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 Thirty-two: The First Signs of the Baby
I couldn't help the shiver of excitement that went down my spine when my eyes opened to reveal sunshine. I wasn't deterred though. So what if it was sunny? It could start to rain and storm any minute.
"Morning love," Edward murmured, and I tilted my head to look at him.
"Happy April 24th," I whispered, pecking Edward's lips lightly. He chuckled softly, the sound reverberating in my mind. I couldn't imagine anything making this day bad; a baby was supposed to be born!
"I'm assuming you're feeling good," Edward murmured against my neck, his lips skimming the skin there. In response, I just shivered and sighed. Obviously I was feeling good. I giggled when Edward pulled away from me to nuzzle my nose with his own before he kissed my forehead. "Breakfast?" he offered quietly, taking my hand and kissing it.
"That would be wonderful."
"What would you like?"
I thought about it as I carefully sat up. Before I could ask for help, Edward was already placing pillows behind my back and easing me up. When I was comfortable, he perched on the edge of the bed looked into my eyes. His topaz eyes made my heart skip a few beats, and I had to struggle to catch my breath. He smiled after that, and I was at a loss for words.
What did he ask me? Edward reached out and brushed the back of his fingertips over my cheek. "You're positively glowing." I blushed and lowered my eyes, a small smile breaking out over my lips. I gasped when Edward kissed me, and I had the inkling of a thought that my lungs just combusted. "Would you like toast?"
I just nodded my head; the part of my brain that makes coherent speech also exploded. My eyes drifted open, just as Edward winked at me and ran away. When he was safely out of my eyesight, I leaned into my pillows and sighed. I would never survive if every morning was like this.
There was a knock at the door, soon after Edward left the room. I wondered briefly who it was, before saying, "Come in." It was always a surprise to see which Cullen would visit me. This morning, it was Alice, and she was beaming as she walked gracefully towards the bed.
"It's a beautiful day."
"Definitely."
"How are you feeling?"
"Good, but no contractions yet."
Alice flashed a smile and I immediately was curious. "What?" Before she answered me, Edward walked into the room, a smile of his own plastered on his lips. He sat down on the bed and handed me a plate with two slices of toast. I nibbled on the toast, not entirely hungry. As I ate, Edward moved around the room, first looking out the window—which almost caused me to choke because of the way his body glittered in the sunlight—and then moving to his stereo.
"Are you excited, Bella?"
I looked at Alice as she sat down on my bed, her feet tucked beneath her. "You have no idea. I feel so cumbersome right now…and I ache in all the places that can ache…but I'm really excited to just have Gabriel in my arms."
"Your excitement is tangible." I nearly jumped out of my skin at the new addition to the room. Jasper was standing beside Edward. I clutched my heart, trying to stop the escaping organ. Jasper smiled at me apologetically. "Sorry."
"It's okay."
"You can't frighten a human into labor, can you?" I jumped again, and looked for the voice in the doorway, but he wasn't there.
"Don't even think about it, Emmett." Edward growled, not even looking away from his music collection. I realized Emmett was sprawled out on the couch, and when I looked at him, he had his hands behind his head. He was grinning at me.
"What are you doing?" I asked suspiciously. It seemed like there was something going on that I didn't know about.
"I'm just gathering Jasper and Edward up, we're going hunting with Carlisle."
"Now? Today?" I felt a well of panic rise inside of me; he couldn't just leave today, it was my due date! What if I had the baby while he's gone? I doubt Alice would allow them to be out of the house for that long, but still, things happened.
Edward was beside me in an instant, his lips cast in a frown. "I'm sorry love, but it's necessary that we go. We'll only be gone for a few hours, at the most."
I knew I had the power to tell Edward not to go, but I couldn't force myself to say the words, so instead, I whispered, "Fine. Okay." I conceded easily, suddenly feeling disappointed. I crossed my arms over my chest and tried to stop the trembling of my upper lip.
"We'll be downstairs." Jasper grabbed Emmett from the couch, and the two of them ran from the room. Alice was the last to leave, after giving me a quick hug, and giving Edward a meaningful look. I guess it was urgent that they leave.
Edward sat down beside me and wrapped his arm around me. "Please don't cry, Bella."
"I'm not crying!" I snapped, but I could already feel the tears pooling in my eyes.
"Yes you are." Edward kissed my forehead and held my face between his hands. I stared into his eyes as my vision began to blur. I blinked rapidly, knowing that Edward would not go hunting if I really turned on the water works.
