Edward's Point of View
When Bella laid down on the couch I noticed her feet were a little bigger than normal. What the heck? What happened to her?
"Bella?" I said when she was about ready to open her book.
"Yes Edward, what do you need now?" Ok, she's getting annoyed probably because I'm keeping her from her book.
"Your feet are swollen, should I call Carlisle or Esme?" I didn't know what to do, but they could help.
"No Edward, pregnant women's feet always swell up. It's completely natural." She said like it was no big deal. I guess it wasn't.
She still looked worn out from today and looked like she needed some comfort. An idea ran quickly through my head.
I acted quickly and yet carefully too; picking up her feet and placing them in my lap. "What are you doing?" She asked not even looking up from her book.
"Just making sure you are comfortable." I answered smiling.
She put her book down. "You know mom told you not to tickle your pregnant sister." She raised her eyebrow at me.
"I'm not going to tickle your feet." I answered truthfully and began by gently pushing my thumb into the lower pad of her underfoot.
She dropped her book on her chest and looked like she was in heaven. She looked like a beautiful angel, and I made her feel that way.
"Feeling better?" I asked already knowing the answer.
"Yes." She groan. She groan?
I continued on with her foot and moved onto the next one when I felt the first had enough attention. Bella looked like she was melting into Heaven the whole time.
I thought her legs would have been tired too from all that exercise she got today, so I moved my hands slowly up higher to her calves. Her breathing hitched and she opened her eyes widely staring back at me like she was scared.
I allowed her to pull her body up into a sitting position, curling her legs in as far as they could. She never took her eyes off of me as she moved. Looking at her, she was scared. How could I have been so stupid to push her so far like that?
"Bella, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to push you; I'm not going to hurt you." I reached out to touch her face, but like the night we officially met, she moved away from me.
I didn't know what else to do besides stare at her as I saw the wall that protected her from outside emotions came back up. This was not good.
"Bella, I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm so sorry." I tried again moving farther away from her to give her some room.
Tears were starting to flood her eyes as she continued to stare at me.
We both jumped when we heard the door being swung open and the voices of our siblings coming from the kitchen.
"Hey you two, what's going on?" Alice asked dancing into the room.
I turned my head to look at her as she looked to Bella. Realization dawned upon her almost immediately for within that same second. Alice ran over to Bella's side, but Bella wouldn't take her eyes off of me. It was as if she was expecting me to physically or mentally harm her in some way.
"Bella, tell me what happened?" Alice said worry deep within her voice.
"Alice, what's the matter?" Rosalie asked coming through the door way with Emmett and Jasper standing behind her also curious.
They had all seen this look on Bella's face before, so it didn't take them long to figure out that something was wrong.
"Edward, what did you do?" Rosalie asked with venom dripping off every word.
I couldn't concentrate on her though because I had hurt Bella and it was killing me very slowly. Her stares were like knives piercing my heart every second that passed by.
Jasper moved slowly over to stand behind Bella; this could not be good for her for she flinched when he touched her.
I looked at him and shook my head; telling him that whatever he was thinking was a bad idea. He looked towards Rosalie who was still at the door of the living room next to Emmett; she nodded her head in encouragement.
I wanted to take Bella away right there and then, but she was already so afraid. My idea would be worst than the one the blonde twins were hatching.
Ever so slowly, Jasper moved his hands over Bella's shoulders. At first she shuttered at his touch probably reminded of what happened with Mike the other night. After a minute or so of massaging her shoulders, Bella began to relax under Jasper's touch. I looked at him with confusion written all over my face. He looked back at me with a reassuring look.
After a few more minutes, Bella looked so relax that she was leaning more and more into Jasper's hands. Gently and slowly, he lowered her body down onto the couch. Alice stretched out her legs as Jasper set her down.
I was amazed, but grabbed the blanket on the back of the couch and draped it over Bella's sleeping form. Now I was almost afraid to touch her because of what happened earlier, and yet, I found the courage to brush her hair slightly.
