A/N: And here it is.
Thanks to so many people. Thanks to my amazing betas MarchHare5 and twicrack83. These ladies are so great. Without them this story would not be here; I would not have gotten this far without them.
Thanks to MsWDarcy who started this whole journey with me, she is the one who encouraged me to start writing. Who told me this idea wasn't too bad. ;) As she said at the very beginning, "let's have a baby!"
Thanks to my amazing husband, who has patiently listened to my ideas and rants, and who probably never wants to hear the names Edward and Bella again. I love you.
Thanks to you my readers. To those of you who have been reading since May and those who found this last week. Thank you for the subscriptions, the favorites, and mostly the reviews. You've kept me writing when I didn't think I could.
Thanks to nowforruin, my twilighted validation beta.
Warning: adult content and violence. **Mention of physical and sexual assault. ** Language ** This is not for readers under 18! Forewarning: violence and sexual material!
Disclaimer: all recognizable characters and Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer, the rest is copyrighted 2010 ElspethGordie
xoxo
Chapter 30: Culmination
Without warning, or perhaps with a lot of warning and a little bit of baiting from Edward, Jimmy barreled towards us, yelling loudly.
"Hello?"
"Charlie!"
And he took a swing not at Edward, but at me.
And damn it hurt.
His right hook came directly at my cheek, before Edward or I could react. The second he hit me, my face exploded, like it was on fire. My vision blurred, the colors of the street blending together, the blacks and grays and browns muddling into a kindergarten art project mess.
Not a second later the back of my head collided with something; it felt like it cracked open like an egg.
Then everything went black.
Before me was a long dark hallway. The corridor reminded me of a movie I'd watched on PBS, one of those period pieces. The floor and the walls were built of gray stone. A distant dripping could be heard, like the time when Renee broke the faucet on our kitchen sink and it took two weeks to convince her to call the plumber. She kept trying to fix it herself, until there was a constant drip. I would lie in my bed counting the drops as I fell asleep.
Not knowing what to do, I hesitantly stepped forward. I looked down to find my feet naked, not a sock, shoe, or slipper in sight. I scrunched my toes and shivered as I took another on the biting stone. I reached my arms around myself, rubbing up and down to get warm. I was wearing the white sun dress Renee got for me a few summers ago, but I never wore. It never got warm enough to wear in Forks, even on the hottest day in August, and I never visited Charlie to get any use out of it. It was a thin lacy fabric, one only Ali could name. It had skinny straps that crisscrossed over my back, but left most of it bare.
I looked over my shoulder, nervous. A wind brushed past me, blowing my hair in my face and my dress through my legs.
In the distance I could see a door with a light shining underneath it.
Looking over my shoulder once more, I picked up my slow pace to a jog, my feet slapping the floor. I slid to a stop in front of the door, placing my hands on the unsanded wood. If I ran my hands down it, I would receive a number of splinters. The door handle was an old fashioned metal ring, as if I were in a medieval castle. I glanced back down the long stone corridor, not ruling that possibility out.
I tugged on the ring, hoping to open the door, but nothing budged. Leaning my ear against the crack I could hear voices beyond.
"Shut up!"
Crying increased from either a baby or an infant. My breath hitched and I immediately placed my hands on my center, seeking reassurance from my baby. But she wasn't there. I had no pregnancy bump; I had no evidence of her.
The crying pitched higher into an inconsolable wail.
"I said, shut up, you little bitch!"
My heart rate increased, and I began tugging on the door all the more. Finding it still immovable, I began pounding on the door, my fists over and over against the rough wood.
"Let me in! Baby, I'm coming! Let me in! I want my baby," my voice screamed, but no answer came from inside.
I don't know how long I stood there, yelling and pounding on the door, but by the time my voice was hoarse and my hands raw and bleeding, I had sunk to the floor. On my knees I leaned my forehead against the door, desolately sobbing.
"I need my baby..." I whimpered.
"Isabella! There you are! I've been looking for you everywhere. See, I told you I'd find you." A hand grasped my shoulder, spinning me around on my knees. I looked up at the dark figure and screamed.
"Bella? Sweetheart, you have to wake up. Bella! Come on, wake up!" a forceful voice pleaded with me. I woke slowly to my body shaking. A pair of sea-glass green eyes were staring down at me. The moment I connected with them, his body pulled me tight into his arms, rocking me back and forth frantically.
"Bella, Bella, Bella..." he repeated my name over and over again. "Don't do that to me ever again," his voice cracked.
"Edward?"I croaked. I lifted my head, surveying the scene around me. I was once again on the ground... the wet, cold, hard ground. Lights were flashing, white and red.
"Sweetheart, I'm right here." He pulled back, and I noticed puffy swelling already on his jaw, as well as a gash above his eye. He might have had a black eye as well.
"Oh, Edward, are you hurt?" I lifted my hand to touch his face. He winced under my feather touch.
I was on the ground. Edward was hurt. It was raining. The police were here. And I had one hell of a headache.
