Flabbergasted Phenomenon
Summary: "This is the most unique situation I have ever heard of with a human and a vampire," was what Carlisle said, but all I could think was, "I'm going to have a baby."
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, New Moon, or Eclipse. I just own the scenarios where I thrust my favorite vampire and his family and the love of his life! Yay for me!
Chapter Eight: There Can Be Miracles
I yawned and stretched my arms over my head, waking up for the first time in a long time, fully rested. At the moment I was hungry. I tucked my head between Edward's shoulder and neck and sighed. He kissed my forehead, brushing his fingers against my cheek. "What do you want for breakfast this morning, love?"
I shrugged my shoulders. "Cereal is okay." I made to get out of bed, but Edward gently pressed on my shoulders.
"Stay, I'll bring you breakfast."
I huffed and shook my head. "I'm not an invalid Edward; I can get my own breakfast!" I sat up and carefully got out of bed, walking to the closet. "Just let me have a human moment, and then I'll be downstairs. You can get a head start."
Edward sighed in resignation, but waited for me to get clothes and safely get into the bathroom before he made his way down the stairs. I stared at my reflection in the mirror and smiled. At least I looked healthy. Edward has no reason to worry over me. I would understand if I was just skin and bones or something—I paused for a second. I am not necessarily healthy. I'm just too thin. A deep frown covered my features. At least I am not going to topple over any second!
My hair was still damp from my shower the night before, so I brushed it out and let it down. I quickly changed from my pajamas and into a pair of jeans and a royal blue sweater. I brushed my teeth quickly and then I carried my clothes back to Edward's bedroom and put them in the laundry hamper that Esme so nicely provided for me, and went downstairs.
The house was a little colder than normal and I had to rub my arms to keep myself warm. I walked to the table, yelping as my bare feet met the floor, and I skipped to the table, bringing my feet to the edge of the chair. Edward heard my cry and peered at me.
"What is wrong?"
"The house," I looked around for a second. "It's freezing."
Edward looked at me quizzically. "Isn't it always? I've never noticed."
"Colder than usual. Do you have a furnace?"
"I'll have Rosalie check it. I actually didn't hear it running. Maybe that was the noise that I was missing."
Edward went back into his kitchen and came back out with a bowl of cereal. He gave it to me and I ate it while he looked for Rosalie. While I ate, I thought about my weight. Do I look malnourished? I thought about asking Edward, but he surprised all thought from me when he sat down beside me, causing my heart to skip a beat. Edward nuzzled my neck, laughing quietly. "Esme said she'd check it out when we leave."
I nodded my head, my mouth full. I continued to eat silently, and Edward watched me, no doubt wondering what I was thinking. I don't think he would have been surprised about my thoughts, he was probably thinking the same thing, roughly.
When I finished my cereal and slurped away my milk, Edward carried my bowl away and I was thankful for that. When he returned he had the slippers that Angela gave me. I still haven't gotten around to buying a new pair of tennis shoes. I put on my slippers and got up, a little relieved that my feet weren't in contact with the wooden floors. I followed Edward as he walked outside and held the door open for me. I smiled at him and we walked together to his Volvo.
"Charlie's going to be surprised, you know."
"I know. I'm trying to decide if I should tell him that I'm expecting or not."
Edward didn't reply at first. He fiddled with the heat in the car, making sure the windows were rolled up and taken care of. Then he looked up at me. "It's your decision Bella. I'll be beside you every step of the way; you won't have to do this alone."
My heart stopped all together for a second, and then tears began welling up in my eyes. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him, pulling him over the middle console. "I love you," I whispered breathlessly as I pulled away. Edward pecked me lightly, cupping my cheek in his hand.
"I love you."
When I was warm enough, Edward made his way away from the Cullen home. I knew that he had a need for speed and couldn't help himself in the car, but this morning, he was going at a safer speed of ninety miles per hour; knowing that he at least attempted to retain the need for my benefit made me feel a little better.
We rode to Charlie's silently. Edward wasn't even listening to music. As we neared closer to his house, I began to feel a little nervous. Charlie would be pleased that we decided to stay in Forks, but he would also be curious as to why we're staying. Should I tell him that I didn't want to leave or that I was going to have a baby?
Edward and I both decided that it would be a lot less stressful if I stayed in Forks instead of making a huge move, leaving everything I knew behind. Starting over with new neighbors, surroundings, and friends would be like my move from Arizona to Forks, nerve wracking.
"I'm surprised he didn't go fishing today."
Edward startled me from my silence, and I looked around, realizing we were sitting in the driveway to my old home. I didn't respond to Edward's latest comment. Sunday's were always fishing days for Charlie.
