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 Nineteen: The Return of the Wolf

Edward was highly annoyed with me, and I didn't need a mind reader to know that. I watched as he walked from the refrigerator to the counter, butter in hand. Maybe annoyed wasn't the right word. Irritated would explain it better.

I dreamed of Jacob, but it wasn't on purpose. Maybe it was my conscience that got the best of me. It wasn't even the types of dreams that I've had in the past. Even now, as I think about it, I've never had one like it before.

It was just a dream of Jacob and I—almost like a flashback, during the time Edward left me. I tapped my fingers against the counter. My heart thudded against my ribs as I took a shuddering breath and looked at Edward from beneath my lashes. With my voice quivering, I whispered, "I didn't mean to Edward, honest." I knew exactly what happened to Edward after I dreamed of Jacob. He always felt as if he wasn't the right person—that he was just too much of a monster for me.

And that isn't true, I thought, my heart panging again.

Edward froze in place, his hand on the button for the toaster. He moved faster than I expected to stand in front of me, and then he gathered me up in his arms and hugged me fiercely. "I know, Bella." He sighed and then kissed my forehead. "I know." I wrapped my arms around him and breathed him in, allowing myself to get dizzy.

After a moment, he let go of me, but I wasn't quite ready yet. He laughed and pushed my arms away, gently kissing my cheek before going back to the toaster and pressing the button.

I felt a little better, now that we were on speaking terms, but a part of me really wanted to know why I dreamed of Jacob, if my conscience was trying to tell me something, or if it was by chance. A few minutes passed, and I mumbled, "I will find the perfect name today," while putting butter on my toast. I decided a few things this morning, like for instance; I decided I was going to make breakfast. That quickly turned into me just buttering toast while Edward cooked everything else, because my idea of breakfast quickly turned into a feast.

"Was that meant for me?"

I looked up from my toast and to Edward, who was standing by the stove, watching my eggs. I shook my head and put my toast on a plate, taking it to the stove and taking my eggs out of the pan. I never would have considered myself the type of person to eat eggs, toast, steamed asparagus and carrots, and a large glass of orange pineapple juice for breakfast. I carried my 

heaping plate and cup to the table and sat down.

I ate silently, savoring my food as I thought. I don't think I had a very pleasant look on my face, because Edward was looking a little grim as well. I paid no heed to him, I just kept reciting name after name in my head for the baby, and tossing around ideas as to why Jacob was invading my thoughts. I already ticked off half a dozen names while making toast, and I was still unsatisfied with everything else.

"Bella, this is so frustrating. Tell me what you're thinking."

"Of names," I said automatically, after swallowing a mouthful of food. Why let him know the whole truth? A little half truth won't kill him…"I want to find a name today."

Edward was hesitant for a second, tilting his head to the side to look at me. I could see the beginnings of a frown gracing his features, and my stomach tied up in knots in response. "Why do you need to find one today?"

I shrugged my shoulders. Something inside of me told me that I needed to have the name today. Alice was also dropping hints that I would be figuring it out soon, and that added to the pressure of naming him. I rubbed my stomach soothingly as I felt the baby move. I continued to eat, watching as Edward got up, and in a blink of an eye, he was sitting beside me. He rested his hand over mine, and we both sat silently.

It took me awhile to finish my breakfast, and I was absolutely full by the time I finished. I was in an extremely determined mood today, because I got up and put my dishes away, ignoring Edward's request to clean the dishes. I did it myself, dried them, and put them away. Then I turned to him and sighed. "Have you thought of anything?"

"Alexander?" Edward offered, and I shook my head. I felt like I had a name in the back of my mind, and I was hoping Edward would suggest one that would make my name resurface. Until then, I think I was stuck with trying to figure it out. I jumped when Edward put his hands on my shoulders, turned me around, and directed me out of the kitchen. I didn't care where we were going; I just wanted to know the name!

