Babies, Babies, Babies
Disclaimer: all characters and copyright belong to Stephanie Meyer.
A/N-thanks for the kind reviews, Nikki.
Part Forty
Billy was very distressed over his confrontation with Rachel. He was having trouble coming to terms with what she had done and was blaming himself for pushing her over the edge. "According to what Rosalie told me if Rachel hadn't made that call then things could have gone further awry. It had to be Rachel that Alice saw in her original vision." Bella tried to reassure him. "It was meant to happen, if it didn't then things could have spun out of control and what Alice saw could have changed."
"Are you certain it was Rachel that she was referring to?" Billy asked huskily. He jumped when Jacob appeared by his side and put a hand on his shoulder. He saw that his son had his meds in his hand and he sighed. Was it that time already? He looked forlornly at both of them.
"It seems likely that it was her. As soon as she made the call to Rebecca, Jasper contacted Carlisle and said things had been set in motion." Bella replied. "Please don't carry this guilt on your shoulders; you couldn't have foreseen any of this."
"But she's my little girl…." Billy lamented.
"Who is old enough to take responsibility for her own actions. How many chances can we give her, dad?" Jacob was doing his best to hide the anger in his tone. He was still livid with Rachel and didn't think he could ever truly forgive her for her actions. Placing the children in jeopardy was a step too far for him.
"It doesn't make it any easier." Billy watched as Jacob began to prep his meds. He glanced to the side at Bella, she smiled at him weakly. She could sense his need for privacy while Jacob helped him with the insulin.
"I'll go and check on the kids." She patted his arm before disappearing down the narrow hallway.
"She's a good girl, Jake." Billy said as he held out his hand so Jacob could check his blood count.
"Yeah, she is. She's amazing." Jacob's expression softened as he pricked his dad's finger. "I don't know what I would have done without her."
"I know." Billy replied softly as he saw his son frown. "Is it high?"
"Very." Jacob hunkered down in front of Billy and looked into his sad eyes worriedly. "You have to be careful, dad. I know you are stressed because of Rachel and Becca but you have to think of your health first."
"I try." Billy had to avert his gaze. He had been hiding how unwell he had been feeling. He knew that Jacob had been under enough pressure as it was, but the evidence was right before his eyes now, he had to face it. "I will try harder, Jake. I promise." He saw his son's face relax as he began to prepare the insulin. "I want to be around for my grandchildren. What better incentive is there than that?"
"And your great grandchildren too." Jacob joked lamely as he quickly and expertly gave his father his insulin.
"Now that might be pushing it a bit." Billy smiled wanly as Jacob finished up and packed his meds away. Jacob gripped his dad's shoulder for a moment in silent solidarity.
Bella washed Jet's silky hair as she sat in the bath and played with a plastic boat. She blew her cheeks out and made babbling noises as she ducked the boat in and out of the water. "Can you say boat?" Bella urged her as she carefully rinsed off the suds and smoothed Jet's hair out with her fingers.
Jet smiled at her before dipping the boat under the water again. She pursed her lips as she tried to form the word. "Booot." She looked up at Bella again for praise.
"That's it, boat." Bella emphasised the word again and Jet copied her, this time with a little more success. "Good girl." Bella clapped her hands and Jet did too, sending soapy bubbles in the air.
There was a light tap on the door before it opened and Jacob looked inside. "How are my two favourite girls?" He asked as Jet's eyes lit up. She tried to say boat again, and the pride on her face when they both smiled at her made them both laugh. "You are one clever girl."
"Goog gull." Jet beamed at him as she splashed her hands in the water in her excitement. It splashed all over Bella. "Mom, goog gull."
"Now I am a very wet girl." Bella wiped her face with the back of her sleeve.
"A very cute wet girl." Jacob grinned at her. It lit up his whole face. Bella was glad to see it. He had been shouldering so much responsibility that it was a rare occurrence to see her favourite sunny smile these days. "Foods ready. Leah and Sue sent us a casserole over; they thought we might have been too busy to cook. They've made up some other ready meals too for the next few days."
"That's so kind of them." Bella felt tears well in her eyes. She always seemed on the verge of crying these days. She was so touched by the Clearwater's gesture.
"It is, but if you and the little mermaid here don't get out soon then I might have to eat your share." Jacob leaned across and ruffled Jet's hair, making her giggle.
"You wouldn't dare." Bella shot him a mock glare as he began to leave the bathroom.
They all shared a pleasant meal. Jet had some of the casserole which Bella mashed up so she could chew it better. Billy had fed Marlon while Jacob warmed up the meal; he was peacefully sleeping so they could all eat without interruption. "I've nearly finished that first batch of carving." Billy revealed as he ate. "Perhaps we could begin to scout around for somewhere to sell them."
