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 Twenty-three: Speechless

Bed rest isn't as bad as I anticipated. I looked around the living room where my bed was temporarily stationed as Alice and Rosalie painted a room upstairs that's been turned into a nursery for Gabriel. I told Alice to have her way with the room, partly because I knew that was what she truly wanted, and partly because I knew I still needed to apologize to her for saying what I said. We haven't talked about it, but she's been a little distant lately, and I knew that was why.

I shook my head slowly and looked at Edward. He felt that it would be safer if I was in the living room during the duration of the painting. "I thought I would be dying of boredom, but boredom is nonexistent if there's an Emmett Cullen in your life."

The very vampire that I was speaking of was sitting on the edge of my bed, seven Uno cards in his hand. My Angel was sitting beside me laughing. Emmett took it upon himself to make sure I wasn't unhappy, even for the briefest of moments. Edward thought this was dangerous, but right now as he rested his head on my shoulder, I knew he was very grateful for his brother.

"I take that as a compliment Bella, thank you." He bowed slightly, and then he put down a draw four card. Edward scowled at him, and I just laughed, leaning my head against the pillow. With the fact that Edward could hear every one of Emmett's thoughts, I thought this game would be uselessly boring, but Emmett had strategy, which kept the game going a lot longer than what a normal two player Uno game should go.

Esme interrupted the game briefly with a snack for me, trail mix and a bottle of water. I really just wanted the raisons from the bag; the salty flavor of them after being inside a bag of trail mix was what I've been craving most recently. And the bottle of water was just so I didn't inconvenience Esme to do the dishes, because I wasn't allowed out of bed long enough to wash my breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack dishes. I ate while Edward and Emmett played for a few more minutes.

"Okay, I give up," Edward said. He had nearly half the deck in his hands. Whatever strategy Emmett had was working. Edward set his cards down and snuggled closer to my side. Since I was pregnant and on bed rest I was restricted to almost two positions only, sitting up and lying down on my left side. I couldn't really snuggle up to Edward anymore, so I requested that he snuggle up to me. It was only one of the many requests I made to Edward, but this one he actually liked.

Emmett took Edward's cards and shuffled the deck together before putting them back in their box. Then he eyed me carefully. "You need a nickname. Bells and Bella are getting a little old for my sensitive ears."

I lifted an eyebrow at him, trying to guess what he was thinking. Edward obviously heard what Emmett thought, and he stiffened, growling, "No Emmett."

Emmett smiled. "I think I have it." Edward once again growled no, but Emmett's grin grew bigger, frightening me. It was probably something terribly embarrassing, and I would have to beg him not to say it in public, if I ever go anywhere in public with him. "Belly."

"Belly?" I repeated. Edward was now growling steadily.

"Yes Belly. I mean, it's obvious, your belly is huge," he paused to make a wildly huge hand gesture, representing my stomach, I think. "And it represents you quite well. All you are now is a belly on two legs. Belly Cullen." Edward made a move towards Emmet, but a peal of laughter coming from me made him stop. He looked at me, and I was just shaking my head at Emmett.

"I don't think I'll ever understand…" My sides hurt from laughing so hard. Edward was still glaring at Emmett, but soon his expression was content when he rested against me again.

"Doesn't it bug you that you have to sit around all day?" Emmett laid on his stomach and rested his head in his hands, watching me. I shrugged my shoulders, saying,

"I don't sit around all day. Sometimes I get up and go to the bathroom or take a shower." Emmett sighed and in the blink of an eye, turned on his back and put his hands beneath his head. He crossed his ankles and said gruffly,

"I would go nuts with nothing to do. I do not envy you."

"You're not doing anything now," Edward reminded.

"That doesn't count. I'm allowed to get up and move and run, she's just allowed to sit, and take human moments, and I bet you those aren't as fun."

I sighed, rolling my eyes at him. "Don't remind me." I rubbed my stomach, feeling as the seven month old fetus moved around inside me. I was extremely thankful that my body seemed to respond positively after my bad news in the hospital. I stopped bleeding, just as Edward and Carlisle expected, and I had no more painful or even uncomfortable contractions for a month. And Gabriel was having the time of his life, making up new sports in my womb.

