Tempted Fate Side Scene
Chapter 33 on FF (ER room after Nessie passed out in the airport/ Nicole's POV)
This can't be happening… this can't be happening I said to myself. My internal track of worries played on and on. May and the baby have to be ok. I mean what the fuck? She just has to be ok. Shit this is so fucked up. I noticed my leg bouncing in anticipation of some type of answer. How long are they gonna have us wait to hear any news? Embry squeezed me a bit closer to him and kissed my head. His arm has been around me every since we got in the cab to get here.
"Don't worry Nicky, she's going to be ok," he said.
"She has to be."
I glanced over at Rachel, Paul, Quil, and Claire. They all looked extremely worried. Rachel was silently crying while Paul held her. I wanted to break down and cry too but I was trying my best not to. Lord knows I would simply lose it if May did have a… oh I don't wanna even think about that. My eyes hurt so I knew they had to at least be red. Man I had a feeling that all hell would break lose but didn't see this. Mr. Cullen looked pissed as all ever while Mrs. Cullen looked worried. You would think that Mr. Cullen would look worried as well. I mean his daughter was in the ER with possible complications with her pregnancy. He had this anger vibe that was loud as hell. He kept on looking over in Jacob's dad's direction giving him death stares. Mr. Cullen looked like he wanted to get up from his seat and walk over to Mr. Black and kill him. Oh I hope shit turns out well. I mean this shit is something that everyone just has to get over. There are bigger problems in the world besides two love sick people falling in love and having a baby. I had my doubts at first about May moving so quickly into everything… but I saw how in love she was. And I always knew that if Jake did do a 180 he would be in serious trouble with the seedy side of my family. I seriously doubt that I would have to make any type of those calls. I see how much Jake loves her. I see the company that he keeps and his family. I trust that he is what he is.
Mrs. Cullen got up from her seat and walked over to us. Mr. Cullen didn't even take his eyes off of the wall that he was staring at to see where she was going. She made a deep sigh and sat down near us.
"Nicole I assume you knew about this all along… and I know it was something that you wouldn't tell me since you're Renesmee's best friend. I know you think that you were looking out for her… but at…" She paused and looked confused like she didn't know what to say next. "Umm… I'm still stunned by the fact that she ran off and got married to Billy's son."
"I know it's hitting you guys pretty hard but Jacob's a good guy… and he's madly in love with May. People elope all the time… even some to people the family has no idea about. Though that's not as common as eloping to a known fiancé. I was leery at first when May said that they fell in love so quickly. But I also had a chance to see how they are with each other. Jacob loves her."
"I… I." Mrs. Cullen stuttered.
I know her mind was fucked up right now. So I didn't want to waste my breath anymore explaining the reasons May eloped. I was worried about May and her baby.
The emergency room door swung open and everyone looked up to see who it was. Jacob was standing at the door and looked beat. I felt a sharp pain in my heart. Rachel covered her mouth expecting the worst I guess. Shit so did I. I felt numb just praying that he would not say what I didn't want to hear. I didn't have the strength to stand… I was too nervous. Embry stood up along with Jacob's dad and Paul. "Jacob?" his dad said with his voice breaking. Mrs. Cullen stared at Jacob with her mouth opened looking dazed. "Nessie and the baby are ok," Jacob said. I heard a few sighs of relief. "Thank God, "I breathed. Jacob took a deep breath and it looked like his shoulders widened. "Now I understand that all of this may be a shock to some," Jacob said looking at Mr. Cullen than glancing at Mrs. Cullen. "But we can't change what happened and we all have to deal with it. Nessie is a legal adult now… she may be your daughter but she is my wife now. Her blood pressure is really high and I don't want to take any chances of her being stressed out more than she is. If any of you say anything that would stress her or anger her you will have to deal with me because you're messn' with the health of my wife and my unborn child. If my wife has a miscarriage because of some shit you say to upset her… you will have to deal with me flipping the hell out. I love my wife more than anything… and you guys may not know that or see that. But that's not my issue now. My job as Nessie's husband is to protect her… so that's what I'm going to do. When she's released-" Jacob looked Mr. Cullen directly in his eyes. "No one better upset her. Is that clear," he said sternly. His face was tense and for some odd reason I noticed how tall and big he was. He looked like he was not to be fucked with.