Alice and the others looked at me with smug expressions. I rolled my eyes not really wanting to hear what they were thinking, so I grabbed my book and left to go to my room.
It was the second time that I decided to leave Bella against my wishes, but I felt I needed to give her some space. However, I hated that I was giving her so much space. A part of me wanted to stay with her and help her whenever I could. Then there was the other part that needed to stay away from her because it was too afraid of hurting her.
Before I even opened my book, there was a knock at my door.
"Come in." I sighed.
Rosalie opened and walked through the door without any hesitation. Looking at her face told me that this wasn't a social visit.
"Can I help you?" I asked wanting to get this done and over with quickly.
"Are you going to tell me why our new sister who is also pregnant looked like she did the night she met Mike Newton?" She asked folding her arms over chest.
I got up to a sitting position and motioned for her to join me on the bed. She hesitated, but did it anyways sitting two feet away from me. Our relationship isn't as strong as it is with the others. Still, we shared a common dream of becoming doctors which was a sort of relationship at least.
"I suppose I should admit first, that I am having feelings for Bella. I feel like I want to protect her, like I should be the one to tell her that everything will be alright and make things alright when they aren't." I started.
She didn't say anything, but merely nodded her head for me to continue.
"I think she is also drawn to me like I am to her. However, I think she is still holding onto her wall. Never letting it come down fully. If something comes close to happening to her, she puts it back up again. That's what happened tonight. She was finally warming up to me like I wanted her to, but then I pushed her so that she brought her wall back up." I finished.
"You didn't try to kiss her did you?" She was starting to get angry.
"No, I want to; but I know she's not ready. I was rubbing her feet which relaxed her, but when I moved up her leg she pulled back. I can't believe I did that." I ran my hands through my already messy hair in frustration.
Rose put her hand on my back which surprised me. I looked up and she had a small, warm smile on her face.
"I know what you're feeling towards Bella, and that it will not be easy with what she has been through. I do have to warn you to be careful. Take things slow and be honest with her, but really just go slow." She said.
I had to smile back, but there was something else that I thought we should do.
"You know how we made the agreement to not tell mom and dad about Bella's depression?" I asked hoping that there wasn't going to be a battle.
"I agree. I think we should talk to them and see if they can get Bella to talk to someone. She can't keep everything locked up inside her." This surprised me.
"How about Jasper, he does want to be a shrink afterall, and I think it would be better for her than to go to a stranger." I suggested as a half joke.
"I think Jasper would be one choice, she still has the rest of us. Yet, I think we should talk to mom and dad about this." She agreed.
"Thanks Rose." I said giving her a hug.
"Your welcome little brother." She answered pulling away.
I chuckled at the nickname as she walked out of my room.
After Rosalie closed the door, I made a silent vow to continue to watch over Bella, but at a distance. Rose was right, I needed to go slow and that meant that Bella should set the pace or else my slow speed would still be too quick for her.
Bella's Point of View
"Why are you leaving me here? I thought you love me."
"Bella, you must understand that you are part of my childhood. I am leaving tomorrow to go into the adult world. You can't understand that because you are still a child."
"No I'm not. I'm almost sixteen years old and in two years I will be heading out into that world you say I don't belong in. Why do you say that?"
"Because my pet, out in that other world no one will think twice about you. You are ordinary and plain. You are nothing special."
"You told me I was beautiful last night over and over again."
*slap
"I've had enough of your mouth, Isabella. I want nothing more to do with you."
*door slaps shut.
"Bella, Bella wake up." Someone was trying to wake me out of my haunted memory.
"Is she awake yet?" A man's voice said, but it wasn't the man I was dreaming about. Thank God.
"She's stirring, but she might be having a nightmare." The voice was becoming clearer; it was Esme. "Bella?"
I fluttered my eyes open to see Esme sitting on the edge of the couch with me.
"Hi."