Shit.
Jimmy.
I pulled farther from Edward's embrace, searching the area for him. "What happened? Where is he?"
Edward's eyes darkened and his grip on me tightened protectively. "He ran as soon as he heard the sirens." I groaned silently, closing my eyes. Great, just great.
"Bella? Bella?" Charlie yelled. He pushed past the few police officers that had formed a perimeter around us. Two boys, no more than five years my senior, held out their hands, keeping him back.
"I'm sorry, sir, you need to stand back," the officer with the wrestler neck said.
"That's my daughter!" Charlie roared.
The taller officer looked over at Edward, who nodded at him. The first one dropped his arms letting Charlie past. Charlie rushed up to me, stopping a few inches short. He dropped to his knees and reached out, eyes wide and staring at my face. I cringed back instinctively to Edward's arms. Charlie dropped his hands, crestfallen.
"Edward?" Charlie asked, a contrast to his yelling not moments before.
Edward's arms began to shake; I held on to him tighter as he answered. "He attacked us. He was yelling that she had to leave with him and then he attacked her." He shook even more. "He got by me somehow! I wasn't quick enough," his voice broke. "I got in a few good ones before the sirens made him take off. I would have gone after... but Bella... The police tried to check on her, then she started screaming."
I looked up at him, horrified.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," I whispered.
"Shh, no, it's not your fault. I should have—I wasn't—" He pulled me up onto his lap, rocking us silently.
Charlie was still there, shock written on his face.
"Mr. Swan?"the first officer inquired. "We need to take Miss Swan and this young man to the hospital." He pointed to the open ambulance. He looked at Edward. "Do you need help?"
Edward shook his head. Adjusting me in his arms, he slowly rose, still carrying my pregnant self. He cringed twice and winced when I leaned against his ribs.
"Edward, I can walk. You're hurt," I told him quietly.
He gave me a look.
"Edward, put me down," I said more sternly this time, giving him eye contact. I don't know what he read, but he set me down with a glare and a sigh.
The moment I tried to stand on my own, I felt like that world was tilting underneath me. I teetered to the right, and Edward scooped me up again.
"See?"
I ignored him, setting my head on his shoulder. Trying not to jostle me, he walked quickly to the ambulance, setting me down and jumping up inside to help me in. Just as I was stepping into the back of the truck, I heard a screeching noise behind me.
"Bella! Are you okay?" Alice came scurrying through the police and other random people that always show up at crime scenes. Jasper was following her, looking frazzled. He was carrying what looked like Ali's jacket; his was only half on.
I nodded quickly, then winced as the pain in my head began to throb powerfully. I didn't know it was possible to see your pulse.
"She needs to get her head checked out. Meet us at the hospital, Alice?" Edward cut in. He was still tense, not that we'd had a chance to calm down... or that he'd calm down any time soon.
She agreed succinctly, "We'll be there before you even arrive. Come on, Jazz." Alice grabbed Jasper's arm, tugging him back the way they came at a jog.
"Isabella? Izzy! Are you okay, honey?" Renee appeared out of nowhere. It was like she used her evil witch magic to poof into existence, full of seeming concern. She looked hysterical, hands flying every-where as she asked what happened. The wrinkles she tried to hide around her eyes showed more clearly as she narrowed her eyebrows.
"What happened? Are you hurt? Who would do this to you?" she basically yelled at Edward and me.
"Who do you think?" I sighed.
She gasped, both hands covering her mouth. "No, he would never!"
"Pull your head out of your ass, Renee," Edward said disgustedly and pulled me the rest of the way into the ambulance, helping me sit on the stretcher. He tried to get me to lie down, but I just raised my eyebrows.
"He wouldn't..." Renee said to herself. Shaking her head more forcefully, she looked up at us with a gleam in her eye. "Isabella, what did you do?"
I closed my eyes and rested my head in my hands. Edward leaned closer, kissing me on my head before he turned to my mother. Sincerely cold he drew out each word, "You are poison. You're a virus. This girl here is the bravest person I've ever met. She doesn't get any breaks, and yet she hasn't cracked, she's still strong. No thanks to you. I don't want to you to come near her again. Unless she contacts you first, you are dead to us. You turned your back on her when she needed you most; even now when she has bruises on her face you still leave her in the cold. This is the last time I will warn you. There are no more second chances."
He slammed the ambulance door shut. I didn't even get to see the look on Renee's face.
Head still in my hands, I leaned against one and reached the other out for Edward's. His fingers were laced with mine before I had time to think another thought.
We didn't need to speak. The silence spoke enough for both of us.
I sniffled, surprised to find tears streaking down my face. Sitting up, I touched my face lightly, pulling my hands away, and looked at the salty evidence on my fingers. A single drop fell from my hand to my lap and I struggled to breathe as sobs took over my body.
Edward sat down next to me and pulled me into his lap. I don't know how he bore the weight; I was no spring chicken anymore. Wrapping his arms tightly around me and my tummy, I placed mine around his neck and rested my head on his shoulder, his shirt soaking in my tears.
