a/n: hello readers and reviewers. I am sooo very sorry for not updating any of my stories in forever, but high school has been getting harder and I barely had any time to write. Trust me, I really wanted to, but my grades are kinda important to me, so I focused on school and not so much on fanfiction. Again, I'm sorry. Please forgive me for making you wait forever for this chapter. To make up for it, this chapter is one of the longest ones I have written so far for this story. I hope this makes up for not updating since around October.
Now, I have several things to address. The first being I now have a new beta!‼! Her name is BeingDazzledByEdward and she is the best beta in the history of all betas. I owe this error-free chapter to her. Thanks, hun‼
The second order of business is the poll I had posted on my author page about what Bella and Edward's child should look like. The poll is now over and off my profile. I will announce the winner in the author note before the next chapter! Thank you to everyone who voted! The poll was very close!
The last is I may not update for a few more week, depending on my homework load, school work, grades, etc. However, I do have winter break coming up in the next few weeks, and I promise to get BUCKETS FULL of writing done during my vacation! Thanks!
So, right now I have 287 reviews right now, and I would really really really like 315-320 reviews before the next chapter. Thanks again guys. You all rock.
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This chapter is dedicated to my wonderful, amazing, perfect, not-stalker-ish, Edward Cullen obsessed, funny, great, crazy (in the good way of course), bestest buddy/friend/pal/writer/reviewer/beta/amazing person in the history of the universe…..BeingDazzledByEdward. I love you to bits, hun. Thanks again. This chapter's for you‼
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His Gift
Chapter 13: A Little Thing Called Love
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Bella POV
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I opened my eyes slowly, instantly raising my hand to block out the piercing sun streaming in from the open window on the northern wall of the small room. I was in a bed, covered with what seemed about a hundred blankets. It felt like it was a thousand degrees under those covers. And I felt different. I felt…confused. I felt…sick.
I bolted out of the bed and sprinted out of the room as fast my legs would let me. My hand covered my mouth and I wildly ran down the small hallway, looking for that one little room. Thank God I found it in time. I nearly slipped on my way into the bathroom, slamming the door behind me and expelling last night's dinner into the toilet.
I moaned, sat up, and wiped my mouth on the back of my hand. I vigorously brushed my teeth to rid my mouth of that foul taste and drained at least three cups of water before I sluggishly trudged out of the small bathroom and down the hall towards the little bedroom I had been sleeping in not moments ago.
However, the clattering and clanging in the kitchen caught my attention. I changed my course and walked slowly towards the small kitchen in the center of the little house.
The scene in the kitchen made me laugh aloud. An innocent-looking blender was perched on the counter, running as fast as it could with the lid was off, making all of the blender's contents spray across the kitchen. There was yellow stuff on the floor, walls, counters, and it was even dripping from spots of the ceiling.
And, in the middle of it all, was Jake, a mixing bowl resting on his head like a hat while he was holding a wooden spoon and a large mixing bowl like a sword and shield. He was wildly waving the spoon back and forth in front of him in a random pattern, as if trying to fight off the yellow stuff flying in all directions. The large, metal, mixing bowl in Jake's other hand was covering face like a shield, but the bowl wasn't blocking any of the yellow stuff flying towards Jake.
I clattered to the floor, clutching my sides and laughing so hard I felt I could barely breathe. Jake spun around, saw me, and walked up to the blender to turn it off. He did so and then walked back to me, leaving yellow-footprints on the hard wood floors.
"You okay, Bells?" Jake was worried. He extended his hand to me. I let him pull me up but cringed when he got a smear of yellow on my hand. "Err, sorry." Jake mumbled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head with his hand.
"It's fine." I giggled.
"How about your…um…morning sickness?" He asked quietly, shuffling his feet on the floor. I could tell he didn't feel too comfortable about this situation.
"Fine. I guess." I shrugged. I felt sick. Wasn't that how I was supposed to feel when I had morning sickness?
Jake didn't reply immediately. He slowly turned around and sighed.
"Well, I was going to make you pancakes…but the blender open fired…" he let the sentence drop as I burst into laughter once again.
"Well...With your battle skills, I'd say it's a good thing you'll never have to go to war Jacob." I giggled once more.
"From the looks of this place," I gestured to the mess around me. "It looks to me like the blender was winning." He scowled, but quickly sobered up with a smile on his face.
"Do you still want the pancakes? I can make more." Amused, I shook my head.
"That's fine Jacob. I don't want Billy to go off on you--." I paused. Now that the bout of nausea was beginning to fade, I was experiencing the weirdest sensation. And it all revolved around pancakes. I felt like I simply could not go on, or have a good day, if I didn't have any of the sweet treats soon. Hmmm. I didn't think cravings were supposed to come this soon. I mean, I don't know anything about pregnancy, but it just didn't seem normal. Normal. I laughed out loud. What was normal about having the offspring of a vampire?
"Do you think we can stop at Emily's? Maybe she can fix some of her pancakes. Do you think it'd be too much to ask? I don't want to anger her, or take advantage."
Jacob shook his head, a small smile on his face.