"I can do that tomorrow. I could take the truck…." Bella began before Jacob shook his head.
"No, Bells. Not right now."
"I wasn't going to go alone. I'm sure Lee and Seth would come with me." Bella wheedled.
"I'm sorry, but no." Jacob said firmly. He felt guilt wash over him when her face dropped. She had been trapped on the reservation for ages, but he just couldn't let her go travelling away from La Push just yet, not until everything had been resolved. Of course he trusted Leah and Seth to guard her and the kids, but he didn't want to take the risk." He saw his dad eyeing him discreetly but he wouldn't back down. "Please, I would worry too much." He caught her hand in his and kissed the back of it.
"Alright." Bella replied dejectedly. "If you think that's best."
"I do." Jacob kissed her hand again as he looked at her imploringly. He actually batted his long lashes at her which made her laugh despite feeling disappointed.
"Don't waste that puppy dog face on me." Bella smirked as she resumed eating.
"I don't know what you mean." Jacob saw his father relax now that Bella had capitulated and they ate the rest of the meal in comfortable silence.
Rachel stared around Paul's house. The whole place needed a good clean. There were beer cans littered all over the front room. The washing up hadn't been done in forever and there were fast food wrappers sticking out of an overflowing bin. Dust was everywhere making her sneeze constantly. Paul was in his room sleeping. He had to patrol soon and he was taking a chance to catch some last minute rest. Or avoid her, she thought. He had been mute since he had carried her back to the house, and hadn't even tried to reassure her or offer comfort. Rachel felt very aggrieved. She still couldn't see their side of things. Jacob had been so rough when he threw her out of the house and there was Bella, once again acting like mother Theresa as she placated her brother. It was all so sickening. Now she was stuck in this dive permanently until Rebecca finally showed her face.
Thinking of her missing twin made Rachel feel miserable, without Rebecca by her side she felt as if half of her was gone. She had never felt right since her sister had fled to Hawaii without a word to anyone. She had just upped and left while Rachel was at work one day. She still got upset when she thought about it. Ever since their mom had died it had been her and Rebecca against the world. Jacob and Billy didn't count, as long as she had her twin by her side Rachel felt invincible. But now she was lost and alone. She gazed into the dusty hall mirror and looked at herself. She had been so used to seeing her double looking over her shoulder that it was odd to just see herself. Rachel tugged at her hair. It looked lanky and stringy. She hadn't really been taking much interest in her appearance, but now all she wanted was to have a good wash. She was so lonely, even trying to impress Paul Lahote seemed a better option than wandering about his house by herself.
Rachel took a long shower, using up the hot water, and then she dried herself down and rummaged through the few clothes she had brought with her. She pulled on a clean shirt and her tightest jeans and went to examine herself in the mirror again. Now with her hair washed and combed through and the grime washed off her skin, Rachel felt much better. The jeans showed off her curvaceous figure to it's best effect. Lahote was a man; he couldn't fail to be impressed. She smoothed her palms across her hair and then sauntered over to Paul's room and opened the door without knocking. He seemed startled when he saw her standing boldly in the doorway. Rachel flashed him her best smile as she swayed her hips in what she assumed was a seductive manner as she approached him. His dark eyes were riveted on her all the way. This bolstered her confidence as she knelt down next to his bed and put her hand on his bare chest.
"Want some fun?" She purred.
Paul sat up abruptly and pushed her hand away. It was only now that she could see the angry light shining in his eyes. "Are you trying to seduce me?" He demanded.
"I'm…I'm….your imprint." Rachel was flustered. She shrank back from him as he stood up and threw her a look of utter disgust.
"That's too bad for me. I go after the women I want." Paul snapped before he strode out of the room and slammed the door.
Rachel fell against his bed as tears welled in her eyes again. Her hand trembled as she reached for her cell. She called Rebecca but it just went straight through to voice mail. "Will you hurry? I can't take this anymore." Rachel begged before ending the call.
Rebecca Black held her cell in her hand as she listened to the message. She glanced sideways at Devon and then behind her at the two dark haired men sitting behind, they had the whitest skin she had ever seen on a human, a bit like Devon himself. Flashing by them was the sign for Fork's. Only a little longer and they would be in La Push. "Should I call her back?" She asked Devon.
Devon smiled at her lazily as he reached across and stroked her cheek. "Not yet, darlin'. Not yet."
Rebecca smiled at him through her drug fuelled haze and sat back, closing her eyes. Soon she would have everything she wanted.
A/N-thanks for reading!