"Good evening, sleepy head. Why don't we get you upstairs to your bed; the couch can't be that comfy." She joked which made me smile a little.
I sat up to see Carlisle standing near me as well ready to help when he could. Esme helped me off the couch and up the stairs to my room. I was so tired that I could probably have slept on Esme's shoulders as we walked.
When we finally got to my room, Esme helped me get into my pajamas. She left the light off, so I hoped that she didn't see the bruises on my shoulder. I kept my hair over them just in case.
Finally, I was ready for bed, but I didn't have the energy to go through my nightly grooming rituals. I think Esme understood that for she pulled the covers back and scooped me under them.
"Goodnight Bella." She whispered giving me a kiss on the forehead.
"Thank you." I whispered back then felt someone else entering my room.
"Goodnight." Carlisle said also giving me a kiss on the forehead.
I didn't hear them leave for I was too tired to watch them go.
Esme's Point of View
When Carlisle and I arrived home, it was nearing ten o'clock. I didn't want to leave the hospital because of all the cute babies, but I also wanted to see my children and find out how Bella was feeling. She was still asleep by the time we left for the hospital. I hope the others were keeping an eye on her.
"What are you thinking about, honey?" Carlisle asked as we were driving down the road.
"Mmm…everything." I answered.
"Bella again?" He asked raising an eyebrow. He knew me all too well.
"Yes, I'm just wondering if she is still asleep. Alice really pushed her today."
"I agree, I think tomorrow we should all relax. She will be starting school on Monday, so it would be best if she were relaxed first before going."
"Is that your medical opinion or a father's opinion?"
"I guess it could be both my dear. I'm sure whoever is watching her is doing a fine job."
"I wonder if it's Edward, he seems to be attracted to Bella and her to him."
"Sometimes I'm wondering if we are matchmakers." He shook his head jokingly.
I had to laugh with him.
When we finally got home, we found five of our children in the living room. Rosalie and Alice were playing cards near the couch where Bella was sleeping. The Emmett and Jasper were quietly playing chess in front of a blank TV. Just from the way they didn't greet us, I figured there was something wrong.
"What's going on?" Ah, so Carlisle felt it too.
Now they all looked at us then looked at each other as if trying to pick out who was going to do the deed. I just wondered what was on their minds.
Rosalie was the one to stand up first and ushered us all into the dinning room where we usually held family meetings. As we moved to our respected seats, Edward came into the room as well. I sometimes wonder if he can read our thoughts even when he's not in the room because I knew I hadn't seen him on the ground floor.
"Well, we would like to tell you something about Bella." Rosalie began.
Oh God, please don't tell me that they want us to send her back.
"Don't worry mom, we love her; but we are concerned about her well-being." She continued seeing the panic in my eyes no doubt.
"Do you remember last night when we came home from the game and Bella looked blank?" Alice asked.
Carlisle looked at me with confusion, but I remembered.
"Yes. What happened?" I was becoming worried and Carlisle was catching on quick.
"Well, we don't really know what happened because Bella is not telling us. We think that…that…" Alice couldn't even finish the sentence.
"We think that Mike Newton was harassing her at the game causing her to become depressed." Jasper finished.
Carlisle and I looked at each other. This was not good.
"Has she been like this ever since?" Carlisle asked, his professional side now showing.
"She bounced out of it pretty quickly; probably trying to hide it from us." Rosalie answered shaking her head.
"Maybe she trusts us more." Emmett thought out loud.
"But then, tonight while everyone was out Bella and I were sitting in the living room after dinner. I was trying to make her more comfortable, but I must have pushed her too far because she shrank away from me and wouldn't speak. She just looked at me like I was going to hurt her." Edward admitted.
"Edward, what on earth were you doing?" Dear God, I realize that he may have feelings for her, but I hope that didn't try anything.
"I was just rubbing her feet. It worried me that they looked swollen. I moved up her leg which made her cringe thinking that I was trying to do something else, but that wasn't my intention; I swear." He said which made me feel somewhat better. I knew he was a gentlemen, but sometimes his teenaged hormones could get in the way.