Everyone was silent. Of course all of us were on May's side for her marriage and we weren't the ones that would throw accusations and stress her. Only two people in the waiting room would do that… and they were her parents. Mrs. Cullen covered her face with her hands and rested her elbows on her knees. Mr. Cullen glared at Jacob silent but I bet he was saying a lot in his mind. Boy I hope there's no show down here in the ER. We are in the right place for a fight if anyone gets hit. I'm sure that Jacob would do the most damage. And as emotional as he is… that would be a scary thing. Mr. Cullen looks like he's keeping a lot in… and if it all comes out I'm fearful that it won't be good. Shit. No cops… No jail. Let's just be civil people. I squeezed Embry's hand and he looked at me.
"She's ok," I breathed," as tears of joy started to fill my eyes.
"I told ya she would be," Embry said as he sat back down next to me.
There was no response from the Cullen's. Jacob gave a final glare at both Mrs. and Mr. Cullen then went back inside the doors. When Mrs. Cullen took her hands away from her face it was full of tears streaming down. I reached out my hand to her and she took it.
"Mrs. Cullen… Everything's gonna be ok. That man that just walked through those doors loves your daughter more than anything. I'm not going to try to prove it to you by speeches… you'll see for yourself in time. I love May like a sister… and… she's happy. She's a bit impulsive… but she's happy."
"Nicole I know…" Mrs. Cullen paused. "I know you love Renesmee. I'm her mother so you have to understand that all of this is not sitting with me well." She started shaking her head back and forth. "She's not ready for all of this. She needs to focus on school…. Not… not…"
"I know what you're going to say. I gave her the same speech a while ago… before I saw how much she wanted this… needed this. She's in love. I mean in love."
"Jake's my best friend, "Embry cut in. "I know for a fact that he loves your daughter and he will take care of her. He fell in love with her the first day he met her."
I heard a chair make an abrupt screech and we all looked up. Mr. Cullen got up from his chair and walked over to the wall and balled up his fist. He looked like he was going to hit it then changed his mind. Mrs. Cullen got up and walked over to him. When she reached him she placed her hand on his shoulder. He moved back and pushed her hand away like he didn't want to be touched at all. Boy he looked pissed. Paul was the closest to them and stood up. I guess he feared that Mr. Cullen was mad enough to do something. He reached out for her elbow and led her back to the seats. Mr. Cullen looked like he mumbled something but I couldn't hear it from where I was. I really hope that Mr. Cullen doesn't go ape shit when Jacob and May come out here. He has to understand that stress is not good for his grandchild. Hell… he might not even be thinking straight and won't even consider that shit.
"Fuck… this is going to be some shit," Embry whispered.
"I hope not. I really hope that everyone remains calm."
Poor Mr. Black. Mr. Cullen has been glaring at him like crazy. He found out that Billy knew all along. Now he's pissed as hell. They only said a few words about it when we first got here. Oh that was something. Mrs. Cullen was standing between them as Mr. Cullen yelled at him. Mr. Black stayed calm the entire time. Paul was the one that got heated. Rachel, Claire, and Embry had to calm him down so he wouldn't start shit. I don't know Paul that well… but from what Embry has told me he gets a temper really quick and loves to fight and is good at it. The guards warned everyone to calm down or they would get kicked out. Since then everyone has been in their seats. Mr. and Mrs. Cullen stayed on their side while we were all on this side; an obvious divided line. I'm glad that Mrs. Cullen crossed the barrier to come over here.
I tried to look at Mr. Cullen inconspicuously. I didn't want him to catch me staring and it sparks something in him to say something to me. He was pacing back and forth with anger just plastered on his face.
"I just know he better not start anything again... especially when May and Jacob come out," I whispered to Embry. "I can only imagine what would happen if he and Jacob's dad really got into it. I'm sure Jacob would flip out."
"Jake wouldn't cause a scene here because of Nessie. We'll make sure they don't get into anything. Don't worry Nick… we got this."
"Umm… Okaay," I said hesitantly.
"Hey… weeks from now this will all be water under the bridge."
"Yeah or the catalyst that starts World War III."
"No… it won't come to that."
