We stayed up for the rest of the night, all of us snacking on my craving and talking. I loved my new family; they made me laugh with their stories and jokes, and they made me feel so comfortable. I was opening up to them a little more, but didn't tell them about my parents or about my dating history, and they stayed away from those categories; thankfully.
When the clocked chimed five o'clock, we didn't really notice, but my stomach did. I got up to get a drink of water when my stomach started to churn. I grabbed the side of the counter for support and started to breath through my mouth like Esme taught me.
"Bella, are you alright?" Alice asked.
I felt everyone looking at me, but I kept my eyes closed focusing on my breathing to keep the nausea down. I heard someone getting up, but still didn't open my eyes.
"Bella?" It was Edward.
When I didn't answer, he must have understood because he began to rub my stomach which helped to soothe it as I breathed.
After a few more minutes of breathing, the nausea went away, but I kept breathing for another minute or so just to make sure.
"Feel better?" He whispered.
I sighed in relief and smiled at what didn't happen.
"Yeah, thanks." I answered turning to him.
I looked at everyone else who looked worried. I vaguely remembered the same expression from yesterday morning.
"I'm alright. Remember this is normal." I said to them.
They snapped out of it and took in a breath. Did they stop breathing?
"Maybe you should go to bed. I'll bring up some saltines and water just in case you feel sick again." Edward said still standing next to me.
"Um thanks." I said.
"You should all be in bed." Esme said coming into the room which Carlisle standing behind her both in their robes.
"You alright now, Bella?" Carlisle asked. I'm starting to hate that question.
"I'm fine dad. I'll just go to bed." I answered.
"How did you know we were up?" Emmett asked.
"We heard you laughing then felt the tension in the air when you grew quiet." Esme answered.
"Sorry if we woke you up." I said looking down at my feet.
"Don't worry about it, Bella, its all part of being a parent." Esme replied.
My eyes widened, I forgot that babies don't usually sleep throughout the whole night. Now I was nervous about this baby.
"Don't worry, Bella. There will be seven other people in the house waiting to help when the baby comes." Edward said when he realized what I was thinking. It shocked me what he said.
"Um, this is my baby and my problem." I tried to explain, but it might have sounded a bit rude. "Sorry."
"He's right Bella; you aren't going to be alone when that baby comes." Alice said dancing up to me to give me a hug.
I took a step back from her knowing what would come. "Alice, remember I have no control over my hormones anymore?" I asked trying to be as polite as I could.
"Oh yeah. I understand now that Rose, Esme, and I will kind of have the same reaction as you for a little while." She grinned.
The men did not look happy about that thought; including Carlisle. I couldn't help but give a small smile while trying to hold back the giggles.
"This is going to suck." Emmett groaned quietly putting his head down on the table.
"Emmett, at least they go through it once a week every month. I'm going to go through it everyday for the next five months." I glared at him.
He started banging his head against the table.
"Emmett, enough. Everyone, go back to bed." Esme ordered.
After a round of goodnight hugs and kisses with the parents, us teens walked upstairs to bed saying goodnight before heading for our rooms.
As I was getting comfortable under the covers, someone knocked on my door.
"Come in." I said sitting up.
Edward walked in with a plate and a glass of water in his hands. I smiled at the gesture and blushed.
"Thanks." I said when he set down the plate and glass on my nightstand.
"Your welcome, mom says to eat and drink slowly if you feel nauseous again." He replied sitting on my bed.
"You are going to be a great doctor." I joked laying back down.
"Thanks. Now time for sleep. Don't worry about anyone waking you up. I'll keep them at bay for you." He winked pulling the covers up to my shoulders.
"Thanks for everything, Edward." I said smiling and feeling a few tears pooling up. I dried my eyes before they spilled over. "I swear my hormones are going to be the death of me. That and the morning sickness."
"Don't worry about them. They won't last for very long. Now go to sleep, little mama." He smiled then gave me a kiss on the forehead.
He didn't pull away at first but laid his forehead against mine. I smiled and brought my hand up to stroke his cheek. He smiled too then pulled away. I bit back a groan when he did.
He turned and smiled one last time before closing the door. I rolled over on my side to wait for sleep to take over. I tried to clear my head to prepare for sleep, but my thoughts kept drifting over to Edward. I had only known him for a few days and already I seem to be falling for him.