"I'm sure she won't mind Bells...However, do you mind waiting a minute for me to clean this up? As you mentioned earlier, I don't anticipate Billy's reaction if I were to leave the house like this."
I bit my lip. Then, shook my head. I was hungry, but I supposed it could wait. He gave a relieved smile and took his shoes off before placing them on the counter. I took a seat and watched him rinse his shoes off. He mopped and cleaned for a good half hour. He finished, finally, and straightened up to survey his work. A heavy sigh escaped me by accident. I quickly covered my mouth with my hand and silently apologized with my eyes.
"Sorry for the wait Bells. I don't suppose you'd let me rinse this gunk out of my hair before we leave huh?" I motioned with my hand, a blush lighting up my face because of my rudeness.
"It's fine Jake. Go on." He hesitated, a torn expression on his face. I shoo'd him once more. He left with a final glance back at me. I didn't need to leave so soon. I couldn't be that selfish. But now... It seemed that my baby realized it was going to get what it wanted soon, and the craving kicked into overdrive. Suddenly, all I could think of were those pancakes: their smooth texture; the creamy, buttery taste; the warm and melted butter sliding down the bread. I imagined myself picking up a forkfull and placing it in my mouth.
My tongue caressed the imaginary morsel. I could feel the butter making its way down my throat, leaving a slippery, hot trail. My mouth dropped open, and I drooled over the image. It was too much. I couldn't wait!!!!
My eyes rolled gently back as I tried to satisfy the want until we got to Emily's. A panicked cry broke me out of my reverie.
"BELLA!!!" Jacob ran to my side. He gently hit me on my face. A small whack that barely tickled me. I turned my head toward him and narrowed my eyes.
"What?!" He had interrupted my breakfast fantasy. Someone was going to get burned if I didn't get those pancakes. Now!!!!
He flinched away. I instantly apologized.
"S'ok Bells. Let's go get some food in ya huh?"
"Pancakes, Jake!!" He laughed lightly.
"I know, I know. Pancakes. A whole stack." I started bouncing in my chair. I knew I was being very childish, but damnit, I wanted those pancakes!!! He grabbed out jackets and helped me into mine. I grabbed the keys and raced out the door. But before I could put the key into the ignition, Jacob reached over and yanked the keys. I stared incredulously.
"What kind of father would I be if I let the pregnant mom-to-be drive? Hmm?" I sighed and switched seats with him. He started the car smoothly and backed out of the small driveway. The ride was very quick, and pretty soon we arrived. I jumped out of the car with an agile leap. What the heck?? Since when am I agile? I shrugged and raced to the door.
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As Jake had predicted, Emily didn't mind at all. She had only watched me shovel the food in at high speeds, all the while standing there with a small smirk on her face.
I 'Reminded her of the boys after patrol'. After the breakfast, Jacob and I sat in the truck for a while. We were supposed to go over to Charlie's house to pick up my things. I couldn't bring myself to let him turn the key yet. I didn't want to face my father just yet. Getting my stuff would only make it real. My father, who was supposed to always be there, had kicked me out because of one bad judgment. Most of all, I couldn't believe he had told, no ordered, me to get an abortion. I couldn't stomach the thought of killing another human being. Especially Edward's, try as I might, to hate him. This baby is a miracle, mine and Edward's. He probably would have stayed if he had known.
But... I couldn't badger myself with the agonizing what-if's. What happens, happens. I'll just have to make the most of it.
I nodded to Jacob, and he started the engine. We rode down the highway, the engine roaring against the otherwise silent morning background. Too soon...We were there. The white house stared down at me. Leering with the fact my father was in there. I didn't think I could face this. I got ready to bolt.
Then, Jacob grabbed my arm and shook his head. I relaxed somewhat then. For now, Jake was all I had, and I had to trust in him.
Even if he did abandon me last time, I thought dryly. I cleared my head of those thoughts and slowly lowered myself out of the car. I gently closed the door and stepped forward. I'd face him, and without backing down.
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It took all of my courage just to walk up the front stoop to the door of Charlie's house. And It took even more courage not to bolt as soon as I did. Jake kept a firm hand on my shoulder as if he expected me to make a mad dash for the car.
Knowing myself, I thought, I would trip on my run to the car and break my spine.
I laughed out loud at the thought. Jake sent me a curious look but shrugged, mumbling something about 'weird pregnancy side-effects'.
"Oh, hello Bella. Jake." Charlie said as he opened the door to see us, "I wasn't expecting you two."
I swallowed loudly before starting, "Well, I just dropped by to pick up my clothes and stuff. I was going to come get the bigger things after I get an apartment or a house." I explained quietly.
Charlie sighed and shrugged, holding the door open for us to walk inside the house I once called my home. The house looked almost exactly the same as when I had left it twenty-four-ish hours ago, except the fact that the house was a little dirtier and dirty dishes were piled up in the sink. I sighed quietly and trudged up the stairs to my old bedroom, Jake following me, silent for once. I guess he finally understood the gravity of this situation.
My bedroom was a mirror image of how I left it, meaning that Charlie hadn't been searching through my things like I thought he would. I thought he would want to keep some secret picture of me or something. I was hoping that he was lying when he told me that he wanted me and my unborn child to die, but I guess I was wrong. I guess he really didn't love me anymore. It's a shame because I'm sure he would have loved to be a grandfather to a little green-eyed, bronze-haired child.