"Please, don't ever leave me—" I shuddered out between sobs.
"Never. You're stuck with me forever," he spoke roughly into my hair.
OoOoOoOoOo
So I was pretty sure that Dr. Young, my shrink in Phoenix, would not be pleased with the "confrontations" with my rapist. She had been so sure that by standing up to him, showing him I would not cower or give into his demands, would "heal" my inability to touch men.
Not. True.
Strike one for the shrink. Upon arrival at the hospital the EMTs had rolled me into the pit. Despite Edward's and my protests they forced us to be separated and checked out individually. I also tried to explain my... issues. But every time I explained it, that person would get called away and I'd have to start all over again. There was no reason for Forks Community Hospital to be so busy. Once the doctor arrived, a tall man with tired eyes, I assumed that he'd read my chart or talked to one of the six nurses I'd explained my no-touching condition to. My message did not get through.
It was a particularly bad flashback. It didn't start at the beginning, but at the worst part. I had to live through Jimmy's fists, taunts, and grunts. But more embarrassing than having a full-blown exorcist flashback in an ER, I started screaming. It felt so frakking real. It didn't help that this room was the first place I had had a flashback. I could feel the bruises that his fists made.
And the meadow didn't help. Dr. Young had tried to prepare me to think "calming thoughts"; she needed to try and think calming-firetrucking-thoughts as she relived her rape. It didn't even crack the memory. Strike two.
"Get the hell away from her!" Edward was growling over me. The poor doctor's face was blanched white. Edward continued, "Didn't you hear her? I could hear her explain it to everyone that came over! Don't touch her!" I could see the bandages on his hands and face.
"Edward, I'm here. I'm okay," I said. I reached out for his bandaged hand. He turned, his face red with fury, and took my hand gently.
"It's not okay. Especially after he attacked you."
I shook my head, "You're right, but this isn't helping." I looked up at the doctor. "I'm sorry, I thought I told everyone. I get flashbacks from men's touch. It's nothing personal." He looked regretful, then confused, staring at our intertwined fingers. I shrugged. "Can we just get this over with? Maybe you can get a nurse to help you?"
He agreed and checked us both out. I had a slight concussion and he wanted me to be watched carefully, woken every two hours tonight. Crap. He also had the OB/GYN do an ultrasound. Fortunately, my baby girl was fine. I was worried enough that Dr. Randall would kick my butt for letting myself get put in this dangerous situation. She had lectured me enough before allowing me to fly at seven months.
Alice had been true to her word and had arrived at the hospital before our ambulance. She and Jasper had been forced to wait in the waiting room where Charlie was filling out my paperwork. Edward told me later that she had heard my screams and his outburst and had tried to force her way in. Charlie had managed to calm her down before he charged in and told off the nurse. I guess; he even made her cry. I felt kind of bad and a little loved.
Sitting on the hospital bed, waiting for discharge, I nagged Edward to tell me what happened while I was knocked out. Unfortunately, this caused him to pace and glower and mumble unintelligible words.
"Edward, you know I'm just going to bug you until you tell me," I argued reasonably.
He looked up from his pacing across our little room and glared. I smiled, until the pain in my cheek made me wince. He growled again.
"Bella, I just didn't... He... That... He hurt you! Look at your face! It's already purple!" he said, stilted and passionately. I waved him over closer to me; he came at once, lying down beside me, his face close to mine.
"It's not that bad, and I've had worse."
He groaned. "You shouldn't be hurt at all! I should have stopped him." He was quiet now, almost defeated.
I gently touched his face, tracing his eyebrows, lips, nose. I grazed over the bruise on his jaw and the butterfly bandage on his forehead. His eyes closed as I examined him. I ran my fingers through his messy copper hair, pushing it out of his eyes.
"You couldn't have known he'd go after me. I was just as surprised."
"That doesn't make me feel any better," he grumbled.
I laughed. "Yeah, well, maybe this will." I stretched my neck and tilted my head so that my lips were waiting for his.
He couldn't contain his smile as he closed the gap, kissing me lightly, once, twice, three times. His smile pulling away was exactly what I wanted to see. The darkness from his eyes had seeped away momentarily. The rigidness in his jaw relaxed; even his body didn't look like it was a wire coiled to spring.
"Almost, but not quite," he teased, going in for kisses four, five, and six. I happily appeased him.
"Tell me what happened?" I asked quietly once he lay back down next to me.
He sighed, a hand immediately moving to ravage his hair. "You went down, and Bella, you don't know what that did to me. I don't know what I'd do... After you fell, he moved towards you, like I wasn't even there. I wouldn't let him touch you—never again... He's stronger than I expected. It wasn't like Newton. He knew what he was doing, probably more than me. But I wasn't going to let him near you. As soon as he heard the sirens he took off. I tried to stop him, but you were still unconscious... I didn't know what to do."