We walked into the living room, and I was surprised to see the entire Cullen family sitting around, watching as Emmett flipped through the channels. There was a space for me to sit on the couch, but Edward beat me to it, sitting down and pulling me into his lap. I didn't mind, I rested my head in the crook of his neck and watched the television.

"Are there any entertaining games on?" Jasper asked.

"Not good games," Emmett said with a sigh. "Alice already told me the outcome of the New England game, but to be fair, I asked." Emmett leaned against the couch; he was sitting on the floor, and looked up at me. "Do you have anything in mind, Bella?"

"Jessica sent me those movies for Christmas," I offered. "If you're in the mood for a very 

estrogen filled movie that will more than likely make me cry, you can get it."

It looked like Emmett thought about it for a second, and then he shook his head. "You crying will rebound on Jasper, and he's suffered enough as of late."

The family chuckled, and I sent an apologetic look to Jasper, but he was laughing too; that made me feel a little better. Edward kissed my cheek and I closed my eyes. Just sitting quietly in the living room with my family was enough for me.

"Do you want a hint Bella?" Alice asked. I opened my eyes to see the pixie vampire staring at me with a huge grin on her face. I could tell she was excited, but I shook my head. I was going to be defiant; I will figure it out on my own. Alice's face fell, and then she smiled again, as if she just remembered something. She turned away from me and said to Emmett, "Let's watch CNN."

Emmett took the remote and changed the channel. I looked away from Alice and to the television. A woman with brunette hair was talking and I read the headline, "Men are more Talkative than Women?"

"Where do they get their information from?" Emmett said incredulously.

My eyes fell to the ticker at the bottom of the screen. It read, "In a recent study, 100 men and 100 women were polled, and it was a simultaneous decision, men like to gab".

I had an epiphany. It hit me like a ton of bricks, and I saw Alice look at me when I gasped, a grin plastered to her face. Edward tilted my chin so he could look into my eyes, concern shining brightly. All I whispered was, "Gabriel. His name is Gabriel."

"Gabriel?" Edward repeated.

I nodded my head, as if this made the most sense in the world. "It can be Gabriel, and I can call him Gabe. This is the ideal nickname that I've been looking for!" I was so excited that I finally figured it out. I beamed at Edward, but I was shocked by the look on his face. My face fell when I realized he didn't like the name, and I pulled away from him. "You don't like it."

"It's not that I don't like it—" Edward's eyes and voice were distant, and that hurt my feelings even more. I felt my bottom lip tremble, but I fought hard against it.

"After spending weeks finding that name…" I muttered beneath my breath angrily. I climbed out of his lap and walked out of the room. It didn't even take a second for Edward to get up and follow me.

"Where are you going?"

"Outside, I need fresh air."

I opened the front door and stepped outside, closing it behind me. The cold December air hit me 

in the face, but I ignored it. I was used to the cold. I walked extremely carefully to the front of the house and stood still, taking a huge breath. My lungs burned with the cold hair, but I didn't care. It was probably a bad idea that I wasn't wearing a coat, but my maternity shirt, the only one Renée sent me that fit, was long sleeved.

I took a step forward and then another. I breathed in and out slowly.

I think I need to have Jasper start influencing my moods a little more, instead of the other way around. I closed my eyes as a blush covered my cheeks. That angry episode was a little uncalled for. I opened my eyes again and walked. There was no snow on the ground, thankfully, but it was supposed to snow before New Years came, which was in a few days. I stuffed my numb fingers into my pockets and took a breath, exhaling again.

I turned around, an apology on the tip of my tongue, as I made my way back to the house. Edward didn't deserve my anger.

And then I heard it. A twig snapped, and it echoed all around me. All the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as I looked to the side, towards the woods. I couldn't see anything, and then I heard a soft snort. My body froze and I couldn't move.

What was in the woods? I had to force myself to breathe, and when I did, it came as a quick gasp. I didn't even jump when I heard the front door slam open.

And then I was surrounded.