"Thank you Edward for sharing, but how is she now?" Carlisle asked giving Edward a reassuring smile. Edward looked angry at himself above everything else.
"I put her to sleep figuring that it would be the best way for her to get over this." Jasper answered.
"Did it help before?" I asked.
"When she's relaxed a bit, she seems much improved; but again, we are worried about her well-being." Jasper continued. He was going to make a fine psychologist some day.
"Do you think she would want to talk to a professional, dear?" I asked.
"She hardly opened up to me when I first met her. I think we should keep that as a possibility in case things get worst. In the mean time, keep her relaxed and stay open with her. Allow her to trust you. I have a feeling she might want to open up for us rather than an outsider." Carlisle answered.
"Clearly from her past, I say that is a good plan." I agreed.
The others nodded their heads in agreement too. With that, we all went our separate ways. The children headed upstairs leaving Carlisle and I to watch over our two new youngest additions.
Two hours later, Carlisle and I were still engrossed with our books, but were also getting tired. I was thinking about getting Carlisle to take Bella upstairs to her room. I remember sleeping on a couch while pregnant and it caused my back to hurt in the morning.
Just as I was about to tell Carlisle what we should do, Bella began to stir and moan in her sleep. She looked pained and scared like she was having a nightmare.
I walked up to her to gently shake her awake. Carlisle stayed in his chair to give us some room.
"Bella, Bella, wake up." I tried.
"Is she awake yet?" Carlisle asked.
"She's stirring, but she might be having a nightmare." I answered. "Bella?"
Her eyes started to flutter open and she smiled when she saw me.
"Hi." She said still sounding tired.
"Good evening, sleepy head. Why don't we get you up to your bed, the couch can't be that comfy." I joked which made her smile grow a little wider.
Carlisle came to stand by me in case we needed him to help, good thing too because Bella looked so worn out that as we were walking up the stairs, she was almost asleep on my shoulder.
I helped her get dressed into her pajamas. I saw some dark spots on her arm. I suppose that I would have to ask the others about them later as they did concern me. Nevertheless, I need to keep my mouth shut for now about asking Bella questions.
I laid her down in her bed and covered her up. I gave her a kiss on the forehead and felt Carlisle walking into the room behind me. He also gave Bella a kiss on the forehead.
We walked out of the room together after looking one last time at this sweet, strong young woman who walked into our lives with no intention of leaving it no matter how hard things would get. I just hopped they wouldn't.
"She seems to be better than the first day I met her." Carlisle pointed out while we were dressing for bed.
"She is warming up to us, but she still has that problem with her wall. I don't like it when she puts it up and distances herself from others who can help her." I said while pulling back the covers.
"I know my dear, but she's had that wall up for most of her life. It's protected her and its going to take time for it to come down completely." He answered walking out of the closet.
"I understand, but it is hard."
"I know, but she hasn't had anyone to care or love her as we all do since she was a child."
I couldn't think of anything more to say in words. My thoughts were about Bella and her child. What would have happened if we didn't decide to take them in and show them the love they deserved?
"I don't know, sweetheart." Carlisle answered my unspoken question while getting into bed. He knows me all too well, and from the smirk on his face, he knows that as well.
I smirked back and crawled under the covers to be enveloped in my husband's embrace.
"I love you, Esme." He said kissing my head.
"I love you too, Carlisle." I answered kissing his heart then laid my head on his chest listening to his rhythmic heartbeat which lulled me to sleep.
Bella's Point of View
I woke up after only getting two-in-a-half hours of sleep because my body decided it needed to be relieved of its waste. I was still exhausted, but got up anyways.
Because I didn't need to be in a hurry, I moved as quietly as possible carefully not to disturb anyone—though that would be possibly later.
After I relieved myself and washed my hands, I walked back to my room; but my baby and stomach decided to talk to me. Another craving hit me hard.