During his story, my hand had moved his out of his hair, and I ran my fingers through it, soothing him as he spoke. I didn't know that I could do that, but it definitely helped ease the tension in his body.
"You did the right thing. You did all you could do. It's up to the police now. They'll have no choice," I reasoned.
Edward leaned his forehead against mine. His voice cracked. "Bella, please don't do that again. I don't think I could live through it."
It was my turn to be strong. He was just as scared as I was. I couldn't promise him anything; it wasn't like I had tried to get hurt. We had gone on a walk... gosh, that felt like eons ago. So instead I kissed his head, then his eyes, his nose, ending on his mouth.
I could kiss those lips forever. They were soft, yet firm. Demanding and gentle. I sucked his bottom lip between my own, then opened mine slightly, accepting his tongue into my mouth. He massaged my tongue with his, making our kisses more urgent and needy. His hand went to my back, pressing me against him tightly. I couldn't contain the moan that escaped my lips. I'd been dreaming about making out with this boy, and the dreams didn't even come close.
Someone cleared their throat. I jerked back, blushing fuchsia. Edward chuckled, but even he was a little red around the ears. We'd been interrupted by the illustrious members of the Forks Police Department, none other than Officer Tia Verner, my favorite police woman, and her even rounder partner, Officer Pete Greene.
I coughed slightly and we both sat up. I acknowledged their presence. "Officers, this is my boyfriend, Edward Cullen." I stuttered a bit over boyfriend, but he'd called me his girlfriend while he was baiting Jimmy. I mentally shrugged. I guessed it was okay.
Verner looked from him to me several times before she pulled her notebook and pen out of a pocket. No facial expressions gave her away. I couldn't tell whether she approved or not, or if she thought everything was still a ploy to get back at an ex-boyfriend who'd knocked me up. Poor Pete was flushed scarlet. He looked like he would rather hide than talk to two teenagers just caught making out. He was not the one who'd cleared his throat. Darn Verner for ruining the best part of my day.
"We just need you to give us a statement about the incident today." Officer Verner spoke while she jotted down some preliminary notes on her pad.
Edward took the lead. "We were taking a walk and Jimmy Crawford pulled up behind us in a red Mercedes-Benz. He got out of the car, ranting and raving at Bella. He called her names—"
Greene cut him off, suddenly a police officer, "Such as?"
Edward's face clouded over. I interjected, "Whore, slut." Edward growled.
"Go on," Verner urged, still a picture of disinterest.
"As I was saying," Edward continued, "he called her names, while I had her call 911. He began acting more erratically and I asked him to leave. He tried to get Bella to go with him—"
"I refused," I said, glaring now at Verner.
"Then he attacked her. He ran when he heard the sirens," Edward finished.
"You look like you were in quite the fight," Verner assessed, the sneer not hidden from her voice.
Edward tensed beside me. "I did what I had to to keep him from hurting her any further. He looks worse than I do," he said with a smile.
"Thank you for your time. We will let you know once we've found Jimmy," Officer Pete said amicably.
As they turned to leave, I called out after them, "Thank you, officers, I'll be glad once justice is served."
Pete just smiled with a nod of his head. Verner didn't acknowledge my thanks or us as she left the room. She was one less person I could add to my fan club. Yay.
It didn't take much longer for them to process us, discharging us around ten p.m. I couldn't believe that we had merely taken a walk after dinner. With all our plans panning out and Jimmy's impending arrest we'd be leaving sometime tomorrow afternoon, hopefully. I'd already missed school on Thursday, and we'd all missed Friday. I was worried about Edward, Alice, and Jasper, who could be in trouble for coming along. We needed to be back in school on Monday.
Once again, for the third night in a row we all crammed into my little bedroom. Ali and I shared the bed, while Jasper fell asleep on Alice's side, and Edward on mine. I was worried about the boys sleeping on the floor, but they both assured me that they would feel much better with us while Jimmy was still free. After that I didn't argue.
OoOoOoOoOo
We woke to a loud banging on the front door of Renee's house. I jumped out of bed, startled, almost stepping on Edward. Grabbing a blanket from the foot of my bed, I wrapped it around myself as I hurried down the stairs. I glanced at the clock in the kitchen as I went by to see that it was 5:30 in the morning. Who pounds on someone's door before six a.m.? My only guess was it could be something about the case.
Despite my pregnant condition I was the first to the door; Edward had trailed after me once I left my room, and Charlie was just pulling himself off the couch. Renee didn't make an appearance, but I didn't even know if she was here. She was staying true to Edward's threats; it seemed like someone finally got through to her.
I opened the front door, not to the Forks P.D., but to a very furious Dr. Cullen and weary Esme.
My eyes were wide, and I looked over my shoulder to see Edward make the "oh shit" look. Charlie looked a bit guilty, too. He must have assumed that Edward and Alice came with permission.
Putting on my calmest face, I welcomed them, "Dr. Cullen, Esme, good to see you. Won't you come in?" Placing a hand on my stomach, I opened the door wider.