"I'm okay," I said, sniffling. "I'm just overreacting—"
"No husband in their right mind would leave their wife home on her due date—"
"That too," I said, laughing quietly. Edward pressed his lips to my forehead and murmured,
"You'll see me sooner than you'll think."
I looked at him and was about to ask, "What does that mean?" when there was a knock on the door, and it was Rosalie. She smiled at me warmly, and I wiped at my eyes, embarrassed that I was caught crying.
"Carlisle is waiting for you, Edward," Rosalie said, standing in the doorway. Edward nodded his head and kissed me again.
"Be safe," I whispered, kissing his cheek.
"Who knows what danger you'll get in by staying in bed? You stay safe as well."
"Shut up," I mumbled, mock glaring at me. "Go hunt, you're becoming insufferable." I tried blowing him off, but Edward easily grabbed my hand and kissed it. One look into his eyes, and my facade melted away.
"Soon."
And then he was gone.
Seconds after Edward left, Alice was standing at the foot of my bed, a bag in her hand. Dreadful couldn't even describe the way I was feeling as I looked at her too innocent expression. My eyes flickered to the doorway, and Rosalie was still there. "Would you like to try on a new outfit?" Alice asked, leaning onto the bed. Did Edward know about this little plan of hers? I thought, before my expression resembled the way I was feeling about Edward's departure.
"Are you in pain?" Rosalie strode into the room, her expression fearful. I smiled reassuringly at my sisters, pushing away my feelings about Edward. I could deal with them later.
"Sure, let's try on a new outfit."
I didn't really have the energy to walk around, so Rosalie tucked me in her arms and carried me to her bedroom. To be honest, I was feeling a little sluggish and a little tired. Rosalie and Alice were extremely wary of every breath I took, I think they noticed my sudden change in demeanor.
"Are you sure you're feeling okay, Bella?"
"Yeah, yeah," I said, looking down at Alice. "I'm just a little wore out."
Wore out was an understatement, as Alice lowered me to the counter. Evidently, we weren't going to Rosalie's room at all. I noticed that there were a few curling irons lining the counter, and suddenly, I was at the mercy of Rosalie and Alice.
Alice handed me the bag she had, and I took out the clothes. I haven't worn anything that was stylish in a long time—I haven't exactly felt like it. The blouse that she got me was royal blue with a low neckline—I guess there's no way I can not dress sexily as a Cullen—and it had an empire waist. Not only did I have to dress sexy, I had to make sure everyone knew I was pregnant too, which had me worrying. Why did I have to look pregnant in a household of vampires who already knew?
The pants were just a normal stretch waist black dress slacks. Rosalie very carefully helped me to my feet, and then I got dressed. When I was dressed, I looked in the mirror and gasped. I looked…nice.
Alice laughed, and Rosalie chuckled softly. "I knew you'd like it."
"I love it, Alice and Rosalie. Thank you!"
After a few more seconds admiring my very pregnant form, I sat down in a very plush chair in front of the sink. I could feel my feet aching. I haven't stood up and moved in quite a long time. Carlisle was very serious about my bed rest.
Alice began brushing my hair, once I was comfortable. I was hoping they wouldn't use curling irons, I wasn't in the mood to sit for that long, but I was wrong.
Each vampire had two curling irons in their hands. And I was not burnt once. Once my little mini makeover was over with, Rosalie cradled me in her arms, and ran down the stairs. My eyes were squeezed shut and I didn't open them until the air was finished rushing past me. By the time I opened my eyes again, there were cold hands being pressed against them.
"What's going on?" I asked, my voice barely louder than a whisper. It was deathly silent, and I couldn't see. My heart began to beat furiously as I blinked rapidly.
I was gently lowered into a seat, and from the feel of it, it felt like a wheel chair. My assumption was proved right when I was pushed forward, still unable to see. My stomach twisted in knots. I had an idea that this was some sort of surprise, and I actually felt sick.
Finally, the hands were removed, just as a chorus of, "Surprise!" came at me.
"Holy crow…" I gasped, tears filling my eyes, as I looked at everyone in my living room. The most shocking guest was my mother. Renée was actually in the same room as me. My mouth went slack for a second, and the tears came faster. Her eyes were also rapidly tearing over, and she was the only one I actually saw for a second.
"Bella, my baby!"
She was with me in an instant, and I wrapped my arms around her, squeezing her as tightly as I could. "Mom," I whispered. She pulled away from me, holding me at arms length.
