CHAPTER 9

BPOV

I had never been to Port Townsend before. It was a quaint little town, not that I was looking at it much. I found what I needed, a drug store, and walked inside. After walking up and down the aisles for a little while I spotted what I needed. A pregnancy test. Man was there a lot of choices. I decided on the one that answered with words. "Easiest test to use," the words on the box screamed out. Easy, this was not going to be easy!

I bought the test from the elderly pharmacist at the back and saw him shaking his head as I left. Great judge the pregnant teenager! I made my way back to my truck and stuck the test in my backpack. Next to find a gas station. Easy enough. I walked in and asked for the key to the washroom. As soon as the door closed behind me I grabbed the box and opened it. I quickly read the instructions. Take off the cap, pee on the stick, wait, look at the digital display to see if you're pregnant or not pregnant. I took a deep breath and went into the stall. I prepared myself, pulled the cap off and went to work. I came out of the stall, washed my hands and looked at the little stick. The answer window was on the bottom. All I had to do was turn the test over in my hands, but i couldn't.

My hands shook and my stomach was turning. I placed my hand against my abdomen and felt it. A little flutter. Tears sprang to my eyes. I was going to be a mom. I turned the test over and looked. PREGNANT the test screamed out. I put it in my backpack and walked out of the gas station.

I decided to drive straight to the ferry. As luck would have it I was just in time to catch the Port Townsend-Keystone Ferry. I didn't exit the truck on the ferry as I planned the next bit of my trip. As soon as I got to the other side of the ferry I followed the other cars and made my way to Oak Harbor. I pulled over at a little strip mall and stopped to find a pay phone. A call to Charlie.

I was so thankful when the answering machine picked up.

BEEP "Dad, it's me Bella. The doctor says I'm fine but here's the thing I'm leaving. I can't stay in Forks anymore and be a burden on you or the Cullens. I won't be a burden on Renee or Phil either. I'll just make my own way. I love you all so much." BEEP

That was it. I knew I would break his heart but I had to keep him safe. I rubbed my tummy. I also had to do what I could to keep my baby safe. Only I didn't know what I would need to do. I didn't know how to handle a baby, let alone a baby who was half vampire.

I kept driving north. I knew I should stop soon for something to eat but my stomach was just too queasy. Even drinking a bottle of water I had bought at a gas station was not sitting well. I pulled over and looked at a map. If I turned off at Bellingham I could cross into Canada at a small border crossing then hopefully find a place to sleep for the night. Saturday morning I would drive into the back country and find a cabin to stay in until.... well until I had the baby. And judging by my symptoms and the speed with which they showed up I wasn't on the 9 month plan.

I made it to the border at 8:30 and was across into Canada in no time. As i reached a city called Abbotsford I pulled into a motel. The clerk took my money and gave me a room key. After I dropped my stuff off in the room I made my way down to the Denny's restaurant downstairs. I ordered a bacon and cheddar omelette which I managed to keep down. Then I went up to my room to sleep.

I woke frequently due to nightmares always wishing that my Edward were beside me. In the morning I packed my bag and headed towards the truck. It stuttered and stalled a few times before I could get it started and i knew I was going to need a more reliable vehicle before I travelled any farther. I pulled into a little Jeep dealership and found a nice 4 wheel drive Jeep. When I asked what the trade in value of my truck was I was surprised when he offered me half the value of the new jeep. Apparently my old truck was an antique and the owner wanted it. After paying for the rest of the jeep in cash and insuring it for 3 months I was on the road again.

My next stop was Walmart. Since I was heading into the bush I knew there would be things I would need. I couldn't even look at the maternity section. I just grabbed 6 big men's sweatshirts and some sweats and leggings as well as socks boots and a warm coat. I didn't know much about Canada but I was sure winter would be cold. Then I took a deep breath and went to the baby section.

After looking around for a little bit I decided I better get lots of diapers as well as a bassinet, and some clothes. Since I didn't know if the baby would be a boy or a girl I got lots of each. I smiled to myself thinking that Alice would probably not approve of my purchases, but at least the baby wouldn't be forced to be naked.

The baby, my baby, Edward's baby. I loaded the jeep with my purchases and headed north again. It was almost dark when I reached the little town of Williams Lake. As I pulled into town I saw a little realty office that was still open.

I pulled in.

"Ummm excuse me, " I said to the man behind the counter.

"Yes Miss, what can I do for you?" he asked

"My name is Bella Masen and I am looking to rent a furnished cabin for my husband and I." I said softly.

He looked at my ring then noticed the slight bulge in my belly. "Oh and a baby too. How nice." he said

I blushed and nodded. "My husband works in the bush so we are looking for something pretty secluded."

"A logger is he?" the man asked

"Yes, " I smiled.

"Well we have a couple of cabins around here. How long were you looking to rent?"

"3 months at least I guess." I said

"Well if you want deserted there is the Spencer Cabin. Nothing around them for miles. There is a little pasture and barn where you could keep some goats or pigs if you wanted, though I must say you don't strike me as a farm girl." he said, "No offence Ma'am"

I smiled and said, "None taken Sir."

He smiled back and said, "Call me Dave."

"Thanks Dave. I think it might actually be nice to get some goats. Seems like a country kind of thing to do."

"Well if it's not too late let's take a drive out to the cabin and see if it fits your needs." he said

"That sounds like a great idea." I said smiling.

"Let me just call my wife and let her know I will be late for dinner. then we can hit the road."

"Sounds good." I said.

He was ready in about 5 minutes and as he locked the office we decided to take separate cars so that I could just stay if I was comfortable there. We got back on the highway and drove out of town a ways with him in the lead. After a short drive we turned off the road onto an unmarked driveway. It reminded me so much of the driveway to the Cullens' home that I had to blink back tears. After a nearly 4 mile drive in we reached a clearing and a small little cabin. I could tell this was home.

Dave opened the door and let me in. It was just one large room with a large fireplace. The kitchen was small but had fridge and stove. Most importantly, and the thing I was most worried about, there was indoor plumbing. The bedroom was on a loft above the main living area.

I turned to Dave, "It's perfect! How much is the rent?"

"Well, " he smiled, "For 3 months, including security deposit, it will be $600."

"That sounds great. Do you take American money?" I asked

"For sure. I guess I will owe you some change then." he smiled

"Don't worry bout it. Think of it as a finder's fee for this place." I smiled, "Do you know where I could get some goats and feed?"

"Actually my brother and I sell goats, " he blushed.

"Oh and how many goats should I get?" I asked.

"Well 20 would probably fit nicely in the barn. There is a chicken coop too and you could do chickens if you'd like. I sell them too." he said then laughed nervously

"Fresh eggs sounds wonderful." I smiled back at him, surprised that they actually did wonderful.

He smiled at me.

"Do you sell feed for them too?" I asked

"Yes Ma'am." he said.

"Well I will need goats to fill the barn, chickens to fill the coop and enough feed to last 3 months."

"Hmmm, how about $800.00 delivered for the works."he smiled

"That works for me Dave." I smiled and handed him an additional $800.00.

"I will be by in the morning then with your animals and your rental agreement." he smiled. "Do you want to stay here tonight?"

"Thank you... and yes please." I said looking around my home

"When you are ready to move on I could always buy everything back at the end. If you wish that is."

"I'll see what my husband decides." I told him, thinking for the first time why I wanted goats. Simply put if the baby wanted blood and not formula, I wasn't going to be able to take down any irritable grizzlies.

I wished him good night and watched as he drove off down the driveway. I had a home.