He's sweet, kind, and gentle; but would he be like the man who left me? I can't answer that question because I barely know Edward like I barely knew my ex. He could turn out to be totally different; maybe like Mike Newton, but working slower. 'No, stop thinking that.' I told myself, 'Give it time.' I made up my mind; I would give this time, but still being cautious as the same time.
The last thing I saw before my eyelids drooped was the cloudy sky starting to prepare for the coming dawn. The last thing I felt was my baby's reminder of its love, but also another feeling that brought up the image of Edward in its wake. It was the same as the one for my baby, but channeled differently than the love between a mother and her child. Am I really in love with Edward?
Edward's Point of View
I tried to go to sleep after I came back from Bella's room, but I found my mind restless. I almost kissed her lips. Luckily, I stopped myself before I did. Would she shut down again if I did? I couldn't risk it, but she did seem to want it when she stroked my cheek which left a trail of fire that is still lingering on my skin. The feeling brought a bright smile to my face, but this should not be about me. I need to keep reminding myself that Bella's happiness is the issue. That wall of hers cannot go up again.
Sleep was not going to visit me, so I pulled out my book and flipped the switch on to my stereo after putting in the ear plugs so that no one else could hear it.
Three hours later, I decided that I couldn't stay in bed anymore and that it was time for breakfast.
I turned off my stereo and marked my place in my book before getting out of bed.
Alice was walking out of her room as I was coming out of mine.
"Morning." I whispered not wanting to disturb Bella across the hall in case she was asleep—knowing her she most likely was.
Alice just waved at me then danced down the stairs. I couldn't understand how she can be a night-owl and morning person at the same time.
Before heading downstairs, I put my ear to Bella's door to see if she was still asleep. I heard light snoring and mumbling? Sounds like Bella is a sleep talker.
I hid my snicker and walked downstairs.
Besides Bella, everyone was in the kitchen eating breakfast.
"Morning dear." Mom greeted me.
"Hey." I answered picking up a plate and serving myself then sat next to a tired looking Emmett.
"Is Bella still asleep?" Mom asked.
"Yup. I think she'll sleep for the rest of the day." I said about to take a bite of my breakfast then paused when I heard a door opening upstairs.
We all froze and listened.
"Is she…?" Mom silenced Alice before she could continue asking her question.
We then heard someone coming down the stairs and continued eating before Bella could come into the room.
"Hi again." She said with a slight giggle.
"Hey, we thought you were going to sleep all day?" Alice asked.
"Alice, this baby and my hormones have their own schedule. I cannot compete with both." She joked.
"Hungry?" Mom asked in between her laughs.
Bella nodded her head and took the last plate then began filling it with some of the lighter foods.
"Not really though, huh?" Jasper joked.
"What's that suppose to mean?" She asked sounding hostile. Uh oh, Jasper was in for it.
"I didn't mean anything, Bella…I…um…" He should have kept his mouth shut.
Bella looked like she was fuming.
"Bella, he didn't mean anything about it, honey. Go sit down and enjoy your breakfast." Mom said with a smile.
Bella shook her head a bit. "I'm sorry Jasper. I told you these mood swings were horrible." She said while sitting down next to me. She looked more embarrassed now.
"No, I'm sorry Bella. I shouldn't have said anything like that." He replied giving her a sincere smile that was hard for any female to resist.
"Ugh, let's just forget about it ok?" She said picking up her fork without looking back at Jasper.
Jasper and I looked at each other. 'Man, these mood swings were worst than what we were use to.' Carlisle cleared his throat which we took as getting our attention. He looked back at Jasper and I as if saying 'It gets worst.'
"So, what are your plans for the day everyone?" Mom asked sitting down in her seat with her plate.
"Oh shoot, we have to be at practice in an hour. Emmett, Edward, hurry up and eat. We have to go soon." Jasper said jumping up.
Emmett and I looked at the clock then ran upstairs after seeing we had less than an hour before we would be late for practice. The coach was never lenient with players that were tardy; it only made the torture worst.