"It should be illegal for a mother to not see her daughter during her first pregnancy." She looked disapproving for a second, and then she grinned. "You look well, you aren't on the verge of going into the hospital again, are you? I was so afraid—"
"Hopefully, the next time I go into the hospital it'll be to have Gabe."
There was laughing, and I looked away from Renée to see Mike, Jessica, Ben, and Angela. They were all grinning, and I had to fight for air. Renée went back to her chair, and I finally took everything in. Charlie was sitting on the couch with my friends, and Esme and Carlisle were leaning against it. Alice and Rosalie were on either side of me, and there were mounds of boxes and colorful paper in the middle of the floor.
If I was standing, I would have collapsed to the floor.
I looked at Alice, a glare rivaling with Edward's worst was placed on my face. "I should have known you were up to something!" Alice just smiled, winking at me. Of all the Cullen's, Alice should know how much I hate surprises, even though I loved my friends and family dearly—
"You really should wipe that sour look off your face, you look like you just ate a bug—whatever that tastes like."
Crowding behind Rosalie was the hulking figure of Emmett Cullen, which only meant Edward was in the near vicinity. That thought alone brought a smile to my face, and I beamed as if I was the happiest person on the planet, which by all accounts, I was.
After a few quiet seconds, I looked at the gifts in the middle of the room. "Are these for me?" I asked, unsure if I was ready to accept gifts.
"For you and the baby." A small smile covered my lips as I felt a hand on my shoulder. I didn't need to turn and look to know that it was Edward. Alice pushed my wheelchair forward a few more feet, before my mounds and mounds of gifts got in the way. Well, sitting halfway in front of my friends wasn't a good idea, and that's when I spotted my rocking chair, as if it was brought down here for me.
"Can someone help me up?" Mike was the closet one to me, and he stood up, looking at Edward nervously. I smiled at him encouragingly, hoping Edward wasn't glaring at him. Mike looked like he was afraid that he'd drop me. He held his hands out to me, and I grasped them tightly, telling him to carefully and slowly pull me up. When I was to my feet, I told him not to move for a second as I got my bearings. I felt someone move the wheelchair from behind me and then Mike carefully let go of my hands. I wobbled slightly and then there was a set of hands on my hips steadying me.
"Thanks Mike," I said, hugging him. He hugged me back lightly, and if I didn't know better, Jessica was glaring at him, but I didn't care. So what if I've made a pretend pass at her boyfriend? How many times has she done it to me? I pulled away from Mike, smug, and Edward kept a steady hand on me as I walked to the rocking chair. I sat down, a little dizzy, but happy nonetheless. Before looking at Edward, I glanced at Jasper, and he was grinning like mad; he obviously understood the feelings in the room. Edward kissed my forehead, his eyes twinkling, and he whispered,
"Sooner than you thought?"
I just smiled and hugged him, kissing his cheek. Then he moved to stand behind my rocking chair. I looked at my friends and family, and Alice easily began pushing gifts to me. "Some of these are from when you wouldn't accept gifts for Christmas and your birthday. Open mine first."
She gave me a blue bag, and I looked at it warily. It was a little heavy, and I was hoping it wasn't something expensive or embarrassing—she tended to do both at the same time. I gasped when I pulled out a sleek black photo album. I flipped open the cover, and I lost all breath. The first page was a picture of me and Edward—I couldn't even remember taking the picture—and we both looked so happy.
I began crying when I continued turning the pages. Pictures of me and the family, of my belly, sonogram photos, it was all too much! I would cherish these for the rest of my life. My hands were shaking and I had to close the album. I would emotionally breakdown if I continued to go through it.
Alice was beaming at me as I whispered, "Thank you," and beckoned her to me. I hugged her as tightly as I could.
"You're welcome Bella."
After I wiped the tears from my eyes, I passed the photo album to Renée, my closest family member to me. Then I was thrust back into opening gifts.
It was baby clothes galore and I could have started crying all over again. They were so small! Being reduced to tears several times was not my idea of fun, but the room was bustling with excitement as Angela, Jessica, and Renée cooed over clothes and pictures. Emmett kept Charlie, Ben, and Mike entertained, so my tears were only noticed by everyone else.
When the gifts were opened, Esme had Jasper and Emmett carry them to my bedroom, and Carlisle, Rosalie, and Alice helped Esme pick up the paper. My attention was caught when Renée stood up, her coat in hand. Edward stepped away from me at that moment, giving me and my mother some privacy.
