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-three: Miserable
I am miserable, no doubt about it, I thought sadly as I waddled down the hallway towards whatever destination Edward was leading me to. He had a very tight grasp on my hand, I think he was afraid that if he let me go, something terrible would happen to me. And with my luck, something would, especially with how swollen my feet were. Carlisle decided that a little bit of activity might help my labor progress to a point where I could be admitted to the hospital; and believe me, with every contraction that I have, the hospital becomes more and more like an ideal paradise.
I can't believe a human could even be in labor for as long as I have! Thirty-six hours on and off of labor! Thirty-six hours!
The Cullen's have worked to their capacity to try and help relieve some of my discomfort, and I have never been so grateful for them.
"This is the best I could do Bella."
I looked up from the floor, where I had been staring, and into the bathroom, where Edward gently let go of my hands and opened the door. I couldn't move as my jaw dropped and my hands clasped themselves over my mouth.
The bathtub was filled with steaming water, and the lights were not on, but it seemed like hundreds of candles were placed around the room, the soft glow making me shiver. Edward took my response as a good one, and he led me into the bathroom. It was as if my body wasn't working with my mind, I just stood still as stone.
Edward had to help me undress, and then he was once again leading me to the tub. I got in without a thought and sank to the bottom, my head the only exposed body part. Bubbles were floating on top of the water, and I leaned my head back, closing my eyes. I was relaxing for the first time in what seemed like a century. The only sound in the room was my slow and steady breathing.
Out of habit I began to rub my stomach, and I knew Edward was watching me critically. I opened my eyes slowly and murmured, "Do you think this will induce me?"
"Medically? No, but we can always hope," Edward whispered, pushing a lock of hair out of my face. He smiled at me and dropped a kiss to my forehead. I sighed and nestled closer to the water.
"Maybe I'm going to be pregnant forever." There was no way I could describe this feeling of longing. Nine months is a long time, and even a day and a half after my due date put me out.
"That's physiologically impossible," Edward reminded me. I rolled my eyes, fighting a smile as I said,
"So is the idea of you getting me pregnant, but that didn't stop us."
"Not funny."
"Oh you know it was," I said, resting my chin on the edge of the bath tub. My small smile made Edward's stony expression disappear, and he laughed, touching my nose with the tip of his finger. After a moment, I moved back to be immersed in the still steaming bath, but this time I stared at Edward, entranced by his beauty. Edward just smiled and began to hum my lullaby, which automatically reminded my body of how tired I really was. My eyes closed with their own will, and I slowly began to drift off as Edward kissed my forehead.
I wasn't even fully asleep before there was a loud knock on the door, and Edward's humming stopped. I opened my drooping eyes and watched as Edward's jaw clenched. Annoyed, he said, "We're busy Alice." There was no response, and I opened my eyes wide to see Edward stand up fluidly and run to the door. He didn't open it, but he spoke to Alice from the other side. It lasted nearly a full minute, which meant a lot, because they were talking too fast for me to comprehend.
Finally, Edward turned away from the door. His brow was creased with worry, and the tension that was gone from my body was back full blast. "We have to go."
"Why?" I asked, my voice hitching, as dread filled me. I suddenly felt like this was the Volturi's visit all over again. My heart stopped beating as every dangerous scenario entered my mind.
"Breathe!"
I didn't even know that I wasn't breathing until Edward said so. He had my face in his hands, and he was stroking my cheeks. With shaking hands, I grasped his shoulders. I couldn't keep my voice from shaking when I said, "You can't leave me again." I was getting hysterical.
"No, no, no, no," Edward whispered, nearly pulling me from the water with the ferocity of his hug. I was paralyzed with fear as my fingers clenched his shirt. He can't leave. Not now, not when I'm so close! His shirt was drenched as he whispered quickly in my ear, "I will never leave you again, for as long as I live. I promise, please believe me, Bella." He kissed along my jaw line until my heart began to slow, and I loosened my grip on his shirt.
"Where a-are you g-going?"
Edward kissed my cheek and then whispered, "Hunting. We have to go hunting."
"Why?"
"Alice had a vision, and all that she said was that she wants us to be as well fed as possible." Edward smoothed the hair back and gazed into my eyes. Immediately, I was dazzled by the topaz shining.