I was only in the shower for ten minutes total thinking that I would be filthy after practice anyways then got back to my room to get dressed. After putting on my shoes and stuffing all my gear into my gym bag, I ran downstairs to meet with Jasper in the garage. I felt Emmett running in behind me.
I was about to turn on the car when Bella came running into the garage with two coolers in her hands.
"Wait!" She yelled.
Jasper got back out and grabbed them from her.
"Mom packed them for you guys." She said.
"Thanks." We all replied to her then I pulled out of the garage with her still standing there waving at us, but she looked like she was watching me the whole time.
We made it to practice and got into uniform with ten minutes to spare. Good thing I love speed. We were talking amongst ourselves when we started to overhear Mike Newton talking to Tyler Crowley. A name they mentioned drew my attention away from my brothers to their conversation.
"I'm serious dude, Bella, is so turned on to me. She maybe a little budgie, but I think I can give her enough exercise to work off the weight." Mike said smugly.
I growled at what he said and heard my brothers do the same thing, but we didn't react or else we would go to jail for murder.
"Alright, I believe you. She is fine, but wasn't she hanging out with the Cullens? Do you think one of them claimed her?" Tyler asked.
They were talking about her like she was a piece of meat that should be possessed. She was a strong woman who should not be treated like that.
"I hope not man because I would love to have a piece of that." Mike answered and laughed.
I looked at my brothers, their glares mirrored mine. Luckily, the coach came running up to us blowing his whistle for our attention.
"Listen up. It may be raining, but I'm going to work you hard until you can't tell sweat from rain. Until your muscles ache and you have to crawl home. I'm going to get you all ready for our next game. We will be on their turf this week and I want to claim some more territory for the Spartans. Do you understand me?" He yelled. I swear he use to be in the military.
"Yes sir." We all yelled.
"Then what are you waiting for? Go run the field until I tell you sissies to stop." This was going to be a long day.
Bella's Point of View
I had to laugh when I saw the boys rushing to get out of the house. Apparently, I was not the only one to find this amusing.
"Oh dear, someone take out those coolers for the boys. They'll be out all day." Esme exclaimed pointing to the coolers near the back door that lead to the garage.
I was already up putting my dishes away when she said that.
"I'll get them." I said grabbing the coolers before anyone could say anything.
I made it just in time. "Wait." I yelled before they turned on the car.
Jasper got out of the back seat to grab them from me.
"Mom packed these for you guys." She said.
They all yelled thanks and sped out the garage. Edward looked like he was a speed demon. I waved to them until I couldn't see them anymore, but mostly I was looking at Edward because he seemed to be watching me as he pulled out.
I came back into the kitchen just as Rosalie and Alice were putting their dishes in the dishwasher.
"Should we start those cookies now or later?" Alice asked when she saw me.
"Lets start them now or else we will be up late tonight if we do it later." Rosalie replied.
Us three nodded in agreement.
"Mom, dad, do you want to help?" I asked.
They smiled and agreed.
It was a good thing we decided to start then because we ended up making cookies and a few cakes which I helped to decorate. Esme was really good at cake decorating. By the time we finished, it was almost one in the afternoon and we were all tired. Except for Alice who had a little too much frosting. We were all cracking up at her because she was, quite literally, bouncing off the walls.
After making little signs that say 'Keep Out' for the desserts, we put them away and went to get around for the day.
Good thing Alice had her own bathroom connected to her room or else I would have to wait until she came out. I took a long shower, allowing the hot water to relax my muscles and for my little sprout to enjoy it as well. I think I should teach this kid to swim when he/she is born.
I went back to my room to get dressed. Alice must have been in my room while I was out because an outfit was laid out on my bed. I put on the low cut skinny jeans which didn't reach up to my bloated stomach—thank god. The shirt didn't cling so much to me, but still showed off my curves. I liked the blood red color on me anyways. Then brushed through my hair and braided it down my back adding a few ringlets to soften my face. The last touch was my locket that I only take off when I shower.
When I came out of my room, I heard Alice still in her room getting ready. I heard the same thing when I was on the second floor as I passed it. Rosalie must have her own bathroom too.
I brought down my book to read on the couch, but decided to make a trip to the kitchen first.
Carlisle was already in there cooking?
"I didn't know you could cook." I said coming in.