Dr. Cullen huffed in, glaring at Edward. Esme smiled softly and gave me a quick hug. She also kissed her son on his cheek, asking, "Is Alice here, too?" Edward nodded. She patted him on the cheek and followed Carlisle into the kitchen.
I sat down at the table and Edward got me a glass of water. He knew how thirsty I was when I woke up. Sitting down next to me, we watched Carlisle pace the tiny kitchen. I think we both knew that we needed to let him speak before we explained. He knew why Edward, and consequently Ali, had come. He just didn't like the way they did it.
"What did you think you were doing?" Dr. Cullen finally growled. His hands went to his hair in frustration, and I almost laughed at how alike he and Edward were.
"You skipped school! Not just you; I expected you, but your sister, too! And you had Emmett lie for you!" His voice rose exponentially with each statement. "If you're going to have someone lie for you, at least choose someone good at it!" he said exasperatedly.
Alice came groggily down the stairs, hair in disarray. Jasper was less than a step behind her, as usual. The moment she saw her parents she squinted, scrunched her eyes closed, then looked again. Once she realized they were here, she looked paler than I'd ever seen her.
"Crap," she mumbled.
"Crap indeed! You're in trouble, young lady! I expect this from Edward, but not from you! Irresponsible, reckless behavior!" he ranted.
Alice's eyes filled with tears, but at the same time her jaw tightened. I didn't know if she was going to cry or yell back.
"Carlisle—" Charlie cut in, but Dr. Cullen glared at him.
I had finished my glass of water, and Edward stood to refill it, not even acknowledging his father's rant other than listening quietly. He didn't even look upset. I smiled at him as he set down another full glass in front of me.
He mouthed, "Hungry?" I shook my head. I was okay for now. I didn't think Dr. Cullen would take kindly to Edward making a full-blown breakfast for me right now. But my stomach growled, giving me away. Edward smirked. I rolled my eyes and mouthed, "Cereal?" He nodded, getting up again.
"This was foolhardy, especially after Charlie asked you to stay home. You don't think before you act; you never see beyond your own selfish desires!" Carlisle started to pace again, but not as forcefully as before. As if in the middle of a thought, he stopped and turned to me. "Are you alright, Bella? Baby okay?" he asked full of concern, a complete one-eighty from his previous tone.
I smiled. "Baby's okay. I have a slight concussion, but Edward was waking me up every two hours. I haven't had any problems."
Carlisle's eyes went wide, and Esme shot towards me, asking, "Concussion? What happened? Are you sure the baby's okay?"
Her arm was wrapped around me; I patted her hand. "Baby's fine. They did an ultrasound at the hospital last night. And I got a concussion from Jimmy attacking us yesterday."
Edward set my cereal down on the table, and I smiled my thanks. Now that Carlisle had stopped yelling, Alice and Jasper joined us at the table.
"Jimmy attacked you?" Esme asked, alarmed still.
"Me and Edward," I explained. "Edward saved me."
Edward snorted. "You shouldn't have been hurt at all." I raised an eyebrow at him. We'd already discussed this. He just raised one back. Snot.
Esme moved to her son, just now seeing his injuries. "Oh, Edward, are you okay?"
A little sheepishly, he replied, "I'm fine, Mom. A few bruised ribs, nothing bad."
Carlisle finally cut in, "Not that I can condone violence, but he looks worse, right?" Lips closed, Edward smiled lightly and nodded. "Good."
"Daddy? We had to come. Bella needed us, still needs us." Alice looked at her Dad, sincerely explaining herself. "We've helped a lot, promise. And we haven't been in the way."
I nodded, looking from Esme to Dr. Cullen. "I don't know what I would have done without them. We would be nowhere. They're my family. I need them," I said quietly.
Edward leaned over and kissed me on the head. Alice gave me a beaming smile over the table. I smiled back. It was true; I went from no family or friends to gaining friends that became my family.
"I'm still upset. You lied. You traveled across the country!" Carlisle insisted.
Sighing, Edward replied, "Dad, did you really think that I would let Bella go alone?" Charlie snorted. "And do you think Alice would let me come without her? You can be upset, that's fine. But be realistic. You knew the moment you booked that conference this weekend."
Carlisle didn't respond, and Esme joined her husband, hugging him to console him.
"Why did you fly all the way up here? Why didn't you just call?" Charlie asked.
This time Esme looked annoyed. "We did, no one answered, not all night."
"We turned our cell phones off at the hospital... We probably forgot to turn them back on." I bit my lip, explaining. "Sorry."
Esme smiled apologetically, "It's not your fault, dear. I'm just glad you're all right."
"Right as rain!" I exclaimed. "Well, mostly." I tried to hold back my smile, but didn't succeed. Alice giggled, which only made me smile bigger. I'm pretty sure that Edward and Jasper rolled their eyes simultaneously.