"I'm sorry—"
"Don't," Edward pressed a finger to my lips and lowered his head, kissing me soundly. When he pulled away, he whispered, "It's my fault you think that I'm never coming back when I tell you I have to go." He hugged me again, and I squeezed him tightly, feeling guilty for thinking that he was leaving me once again. We didn't break apart until there was a knock at the door. Edward rested his forehead against mine and whispered, "I'm sorry we had to cut this short."
"Me too."
It took a few minutes for me to get out of the tub and dressed, even with Edward's help. And then I was stuck wearing either an overly large t-shirt, or a nightgown, because I just couldn't bear wearing pants.
Once I had on my nightgown, I looked at Edward. "Where am I going? Am I staying here?"
Edward shook his head and in a swift movement, he had me in his arms. "Alice arranged for you to stay at Charlie's house, just for tonight."
"Are you going far?" I rested my head on his shoulder as he walked a little quicker than normal.
"We've already cut the deer population in half in the immediate area, but we'll go as fast as we can. I don't want to leave you longer than I need to."
Edward carried me downstairs, and waiting for us at the front door was Carlisle with my shoes. He intercepted us, easily sliding my socks on and then handing me my shoes. I held my shoes limply and watched as Edward and Carlisle carried on a silent conversation.
After a few seconds, Edward carried me to the awaiting vehicle: the Jeep.
I groaned inwardly. I've avoided this monster of a vehicle long enough; I guess I was bound to have to ride in it again. "Don't worry, love," Edward murmured, standing back as Alice opened the door. "This will be the quickest ride of your life."
"Better not make it bumpy."
Edward handed me off to Jasper, who cradled me gently in his arms as he lowered me to a seat and strapped me in. Edward sat down beside me, and Carlisle came in last. "Everybody ready?" Emmett called, and before anyone responded, he was driving away.
I wonder if contractions can be the result of stress, I thought, as I grasped Edward's hand and breathed deeply. Just at that moment, Emmett hit something—I'm not sure if it was a bump or a moose—and I cried out in pain, both because the contraction and when I strained against my harness. Immediately, the Jeep stopped, and I gasped for breath.
"I'm so sorry!" Emmett croaked, turning around to look at me.
"It would be safer if you ran her there Edward—"
"How can we explain to Charlie that there's no vehicle?"
"And what about her bags?"
"It's raining."
I caught the conversation going on around me, and I shook my head slowly. I didn't want to move, not now. "I'm okay," I whispered, opening my eyes to see Edward crouching in front of me. He looked so apologetic that he had to put me in this situation. I just forced a smile. Hopefully I would be able to prolong the contractions until I was on solid ground.
It was silent in the car for a few seconds, and then Edward said, his voice barely audible due to the rain pounding on the car, "Go."
It wasn't long until Charlie's house came into view, but I was surprised when Emmett stopped the Jeep in the middle of the road, again. I wrenched my eyes open, and I forced my eyes to focus in the dark to try and see what everyone else saw. It took a second, and then I recognized the cruiser and Jacob Black's car; the Rabbit. "The storm must have caused a lot of problems in La Push." Alice's voice was strained, and I knew the reason to her underlying tone; she didn't want me to be here with a houseful of werewolves, unable to have any visions.
"It's too unsafe for her to be home alone," Esme said. "She'll be safe with her father."
"But the dogs—" I winced at the term Emmett used, but I ignored it, knowing that interrupting him now wouldn't change how he felt.
"She'll be safe." It was Edward who spoke, his voice final. I looked at him, and he kissed my forehead. A second later, Emmett started the Jeep again, and did the speed limit to my father's house. Once the car was off again, I sat still for a second longer, afraid that if I tried to say anything, I would just beg Edward to stay.
"We'll see you soon, Bella."
I got a hug and kiss from Alice and Esme, and a hug from Rosalie and Carlisle, and Jasper just tilted his head at me, smiling. Then Edward got out of the Jeep and Carlisle lowered me into his arms. The wind was blowing hard, and my hair was whipped into my face.