I almost screamed when a bright flash jerked me from my thoughts. Alice was standing over me, my old camera in her hands. "I just took the last picture, so I'll develop the film. Seven long months of pictures Bella! I'm so excited; you get to see how you evolved!"

I laughed a little nervously, rubbing my eyes. "I guess you're finished painting?"

Alice bobbed her head excitedly. "As soon as the room dries and is fume free, you'll see it. It's absolutely amazing!"

"It looks nice," Edward commented. I huffed and crossed my arms over my chest.

"It's not fair that Edward sees it before I do." Edward laughed and kissed my cheek, my pout falling away. I kissed him back and sighed. I watched Edward, Emmett, and Alice as they all looked to one side of the house, and then Emmett got off the bed, leaving and going outside. I suspected someone from outside called for Emmett, their super vampire hearing no doubt picking up every sound.

Less than a minute later, Carlisle and Emmett came into the house, both carrying big boxes. Carlisle stopped, and I think he was pondering why there was a huge bed in his living room, holding a severely pregnant woman, her vampire husband, and his sister was standing beside it. I laughed at his bemused expression while Emmett explained, "They were painting upstairs and she couldn't be with them.

Carlisle nodded his head knowingly. "Since you're on bed rest, I've been lent an ultrasound machine."

"I didn't think they'd let you do that."

Carlisle shrugged his shoulders and smiled. Edward chuckled, shaking his head, and I looked between the two, and then at Alice. She rolled her eyes at me and sat down on the edge of the bed, shaking her head. "I think it would be more respectful to keep conversations at a reasonable level so Bella can hear, but that's just my opinion."

"Sorry Bella."

"Yeah, sorry Belly."

"Emmett, you weren't even involved with this conversation!" I looked at Emmett and he just laughed, running up the stairs to help Carlisle put the machines away. Carlisle followed behind him, and I think he was even more confused than he was when he walked into the house.

"This is my family," Edward lay on his back and stared at the ceiling. Alice laughed and jumped off the bed.

"I'll be back with seven month's worth of pictures!" She ran to the door, paused and waved goodbye. Seconds later Jasper was by her side, and they both left together. I looked at Edward. He looked content, lying down on his back and staring, and I didn't want to bother him. I watched as his eyes closed and he put his hands behind his head. I carefully sat up all the way and put my feet on the floor.

"Where are you going?"

"The restroom," I said. I waited for Edward to standup, and he came around the bed and helped me to my feet. I walked to the stairs, and then he very carefully picked me up, helping me avoid overexerting myself.

I went to the restroom and when I was washing my hands, I heard the sound of metal moving. That piqued my interest, and I dried my hands before opening the door. I looked up and down the hallway for any sign of a vampire. Then Edward was in front of me. He picked me back up, and we were walking up the steps. Sometime's I think I drove Edward nuts, because when I was in his arms, he didn't run. "Is the bed back in our room?"

"Emmett just took it up there." It was strange to be moving so slowly when I was with Edward. Instead of going into our bedroom, we continued down the hallway until I was met with a door. I was attempting to not be shocked. I honestly didn't know my way around the Cullen mansion, and I was not surprised that there was once again another room I hadn't been to.

Edward opened the door, and I gasped, my hands flying to my mouth. Edward lowered me to the floor, and I blindly walked to my old rocking chair sitting in the corner. I blinked heavily and looked around.

The windows were covered with dark blue fabric, but I couldn't even move to see what the view looked like, but I was sure it was breathtaking. The walls were a few shades lighter than the curtains, well, almost like a sky blue, and the carpet was white and plush. What caught my attention though, was the baby furniture, and I forced myself to stand. I walked across the room and ran my fingers over the wood. I could tell the furniture was old; the intricate wood designs were hand crafted. The softest blanket I've ever felt lay on the bottom of the crib, and in fluid blue stitching, it said, "Gabriel".

"This was Esme's." I looked up at Edward, and he was examining the crib. "She's kept this all these years."

"It's beautiful," I whispered, losing the ability to speak. I looked around the room, and my eyes widened when I actually looked at the ceiling. Instead of seeing plain white, I saw clouds and the sun. I gasped and I heard Edward laugh.

"Wait until you see it with the lights off."

When the room was blanketed in darkness, my mouth grew even wider. Instead of seeing the sun, there was a moon, and amongst the dark clouds, there were stars. "How'd they do this?" I asked in awe.