Carlisle and Esme looked exhausted, and I said as much. Charlie offered them Renee's room since she informed him she was staying with a friend. They readily accepted and carried their single bag down the hall. Alice yawned and informed us she was going back to bed. She cocked her head at Jasper, who after a second agreed and followed her upstairs.
Unfortunately for me, Miss-Bouncy was awake and kicking, so there would be no going back to sleep for me. I got up and put my empty cereal bowl in the dishwasher.
"You can go back to sleep, Edward. You don't need to stay up with me."
He ignored me. "You wanna play cards? I have a mean poker face."
I giggled. "Sure, but I'm terrible at anything but Go Fish."
He guffawed as he made his way to the living room to grab a pack of cards from my mother's game basket. "Well, Go Fish it is then."
We'd played four hands of Go Fish when Edward decided to teach me Rummy. After a bajillion questions and two rounds I was finally getting the hang of it. But around seven o'clock we were interrupted by a loud yelling outside.
"ISABEEELLLLLLAAA! IZZY, IZZY, IZZZZYBELLLLLLA!" we heard coming from the front yard. Charlie, who'd fallen back asleep on the couch, woke up mid-snore.
"Is that who I think it is?" Edward asked.
I nodded.
"ISABELLA! I know you're in there! Come out, come out, wherever you are!" Glass crashed against the front of the house. It wasn't a window, but something thrown at the house.
I moved towards the foyer, by the front door, but Edward grabbed my arm, pulling me back. I turned, perturbed. "I'm not going to open the door and let him in. I just want to see. Come on." I invited him to come with me.
I looked out the small side window next to the door. Jimmy Crawford was weaving across the front of Renee's lawn, yelling and throwing empty beer bottles. Classy.
"Little pig, little pig, let me in!" He yelled, giggling to himself. "I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house down!"
Charlie had called the police as soon as he knew who was in the yard. Still talking on the phone, we over heard, "He's in the yard, raving like a lunatic... Yeah, we'll try to keep him here... Okay." He hung up. "They're on their way."
"ISABEEEELLLLAAA!" Jimmy hollered again. "You better come out, bitch!"
I inched back from the door, like he sensed I was there.
"You know I'll always find you!"
I cringed, angry at my own reaction.
"Why is he always saying that?" Edward spouted, furiously beside me.
"It's what he's always said, after I broke up with him... and then that night," I answered quietly. I turned and wrapped my arms around him, hiding in his chest. I could be stronger, but I didn't have to right now, and gosh darn it, I didn't want to.
"Come on, baby! I know you want to! Just talk to me! I know how you love talking!" His voice was coming from just the other side of the door. No longer in the yard, he started banging on the door, yelling for me to come out.
Carlisle and Jasper showed up in the kitchen, hair messed, but alert and ready.
"Baby, I know it was good for you! You were so tight!"
Edward went rigid and he growled. I gripped him tighter. It would be no good if he answered Jimmy's goading. The police were on their way; it was time they took care of it.
"And now," he laughed hysterically, "you'll always have a piece of me with you!" He pounded on the door a few more times, this bringing Esme and Alice to the kitchen. Both looked terrified, hugging each other for support.
Jimmy started ranting about how I had ruined his life. If I'd only been a good girlfriend, none of this would have ever happened. All of us were tense; even Jasper had lost his perpetual cool, his fists tight at his sides.
My head snapped back to the door as I heard sirens in the distance. Jimmy yelled an expletive as he ran down the front stoop like a herd of elephants.
I looked frantically at Edward and Charlie. We had to keep him here until the police arrived. Tearing out of Edward's arms, I ran for the door, flinging it open, and yelled his name.
"Jimmy!"
He froze in place, turning, a sly grin on his face. "Isabella, I knew you would come to me."
I gave him the death stare extraordinaire with every fiber of my being. "You are even more delusional than I thought!"
He laughed. "You're the delusional one for thinking you can ever get away from me."
Edward stepped past me onto the top of the stoop, standing in front of me, protecting me. "You're never going to come near her again."
"She's mine, Edmund! She'll always be mine! She was with me for years, and she'll come back! She always does," Jimmy arrogantly boasted.
Not wanting Edward to speak for me, I yelled over top of him. "I don't! I've never come back! Where do you get this idea? I have never once wanted to come back since I dumped you! Never once! You attacked me. You raped me! But you never had me! And you never will!"
Three squad cars pulled up in front of the house, effectively blocking Jimmy's car from pulling out if he tried. Verner and Pete stepped out of a car with their guns raised, trained directly on Jimmy.
Jimmy sneered at them. "Don't you know who I am? You can't do anything to me! I'll have your badge. Why don't you get back in your little cars and go on back to your station. This is between me and my girl."
"James Crawford, you are under arrest for assault and battery, sexual molestation, perjury, and obstruction of justice," Officer Verner stated firmly.
"What the hell? Are you insane? Who do you think you are?" he yelled. He was waving his hands everywhere, and alcohol was flying out of the open bottle he was holding.
I leaned forward, placing my hands on Edward's shoulders. He rested his back against me as we watched.
