so I slowly made my way to the bed. I lied down, hoping she would leave soon. I didn't want her to suspect anything, especially since I wasn't sure what her reaction to my pregnancy would be after her miscarriage.
It seemed she had followed me and was laying down beside me on the bed, reaching her hand out to mine. We stayed like that for a few minutes, staring at the ceiling, just like old times – when we were still in Seattle…when all we knew was to shop and party…when I wasn't married to Edward yet.
"Ro, you better go. It'll be better for you to just leave me," I whispered. I felt her shift, and I turned to see that she was now facing me, smiling.
"Ok, Bella. You call me if there's something you want to do today," she insisted, clearly not satisfied with my reasons, reminding me of the old stubborn Rose. I smiled genuinely, knowing she was getting better as the days passed.
Emmett came to visit a few days ago, but went home yesterday. She was sad to see my brother go, but was not yet prepared to leave here. She planned to stay for a few more weeks; confiding in me that she was scared to go back to Seattle because of all the memories of the baby that would surely haunt her. She was building up her courage so she would be ready when the time came for her to return.
She didn't admit it, but she missed Emmett and their home. She just needed to be better for everyone, and I understood that. It hadn't escaped my notice, though, that Edward wasn't too thrilled about Rose's extended visit, but I just ignored it. My husband was one possessive man.
Shit, talking about being possessive. He would kill me!
The baby. I didn't want to think about all it now. I had my eyes closed, and all I heard was the closing of our door to tell me Rose had left me all alone with my thoughts and my worries.
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EPOV
The door closed after Jasper. We came back about half an hour ago from the restaurant to get some documents for a place I needed Jasper to check on.
We had a few drinks, celebrating the good news we had today…especially that of Aro. I even still had a glass of scotch in my hand, swirling the glass as I stared at the content.
I grinned. This was one of those days…good days.
I didn't know that only a few minutes after I said that, my life would never fucking be the same again.
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BPOV
Edward was in his office, doing God knows what. Jasper had just left. I knew because I heard him saying goodbye to Seth in the living room.
My heart was pounding rapidly against my chest. I was scared; there was no doubt about it. Procrastinating was never a good idea, even though that was my initial option, so here I was outside his office door in our apartment. Taking a long, deep breath, I pushed the big door open, and slowly crept inside.
He raised his head when he heard me, and gave me a smile. He leaned back in his seat and motioned for me to sit on his lap. I shook my head, and slowly sat on the opposite chair from where he sat. He raised his eyebrow in question; I rarely said no to him when he wanted to cuddle so this would have come as a surprise to him. His puzzled expression sent another jolt of fear through me, but I pushed it away. I needed to tell him. My palms were sweaty so I started wringing my hands together. I could see his eyes on my hands, and I knew I was being so fucking obvious.
"Babygirl?" he asked. "Are you okay?"
He quickly stood up and was kneeling in front of me, staring me in the eyes. I felt the lump in my throat, and I started to tear up. I shook my head frantically, as if trying to deny this was happening. He looked at me with concern, but didn't say anything, just waiting for me. I was acting like a crazy person, but thankfully he just tried to soothe me.
This wouldn't last long…his calmness. Once I would open my mouth, there was no going back.
"Bella, tell me what's the problem. Why are you crying?" he asked, reaching his thumb to wipe away the tears that streaked my face.
"Oh my God, Mase. I'm so sorry!" I pleaded. He looked surprised, but masked it away. He was used to me being a bitch, and maybe he was thinking I did something so trivial this time that might tick him off. If only.
"Baby, it's all right. Whatever it is, we can talk about it. I promise," he urged.
That made my heart stop, and I dared to hope. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe he was willing to start a family now. Maybe he would accept this baby, even if it wasn't the best of times right now.
"I'mpregnant," I mumbled, trying to get it out as quickly as I could.
"What? I can't understand you, babygirl," he whispered. He was rubbing my arms softly, and it felt so good. It would be better if I got this over and done with, and hopefully, Edward was still smiling at the end of it.
"I'M PREGNANT!" I yelled.
I felt him tense, and it was that time that I knew. I knew he wasn't ready.
He backed away, his face blank. I could see the anger in his eyes, and I started to open my mouth to explain. We stared at each for God knows how long. I was waiting for him to comfort me, but he didn't. He was fucking pissed.
"Please, please…Mase. I didn't intend to…" I started saying, moving towards him but the murderous looks he was giving me stopped me in my tracks.
I needed to let him understand. "I wasn't trying to-"
"Shut up! I want you to fucking shut up!" he shouted, and all I could do was stare at him. My eyes were wet with tears. He was so furious, and even though I knew he would be, it was still a shock to see him act like this.
My chest hurt so much. I stood immobile, wishing this wasn't really happening. This Edward was scaring me; I had never seen him this angry at me before. His nostrils were flaring, and he had his hands clenched at his side.
"I told you I wasn't ready for a fucking baby!"
"I didn't mean to become pregnant!"
"Then why are you fucking pregnant then?" he spat. He was callous about it…as if my baby was just something I did on my own.
"You're an asshole!"
"Yeah baby, tell me something I don't know yet." If his glare could melt me, I would have been a puddle of liquid on the floor. "Why the hell are you fucking pregnant, Isabella?"
His tone was angering me, and I didn't care if this would be the end of us. I wouldn't allow him to put all this blame on me.
"If I remember right, I wasn't the only one doing the fucking deed. You were there asshole, so don't blame it on me!"
If it was even possible, he became even angrier by my words. I saw him step forward; his face was so scary that I stepped back. I saw him falter when he heard my gasp, and his angry eyes searched mine before he quickly turned around to exit the room.
Oh my God!
I couldn't believe what just happened. My knees were shaking so badly; I sat down on the carpeted floor and sobbed.
No…no!
This couldn't be happening. He loved me. He told me he loved me. This was our baby; he should love it, too.
I bawled my eyes out knowing this might be the beginning of our end.
I know, I know...Edward is an ass! He already said he didn't want a baby yet, so his reaction shouldn't have come as a surprise to you.
I might post another chapter before the epilogue, just because I want to. Do you want that also?
Review and tell me your thoughts.
P.S I have a new story in the works. I'll be posting it when I have a few chapters written, so put me on author alert if you want to.