"It's what Rosalie and Alice do." Edward turned the lights back on, and I moved to the rocking chair. I could feel Edward's eyes on me as I soaked up the room, trying to burn it into my memory. This was probably the best gift anyone could have given me. I began to cry then, and Edward rushed to my side. "Is something wrong?"

"It's beautiful." I sniffled and rubbed at my eyes. "How can I ever thank them?"

"By spending the evening with them?" I looked up at Edward, my eyes narrowed. Was he up to something devious? "I have to hunt. Rosalie and Alice are the two who have hunted most recently, and you can have a girl's only evening." I pouted, pulling my bottom lip between my teeth. Edward lowered himself to the floor so we could be at eye level. "I know you hate things like that, but…"

"Okay," I said, not putting up much of a fight. My two sisters just decorated a room for me, what else could I do for them? And I still owed Alice so much for how rude I was in the hospital. I thought of all the things we could do, and I concluded that a seven month pregnant woman couldn't do much when she was on bed rest."I'll do it."

"Alice will be happy." Edward kissed my forehead and then helped me to my feet. With one last look at the room, I left, going back to my bedroom where I could rest.

"I love you Bella."

I nodded my head slowly, kissing his cheek. I wanted Edward to stay, but I knew that he and his family needed to hunt, both for my benefit and theirs. I didn't want to imagine what would happen if I got a nosebleed or stubbed my toe. And if I did go into labor, I didn't want to make things complicated with a family of half thirsty vampires.

Edward squeezed my hand before dropping another kiss on my head. "Keep my heart safe," he whispered.

"I will, but you have to do the same for me."

He walked from the room, his eyes never leaving mine. His head nodded slowly as a small smile broke out across his features. It seemed, as the time for him to hunt came closer, our time seemed that much more precious, even though we both knew that hunting only lasted a few hours instead of days.

When Edward was gone from my view, I sighed. I shifted one of the pillows that were behind me, I was sitting up in bed, and then I stretched my arms above my head. I was tired, I couldn't deny that, but I've been having such a hard time getting comfortable that sleeping was nearly out of the question. Distantly, I could hear the sound of Emmett's jeep running, so that meant the Cullen's hadn't left yet.

There was a knock on the door, followed by a, "Can I come in Bella?"

"Of course, of course." There wasn't much I could do, I couldn't move to make room in the bed, which there was more than enough anyway, and I couldn't open the door. The door opened and Rosalie stepped into the room. Even in jeans and a cashmere sweater, which I'm sure both were designer, she looked beautiful. She walked across the room, wary of every breath I took.

She sat down on the edge of the bed, folding her hands in her lap, and seconds later, Alice was perched by my feet, grinning slightly, but seemingly a bit more at ease than Rosalie. I knew she was trying to be on my good side, and my heart just broke for her. I knew I needed to apologize, but how? "What do you want to do, now that the boys are gone?"

"There's not much I can do, Alice," I said quietly, smiling shyly but warmly at her and indicating the bed. "I've been banned from taking my feet off this bed without Edward in my presence." Was my smile enough? With the broad grin that took over her face, I believed it was.

"It's not like we're going to go running." She sounded a lot like her old self, but her comment still made my stomach flip. We might not go running, but without Edward here to protect me, I was at the mercy of Alice, who loved to play dress up.

Hesitantly, Rosalie cleared her throat, and I looked at her. I could see an unsure look in her eyes as she worried her lip between her teeth. That was a sign in itself, I've never seen a vampire chew on their lip before. "Bella, I have a question." I nodded my head just slightly, holding my breath. Alice, I think, saw this conversation in her mind, because she made herself more comfortable, lying down on her stomach and resting her head in her hands, watching me pensively. My attention was brought back to Rosalie when she asked, "What is it like to be pregnant?"

Before I could stop myself, I said, "It's a little hard." Rosalie cocked her head, and I grinned. "To explain, I mean. It's a never ending emotional rollercoaster, at least in my case…" I closed my eyes and thought about the last seven months of my life. "Sometimes it's a painful process, because there's the back and stomach pain, and the strange cravings…The leg cramps and the new and terrible sleeping patterns…" I looked at Rosalie and smiled.