"Grill cheese is about all I can make." He chuckled putting the last grill cheese on the plate already filled with sandwiches.
I went to the refrigerator and pulled out the veggies and milk just to be helpful. Carlisle was beginning to feel like the father that I had lost so long ago. 'No.' I told myself, 'Don't start that.' I pushed back the tears before Carlisle saw them. Thankfully, he was concentrating on the sandwiches rather than me.
I pulled the milk and vegetables on the counter as he pulled out the plates. I went to the cupboard and saw that the cups were on a shelf that I could reach. I nearly jumped for joy when I saw that I could. I think Carlisle saw my enthusiasm for this small task because he chuckled when he met my eyes. I shook my head at him.
As I was putting a few veggies on my plate, Esme walked in.
"Hello beautiful." Carlisle greeted her.
Esme blushed and gave him a chaste kiss on the lips hopefully because they remembered I was right next to them.
"You look nice, Bella." Esme said as she poured the milk into the glasses for us all.
"Thanks, and you too." I replied.
I grabbed my plate and cup and headed to the living room.
By the time I finished my lunch, Rosalie and Alice came downstairs looking like runway models.
"Lunch is ready." I said looking up from my book.
"Thanks." They said and continued into the kitchen.
I was kind of glad that they didn't say much for I was too far into my book to really want to be bothered.
Unfortunately, the phone decided to interrupt me. Since it was on the stand next to me—and because I was now a member of the family—I answered it.
Hello?
Is Esme Cullen there please?
One moment please.
Before I even got off the couch, Esme came in. I gave a small laugh and handed her the phone.
"Hello?" She asked then walked out of the room.
I went back to my book.
A coupled of sentences later I felt the space at my feet sink it. From the weight, it was easy to tell who it was, but I ignored her until I felt her grabbing my feet.
"Alice, what are you doing?" I asked not putting down my book.
"Do you mind if I paint your toe nails?" She asked.
I looked up from my book to see her with her nail set all prepared. I groaned, but at least I could continue with my book.
"Sure." I agreed.
She squealed then got to work.
As she started on one, I felt my other foot being worked on as well. I didn't need to look up to see Rosalie painting the nails on my free foot. Still, it was nice and relaxing. When they were done, I couldn't help but wanting to get in on the fun. First Alice and I working on Rosalie's feet then Rosalie and I working on Alice's.
When were about done with Alice, Esme came out into the room and put the phone back on its base.
"That was Mrs. Porter, she desperately needs me. I'll be gone for a few hours."
"Or more knowing her." Carlisle added walking in.
We laughed at his statement then Esme left to go get ready.
Rose and I had finished Alice's toes so I picked up my glass and plate to take them into the kitchen. Carlisle was loading the dishwasher when I came in. He took my dishes from me as I was about to put them in. I've learned quickly that the men will act like gentlemen and to let it be.
I came back out to the living room to find Alice and Rosalie laying out plush blankets on the floor.
"What are you guys doing?" I asked.
"The boys will be back in a few minutes and they are always so tired from Sunday practice. We decided to treat them today." Alice answered.
I noticed that they were only setting out two, but there was third blanket on the arm of the couch. I decided it must be for Edward and that I was the lucky one to get him.
"You don't have to if you don't want to. We thought that we would put the idea in your head." Rosalie answered my thoughts.
"It already was." I said before I controlled myself.
I covered my mouth, but the damage was done. I turned to see them frozen with their mouths gaping open in shock.
"I uh…uh…" I couldn't think of a way out of this.
"So you do like him?" Alice said as more of a statement than a question.
I didn't feel comfortable talking about this because I wasn't sure of my feelings already.
Alice started walking up to me wanting more information that I was not prepared to explain. I grabbed my book from where I had left it on the couch and ran upstairs. I tripped twice, but caught myself both times. Once I was in my room, I locked the door and turned on some music in case they wanted to talk.
I didn't want to think heavily on what I was feeling about Edward, nor did I want anyone else to talk about them with me. I wasn't ready. I laid on my side and started to read my book; all the while, my thumb was rubbing soothing circles on my baby inside my stomach.
Eventually, my eyelids were growing heavy and I fell asleep with my baby kicking for attention. I kept my hand moving until my body relaxed completely.