"What do you want me to pack up, Bells?" Jake asked after a few minutes. It took me a second to realize I had been standing and staring blankly into space for the past several minutes. I composed myself and answered.
"How about you pack up the stuff on my desk into that purple bag," I pointed the medium-sized duffle bag lying in the corner of the room from when I moved here from my mom's house in Phoenix. I never thought I would be packing up so soon after I just got here.
Jake nodded and walked across the room to retrieve the bag and start packing. I walked over to my closet, grabbing another duffle bag and mindlessly shoving in my clothes all willy-nilly like.
We packed in silence for a few minutes because there wasn't really anything to talk about. This situation is just so crazy, that I guess neither Jake nor I decided it was the right time to bring up some pointless conversation. I had already packed most of my shirts and pants, along with the very few shorts and skirts I had kept when I first moved here—my lost hope that, one day, it might be warm enough to wear them here.
Yeah right, I thought to myself, almost laughing out loud.
I was in the middle of packing up my underwear drawer when I saw them. In the far back corner of the drawer, under several socks, were the three pregnancy tests I had taken a few days earlier. Time froze as I simply stared at them, not moving any more. The tests looked exactly like I they had when I shoved them in the drawer in my half-shocked half-devastated state earlier that week. The white plastic sent off a vibe of 'hey, sucks that you have to take this, huh?' while the blaring red POSITIVE on each test momentarily blinded me, leaving me to blink several times to re-gain my thoughts.
Jake seemed to notice my statue-like state, finally, and he hurried across the room to comfort me, as expected of him.
"Bella? Are you okay? What's wrong?" He seemed to be asking a thousand questions every second, the words spilling out of his mouth and an unbelievable speed.
I blinked, trying to pull myself out of my frozen state, "Huh?"
"Are you okay?" Jake asked again, slightly slower this time, but the urgency was still making his voice race.
"I…I…" I took a second to think of the best thing to say to explain this feeling to Jake, but I couldn't come up with anything that summed it all up. I shrugged and sighed, starting my sentence over again, "I…I guess I'm not as adapted to the idea as I thought I was."
Jake looked confused, his eyebrows scrunching together and a confused look forming in his eyes. I pointed to the pregnancy tests in the drawer.
"Oh," was all Jake said at the sight of the tests.
"What's wrong?" Jake asked again after a few seconds had past. He grabbed my shoulders and spun me to face him, his face searching mine for clues to my feelings and thoughts. He would never understand what I am feeling.
"I…I'm scared, Jake." I mumbled, blinking back tears I knew were threatening to fall down my pale cheeks.
"Oh, Bells." Jake soothed, "You know everything will be okay."
"No." I disagreed, shaking my head. There were a thousand things that could go wrong.
"Nothing is going to happen." Jake tried again.
"But, what if something happens to me or the baby?" I anxiously asked, gripping his arms and trying to shake an answer out of him.
"Whatever happens, happens." Jake sighed.
"What?" He had thrown me off guard for a second. Just a second ago he was all 'be positive, Bella' and everything. What had happened in those few fractions of a second?
"I guess we'll never know what will happen, except that it will happen sooner or later and we should just live in the present." Jake tried to explain. To me, his words went in one ear and out the other. I had no idea what he was trying to explain to me.
"You know, Jake, you might not want to pursue a career in Life Coaching because you really do suck at it." I teased, a smile breaking out onto my face.
Jake smiled too, "Are you all done packing? I've finished already." He motioned to the purple duffle bag sitting on the purple comforter of my purple-sheeted bed.
"I've always hated purple." I sighed, getting off track.
Jake blinked, the confused look back in his eyes, "What?"
"When I first moved into this house, Charlie had purple bedding picked out for me from the store. I hate purple. I always have ever since I was a little girl. It just kinda shows how little I got to know him, that's all." I sighed, "I'm ready to go now, Jake."
Jake and I thudded down the stairs, Jake's arms filled with the duffle bags. Mine were empty because Jake thought that a 'pregnant woman shouldn't do a man's work'. I'm pretty sure he's using this pregnancy against me.
We entered the living room to see Charlie perched on the large arm chair, a baseball game playing loudly on the TV on the other side of the room. I motioned for Jake to stop and I approached Charlie. He didn't see me coming, his eyes glued to the TV screen. I snuck up behind him, knelt down, and wrapped my arms around his shoulders in a large hug. Charlie jumped in surprise but didn't react to the fact that I was hugging him.
I sighed quietly and whispered in his ear, "No matter what, I will always love you, Dad."
I stood, brushed myself off, and walked towards the door. Jake was holding the front door open for me, the duffle bags still in his arms. I walked out of the house, knowing I wouldn't be back in there for a while. The thought rippled through me. The tears that had been threatening to fall ever since I arrived finally blinked down my pale cheeks, off my chin, and towards the ground. They were dying. Just like my hope. The hope that maybe, just maybe, not everyone I loved would leave me eventually. The hope was dying.