I raised my eyebrow at him then looked over at Mr. Cullen. Embry followed my gaze. "If they love their daughter they will except that she's happily married someday," Embry said. He turned to me and took my hand. "Love is a powerful thing," he breathed. I felt a flash of heat all over my body as I looked into his honey brown eyes. Fuck… this boy has me… there's no fighting it anymore. Fucker told me that I would see another marriage license soon when we were on the limo service bus in Vegas. I'm not trying to be anybody's wife anytime soon. Shit I have a plan: School and career. I don't need any pit stops making me not reach my goals in the time I set. Don't want any cribs where there should be an office. Fuck… why does Em have to be so nice and funny. And able to fuck my brains out and make love to me to the point that I have tears in my eyes. "Nicky?" Embry whispered. I blinked a few times. I was out there for a moment in my own little world.
"Yeah?"
"You didn't answer my question."
"Huh? What was your question?"
"Did you want to go to your house or my house after we leave here?"
"Oh… ok… Um… I don't know?" I sighed. "Um… I wanna go home."
"Ok."
"But you can stay the night at my place if you want."
"Oh… Ok."
I sighed.
"You can try to rest when you get home," Embry said. "I'll help around the house with anything you need done."
"Huh? No… whatever I have to do at home can wait."
"Well… the offer is there. I'll do anything for you Nick."
Damn… that's the second time Em has said that to me. I'm starting to believe him. I softly smiled. It was the first time that I smiled since all hell broke loose. Why is this man trying to make me fall in love with him?
The doors opened again but it was someone else leaving. I deeply sighed and Embry started rubbing my arm. The entrance to the ER door slide open and Lisa and Joe looked at me. She's ok I mouthed. Lisa's eyes rolled back in her head in relief. They walked over to us with all of their luggage in their hands.
"The stupid taxi broke down and we had to get another one," Lisa whispered.
"Oh." I was wondering what took Lisa so long. I knew she would come here to make sure that May was ok.
"I texed you that we were going to be late," Lisa said.
"Oh shit I had my phone off since we left the airport. I forgot to turn it back on."
Lisa glanced around the waiting room and saw Mr. Cullen. She shrieked her face once she saw how angry he looked. Once I turned my phone on I emailed her everything that went down when Mr. Cullen confronted Jacob's dad. I also added how Jacob came out and told the Cullen's that he would flip out if they said anything to stress May out. After she read it she sighed and her lips pressed together in a straight line.
A few kids in the waiting room started running around and someone I expect their mother was yelling at them to stop and return to their seats. They paid her no mind. One of the boys ran in our direction and bumped into Joe's leg. He flinched a bit because it was his messed up leg from the car accident a few years ago.
"Honey you ok?" Lisa asked.
"Yeah… yeah I'm fine."
I was starting to get pissed because the woman was sitting in her seat not looking like she was about to get up and get her unruly spawns. Joe started to massage his leg so I knew he wasn't really ok.
"Can you get your kids for crying out loud," I snapped at the woman. Her bad ass kids weren't paying her any mind. I'm sure it was nothing new and my patience was wearing thin. The woman had a shocked look on her face that I said something. One of the guards started to walk to the kids. "Mam, you have to keep your kids from running around. It's not safe," he said. I gave her a look like I told you so and she rolled her eyes at me. Shheeet she better be glad that I'm on my best behavior today.
"Nick… just let it go," Embry said.
"I am," I said in a high pitched voice.
My tone gave it away that I really didn't want to let it go. But I knew I had to. I had to concentrate on May… the reason we were all here. I decided to rest my eyes. They stung like crazy anyway. Embry pulled me into him and I rested my head on his chest. I dozed off for a moment and flinched when I heard the sirens of an ambulance.
"Oh," I said a bit startled. "How… How long was I asleep?"
"Only about ten minutes."
Embry kissed the top of my head and I sighed. I figured that Jacob and May were still dealing with the doctors trying to get her discharged. I just hope that everything remains clam. I looked up at the door and saw May and Jacob coming. The door swung open and they walked through. Jacob's jaw was tense and May looked tired. "Hey guys… I'm ok. The doctor said I have to rest for a while and that my blood pressure is extremely high," May said. Her voice was trembling a bit so I knew that she was scared. I rushed over to her before anyone else could get to her.
"Oh God we were so worried about you," I said as I hugged her.
"Thank God," Rachel called out. "I was so worried. You're ok right?" Rachel said and started crying again.