Carlisle's Point of View
I didn't mean to eavesdrop on my daughters' conversation in the next room, but when I heard someone running and tripping, I knew who it was.
I came out into the living room to see both Rosalie and Alice shocked.
"What happened?" I asked.
Both girls froze when they saw me, but knew I was more disappointed than angry.
"I didn't mean to dad. I was just excited that Bella admitted that she likes Edward too." Alice answered.
"What's going on here?" Esme asked walking into the room getting ready to leave.
"Alice?" I asked.
"I kind of pressured Bella to spill if she likes Edward the same way he likes her." She admitted looking down at her feet.
"Oh Alice. How could you?" She asked.
Alice just shrugged her shoulders.
"Esme dear, go see what Mrs. Porter needs; I handle things here." I said.
Esme hesitated, but nodded her head. She gave me a kiss on the cheek then went off to the garage.
"Alice, I'm not angry with you; but I want to say that I am disappointed that you acted without thinking about someone's feelings before your own curiosity. The next time you see Bella, you will apologize for her discomfort. Do you understand?" My children hardly ever needed discipline which I was grateful for.
"Yes daddy." She said sounding like she was close to tears.
I walked up to her and embraced her. "Thank you Alice, but watch your mouth next time." I said sternly knowing that she got my message.
My children did not need too much discipline because they always sought out our acceptance as their parents. We had always taught them that their actions reflected back on the family and to respect everyone in it. Their worst punishment would be the disappointment of the family.
I gave Alice a small kiss on the cheek then return to my study.
Edward's Point of View
Emmett, Jasper, and I were on our way home sore, but happy at the same time. The coach really pushed us today to the point where we wanted to fall into bed when we got home. Still, we were happy because we got to torture Newton and Crowley during scrimmages. Giving them the ball then leaving them wide open. Also taking their street clothes while they were in the shower and stuffing them in the toilets. Hopefully they won't figure out it was us or learned not to mess with our family if they did. Hopefully, it was the latter.
"I still can't believe that Newton started crying when we tackled him." Emmett laughed loudly.
"I know, we didn't hit him that hard." Jasper replied sarcastically.
"Yeah, maybe he'll think twice before going after girls again." I added.
"Especially Cullen girls." Emmett replied.
"Hey, the girls would have probably tortured him worst than us." Jasper said with a shudder followed by us. We all knew the torture the girls put us through, and it was worst than anything anyone could ever come up with.
We pulled into the garage and Emmett smiled when he saw Rosalie in her coveralls working under the hood of his Jeep.
"Hey babe." He called when he got out.
"Hey boys, how was practice?" She asked.
"Exhausting, but entertaining too." Jasper replied making us all snicker at the joke.
Rose raised her eyebrow at us, but decided not to ask. She did put on a smirk that meant something very good for Emmett.
"So Emmett, I finished working on your car and I too am tired and dirty." Emphasizing the word dirty. Jasper and I knew what she wanted.
"Well then, let's go get cleaned up and unwind a bit." He purred.
Rosalie didn't say a word, but turned around and started walking into the house swinging her hips a little harder than usual. Emmett followed like the puppy his was with his tongue hanging out and everything.
Jasper and I rolled our eyes until we saw Alice standing in the doorway leading into the garage. She looked ashamed of something. I had a guess of what she did and hoped that it was wrong.
"Ali, what is it?" Jasper cooed taking her in his arms.
She buried her face in his chest and clung to him.
"Alice, please tell me you didn't do something that I'm thinking you did to a certain pregnant sister of ours who has been overactive hormones." Sometimes our twin telepathy was annoying, and yet they were very useful too.
Jasper and I sighed then he pulled her away from him still keeping a gentle hold on her.
"Alice, tell us what you did." Jasper demanded softly. He was always very good at getting others to talk while still being comforting at the same time.
"Rosalie and I thought we treat you guys and asked Bella if she wanted to help. Rose told her she didn't have too, but when Bella said something I couldn't help but jump at her trying to get her to confess." She answered quietly, but we still understood her through the tears of guilt.
"What did she say, Alice?" I was curious as to what was said. Did she like me the way I liked her? No stop!
Alice's face brightened up a bit. Now she knew that the focus was now of Bella and I.