I got out of the car without waiting for Edward, but that didn't matter much. He followed behind me, reaching for my hand. I slowed my walk and we went to the front door together. I stood there a moment. "Should I knock?" I wondered aloud. After another second I knocked, and then opened the door.
"Dad?"
"Bella?"
I walked in and saw Charlie leave the kitchen in a paint covered t-shirt and jeans. Behind him, I recognized the cabinets, except they weren't bright yellow anymore. They were dark blue, matching the new blue curtains that hung in the window. "You're remodeling?" I asked in awe.
"Yeah, I thought the house could use a little change."
I couldn't breathe. I needed to sit down. Charlie was actually changing the colors that Renée, my mother, painted on the cabinets! I put a hand over my heart and walked into the living room. Living in Forks is going to cause me to develop a heart condition. I sat down heavily on the couch and put my head between my knees. There are so many changes going on in my life!
"Is she going to be all right? Was it something I said?"
Edward crouched down in front of me, lifting up my chin. He obviously didn't understand this huge step Charlie just made in the divorce, about nineteen years too late, but still. Edward has never had to deal with divorce, including his real parents. But Charlie…is he finally getting over Renée? I could have jumped for joy if I wasn't so shocked.
"Bella? Are you breathing?"
"Fine!" I squeaked, sitting up suddenly. I smiled at Edward and Charlie, just to reassure them. "Perfectly fine."
Charlie leaned against the wall as Edward stood and sat down beside me, holding my hand. "What brings you here this morning?"
For a split second, I didn't know what to say, and then I smiled a little nervously. "Edward and I made a big decision yesterday. Why don't you have a seat?" Charlie moved to the chair and sat down slowly, watching both Edward and I carefully. Edward squeezed my hand in encouragement and kissed my cheek.
"What decision did you make?" Charlie spoke slowly, enunciating every word carefully. I couldn't bear to know what he was thinking, but the small smile that was playing on Edward's lips told me that it wasn't something bad, but Edward found a lot of things funny…
With a huge breath, I said, "We decided we're going to stay in Forks and attend Peninsula Community College."
Charlie's first response was, "Oh…really?" and a brief look of relief and happiness crossed his face before being replaced with a look of curiosity. I tried not to laugh at the flicker of emotions crossing his face, and I looked away from him for a second, and I had to do a double take at the wall to make sure my eyes weren't deceiving me.
"Oh," I breathed.
"Why?" Charlie asked.
I was too distracted to answer his question. My eyes were glued to the pictures on the wall. He still kept up the school pictures of me when I was younger and baby pictures, but not one picture of Renée was on the wall. Instead of family pictures of all three of us, there was a picture of Charlie and me on my wedding day, a picture of Edward and me on our wedding day, and a group picture of the Cullen's and Charlie on my wedding day. My mind was just swept clear of all thoughts in shock. I can't believe it!
Charlie apparently did this all by himself, because the picture of him and the Cullen's was a little crooked.
I was brought back to reality when Edward squeezed my hand. I swallowed hard when I saw Charlie with his eyes narrowed at us. How long have I been ignoring him? I laughed a little nervously and felt a heavy blush cover my cheeks.
"A child, Bella?"
I ignored him long enough that Edward had to fill my void, and Edward did a nice job of telling the truth. I nodded my head weakly to Charlie's question, and I saw his face turn a shade of purple. That doesn't look healthy, I thought wryly.
"Bella! How—why—you haven't even been married a year yet!" Charlie jumped up into the air, livid.
I think this scenario was too closely related to his and Renée's. I tried to ignore the irony; this is exactly what my parents warned me about for almost nineteen years. I could see that Edward's mouth was clamped shut, and I think he was reading Charlie's thoughts. Evidently I was left to say something. "It was an accident," I said quietly.
"An accident! Bella, there are many diff—"
Not another talk! I quickly interrupted him, standing to my feet. "Edward and I were never expecting something to happen."
"All teenagers think that Bella—" I had to find something to say before Charlie ripped me a new one about protection. What did I tell Angela? Think! Think!
"Edward was sick when he was a child!" I said, my voice squeaking to a whole new pitch. Charlie stopped mid rant, mouth agape. I could only imagine what Edward's expression was. Before I could think about it, I began to explain more elaborately. "He had an illness that supposedly made him unable to have children, so please Dad, don't condemn us." I rested my hands on my stomach, my voice hitching and tears coming to my eyes. "This is our own little miracle." Every one of my emotions is attached to my tear ducts, I swear!
"Oh Bella…I didn't know." Charlie took a step towards me, and I closed the distance, allowing him to hug me. "I'm sorry Bella. I shouldn't have blown up at you. I just didn't know."