"Yes… I'm fine Rach," May said.
Paul started to rub May's back to comfort her. May looked like she was trying her best to keep it together. I know she's very emotional so I was waiting for her to break down and cry at any moment.
"You scared us for a while," Paul said.
"I'm sorry… I was scared too."
May looked over at Mrs. Cullen. She stood up from her chair but didn't walk towards May. She looked like she was stuck. I just wanted to grab her and force her to hug and comfort her daughter. This is not the time to play mad parent.
"I'm really sorry Mom. I'm sorry how this happened. But Jake and I… we were going to be together no matter what."
"I don't understand right now… but I… I…" Mrs. Cullen started to shake her head and looked like she blanked out for a while. May looked at Mr. Cullen. I glanced back and forth between him and Jacob hoping that nothing would jump off. May's father looked like a monster. His eyes were red and his face was ridged. "Dad," May called out softly. Mr. Cullen said nothing and turned away from her like he couldn't stand to look at her anymore. I was getting so pissed. Stress is what May did not need and he just forgot about that shit. I'm starting to lose a lot of respect for dude right about now. Mr. Cullen then turned to Jacob's dad. I swear it looked like a slow motion scene from a movie. Was this the turning point when shit gets real? I gripped Embry's shirt. Then it dawned on me that if Mr. Cullen did lunge at Jacob's dad that I would have to let him go to help stop them from fighting. "I'm sorry Edward," Mr. Black said. His voice was rattled and looked like he was dealing with a lot of emotional pain. I knew that they were friends for some years. I think that this may just put an end to their friendship. "I let the kids make their own decisions," he continued. "I knew how much they loved each other and I wasn't going to stand in their way." Mr. Cullen's nose flared than quickly looked at Jacob. Oh shit. May stood in front of Jacob and he quickly moved her aside. "Hey now… everybody calm down. No crazy shit ok," I warned. From the look of things Mr. Cullen wasn't going to respect Jacob's wishes and not act civil. I could see the tension in Jacob's face and he was breathing hard.
"Everyone calm down," Rachel said. "Ness… you should go home and get some rest."
"Well where are you going… we don't even know where he lives," Mrs. Cullen said bewildered.
May spit out their address quickly like she wanted to get out of there in a rush. I didn't blame her. This scene wasn't a good place for her. May looked at her father again. He didn't say anything but his facial expression spoke in volumes.
"I love you…. hopefully you can forgive us one day," May said to her father.
"I'll drive you home Son," Mr. Black said.
"Thanks Billy," Jacob said.
Mr. Cullen's nostrils flared again and gave Jacob's dad an evil stare. I still wasn't quite sure if we would all make it out of the ER waiting room without the guards getting involved. A few bad ass kids are a piece of cake compared to over grown Quileute's and a pissed off father who just found out that his daughter is pregnant and just got married. Quil and Claire were getting their bags together. Mr. Black, Jacob, and May started to walk to the exit. Jacob really needed to get her home away from all of this so that she could rest. "Bye mom… bye dad," May said with her voice cracking. It sounded like she was about to cry. They continued to walk towards the exit. May looked back at all of us but I followed her eyes to see who she was looking at. She was looking at Mr. Cullen. He sat down in a chair and covered his face with his hands. "I love you too," I heard May say quietly. I looked back at her. I was about to lose it and cry. I can't stand this.
Paul and Rachel grabbed their things and said that they were going home. Quil and Claire said that they were going home in Jacob's father's truck. I hugged each of them good bye. Embry and I walked over to Lisa and Joe. It was too awkward to stay and try to talk some sense in the Cullen's. I just wanted to go home. I heard Mrs. Cullen softly cry but it wasn't in me to get involved. Not now. I'll give them some time to cool out… then I'll try my best to get through to them. "This is fucking crazy," Mr. Cullen called out. We all turned around to look at him. "I don't want his deceiving ass in my house ever! I don't want Billy in my house … ever. Do you hear me Bella!?" Mrs. Cullen was quite and just sat there rubbing her head.
"We should go," Lisa said.
"Yeah Nick," let's get outta here," Embry said.
"They drove here right. You'll think they'll be ok driving home?" Joe asked.