"No, I don't want to know. Just tell me what you said." I revised quickly.
Her smug smile stayed on her face, "I asked her if she liked you, but she ran off and locked herself in her room before she answered."
"Alice, that was not a nice thing to do. You know what we've agreed on and you need to follow through too. Understand?" Jasper explained, her smirk disappeared.
"Yes, sorry Jazzy. Sorry Edward." Her smirk came back when she apologized to me.
"I will forgive you if Bella does." I said already regretting that I said that.
Now they were both looking at me with the same smirks they've had all weekend. By now I was done and I didn't care what they thought of me.
I grabbed my bag from my car and went up to the bathroom for a shower. On my way pass the second floor, I heard Emmett and Rosalie moaning in her bathroom. I felt sorry that Jasper has to sleep on the same floor as them.
I reached my room and when I walked out with a towel in one hand, I stopped in front of Bella's door to listen for her. I heard her quiet, incoherent mumbling which told me she was asleep. I could have sworn I heard her say my name, but brushed it away thinking it was just my imagination.
The hot water felt great against my aching muscles. I stood still and allowed the water to loosen the knots that were created during practice during which I thought of Bella. What would have been her answer to Alice's question? Did she really of me as I do of her or does she still have feelings for her baby's father? Again no, why do I keep thinking of that? She does not like him nor her or else they would be together like she and I will be. Will be? Do I want to marry her? I hardly know her and we are both sixteen years old. We are too young to be thinking about that now, or are we?
My mind was so jumbled from my thoughts about Bella that I decided to get out of the shower seeing as it is not helping any longer.
I shut off the water and got out wrapping a towel around my waist. I put my clothes in the hamper and walked out to head towards my room. As I emerged from the bathroom, Bella came out of her bedroom. She stopped when she saw me and couldn't move. I knew exactly what she was staring at which made me blush.
"Um…hi." I said to break the silence.
She shook her head and blushed looking down at the ground. Her blush was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I just wanted to reach out and touch the heat that colored her creamy skin.
She also bit her lower full lip as she blushed which only added to her cuteness. How I wanted to touch those full lips just once and I would die a happy man.
When she looked back up at me for a second her eyes went wide, but didn't meet my eyes. I wondered until I looked down as saw the tent under my towel that she had noticed.
She blushed even more which only added to my discomfort.
Neither of us could move for what seemed like hours, but was only seconds.
"Hey Bella, I need too talk to you." Alice said dancing up the stairs not noticing me, only Bella.
Jasper, on the other hand, followed Bella's gaze immediately and tried to hide his laughter. Alice heard Jasper's pitiful excuse for a cough-covering-for-a-laugh and followed his gaze to me and my little problem. Bella, who was now looking at the floor, turning bright red.
"Edward, I don't think you are clean enough. Next time try some cold water and lotion." Alice suggested which made Jasper crack up in laughter.
"I'm going to…uh…go down…" Bella stopped which only made it worst for Alice, Jasper, and little Eddie because we all had the same thought as she probably did too.
"Help mom in the kitchen." She blurted out then sped down the stairs holding onto the railing for dear life.
I finally collected myself when Bella was out of the scene, but Jasper and Alice were laughing so hard that they collapsed on the floor. I probably blushed more than I had ever had at that moment. Following Alice suggestion, I ran back to the bathroom, locked the door, and turned on as much cold water as I could stand. How I wished I could go down the drain along with the water, but I couldn't and my erection wasn't going away with the cold water running directly on it.
I tried to focus my mind on something else that would make this little problem go away like my math homework, wrestling with my brothers, football practice, but everything kept coming back to Bella and her beauty. From those deep chocolate eyes that I wanted to swim in, her long dark hair that flowed in soft curls down her back, her blush that crept from her cheeks down to her neck and to the rest of her body.
'Ah, stop it Edward.' I scolded myself. Those thoughts were not helping.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
"Edward, come on man. Hurry up, you're slower than grandma." Jasper shouted through the door.
I rolled my eyes and turned off the water. I looked down to see my little problem had somehow cleared up. How does he change people's emotions like that?
"Thanks bro." I called back wrapping the towel around my waist.
"No problem." He answered.