"But it's worth it, because you can feel the weight of the baby, you can feel him move, and you know that you're doing something magical, bringing a child into this world and that takes away every dreadful aspect of pregnancy." I paused and rubbed my stomach thoughtfully. "Besides, I know that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and Edward wants this so much." I felt tears sting my eyes as I whispered, "That's all that really matters...Edward wants this too."

Rosalie was quiet, and for a second I thought I revealed too much information, that maybe she only wanted to know the bad side of pregnancy, or maybe I didn't answer her question at all…I couldn't stop thinking that I did something wrong until she smiled at me. All she said was, "Thank you Bella," and then she was quiet again. I couldn't fathom as to what she was thinking, and I wasn't sure if I wanted to know.

"Bella, I think its makeover time."

I looked at Alice with wide eyes. I shook my head, I was quite content lying in bed for all of eternity, and I said so, but Alice just laughed. She couldn't just yank me from the bed anymore, but I knew that it was useless to fight; she would find a way to get me out of bed. It was a little strange at first; being carried in Rosalie's arms, but it was my only mode of transportation. She carried me to a bathroom; I think it was hers, where there was one solitary chair. Rosalie set me on my feet, and I walked to it, wincing when I sat down.

"First is this hair," Alice said, taking my hair out of the bun that I carelessly put it in. It was at this moment that I realized how long it was. Alice had me stand to my feet, and I could see it fell past my waist. "Your hair is growing faster than any human I've ever seen." I laughed a little nervously as I moved back to the chair. I noticed Alice had a pair of scissors in her hand, and that made me a lot more nervous. Rosalie took the scissors from her, and I wasn't sure if that was any better. I knew I had a lot of hair, and lately it's been getting on my nerves because it was so long and heavy, but I wasn't committed to getting it cut either.

I jumped and closed my eyes when I felt the chair tip backwards, and then I heard water. Rosalie and Alice very gently began to wash my hair, and I laughed a little. As if it would all fall out! I think for laughing, Alice accidentally got water all over my pajamas. She laughed and apologized, telling me I could change when all of my hair was gone.

That did not make me feel better.

I kept my eyes closed when I felt the scissors in my hair. Even with vampire speed, this seemed like an agonizing eternity. I hope they don't make me bald! I knew Alice would never make me bald, and Rosalie wasn't that cruel, but I rarely had any decision in matters like these. I didn't open my eyes when I felt a comb in my hair, and I squeezed my eyes even tighter when I felt a blow dryer. Was Rosalie really finished?

It was the blow drying that took the longest. And then Rosalie shut off the machine and requested that I look in the mirror. I gasped in surprise when I saw my reflection. I moved closer to the mirror, whispering, "It looks just like it did when I moved to Forks…" My brown locks went to the middle of my back, and it was straight, but there weren't any fancy bangs or layers that I would have to spend hours upon hours to do. It was just plain. Just how I like it.

"The horror on your face during this entire ordeal made Rosalie want to make as little changes as possible. The only difference between this boring style and your old boring style is that this is straight." Alice touched my hair. I rolled my eyes at her, muttering,

"I like boring." But I had to admit, my hair was soft. Alice helped me out of the chair and then she forbade me to move as she and Rosalie left. I stood on my feet for all of two seconds, and then Rosalie and Alice were back in the room, Alice with pajamas, and Rosalie with a movie. At least my makeover was only getting my hair cut, I thought, at ease. I carefully changed into another pair of pajamas, and I was sure Alice was attempting to make me seduce Edward.

It was an almost normal nightgown, except it was silk and dark blue. I thought I looked a little ridiculous; my pregnant belly was the only source of attention. At least it has sleeves and is to my knees… After examining my reflection for a minute, I finally determined I looked a little pretty, but I was huge. I opened the door to the bathroom and barely took two steps out of the room before I was once again in Rosalie's arms, and was being carried down the stairs.

When we got to the living room, I was surprised to see the setup of a small salon, and Alice was waiting for me excitedly. "While you watch a movie, we're going to give you a manicure and pedicure!"

I was being tortured now. What did I do to deserve this? I thought warily, looking towards the ceiling, as if that would hold my answers. I have done nothing wrong! Why do you punish me?

"Oh, stop being a drama queen," Alice said, pushing my shoulder lightly. "That's Rosalie's job!"