God, I swear I am going to gain 50 pounds from this baby.
When I got downstairs—still being mousy quiet—I heard hushed voices coming from the dinning room.
"How about Rose and I give her a make over? That will keep her relaxed." I heard Alice say, and I couldn't help but grimaced at that idea.
I knew what they were doing. They were trying to find ways to help me. I couldn't keep everything from this family—my family. They cared about me too much, but I wish they didn't give me such special treatment because I was pregnant.
"Alice, you know she doesn't like that so much, sugar." Jasper said sweetly.
I bit back a laugh. I hadn't heard him be that sweet before, and with that southern accent it was really cute.
"He's right, Alice. Think of something that she likes not what we like." Rosalie defended.
"How about the zoo?" Emmett asked sounding excited.
I heard a couple of giggles which helped to disguise mine—I couldn't help it. There were also some groans.
"Emmett, the zoo is not even open on Sundays. Plus, we have to remember that we have practice tomorrow too." Edward said. "Besides it's not a good idea to have Bella out in the cold and rain."
"Oh, Eddie has a girlfriend." Emmett teased followed by some snickering from the others.
"Shut up Emmett." Edward growled. I kind of liked it when he did. Ah, stupid hormones.
"Stop it you two. Ok, how about we watch movies or let Bella decide what we should do?" Rosalie suggested.
"How about baking? Rose, we do have that bake sale on Monday and we need to get started anyways." Alice said.
I love to cook.
"Nice idea, but do you think you'll be able to bring them to school or will you guys eat them all?" Emmett asked.
I heard him get a couple of smacks from the others, but I don't who it was. I wish I was one of them. Did he just call me fat? Again, stupid hormones.
"Hey, I was just joking." He replied, but I was still fuming.
"That wasn't funny Em, and I'm sure Bella would like a swing at you too. Right Bella?" How the heck did Alice know I was here?
"I heard you giggling, Bella. Get out here little sis." She ordered.
I giggled as I walked into the dinning room.
"Couldn't sleep either?" Rosalie asked.
"My bladder woke me up and someone wouldn't let me get back to sleep unless they were satisfied." I answered scolding my sprout.
Everyone started laughing quietly at me.
"Hey, your mama needs her sleep." Edward cooed to my stomach while rubbing it.
His touch felt nice and the baby liked it too.
"He/she likes it when people talk to him/her." I said blushing a bit.
"So you heard what we were talking about and what do you think, Bella?" Alice asked. Boy, she was both a night-owl and a morning person; again how is that possible?
"Um…I do like to cook." I answered while taking a seat next to Edward. "I use to bake the cookies and decorate cakes for fundraisers to raise money for the foster home I was in."
"Really? Oh that would be great. We're trying to save up for new uniforms for our volleyball team." Alice exclaimed nearly bouncing out of her seat with excitement.
"You guys are on the volleyball team?" I asked. This family was really athletic. Definitely no room for a klutz like me.
"Rosalie and I are. The boys play football, baseball, and wrestle too." Alice explained.
Yup, no room for a klutz like me.
"Do you play any sports?" Edward asked me almost dazzling me with his bright emerald eyes.
I had to turn my head away or else I wouldn't answer his question.
"Uh no." I answered looking at the table's surface, but I could feel a few gazes burning holes into me.
"You're kidding?" Both Rose and Alice said at the same time.
I looked at them blushing and shook my head. "I'm too much of a klutz. I can't walk on a flat surface without tripping. I'm being really careful lately for the baby."
"I wondered why you've been walking so slowly." Alice pondered out loud.
"You had to do something, didn't you?" Emmett asked.
"Well, I was working for the school's newspaper before I got pregnant. They didn't want me when they found out though." I answered looking back down at the table again.
"How far along are you, Bella? If you don't mind me asking?" Jasper asked.
I gave a smile and looked up. I wasn't afraid to talk about my baby, as long as it didn't go into the topic of me getting rid of it because I'm too young or who the father was.