Edward was in front of me, his arms protecting me from whatever was near. I couldn't see over his shoulder, but I was fine with that. I looked to my left and saw Emmett crouching, Jasper beside him, and a steady growl was emanating from both of them. On the other side of me, Rosalie and Alice were growling too. Esme was behind me, and Carlisle was in front of Edward.

"Phase back," Carlisle called, and I was surprised by how calm his voice was.

Phase back. That phrase sounded oddly familiar. Phase back. I repeated it, and then my eyes grew wide. Oh my stars—it's a werewolf! But I didn't care about that; it was the fact that everyone felt the need to protect me. Was this werewolf unknown, or was he here to hurt me or someone else? Was it a Quileute?

There was a howl, and I shrank back shivering. As I took a step back, Edward took one too, still covering me. This frightened me, because that meant I was in some type of danger. I tried to form words to ask Edward if he knew who it was, but before I could say a word, he was running away from me, snarling.

"Edward no!" I gasped.

"EDWARD!" Esme shouted, stepping around me and running half the distance before doubling back and grabbing me. She carried me to the side, and then I gasped when I saw a person sailing 

through the air, landing exactly where I had been standing a second before hand.

The dark tan skin stood out against the grass and mud, and I gasped, reaching towards the body, and then I stumbled backwards, almost falling, but Esme kept a firm grip on me. I knew who it was without needing to see the face.

"Ja—Jacob."

He stood up quickly, wiping the mud from his chest. He sent me a cheeky grin. "Hey Bells." I didn't move towards him. I didn't even acknowledge that he spoke to me. I was just in shock. Then I looked around him, trying to find Edward. He appeared, and I watched as he ran towards me. He stopped beside me, and he growled at Jacob. "Get away from here."

"I just want to see her—"

"You should have identified yourself," Alice said, stepping forward. Even though she was the smallest vampire amongst the Cullen's, she was also the fiercest. "You know that with you being here, I can't have a vision. What if she slipped on the ice and fell? She could have been hurt. And you know Edward can read your thoughts—don't you dare interrupt me!" She was growling now, and she crouched down, as if to attack. I knew the speed of Alice; she could probably kill Jacob in less than a second. "You should have stated yourself." Her voice was almost lost with her growling.

"Sorry—"

Alice bared her teeth, and I stepped forward, finally moving, and put my hand on her shoulder. Alice stood still for a second longer, before turning her head from Jacob. I could see she wasn't breathing. She stepped back until she was standing beside Jasper, and he wrapped his arms around her protectively. I looked away from Alice and stared at Jacob. I wasn't shocked to see that he hadn't changed, he was still massive. I noticed the cord strapped to his leg, it was still being used to hold his clothes.

"I will not allow you to be alone with her," Edward snapped, and I felt him wind his arm around me, pulling me to his chest. I didn't protest, and I couldn't blame him. If I set Jacob off, he could hurt me, or I could even hurt myself, somehow, and then what? "I don't trust you."

"I saved her life," Jacob growled back. I could see his body shaking, and Edward took two steps back. I stayed connected to his chest, not wanting to be separated from him.

"And I am very thankful for that, but you are losing your temper as we speak. That is why I can't trust you."

"I promise I won't hurt her." He was saying a lot more in his head, because Edward's grip on me loosened. He turned me around and lowered his mouth to my ear.

"I'll be inside the house. Call my name if you need me." I looked at him with wide eyes, hoping 

I was conveying my hesitancy. Edward recognized the look, I could tell in his eyes, and he leaned his forehead against mine. "It will only be a few minutes." He lifted my chin and kissed me soundly, and I almost wrapped my arms around his neck to deepen the chaste kiss, but then he pulled away. He took a hesitant step away from me, and I wanted to follow him. He indicated that his family should follow him, and they did, leaving me outside, alone. Edward paused right before going into the house, having never taken his eyes off of me.

And then he went inside and closed the door.

The sound of the door closing was the start of my heart breaking. I felt as if half of me was missing, like it always was when Edward was not by my side, but the situation seemed to increase the pain tenfold. I took a huge breath and turned slowly, finally looking at Jacob.