"Well Bella, I'd love to stay here longer," Renée began, stooping down and giving me a hug. It was fierce, and I wrapped my arms around her tightly. "But I came in last night, and I have to get my suitcase from the hotel. You look beautiful and happy, and I couldn't expect more from you."
I kissed her cheek. "I wish you could stay." Tears were threatening to spill.
"I know honey, I know." She kissed my forehead. "I'll call you when I get to Jacksonville."
"How are you getting there?"
"Charlie said he'll take me to the airport."
I looked at Renée, shocked. Charlie is actually offering to be in a small space with her? For a long period of time? Maybe he really is over her… Renée just smiled at me and kissed my forehead one more time. Charlie was standing behind her, and she stepped out of the way. Charlie smiled at me.
"I'll see you later, kid."
"Bye sheriff," I said, smiling at him. When my parents were gone, Angela, Jessica, Ben, and Mike crowded around me. This was probably the first time I've seen them together since the wedding. I put a hand on my stomach and rubbed soothingly.
"It's a boy, isn't it?" Mike asked, eyeing my hand. I nodded my head.
"Yeah. We're planning on naming him Gabriel—Oh!" I whispered, feeling him move slightly. "Do you want to feel him kick?" Angela and Jessica immediately offered their hands, and I looked at Ben and Mike, who both looked skeptical. "It's not going to hurt." With a prod from their girlfriends, they rested their hands on my stomach too. At that instant, Gabriel decided to give one good hard kick.
"Wow, that's neat," Jessica said in awe, her eyes round as saucers. They all retracted their hands, and I smiled.
"He does it every once in a while. Just for show, I think." I continued rubbing my stomach.
"Isn't your due date soon?" Angela had her hand on my stomach again, waiting for another kick. She was rewarded with a soft thump. I think Gabriel was taking all this attention to his head.
"It's today."
"Today!" Ben exclaimed, looking at me worriedly, probably thinking that I was going to go into labor at any moment. He snatched Angela's hand away. It's not like I haven't scared him enough, what with my last trip to Port Angeles, let alone labor! I just shrugged my shoulders.
"I haven't had any signs yet."
"Are you anxious?"
"More than you can believe. I think I'm most looking forward for the back pain to go away, and then maybe walking around again."
"How have you been feeling?" Angela asked.
"Is it hard being on bed rest? It would drive me nuts!" Mike said.
"You wouldn't even last a day," Ben said, shoving Mike lightly. I just laughed.
"Bed rest isn't too terrible, I have enough distractions."
I continued talking to my friends for a few more minutes, and it wasn't until we fell into a silence that I realized the quietness of the house. It was as if everyone stopped breathing. Then, instantly, Edward was in the room, making his way towards me, concern etched onto his features. That look was quickly replaced with a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes.
My heart stopped beating for a few seconds, and fear clenched around me. Before Edward reached me and my friends, I decided it would be a good time to send them home. "Thank you for coming over you guys, but I'm tired." My voice was shaking, as if I was about to cry. Angela's brow furrowed, she heard it in my voice, and I tried to smile. "It's been a long day—"
"And it's your due date. We'll just head out." Angela hugged me gently, and I hugged her back. "Keep all of us updated on the baby."
"I will. Any day now," I said, managing to let out a weak laugh. I hugged Jessica and Mike next, and then Ben. Edward thanked them for coming, and I could hear Esme standing at the door, thanking them as well.
When everything was quiet in the house, Edward came back to me and knelt by my side. Carlisle was on the other side of me, and both men just watched me. Alice was standing a few feet back, shaking her head and talking to Esme.
"What's going on?" I asked in a choked whisper. I put my hands on my stomach and rubbed it; Edward's breath hitched.
"Alice had a vision that didn't make much sense."
Very calmly, Carlisle said clearly, "Emmett, start Edward's car. Rosalie, can you get some towels and bring them down?" His eyes never left mine, and he smiled gently. I felt Edward's hand on my back, rubbing gently. My body almost automatically relaxed against his hand. "Alice had a vision that you were going to start having contractions very soon, and just as a precaution, I'm going to take you to the hospital." I nodded my head dumbly; Edward's hand making my brain turn to mush, or maybe it was Jasper? I looked around, and he was sitting on the couch, Alice in his arms, and I indeed felt calm waves coming from him.
And then the most gloriously terrible thing happened.