"About four months. When school started I hid my stomach whenever possible. Then a few of the foster kids that I lived with started talking about me on the first day of school, but I didn't listen to anyone and ignored everyone who looked at me funny. After that I didn't really care if my stomach was showing." I said proudly.
"I said it once before and I'll say it again; Bella, you are a Cullen girl." Emmett joked.
Everyone laughed.
"It's true Bella; we don't take crap from anyone." Alice said both she and Rosalie sitting up proudly. Maybe I did belong in this family.
"Thanks." I said then felt the tears of happiness coming.
"Hey, uh ah, don't start that again." Edward joked.
"I can't help it. I have no control over them anymore, so get use to it mister." I retorted poking my finger in his chest. He mocked at the pain.
We all started laughing again.
"So what's it like being pregnant?" Rosalie asked. Alice leaned in curious too while the guys rolled their eyes.
"Well, some women hate it because of the discomfort. I kind of like it because I don't feel so alone all the time, but that was before you all came around." They were now all beaming with pride.
"How long does the morning sickness last?" Emmett asked earning him more smacks from those sitting closest to him.
I giggled at the question anyway. "It sucks horribly. I don't know when it's suppose to stop, but I wish it would soon. There were times when I had to miss school because I was too weak to get out of bed after I laid back down again." I said then blushed remembering them helping me yesterday morning.
I had to laugh at everyone's faces. They all looked disgusted and worried at the thought.
"Do you two still want to have babies?" I asked looking at Alice and Rosalie.
They looked at each other then turned to their significant other and smiled.
"As long as the father is with me." Alice replied looking at Jasper so lovingly and yet so deadly at the same time.
He looked scared to say the least. Emmett looked no better.
"I feel bad for women for having to go through that." Edward pointed out.
"Yeah, swollen feet and ankles, morning sickness, crazy hormones, and sudden cravings." I rolled my eyes, but then I felt my earlier craving come back. "Speaking of which."
I got up blushing as I went deeper into the kitchen.
"What are you after now?" Emmett whined waiting to see what I wanted.
I looked in the fridge and pulled out the chopped celery.
"Finally, something that actually looks good." Jasper said.
I just smirked at him. "I'm not done yet."
I pulled out the peanut butter and looked for my last ingredient. I found the raisins, but behind them I found something better.
Licking my lips, I got up on my toes to try to reach for them, but was unsuccessful. It sucks being short, and I'm only 5'4! When I looked at the table, everyone was smirking waiting for me to say it.
"Alright, who wants to help your poor little pregnant sister get something from the top shelf of the cupboard?" I asked putting on a pouting face while rubbing my stomach for added effects.
They chuckled at me as Emmett stood up flexing his muscles. "Here comes big brother bear to the rescue." He said coming up to me.
Instead of getting it himself, he picked me up gently and sat me on his shoulder. I giggled as I got what I wanted.
"Are you kidding me?" He asked walking back a bit to set me down carefully.
"Nope, I wanted ants-on-a-log, but when I saw the chocolate chips that sounded better than the raisins." I giggled. "Is it ok if I have some?"
"Sure, in fact, bring them over. I suddenly have the same craving." Alice blushed.
"Me too." Rosalie also blushed.
"Oh no, I hate this time of the month." Emmett groaned which earned him death glares from Alice and Rose. "Oops. I love you Rosie baby." He kissed her on the cheek.
She looked pleased and so did Alice when Jasper nuzzled her neck.
I brought over the ingredients, but when I went to go back for the utensils, Edward was bringing them to the table. I raised my eyebrow at him.
"What?" He asked.
"Are you getting periods too now, Edward?" Jasper joked.
Edward glared at him. "No, but I figured we need to learn to stop fighting this."
"He's right. I still have five months to go and it's just going to get worst because there are three other females in this house." I said glaring at the men.
"Yes ma'am." Emmett and Jasper both saluted. Maybe I was a Cullen girl.