"Stupid bloodsucker."

"Don't say that," I whispered, watching as he wiped the mud from his chest. Again, he wasn't wearing a shirt, but I remembered that his body temperature was higher than anyone else's.

"He didn't need to throw me."

"You probably offended him. You tend to do that sometimes." I crossed my arms over my chest and tried to keep myself in check. I hate it when he says offensive things; I can't even imagine what he said in his head to set Edward off.

"What's wrong with you? You're crabby."

"Oh I don't know," I snapped, walking towards him, my fingers making a fist. A gust of wind blew past me and I stopped moving, pulling my shirt down my sides and involuntarily shivering. That seemed to catch Jacob's attention, and he took a step towards me. "What do you need?"

Jacob stepped to the side, eyeing me critically. "What is wrong with you?" he asked again. I just stared, and he continued to look at me. "Do you have a hernia?"

I let out a choked laugh. "You haven't heard about me?" I asked disbelievingly. I saw pain flicker across his face and I felt myself sway. It still hurt.

"It's not that I haven't heard, it's just, I didn't want to believe." He took another step towards me. "It sounds crazy, but I think I might still love you." I took a step back, shaking my head.

"Jacob no," I whispered, not wanting to hear this, not wanting to ignite the flaming pain that I've managed to keep down for almost six months. "Jacob, please don't say this." My fists clenched as my heart thudded painfully. It was almost as if I couldn't breathe.

"Why?" I looked at him and gasped at the pain etched onto his features. His voice was broken, and I felt tears cloud my vision. "I'm allowed to say what I want, even if those bloodsuckers are listening, inside my head and out!"

My knees began to shake, and I felt suddenly weak. I swayed, trying to keep my balance. At the same time, I put a hand over my heart. I felt as if my world was crumbling around me, and guilt consumed me, once again, for having to choose between the love of my life and my best friend. This is all my fault…I've hurt him this way. Everything around me was swirling as I tried to gain balance, but I knew I lost it. "I need to sit," I choked out, as my legs began to weaken. I was beginning to get sick. Jacob reached for me, and I recognized fear in his eyes, as if I was seriously injured.

"What do I do?" he asked, panicked.

"Just hold my hands." He grabbed my hands, and I was immediately immersed in the heat. I carefully began to lower myself to the ground, and he kept a tight grip on my hands until I was sitting in the mud. I took a deep breath and took my hands out of his grasp. I put my hand over my heart again, wishing that the pain would go away. The heart wrenching guilt was eating at me, and for a moment, I believed that I did not deserve to be in his presence, I hurt him so much.

"Oh God, what did I do?" Jacob asked in a weak whisper. His eyes were darting between my eyes and the house. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean—"

"It's okay," I whispered, looking at him and forcing a smile, trying to make him believe me. The painful constriction of my heart and the hole that seemed to be sucking me in told me otherwise.

"No it's not." Jacob sat down on the ground across from me, taking my hands. He looked sincere as he said, "I came here to hurt you, not thinking about your condition. I'm sorry Bella. I really am."

I finally felt the pain dying in my chest. I took another shaky breath, and then I smiled at him. "I forgive you." We sat in a companionable silence for a few minutes, and then I took another breath. "So what's up?" I wanted to be able to talk to him without the painful throbbing of my guilt.

Jacob said, "I imprinted on Leah. I didn't want you to find out from anyone other than me." I just nodded my head. "What, Bells? No outlandish remarks? No protests that I actually imprinted? No congratulations?" he said jokingly. I just rolled my eyes.

"Congratulations Jake. Does this mean she's a lot nicer to Sam than before?"

"Well, now she's driving everyone nuts thinking about me, but I don't mind." Jacob grinned cheekily, sending me a wink. I rolled my eyes at him, familiar with his teasing behavior. Jacob was quiet again, and I could see him looking at me, really looking at me. Another gust of wind made me shiver again, and I rested my hand against my stomach. There was a gentle bump against my hand, and Jacob asked, "Is that real?"