With Edward's body hunched over mine, he jogged to the door, and knocked once before sliding inside, Alice following closely behind with my bags. I immediately embraced the warmth of the house—even if it was April, mother nature did not care what the temperature was.
"I love you," Edward whispered in my ear, his lips brushing against my neck. I shivered and he chuckled. "I will see you in the morning."
Very carefully, Edward carried me into the living room, where I was shocked to see, not only Billy and Jacob Black, but Quil and Paul too. I half expected more people to appear out of nowhere, but when Charlie came from the kitchen, I knew there was no one else.
The silence in the room was deafening, and I felt Edward tensing. I didn't want this to turn into a fight, so I looked into Edward's eyes, cupping his cheeks in my hands. "Tomorrow," I breathed, kissing him soundly. He nodded his head, and lowered me to my feet. Before I could take a single step, Charlie intercepted me, grabbing my hands.
"Hi Dad."
"Hey kid." Charlie very carefully led me to the couch. Everyone, I guess, knew about my condition.
"Paul, get up!"
There was a little arguing as Paul made room for me on the couch, and Charlie walked me over, where I sat down slowly. I looked at Edward as he watched my every movement. I wasn't sure, since his eyes were unfocused, if he was really watching me or listening to everyone's minds. His body was so tense, I knew this was killing him to leave me here, but I was definitely in safe hands right now.
Alice moved fluidly to me, a slight smile gracing her features. She kissed my cheek, and without looking from my eyes, she tilted her head towards Paul and said through the corner of her mouth, "If I call and tell you to leave the house, do it." There was no response from him, and Alice hugged me gently and kissed my other cheek. "Your bags are by the front door."
"Edward, she'll be okay."
Amongst the chaos of Charlie trying to find room for everyone to sit, Alice intensifying the tension with her warning, and everyone else talking, I thought I was the only one who heard Jacob speak, besides the obvious other vampire in the room. Edward looked at him, and the briefest of head nods ensued before he looked at me. I waved to him, and he whispered, "Love you," before he went to the door and slipped out without my father noticing. Alice bid farewell to everyone before she too left the house. I could hear the Jeep driving away, and I winced.
"You're so huge Bella! You were like this big the last time I saw you."
I looked over at Quil, who was smiling at me. I smiled back, hoping it looked sincere. "Are you calling me fat?"
"Politely."
"Watch it," Jacob growled, moving from beside his father to sit at my feet.
"How are you doing Bella?" Jacob asked, his husky voice piercing through me, and I looked at him, grinning.
"I'm making it."
As everyone asked me questions, and I got reacquainted with my Quileute friends, I could see Charlie smiling fondly at me. I knew that he finally understood—or at least accepted—the love and devotion I had for Edward, but I also knew that he wanted me to stay friends with Jacob. As the night progressed though, I began to think that Charlie was just happy because I was in the house, almost like old times. When he asked me if I was hungry, I looked at him skeptically, asking, "Did you cook it?"
He rolled his eyes at me and said, "Not yet."
"Then give me the pleasure."
Charlie was the skeptical one now, but with the request that Jacob help me to my feet, and everyone moved out of my way, I was able to get to the kitchen. Jacob stood not one foot away from me as I walked, because I refused that he put his hands on my waist—if Edward did it and it hurt, why wouldn't it with Jacob? I didn't want to take any chances.
It was routine to cook in the kitchen, and since I moved out, I half expected there to be no food, but Charlie had the ingredients to make chicken enchiladas, and the recipe was on the counter. Maybe he wanted me to give him step by step instructions?
"Are you sure you can do this?" Jacob asked, pulling out a chair beside me and chopping the onions. Paul and Quil were chopping the chicken—I think cooking was secretly out of the question for me, if it had anything to do with standing. Charlie and Billy stayed in the living room to avoid me and the three large boys who were also with me.
"I am not an invalid—" I began, but Jacob interrupted me.
"Edward said you're close to having the baby. I think that categorizes you as an invalid."
I glared at him, and Paul said, "You better hold your tongue, she has knives."
"Ha, as if a knife will really hurt me," Jacob said, laughing and throwing his head back. I just glared at him more, but I could feel a smile tugging at my lips at hearing his laugh. I felt so much at ease in the not so recently blue painted kitchen with my old friends that I didn't really want to leave. Paul, Quil, and Jacob entertained me as the food cooked, and my stomach began to growl as the food began to smell heavenly.
