I am so so so so so sorry! I know this took forever! But I'm finally not so busy anymore, mostly because the play is over. I haven't had a life these past two months. It's good to be back. Let me know if you see any grammatical errors, I didn't exactly edit this since I wanted to get it up. More will be coming. Enjoy!
Jacob left my house in a huff, mumbling under his breath, something about stupid leeches or whatnot.
I had almost forgotten about Charlie, but Jake said he could just spend the night at his place. I would get him tomorrow in the afternoon since there was a big game on that he wanted to watch with Billy. How there is always a game on , I will always wonder.
As soon as Jacob left, I immediately felt exhausted. Everything from the entire night just hit me and I would have collapsed if Edward hadn't been there to catch me and carry me to my bed. He wrapped a blanket around me, and then drew me against his rock hard, ice cold body. I had never felt more safe and at peace.
"I love you Edward," I whispered.
He tightened his arms around me for a second and kissed my hair.
"And I love you, my most precious Bella. I have always loved you, and I always will. Nothing I do will ever make up for what I have done to you. It is more than a miracle to hear you say those words. Sweet dreams, my only love."
He started humming my lullaby. Tears welled up in my eyes but I blinked them away. How good it was to hear it, and to have him here with me. I was more than content. I sighed and let myself drift off to sleep.
Rays of sunlight streamed into my eyes and woke me with a start. I stretched and yawned, happy that it was going to be a sunny day. I opened my eyes to find myself alone. I sat up too quickly, causing the blood in my head to rush and making me dizzy. But where was Edward? Was it all a dream? I started to panic, hyperventilating on top of the dizziness. I could feel the hole in my chest being ripped open. Then he was there, with his cold arms around me. He stroked my hair and whispered, "Shh Bella, it's alright I'm here. I'm here. I'm not leaving you." I leaned my head into his chest and inhaled his scent that was all Edward and all perfect. I had missed it. It slowed my racing heart and calmed my nerves, sewing up the hole once more. I still wasn't convinced he was going to stay.
I stayed in his arms until my dizziness from the blood rush stopped. I still had some dizziness from being in his arms. I would have liked to stay like that, but my stomach had other ideas. My cheeks turned pink as it gurgled loudly. Edward smiled. "Breakfast time, I didn't forget." He stood up so quickly he blurred, and then swept me up carefully into his arms.
"Edward…" I started to protest but he stopped me with an icy finger on my lips.
"Bella, I have five years of not being here to make up for. Let me take care of you and your child."
There was no missing the bulge that protruded from my center. The baby kicked wickedly, as if being near Edward made him or her excited. I guess it was reacting to my rapidly beating heart. Edward could feel the kicks since my stomach was pressed up to his torso. His eyes widened for a moment and then he smiled and kissed me on the forehead. Words escaped both of us at so precious a moment.
Edward carefully carried me down the stairs to the kitchen. Much to my dismay, he set me down on the couch and walked over to the kitchen.
"Now, what can I fix you? I don't know much about cooking but I can certainly try."
I let a giggle slip out. "It's alright I can fend for myself."
He watched me closely as I got everything I needed to prepare chocolate chip pancakes, sausage, and eggs. Being pregnant always made me super hungry, especially now. The enticing smells made me ravenous. Once everything was done, I sat down at the small table with all my food and started stuffing my face. He was still watching me.
Between bites, I asked, "So what are we going to do today?"
Edward opened his mouth to answer, but suddenly stopped. A strange look came over his face, and then he smiled. I stared at him quizzically.
"You're about to find out," he said.
Then the doorbell rang. I swallowed my mouthful almost too quickly and was about to get up to answer the door, when Edward said,
"Don't make her get up, just come in already."
The door flew open and a small blur ran through it. Before I knew it, Alice had her arms around me in a tight hug.
"Alice! You're here! You're here!" I shrieked.
"I know, I know!" she said in her trilling soprano voice. Her laughter sounded like chimes. She stepped back and looked me over.
"Oh, Alice, I've missed you."
"Well of course you have silly. I knew you would. And I've missed you like crazy. But I always knew we'd be reunited." She shot Edward a glance. I'm sure his returning one wasn't so friendly either. "Now let me look at you. Well, you're a little worse for the wear, but it's manageable. Those circles under your eyes need to go; we can't have you looking like us. And even though you're pregnant you're still skinny. How you manage that is beyond me," she said, all with a fake stern look. I knew she was serious, but not being mean about it either. The years without Edward had taken their toll.
Then Alice's eyes were glued to my rounded stomach.
"Do you know if it's a boy or girl? I do, but do you?"