"What? This?" I looked at my stomach, a grin forming on my lips. I wanted to laugh, but I didn't want to offend him. "I wouldn't gain a zillion pounds just for pretend."

"I figured vampires couldn't have children."

"Things happen." I said this quickly, and I looked up at Jacob, swallowing hard. He was concerned, and he grabbed my hand, whispering,

"You aren't lying to me, are you? Vampire's are dead Bella, they can't…procreate." He was looking a little sheepish, and I could see a blush covering his dark skinned cheeks.

"Well, Edward can. Jake, I am being honest. Nothing—" I stopped and breathed, "Oh," understanding what he meant. A blush rivaling his own covered my cheeks. "Nothing like that happened."

"You sure?" I nodded my head, lowering my eyes and biting my lip. I jumped when Jacob tightened his grip on my hands, and I could see that he was looking a little skeptical. "I know I've been a jerk, and I am a boy, but I'm still your best friend. If something happened Bella, you can tell me."

My face felt like it was on fire and I whispered, "I conceived this child with Edward, and I've only ever been with Edward. I wasn't attacked or anything." I looked into his eyes and smiled reassuringly. "You don't need to worry."

It was awkward between us, and then Jacob finally let go of my hand. "So is it a boy or a girl?"

"A boy," I said proudly, smiling.

"And due when?"

"April 24th."

"That's not for a long time Bells, how are you going to make it?" I rolled my eyes, shaking my head. Another gust of wind blew past and I shivered. Sitting on cold mud on a very cold day was not the kind of thing a typical human would be doing at this minute.

"Lovely weather," I muttered sarcastically.

"Maybe you should go inside. I don't want you freezing to death." He made to stand, but I shook my head. I knew that we wouldn't be seeing each other for a long time, and the little time we had together was precious to me. I shifted my legs, trying to force myself into getting comfortable.

"Are you going to be having children?"

"Bella, I'm younger than you," Jacob reminded severely. "I'm sure Dad wouldn't appreciate me starting a family so early. The house isn't big enough." I laughed, and he laughed with me, warming my heart. It was nice to hear his laughter again, to see him again, especially since it has been months since I've seen him last. Jacob brought me from my memories when he began to 

ask, "So how are you handling things—" And then suddenly he stopped, his face screwing up in frustration. I cocked my head to the side, waiting for him to finish.

"How am I handing what?" I finally blurted out when he didn't finish. He replied slowly.

"How are you handling things with the vampires?"

"What vampires?" Jacob looked at me as if I was mentally handicapped. I knew I physically was, pregnant or not, I had the balance of a one month old. And then it dawned on me, but my eyes narrowed. "What are you implying?"

"Well—"

"Just because my husband and his family are vampires doesn't mean they are going to try to drink my blood!" I screeched, not caring when Jacob flinched. "I can't believe you, of all people, would doubt the strength the Cullen's have around me and—"

"Whoa Bells, calm down." Jacob put his hands up, indicating for me to stop. "I never believed it until now, but pregnant women really do have mood swings like that." He snapped his fingers as he said, "that". My skin was burning from my neck up as he explained himself. "I was just wondering, because that quiet one can control emotions and the one can see the future…I just thought you were being suppressed, but obviously not. You seem to be ruling the roost here."

I looked at my hand sheepishly. "Sorry," I mumbled, tears filling my eyes.

The always repeated question of, "Are you crying?" soon followed my appearance of tears, and I just shook my head.

"Mood swings," Jacob muttered, rolling his eyes at me. I sniffled and laughed, running the back of my hand over my eyes. Jacob briefly smiled at me, before running a hand through his hair. I finally realized his appearance. Other than being shirtless and his chest covered in mud, his hair was cropped short. He wasn't growing it out anymore, which meant his werewolf form wouldn't be that furry. I smiled at that. Even though it still hurt, we were slowly healing from the wounds.