After I ate and Charlie washed the dishes, I went back into the living room, stretching out on the couch. I was tired with such a full stomach, but a piece of me didn't want to go to sleep until I was back in Edward's arms. Everyone else had a different idea, because as soon as I hit the couch, Jacob ran upstairs to my old bedroom and grabbed my blanket and pillow, Paul gave me his extra pillow, and Quil gave me his only pillow.
It took a few struggling minutes to get comfortable, and then very quietly, everyone shut off the light and television, and went into the kitchen to talk.
I rolled my eyes. Even if it was late at night, which when I looked at the clock it was only ten, I could be up too! My fatigue was fighting though, and I found myself slowly falling asleep. I pulled my blanket up higher and called goodnight to everyone.
Tonight, overall, hasn't been too terrible. It would have been a thousand times better if Edward stayed with me, but I know that he is coming to get me in the morning. My last thought was of Edward, and it put a smile on my face.
I woke up later, and I wasn't sure why. I waited a few seconds for my eyes to adjust in the darkness, and then I looked at the clock. It was only eleven forty five. I looked around, Jacob was sleeping a few feet away, and I could see a pair of feet and then a lump curled in the corner. In the recliner was Billy, I could see a silhouette of his wheel chair against the wall.
I dropped my head into my hands and tried to shake off a sick to my stomach feeling. I breathed deeply for a second, and then I laid back down. I put my hands on my stomach and rubbed as the sick feeling didn't go away. I was about to fall back asleep when I realized I was thirsty. Deciding that a cup of water wouldn't hurt, I pushed myself from the couch and almost tripped over Jacob, having forgotten that he was so close to the couch. He just mumbled something and rolled to his other side. I took a few steps to the kitchen and then paused. I couldn't explain the feeling that I had.
After a moment, I continued on with my quest to get water. When I got to the kitchen, I walked quietly, not wanting to disturb anyone who was sleeping. I got a glass and was about to fill it up to take a sip when I felt a strange sensation, as if a rubber band snapped in my abdomen. I immediately lowered my hand, wincing when I felt a strong contraction. I took a step backwards to lean against the counter, and I felt a gush of liquid.
The glass fell from my hands and it shattered, but that wasn't what scared me. I doubled over in pain as I felt my initial contraction intensify in pain. For a second I held my breath, but then I remembered that Edward always had me breathe during a contraction, so I sucked in air, crying out in pain as the contraction fully hit me. I could hear scrambling around from both upstairs and from the living room as I took several deep breaths.
Only a few seconds passed before I was able to open my eyes. Shakily, I leaned against the counter, trying to keep my balance. I didn't want this to happen now—there was no way Edward would be able to get here quickly if Alice didn't see this vision. And I only had one choice; to go to the hospital right now, without my husband.
"Bella?" I opened my eyes slowly and Charlie hesitantly put his hand on my shoulder. I was breathing deeply as he took in my appearance calmly. I think he also noticed the broken cup on the floor. "Did your water break?" he asked quietly. I just nodded my head. Then in seconds, Charlie got a very serious look on his face—police mode maybe?—and said, "Jacob, get some towels off of the dryer." It was as if Charlie has done this a thousand times before as he very gently asked me, "Do you need an ambulance Bells? Or can you ride in a car? Whatever you feel most comfortable with, we can do."
I thought about it for a second. Undoubtedly, Charlie could get an ambulance here in minutes, but I just hate ambulances. My mind was a whirlwind as I thought about a million different things at once. Were the roads okay, or did trees fall because of the storm? Where exactly was Edward and his family, and how were they coping in this weather? Have there been any car accidents or home explosions that would cause an influx in patients at the hospital?
Suddenly, I held my hands to my face. "Just let me sit for a minute, please." I couldn't emotionally breakdown now; Edward wasn't here to calm me down. Almost immediately, Charlie grabbed one of the chairs from the table, and I sat down heavily.