I sighed. I knew that one had been coming. "No I don't know, Alice, and please don't tell me. I want it to be a surprise."
She looked puzzled. "But Bella, I thought you hated surprises?"
Edward chuckled at that one, and came to put his arms around me. I leaned into them, not minding the cold or his rock-hard body.
"I usually do, but this is one surprise I want, and no hints, no anything from you, Alice."
Her perfect features fell a bit. "But Bella, how am I supposed to buy you gifts if I can't tell you?"
I rolled my eyes. Only Alice.
"No gifts," I said.
She cocked one eyebrow and put her hands on her hips. She just gave me a look.
I sighed. "Ok fine, get me gifts, but just make them neutral, like green or yellow colors. Buy me gender-based gifts after I have the kid."
She smiled and kissed my cheek. I had missed her so much that I think I would have given in to almost anything she wanted.
Alice danced lithely toward the front door. "Come on, Bella, get ready. Everyone is waiting for you."
I was confused. "Waiting for me?"
She nodded. "Did you think Edward and I were the only ones who missed you? The whole family wants to see you! So hurry up and get ready!"
"Well I'm sure the whole family didn't miss me. I know Rosalie didn't."
I felt Edward tense a bit and Alice's smile faded.
Edward said gently, "We're not sure how Rosalie is going to react. So just brace yourself, love. I'm sure it won't be anything bad. She's just sensitive, especially now that you're…" he couldn't finish the sentence, but I knew what he meant. Rosalie's reaction would be a surprise for sure, and I'm not sure I was looking forward to it.
Alice's eyes glazed over. I knew she was lost in a vision. I glanced up at Edward to decipher the outcome. He gave nothing away.
Alice came out of her trance. She smiled. "Everything will be fine. Now go get ready!"
Edward helped me up the stairs, and then left me to get ready. I quickly brushed my teeth and ran a brush through my hair. I changed into jeans and a large sweatshirt, making me feel bulky, but my options were low at this point. I knew Alice wouldn't exactly approve.
Once I was ready, Edward came and carried me down the stairs once again. I was going to be spoiled in no time if he kept that up. He let me walk to the car though. Carrying me and running was not exactly an option right now, so Alice had brought Edward's silver Volvo. It brought back many memories of our early days. Alice climbed into the driver's seat while Edward and I sat in the back together. He strapped me in and then took me hand in his. His eyes were on me again, their golden gaze never faltering. I felt like I could drown in them. He didn't look away the whole ride, so my cheeks were a constant pink. I'd have to get used to that all over again.
I hadn't forgotten the long and windy driveway that led to the Cullen's house. But my mouth fell open when the big white house came into view. I hadn't forgotten it, but it had been a while nonetheless. Standing on the porch were Esme, Carlisle, Jasper, and Emmett. Rosalie was no where in site. I didn't take that as a good sign.
We finally pulled to a stop. Edward was gone from my side in a flash and had my door open before I could blink. He smiled and held out his hand to help me out. Everyone was smiling at me. Esme approached me first and wrapped her arms around me delicately.
"Welcome home, Bella," she said. Tears sprang to my eyes as I was reunited with the family that could have been mine for eternity. I had missed them all.
Esme took my hand and led me to the others on the porch. Carlisle gave me a hug.
"It's so good to have you back with us, Bella. How are you faring?" he said warmly.
I knew he meant my pregnancy. "I'm well. Everything's fine. I'm healthy, and the baby is healthy as far as I know. Everything is better now." I glanced back at Edward as I said this. Everything was better now that he was back.
Carlisle smiled. "That's wonderful. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to ask."
Before I had a chance to say anything in reply, a huge pair of arms encircled me and squeezed.
"Careful, Emmett," I heard Edward say behind me. Emmett let out a booming laugh that shook my entire body.
"I am, just relax bro," he said with a grin. Then he stepped back at scrutinized me.
"Well Bella, I'd have to say that something's different about you. I can't put my finger on it but something's different. Did you lose weight or something?"
I grinned along with him. I had missed Emmett's jokes and carefree attitude. He was truly like the older brother I never had.
I then caught Jasper's eye. I noticed he wasn't standing as far away as he had in the past. I guess that meant he was getting better at the vegetarian lifestyle.
"It's good to have you back, Bella," he said with a smile. I hadn't really had much time to get really acquainted with Jasper before, but hopefully I'd get the chance to now. Although, I had no idea of what the future had in store and I wasn't going to think about it just now.
"It's good to be back," I said, looking around at all their beautiful faces, saving the most beautiful for last. Edward smiled at me and took my hand. Alice glided past us and skipped into the house, beckoning us to follow. It felt like coming home.