Jacob startled me when he whispered, "Leah's gonna start looking for me. I better get going."

"Okay. Stay safe," I whispered, watching as he stood. He offered his hand to help me up, but I declined, saying, "I won't be able to stand. My feet have gone numb." He crouched down in front of me, concerned again.

"Hey Cullen," he called, knowing that Edward was still in hearing distance. I don't even think Jacob finished his sentence before Edward was standing behind me. "She sat down, and said she can't get up."

"I'm fine," I glared at him, knowing I was perfectly capable of standing and sitting on my own. Sometimes it was so frustrating how the men in my life tended to overprotect me.

"Are you sure, Bella?" Edward asked.

"My butt's a little cold," I snapped, looking at him. "But I'm fine," I added, seeing the hurt look on his face. Sometime's I was a little too harsh when I was frustrated.

"Bells, I have to get going." Jacob hugged me quickly, and I was surprised he didn't embrace me tightly, just like he used to in front of Edward. It made me believe that his earlier statement about loving me was false, or at least, not as intense. Or maybe, he was afraid he'd force me into early labor, either or, I was glad.

Jacob held his hand out to Edward and I think I stopped breathing, I definitely stopped thinking. Edward shook his hand firmly and nodded his head. His lips moved, but I didn't hear any words. After another few seconds, Jacob dropped his hand and continued to stare at Edward. I looked between the two, confused. They never had conversations like this before. Finally, Edward whispered, "Thank you." Then Jacob was off, running into the woods, probably to transform.

"What was that about?" I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.

"He was giving me his blessing, and made me swear that I would take good care of you and the child—Gabriel." Edward very gently wrapped his arms around me and picked me up. I gasped as pain rocketed up my spine, and Edward froze.

"Just back pain," I said through gritted teeth. I closed my eyes and waited for the pain to go away. It was very brief, and I looked back at Edward. "It's okay." Edward carried me into the house, not running. Instead of stopping with his family, he continued through the house and up the stairs, taking me to the comforts of our bedroom. I didn't put up a fight when he set me on my feet, but I did wrap my arms around him to keep my balance. I felt like I couldn't stand. We walked to his bed, where another pair of pants was waiting for me, and I mentally thanked Alice, knowing she had something to do with it.

I changed my pants, since they were covered in mud, and then I sat down heavily on the bed. Edward got on his knees in front of me, putting his hands on my hips. We stayed like that for an immeasurable amount of minutes, and then Edward finally spoke up.

"Are you going to be okay?"

I sat quietly, trying to figure my answer. Would I be okay? My heart was reacting in way that surprised but eased me at the same time, it was racing, beating heavy against my ribs, but not because of pain, but because Edward was just looking at me. "I swore I would never cry for him again. I am going to be fine."

Edward cupped my cheeks in his hand, staring deeply into my eyes. I blushed under his scrutiny. He whispered, "Just because you aren't going to cry doesn't mean you're going to be okay."

"You can ask Jasper," I breathed, leaning closer to him, our lips barely an inch a part. "I love 

you." With our lips still at a distance of an inch, Edward murmured,

"I do like the name Gabriel."

I laughed shakily and pecked his lips lightly. My hands were shaking as I rested them on Edward's shoulder; I was colder than what I anticipated. Edward noticed, because he swiftly moved from me, going into his closet and returning with one of his sweaters. I put it on, pushing the sleeves high above my elbows. Then I crawled into bed and pulled the blankets to my chin. I looked at Edward for a second, and he understood, diving from his closet to the bed, making it bounce, but holding me away from the impact. He kissed me all over my exposed skin, which was everything above my nose, and then he slipped beneath the blankets, wrapping his arms around me and holding me against his chest. I snuggled closer and closed my eyes.

Edward froze for a second, and his fingers traipsed down my arms and to my wrists. "Where's the bracelet?"

"Hmm?" I asked tiredly. Edward moved from our embrace and looked at me.

"Where is the bracelet that Jacob got you?"