I was about to suggest to call someone to make sure they got home safely. Before I could get my suggestion out the entrance door opened and Matt, May's grandmother, and her Uncle Emmett came in the door. I sighed relived that they now had someone to drive them if they were too distraught to concentrate.
"Hey Matt… Hi grandma," I quietly said.
"Hi Dear. How's Renesmee?" May's grandmother asked.
"She's fine," I answered."She just left with Jacob and his dad. May fainted at the airport because she's pregnant and her blood pressure was really high. Her parents confronting her kinda made her upset."
"Confronting her!" Mr. Cullen yelled from across the room.
I thought I was speaking low enough for them not to hear. Fuck. Mr. Cullen started to walk over to us quickly with his finger pointed at me.
"Let's leave Nick," Embry said.
"Yeah good idea," I mumbled.
Mr. Cullen reached us with his eyes squinted still pointing his finger in my direction.
"I have every fucking right to confront her. For crying out loud I just found out that she went to Vegas to get married to some guy who knocked her up instead of celebrating her birthday with her girlfriends. I never thought that you would be involved in something like this. I treated you as my own for how many years and you do this to me?"
"Edward please," Mrs. Cullen called out as she walked towards us.
Embry stood in front of me and towered over Mr. Cullen. I knew we should have left when Paul and Rachel left.
"Listen… calm down," Embry said. "I understand you're still heated but you have to calm down."
"Who the hell are yooouuu?" Mr. Cullen said sarcastically.
"Embry Call," he said matter-of-factly.
"Dad… come on. Let's go home ok," Matt said trying to ease the situation.
"Son… you don't understand. You never felt betrayal like this. You're not a parent. You have no clue of what I've been going through the last few hours."
"I'm not a parent either," Embry said angrily cutting in. "But I know if my daughters' health was in jeopardy I would be making sure that she knows that I love her and not act like I hate her not being able to look at her. She's scared enough from what she's been through. She's pregnant with your grandchild. I watched one of my best friends go through miscarriages because they were stressed out. If you wanna contribute to killing your own family by being a jerk and not know when to hug your child and let them know that you are concerned for them… all I can say is that I'm sorry for you. Nessie is my family now. So you will have to deal with me as well. You're selfish as hell. Come on Nick… we're getting the hell outta here."
Embry started to grab our bags. I grabbed a few as well. I was a bit stunned because I knew for a fact that I had just officially fallen in love with him in the last few seconds and that I wouldn't mind a crib in my house in the next few years. Holy crap.
"Will you make sure that they get home safely," Embry said looking at Emmett. "I don't think they're in their right minds to drive their car home."
"Yeaa… yeah," Emmett said a bit baffled.
We all left the emergency room and walked near the street to look to see if any cabs were coming. There's usually a lot near the hospital. I started to feel tired and hungry but I figured I would just order something when I get home then pass out. It's nice that Embry's going to spend the night with me. Today has been crazy as shit and I would appreciate his company tonight. Fuck I don't even care if we don't have sex. I just want him with me. I felt sick to my stomach from nerves I guess. That whole ER scene was crazy. Embry was biting the side of his lip. He was still a bit pissed off. I just wanted all of this craziness to end and everyone be on the same page. I know May is going through it now trying her best to keep herself together.
"I hope May's ok emotionally," I said.
"Yeah… she'll be ok. I'm sure Jake's gonna take good care of her."
"What an ending to a honeymoon huh?" I said then sighed.
"Yeah."
I walked over to the short wall and sat down on it and started to pick at the grass. I knew things were going to be a shock to them… but I don't know. I guess I was just unrealistically thinking that they would handle things better. I guess I saw different scenarios.
"What's on your mind Nicole?"
"Um… just wished it turned out better."
"Well it could have been worst."
I gave Embry a weird look.
"Be happy that they had a beautiful wedding and that they are finally together now. And Nessie is ok. Shit things could have been way worst than this."
"Yeah… you're right about that."
I sadly smirked thinking what if May did have a miscarriage from freaking out. I know that would just crush her. I wonder who Embry was talking about when he said he watched ones of his friends go through miscarriages. A cab was coming down the street but someone else summoned for it. They were here before us so I didn't mind. It stopped and the couple got in the cab. After they drove off I watched them for a while then turned to Embry.
"It won't be long until another one comes," Embry said.
"Hey... we can order some food while were in the cab so it will be at my house quicker."