Jacob appeared with an armful of towels, and he put them on the table. I noticed a distinct look of distaste on his face, and my eyes shifted to the other La Push boys. They all looked a little disgruntled, and I figured that it had something to do with the fact that they were all boys with an overly hormonal laboring woman.
I closed my eyes and took a few extremely deep breaths, trying to calm my nerves. I ignored the squeaking wheels of Billy's wheelchair, and thought of what I should do next. Obviously, Alice has not seen a thing, but I could still call and someone would answer.
"Someone call Edward." I cradled my head in my hands—it was beginning to hurt.
"What's his number?"
My mind went blank. For the life of me, I could not remember what phone number was Edward's. This was so unlike me, that I felt frustrated with myself. I usually do so well under pressure!
"In my bag," I finally mumbled, digging my fingers into my scalp. "There should be a list of numbers…" I could already hear Jacob running for my bag. I kept my head down and continued to breathe. Edward can instruct me on what I should do next. I was beginning to get scared. What is real labor going to be like?
"Bella, there's no answer, should I leave a—"
At the mention of there being no answer, I burst into tears. I just started crying because I was scared, and I wanted Edward here now. I could see everyone in the kitchen shift uncomfortably, not sure if they should try to get me to stop or not, and that just upset me more. "He's supposed to an-answer his phone!" I said angrily. "I-I don't know wh-what to d-do!"
Charlie finally took the reins, again, and he said decisively, "Bella, we're taking you to the hospital, in the cruiser."
I just nodded my head, and very carefully used the counter to help myself to my feet. Charlie put his hands on my shoulders and carefully directed me to the door. I didn't put on my shoes, and from behind me, I could hear Billy barking out directions to the boys; Jacob to grab the towels, Paul to grab my bags, and Quil to get an umbrella for me.
Halfway to the door, I stopped and doubled over as another contraction hit. I breathed and tried to stay on my feet. I heard conversation, but I couldn't think. When the contraction finished, I stood back up slowly. I was dizzy, and I swayed on my feet.
"I got you Bella." Jacob cradled me in his arms and held me gently. I shifted in his arms, trying to situate myself. He had no idea how to hold a pregnant woman! My tears continued to fall steadily as I said,
"My contractions are really close."
"It'll be all right Bells." Jacob said, before hunching himself over me and running outside. Everyone else was behind him, and I shielded my face away from the rain.
Charlie opened the door for us and laid several towels down on the front seat before Jacob could put me inside. Then Jacob buckled me in and as he was backing away, I pulled him to me suddenly, looking him in the eyes. His eyes were questioning me and I whispered, "Can you follow behind from a distance, just incase Alice could see something? Please?"
"No problem. Good luck!" He ruffled my hair soothingly and gently chucked my chin. "It'll be okay Bells, trust me."
"Thanks." I gave him a watery smile before he shut the door.
If Edward thought he drove fast in his Volvo, he should try driving a cruiser. I didn't even know Charlie's car could go this fast! I had to keep my head down in order to avoid getting sick. After a few minutes in the car, I heard Charlie pick up his radio and say, "Hospital, this is Chief Swan. I have a woman who's in labor, and I'm bringing her in, over."
There was a moment of silence, and then the response, "Is it your daughter? Over."
"Yes it is. Over."
"Our staff is ready."
"Thanks."
I wiped at my eyes and said, "I'm glad you have connections."
"I have to, I'm the chief."
I laughed a little and then put my head back down, rubbing my stomach. It wasn't long before we made it to the hospital, and I could see a nurse standing with a wheel chair, waiting for me. For some reason, I was relieved that she was there. It was a welcoming change from the fear that I had been experiencing.
Charlie stopped the car, and I opened the door and unbuckled myself. It was a process, but I managed to get from the car to the wheel chair, once the nurse made it outside.
"Where's your husband, Mrs. Cullen?"
"He's coming." I said, hoping I was telling the truth, but I wasn't even sure anymore.
xoXoXoXox
BB/N: Sorry about the lack of updating! I've had severe internet/computer problems, and I fear that my computer is going to crash soon, because it's running so slow! I've backed up my story, just incase, and hopefully I can update the rest of the story as soon as possible, so there won't be a risk of the computer crashing while I'm in the process of finishing this.
Thanks for the reviews.
Love,
Bob Bennit