"Oh," I murmured, losing all articulate speech. It's taken him this long to notice that I took it off? I smiled a little nervously and whispered, "I took it off before the wedding."

"Why?" Edward demanded.

"I didn't want to be reminded of him on our wedding day. I had you, and that's all that mattered." I was staring at my wrist. I knew, internally, that I shouldn't have taken it off, it was a part of me, just like Jacob was a part of my past and Edward was in my past, present, and future. The little bobble that was on the other side of the wolf would remind me of that. Edward got off the bed.

"Where is it?"

"In Alice's room," I murmured, my eyes not leaving my wrist. Edward left the room, running at top speed. He returned after a moment, and sat down on the edge of the bed, taking my hand and clasping the homemade jewelry back on.

"You don't need to forget, Bella. He's a part of you, and it's okay."

I nodded my head dumbly, feeling at a loss for words. Edward gathered me up in his arms and kissed my forehead. He held me, as if he was afraid of letting me go. "I'm sorry for hurting you so much when I left and for making you choose." His hands traveled up and down my back, and I leaned against him, closing my eyes.

"I forgave you a long time ago for that, Edward. Please stop feeling guilty," I whispered against his chest, refusing to let tears fall from my eyes. If anyone needed comforting, it was Edward. 

Edward very carefully maneuvered us back to laying down in the bed, and I, after a few forceful shoves, managed to get Edward underneath the blankets with me again.

I fell asleep after lying in bed for quite awhile, listening as Edward switched from between humming my lullaby and whispering that he loved me. I didn't wake up again until my stomach began growling, and I woke to hunger pains. I was lying in the position I had been in earlier, except my face was against Edward's chest, and he was holding me protectively.

I rolled to my other side and looked away from Edward. I could feel his eyes staring at my head. "Are you going to eat?" It was obvious that I was hungry, my stomach was roaring like a maniac, and to be honest, I wanted to eat.

"Yeah," I whispered, forcing my body to move out of bed. I still felt a little cold, but my hunger was overriding that feeling. I was sluggish; therefore I didn't trust myself to take a single step until Edward had a safe hold on my waist. He stared at me concerned, and I think he thought I was having second thoughts about our earlier conversation.

"Bella…"

I looked at Edward, grinning. With this one request, I knew he was going to know I was okay. "I'm too hungry to walk…will you carry me?" Edward smiled at me and picked me up. I wrapped my arms around his neck and held on tightly as he ran to the kitchen. I squeezed my eyes shut and didn't open them again until the smell of pizza drifted to my nose, and I opened my eyes. Alice was sitting at the table with a pizza; it looked like she ordered it. Edward set me down in a chair and ran and got a plate.

Alice pushed the box to me and Edward came back with a plate and another cup of orange pineapple juice. I flipped the top of the box open and smiled. The pizza was decorated into a smiley face with pepperoni and sausage. "Thank you." I whispered.

"No problem, pregnant women need to eat too." Alice winked at me, and I took a slice, biting into it. "And you promised that you'd grow out of your clothes," she added. I laughed, and leaned back.

"Look at this Alice," and I lifted up Edward's sweater, indicating my shirt that was too small for me. "I am fulfilling my promise. A few days, maybe a week or two, and then I'll be on that little shopping trip of yours."

Alice laughed, making me smile. Her laughter was like music, and it could make me smile, even on my worst day. I was so distracted by Alice's laugh, that I didn't notice Edward was moving until I was in the air for a split second, and then nestled tightly in his lap, his arms holding on to me. I turned and looked at him, kissing him lightly and then returning to my pizza before he dazzled me into kissing him longer. "As Alice said," when I heard his protest, "pregnant women need to eat too!"

xoXoXoXox

BB/N: I am so sorry for the lack of updates! I've been super busy, and I just got caught up in life! /

I am begging for forgiveness, and as a present for your patience, I am delivering an extra-long-thirteen-page-chapter!

Love,
Bob Bennit