"Hey!" Rosalie growled, narrowing her eyes at Alice. Alice just smiled at her, and then danced to the television screen, where she put a movie in. When she returned, she looked at Rosalie, and Rosalie smiled. Then I met my doom. Alice pulled out a carrying case of fingernail polish.

I wasn't really paying attention to the movie as Rosalie painted my left hand and Alice painted my right foot. "What are you doing for Valentine's Day?"

"Alice, do you expect me to go dancing?" I looked at Alice curiously. I was half tempted to ask her again when she didn't answer me. Was this why I was having a makeover? I can't go dancing! I can barely walk!

"Bella, calm down!" Alice laughed a little nervously. I replayed the nervous laughter and then the space of time that she did not speak. Did she have a vision? My brow furrowed and then Rosalie screeched,

"Alice, you painted her entire toe!"

I chuckled when Alice lifted up my foot for me to see. My big toe was now a shade of dark blue. Alice grinned at me, she was now at ease, so I assumed she just had a vision of Edward coming home or something.

"Where's Bella?"

My eyes opened slowly. I was lying on the couch, a blanket tucked around me. I could hear Edward's voice, but I couldn't determine if I was actually awake or not. I sat up groggily, and that's when I noticed I wasn't dreaming when I saw Edward move towards me.

"She's only been sleeping for a few minutes Edward," I saw Alice standing behind him. She was talking quietly. "Try to get her to go back to sleep. She needs it."

"Eh," I tried to say something, but that's all I could come up with. At least it made sense to me. I lowered myself back to the couch, not at all eager to get up. My back ached and it hurt to breathe, and I think it was because I was sleeping on the couch; it was a little uncomfortable.

"What was that Bella?"

I mumbled something, I wasn't even sure what it was, and I leaned back into the cushions, covering my face with my blanket. I heard quiet chuckling, and then I felt my body shift. I hissed in protest, and my movement was even gentler than it was before. I opened my eyes and watched as I moved through the air, and up the steps. I giggled, and wrapped my arms around Edward's neck, nuzzling it.

I knew I wasn't all the way awake.

"Sleep Bella," Edward commanded, and I felt another blanket being pulled over me. I opened one eye and looked at him, tapping my lips. For a second he just stared at me, and then he smiled and kissed me. I grinned and nestled my head on his lap, ready to go back to sleep.

Edward stroked my hair, and my drowsiness was consuming me. "Beautiful, beautiful Bella," he murmured, kissing my hair. I smiled softly, nuzzled my cheek against his knee, it was the best I could do without moving to sit up. After a minute, I yawned, trying to force myself to go to sleep, but I was stuck between half awake, and half asleep, and I couldn't seem to get my mind to rest. How was Edward's hunting trip? What color are my toes? Did Alice and Rosalie watch the movie, or were they engrossed in my hands and feet? What movie did I even watch? I carefully sat up, and looked at Edward. "I miss sleeping on my back." I yawned and stretched my arms over my head.

"Bella, it's too late for you to be awake."

I nodded my head, my eyes closing. Edward laughed again and gently pushed me back onto the bed. I lay on my left side, and Edward lay behind me. He was stroking my side now, and I was drifting away, hopefully for the night. "Sleep," Edward murmured, before humming my lullaby.

"No, no, no!"

My eyes opened slowly, and I saw Edward and Alice. I smiled sleepily at them, but they didn't seem to notice me. Edward was pacing, and he had a horrified expression on his face. Alice was standing on the other side of the room, her face blank. I heard something break, it sounded like glass. What glass things does Edward have? I thought thickly, watching as Alice moved, I didn't even see her really. She was on her side of the room, and then suddenly she was in front of Edward, her hands holding his. "She's sleeping! For her sake, calm down!"

"They can't be coming," Edward hissed. He turned his head, and I saw fear and anger composed on his face. I was going to reach for him when Carlisle came into the room, and in seconds flat, all three vampires were gone from the room.

What a strange dream...I thought, closing my eyes.

xoXoXoXox

BB/N: I think it's appropriate if you send me flames. I deserve them. I am Evil…And I am sorry I haven't updated in ages. A lot has been going on, and for about a week I've been trying to update using my mom's laptop—I think our big computer is going to crash—and my mom's laptop wouldn't let me on .

Sorry for the lack of updates! And thanks for the reviews!

Love,
Bob Bennit