"You have the right to remain silent—" Pete started, but Jimmy panicked and tried to run past him. Pete swiped at him but missed as he ran by. Verner with a gleam in her eye took off after Jimmy, tackling him less than twenty feet away.
We watched as they cuffed and tossed him into the back of one of their vehicles. It was awesome.
Best. Day. Ever.
OoOoOoOoOo
We had to go down to the station to report what had happened at the house. They assured us that with the evidence presented, they would be charging him to the full extent of the law. I did find out I would have to return to Forks once more for the trial. The judge would most likely schedule it for late February or March. The baby would be born by then. At that time, or even as soon as she was born, I could file for full custody. We hoped that Jimmy would just give up any rights in an effort to save himself.
After a long day at the station, and promises to be regularly updated, we all piled into Charlie's and Carlisle's rentals and drove to the airport to head home.
And life went back to normal.
Well, as normal as possible for a pregnant eighteen-year-old girl. I had my dad, my best friends, and I had Edward.
Edward had to jump through a few more hoops with Banner for missing those two days of school, but after my dad came in to vouch for him Banner couldn't do much about it.
The crib and changing table came from Ikea. I went garage sale hunting for some dressers that Edward, Emmett, Alice, Jasper, Rose, and I painted to match the room. Okay, the boys painted; we gave advice and watched.
Thanksgiving and Christmas passed. I got to experience Alice and Rose's New Year's bash, which made the back-to-school party seem miniscule. Edward and I shared our first New Year's kiss.
The closer I got to my due date, the more protective everyone became of me. I continued with my doctor's appointments, OB/GYN and the shrink. The OB/GYN appointments were much more beneficial, but I hoped that I was getting better mentally. I really looked forward to the day I could give my Dad or Emmett or Jasper a hug. They all deserved it.
But now it was the week AFTER my due date. And I was frakking huge. Yes, the swearing embargo was still on, though Edward liked to complain that I liked to only use it when I wanted to. I told him that when he was nine frakking months pregnant he could do what he wanted too.
Dr. Randall said that I was doing well; my baby would come when she was ready. It was the first week in February, my back hurt, my ankles were swollen, and I'd lost my temper with Mr. Molina in Med Bio on Friday. He'd forgiven it, of course, due to the crazy pregnancy hormones. But I was still annoyed.
It was six whole days after my due date. I was flipping ready. It was so time for her to be ready.
Monday morning I decided to come to school because it was better than sitting at home feeling like a beached whale. And I knew I'd have to take time off after the birth, and I didn't want to get too far behind.
I made it through my morning classes without mishap and waddled to lunch. Edward filled a tray for both of us and sat down next to me. Giving me a kiss on the cheek, he laughed at my scowl and handed me an apple to start with.
Emmett flopped down across from me. "Bellasaurus! Or should I say Bellaluga?" I glared at him; that shit was not funny.
"So, I've made the peanut a top ten hits list. She needs to enter this world in style." He excitedly passed me a mixed CD. "You need to put this on your iPod, 'kay?" I rolled my eyes and Edward snorted. This was the third CD this week, and he'd abducted my iPod while he and Alice schemed for the best birth playlist.
I'd been humoring him. Edward was annoyed.
"Hey, Bells, how ya feelin' today?" Rose asked as she sat down next to Emmett, taking a moment to kiss him on the cheek. I'd noticed that she sounded more like Jasper when she was worried.
"I'm fine. Uncomfortable, but fine." I tried to sound appreciative. I probably sounded like an ungrateful bitch.
Edward handed me another item of food to eat and began absently rubbing little circles into my back. It felt wonderful.
"Willow! It's the perfect girl name. Unique enough, but not too weird. It's perfect!" Alice came skipping up to the table, erupting in excitement. Jasper was carrying their lunch more sedately behind her with an amused smile on his face.
I looked up at her. "Wasn't she the witch on Buffy, the Vampire Slayer?"
"Yes! Her loyal and trusty best friend!"
"Didn't she go evil?"
Ali stopped buzzing, her face twisted with confusion. "Oh yeah. Oops." She pulled up a chair, sitting down next to me, eating something off of Emmett's tray.
"Hey!" He covered his food protectively with his arms. Jasper laughed from his seat, and slid a bagel down the table. She caught it deftly before it fell off the end.
"Hmmm, how 'bout... Guinevere? Beautiful Queen of Camelot. Wife of King Arthur. Strong, interesting, and different name." She rested her head on her elbows, turning her face to study me.
"She cheats on her husband with Sir Lancelot. She runs off to a convent, and Lancelot goes to a monastery. Arthur dies in battle alone," I retorted.
"Hmmm, just wait, I'm sure I have a good one." She was not quelled.
We'd been doing this since Christmas. She really, really wanted me to name the baby Alice Jr., or at least tell her what the name was, but I wanted to keep it a secret. Edward didn't even know. Plus it bugged Alice and gave me an endless source of entertainment.