I didn't want Charlie to feel guilty for what he said; it was a natural response from a father. Well, natural for my father at least. I pulled away from our embrace and wiped at my cheeks. "Don't worry Dad. It's okay."
"Does Renée know?"
I shook my head. "Please don't tell her! I'll tell her eventually."
Charlie looked away from me and at Edward. I didn't hear a sound, but I suddenly felt Edward's presence behind me. "Take care of her, Edward."
Edward made that promise when Charlie gave me away, but that didn't stop him from saying, "I will sir, without a doubt, I will take care of her." Edward offered his hand, and Charlie shook it firmly.
The air was extremely tense, and I was sniffling still. I didn't want to leave yet, just because I wanted to see what else Charlie changed. But Charlie seemed to have other ideas, because he sighed quietly. "Bella, I think it would be in your best interest if you left. I just painted the kitchen and the paint fumes are still in the air."
Edward agreed immediately. "That's bad for the baby."
"That's what I was thinking," Charlie said as he walked us to the door. I didn't protest, knowing Edward's medical degrees would reveal themselves soon enough. I kissed Charlie on the cheek and told him that I would see him later.
Edward opened the door to the Volvo for me, and I got inside without a word. I didn't say anything when Edward slid into the seat beside me and started the car. I just sat quietly and looked out the window. The trees were going by in a blur and in no time I saw the entryway to the driveway. Not a word came from me as I sat in the car, until a ringing interrupted my thoughts and I looked down. Sitting in a cup holder was my misplaced cell phone. I picked it up and stared at the screen before opening it.
"Angela!"
"Bella, you sound great. I haven't heard anything from you since you came to my house, and I was just checking to make sure that you were okay."
"I'm more than okay. I'm…" I paused for a second, and then I beamed. "I'm pregnant."
Angela laughed and I couldn't help but laugh too. "How're the twins? They've gotten over the flu, haven't they?"
"Yes, but they passed it on to everyone in the house, and Ben too! I feel so bad for him."
I thought for a second, and then I said, "Are you still in Forks?"
"We're leaving tomorrow morning, well, if Ben feels up to it. I don't want to rush him. And I would love to see you one last time but with all the illness floating around me, I don't think it would be a good idea. I am going to see Jessica though. She wants to go shopping." Angela chuckled and I smiled fondly. This girl, she was my best human friend. "Well, I was just checking on you. You can call me any time Bella, I'm not going to be too busy."
"I'll take up the invitation. And be safe, okay?"
"I will."
"And tell Ben I said hello and I hope he feels better."
"All right. Goodbye Bella."
"Bye Angela."
When I hung up the phone, I felt a strange sadness take over me. I held the phone in my hand and stared at it, watching as the flashing numbers 1:08 told me that the conversation lasted one minute and eight seconds. Edward grabbed my hand and I looked at him. "I miss her already."
"She really is a good friend."
"I know."
I closed my eyes and allowed the silent tears to fall. I carefully unbuckled myself from the seat as Edward stopped the car. I got out of the car and started for the house, feeling a little empty. Edward easily caught up with me and he wrapped his arms around me, kissing my forehead and picking me up. I wrapped my arms around his neck and stared at him.
"You're so beautiful Bella."
"Stop trying to flatter me," I said, frowning. "I haven't gotten to that stage of my pregnancy yet."
He laughed and kissed my forehead. "You'll see Angela soon, and you can call her whenever you want." We were going towards the house now. When we reached the top of the steps he paused and I looked at him. His brow furrowed and then he sighed. He carefully put me on my feet and said, "Our schedules came in at Peninsula, I'm going to have to pick them up and get our books."
"On a Sunday?"
"Yes. Alice also wants to spend the afternoon with you."
Well, my afternoon wouldn't be as void without Edward. "Where are Rosalie and Emmett?"
For barely a second, I saw a flicker of something, I couldn't quite place it because it was there for so short of a time, across Edward's face. He was quiet for a fraction of a second, and then he said, "They're out and about, but Esme fixed the furnace. The house should be warmer now." Edward was being too vague for my liking, and I had questions forming in the back of my mind, but before I could voice any of them, he cupped my cheek in his hand and kissed me, winning in making me forget about everything but him.
"I love you," Edward murmured, his cold lips still pressed against mine. I smiled despite the cold, kissing him again and whispering,
"I love you more."
xoXoXoXox
BB/N: Hola, mi amigos! Thanks for the reviews, and I hope everyone has a nice Christmas, and you don't celebrate Christmas, have a nice holiday break!
Love,
Bob Bennit
P.S. HAVE AN AMAZINGLY GREAT DAY!