I had a contraction. My eyes snapped closed and for a second I held my breath, waiting for the pain to go away, and then I heard Edward's velvety voice in my ear, urging me to breathe. I sucked in air and then exhaled slowly. I repeated this over for nearly a minute before the contraction finished. Then I opened my eyes.
"Good job," Edward praised, kissing my forehead.
Carlisle ushered everyone to two cars, splitting us up. He and Jasper rode in the car with Edward and I, Jasper driving the car, and everyone else got in the Vanquish. Sitting in the backseat with Edward may have been pleasant, if it wasn't for the fact that I was having contractions. I begged Jasper to drive slow, because I couldn't afford to get motion sick.
Progressively, as we went to the hospital, the sky got darker, the sun being covered up by rain clouds. I was excited when I wasn't having the contractions because it meant I was officially going to have the baby today!
By the time we reached the hospital, I was ready to have the baby…at least, I was ready mentally. There was a nurse with a wheelchair waiting for us outside, and I was thankful that the sun was now covered, because Edward would not have been able to go inside with me. After I was intercepted, I was immediately put inside a room, where I got undressed with the help of Edward, and put on a dressing gown.
A little while later I was hooked up to too many machines, laying down on my side, just breathing. My arm was wound tightly around the handle on my bed and Edward was sitting behind me, rubbing my back, while filling out paperwork.
I deduced that labor was not fun when the contractions actually hurt.
"Do you need anything Bella?"
I sighed and shook my head. I was a little hungry, but I didn't feel like eating laying down—that was a choking hazard anyway.
There was a knock at the door, and then it opened slowly. I looked up to see the same nurse who brought me my wheel chair. She smiled at me, and I felt Edward stiffen. "Hello Bella, how are you feeling?"
"I've been better." I heard the sound of rubber gloves snapping, and my stomach jolted.
"I'm going to begin an exam to see if you are ready to be admitted, so honey, if you could get on your back…"
I was feeling a little disappointed when my exam was finished and I found out I was barely a centimeter dilated. I automatically assumed that that meant only one thing; labor was going to be a long process. My hopes were soaring high when I stepped foot in the hospital because I was excited that there would be a baby born today, but according to my exam, I wasn't going to have the baby for a long time.
"Don't be upset Bella," Edward whispered, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, and kissing my forehead. "Babies aren't always born on the day the doctor says. And look outside, it's not raining."
"Yeah, but," I said, leaning my head against his chest. "I was just hopeful." I couldn't help but sigh and rub my eyes tiredly.
Edward smoothed back my hair. "We all were."
"And these contractions—they felt too real for a false alarm." I closed my eyes and sighed again. I really was disappointed. "Where's your family?"
"They went hunting. Everyone wants to be here when the baby's born, and Alice dragged them away."
There was another knock on the door, and I didn't bother to move away from Edward before the door opened. I heard someone clear their throat, and I looked up to see doctor Snow. I wanted to scowl at him—I just wasn't in the mood to get another exam.
"Well Mrs. Cullen, there hasn't been any major changes in your labor, so we're going to send you home." I just nodded my head. If Edward had any objections, he didn't voice them, and doctor Snow continued on. "Your paperwork will be kept on file, and we'll more than likely see you in the next day or two. Keep your feet up and stay well rested. I'm sure doctor Cullen will explain everything else to you."
I scowled at him when he turned around and left the room. "What was the point? Could a nurse just come in—I think he's just jealous of your father," I mumbled beneath my breath. Edward chuckled, whispering,
"How right you are."
A moment later a nurse came in, and she removed all of the monitors from me, and then she handed me a pamphlet called 'The Do's and Don'ts of Laboring Women'. I took it without a word, knowing that Edward and Carlisle, and more than likely the entire family, had this pamphlet memorized. Then the nurse retrieved a wheelchair, and then she wished Edward and me well before leaving.
When Edward and I were left alone again, he helped me back into my clothes, and then carried me to the wheel chair. I had just enough energy to tell Edward to walk slow, before I closed my eyes and fell asleep.
xoXoXoXox
BB/N: I'm not dead! Promise!
There's not much I can say. In August, after I read Breaking Dawn, I was very…disappointed that my story was even remotely similar to Stephanie Meyer's, but I got over it…today.
It just took four months.
I am finishing this story, because it hurts my gut to know that I have an unfinished story online.
And a lot of you guys want to see this story to the end.
Love,
Bob Bennit