Lunch ended and Edward put away our tray. On the way to Med Bio I felt a twinge in my stomach. Groaning, I reached into my purse for my bottle of Tums. Everything these days gave me heartburn.
A few minutes later as we sat down in class, I felt the pain again, only stronger this time. I winced, but brushed it off. I'd been having Braxton Hicks contractions for a while now, and little pains were normal. The first time I had them Charlie had rushed me to the hospital, only to be sent home four hours later.
Edward stared at me oddly through the entire class. I'd been squirming in my seat. The Tums hadn't affected the pain, and they were definitely feeling stronger than anything I'd had all week.
Mr. Molina finished up the lecture, and I handed Edward my notebook. He hadn't allowed me to carry a book since we came back from Christmas break. I knew not to argue, not that I wanted to anymore.
I wobbled to my feet and the moment I stood a wetness gushed out of me. I gasped, staring down at the puddle around my feet.
Oh crap.
"Edward?" I asked, my voice higher than normal. He was staring at the puddle around my feet; in fact most of the class was, too.
"Miss Swan?" Mr. Molina asked.
"I think my water just broke... I've been having contractions all class."
Edward stood up, absolutely frantic. "What? Why didn't you say anything?"
I rolled my eyes. "I thought they were Braxton Hicks; I've been having them for a week." Edward's face had lost all its color, and he looked like he'd stopped breathing.
"Edward! Breathe! I'm fine. Can you take me to the hospital now?" I tried to snap him out of it.
Edward gasped, breathing finally. "Yes!" His voice squeaked.
I smiled at the class. "Okay, time to go have a baby! See you later!" I gave them a little wave. They were either looking at me in awe or confusedly waving back.
"Miss Swan, would you like the school to call your father?" Mr. Molina asked as I reached the classroom door.
I smiled back at him. "It's fine. I'll call him once we're in the car. He'll freak if it isn't me."
"All right." The teacher stood there awkwardly, not knowing what to do.
Edward, who had gone into his own world, was mumbling to himself incoherently. I touched him on the arm calmly. "It's okay, just breathe, Edward."
He nodded, his face still too white.
"Can you go grab Alice out of class and let her know what's going on? She can tell everyone else. I'll meet you at the car." That snapped him out of it.
"Are you crazy? I'm not leaving you alone!" Edward looked insulted, and the color began to come back to his cheeks.
"Call her then?"
"Fine."
I could hear the screeching on the other side of the phone, or maybe I could just hear it from the other side of the school.
We made it to the hospital without mishap, and only six contractions, though they were getting closer together. We'd called ahead, and Dr. Randall was ready to see me as soon as we arrived. I thought Edward was going to faint the moment we entered the birthing room. I was okay with him being there, if he stayed by my head the whole time. This was not how I wanted him to see me for the first time.
Charlie arrived, rushed and worried. These were the times when the no-touching was so inconvenient. I wanted to hold his hand or give him a hug. He looked just as faint as Edward.
I felt like I needed to reassure them.
Labor was long and, well... laborious. I have never worked so hard in my entire life. And I have never been so happy to have a giant needle stuck in my back. Hallelujah.
I was finally dilated enough to start pushing around eleven that night, but my beautiful dark-haired baby wasn't born until Tuesday morning at 1:13 am. She was seven pounds two ounces and a whopping twenty inches long. She already had a full head of hair and came out wailing. That girl had a set of lungs on her.
Charlie got to hold her first. He looked at her, cooing quietly as she lay in his arms. Edward got to hold her next. I watched tiredly as tears ran silently down his face. He handed her to me, and she nestled perfectly in my arms.
I watched her with awe. She was the most beautiful, perfect person I had ever seen.
My heart felt like it was bursting. I didn't think I could love her more than I did in that moment.
Edward kissed the top of my head, and asked, "What's her name, 'lil mama?"
I smiled up at him, beaming, and then gazed down at my precious little girl. "Cara."
The End.
An epilogue will be following in the next few weeks. I hope you've enjoyed the journey. I sure have.
Recs:
The Cullen Campaign by belladonna1472 I spent all of Monday reading this amazing sexy political banter. I'm jealous of her witty repartee.
Summary: Edward Cullen and Isabella Swan both have parents who are powerful on Capitol Hill. Problem is, their families are political enemies. What happens when Democrat!Edward and Republican!Bella bump into each other at Union Station in D.C.? AU/AH. ExB
Away from the Sun by butterflybetty I cried through half of this... well written, beautiful characters, amazing story.
Summary: When Bella was three, she was found abandoned outside of a hospital in LA. She was placed with Carlisle, Esme, and their twin boys, Emmett and Jasper. What happens when they move to Forks? MA&AH Cannon pairing.
Some Life In Me by Pinkpixiechick Different story, but I love homelessward.
Summary:An accident claims the lives of Edward's family. Unable to deal with his grief, he walks away from his life. He meets Bella, a young woman running from her past. He can help her. Can he return to his life? Rated M for content & future lemons. AH