"That's a great idea. I am kinda hungry."
"You are always hungry."
"Well I need fuel for this engine," he said as he patted his muscle riddled stomach.
"Yeah… I see."
I was thinking if this was a good time to ask who it was that he was talking about. I know it's a touchy subject but I was really curious. Whoever it was… it looked like it affected him too for him to blow up like that in the waiting room. Embry said most of the things that I was going to say; especially with Mr. Cullen trying to get in my face. I was two seconds away from snapping and forgetting that whole respect your elders deal. I'm not on the same level but I am an adult. I have my own house and I'm damn sure not afraid to speak up for myself and to give my opinions on a situation. I'm the one that people come to when they want to hear the truth and not sugar coat shit. Embry gave me a hug and kissed the top of my head. He sat down next to me and I leaned into his chest as he held me.
"After we eat I'll rub your feet and back so you can rest better," he said softly.
"Really?"
"Sure Nick."
"Thanks Em."
"I like it when you call me that."
I chuckled a bit. I know that other people call him that too. It's his nick name.
"It's your nick name. Why is it so special when I call you that? It's what people have called you for years… right."
"Yeah… I like how your voice says it."
"Really… you like my voice."
"I love your voice… and your subtle accent. You're my little Italian princess."
He leaned in and kissed me again. This time he put his tongue in my mouth. I got a warm fuzzy feeling inside when he said you're my... Like I wanted him to complete it with you're my girl. We don't have any official titles yet. I was kinda trying my best for us not to go there just yet. He did ask in Vegas. Shit… But after this weekend I see that I would be stupid as hell if I kept that up. Hell… I wanna title. I know I told him that I wanted to take the whole relationship a bit slower. Though I was completely ok with fucking. I was more talking about the emotional side of it. I wasn't ready to give my heart. Fuck it… the truth is that I'm scared to and May knows this. The whole bathroom talk when she was getting ready for the wedding was replaying in my mind.
"Wow… you should have seen your face when Embry said that you will see another marriage license someday. You looked like you wanted to kill him. Why is that? Do you not see yourself with him at all?"
"You know I'm focused on school and my career. I can't let anything get in the way with that."
"I'm pretty sure they're millions of people who are emotionally open and in relationships that have degrees and a career."
I know it's possible for people to have a serious relationship and a career at the same time. I'm just stuck in my ways. Will he be the one to chase all of my fears away? Will Embry Call be the one that calls my heart and it frickn' answers? Shit the way he kisses me is a big ass start. We broke from the kiss and gazed at each other for a while.
"We probably missed like three cabs during that kiss," Embry said smirking.
"Didn't mind at all," I breathed.
"No?"
"Un un."
"Well I do wanna get cha home sooo…"
Embry looked down the street and saw a cab coming. He hopped off the wall and whistled really loud. The cab stopped in front of us and the trunk popped open. I slid off the wall and regretted sitting there because my ass was now asleep. I walked a bit slower than usual to the cab because my legs were tingling. Embry opened the door to the cab to let me in.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
Then he started to put some of the bags in the trunk. The others he put in the passenger's seat in the front. When he was finished he hopped in the cab. "Where too?" The driver asked. I was about to say my address but Embry got it out before I did. He reached out for me and I leaned into his chest and rested my eyes.
"Hey you want me to order something?" Embry asked.
"Oh yeah I forgot."
I took out my phone and looked for the pizza place that was near me. That's what I was in the mood for but I shouldn't assume that Embry wanted the same thing. They also had salads, Stromboli's and a whole lot of other Italian things.
"Do you want pizza?" I asked.
"Sure."
"Supreme… without the olives."
"Hey you remember," he said a bit surprised.
"Of course I remember I don't forget anything."
"Really now."
"Yeah."
Embry smirked at me then kissed my temple. His phone vibrated and he took it out of his pocket. Embry tapped at the screen a few times.
"Oh… that was Paul. They just got dropped off by Billy. He said that Jake and Nessie should be home soon. He said that Nessie was asleep most of the way there."
"Oh… man I know she must be beat. I'll give her time to call me or whatever."
"Yeah… give them time to just relax and hey… be in their house for the first time as… married."
"Wow… my baby sis is married."
Embry softly chuckled.
"You really love her like a sister."
"Yeah… she's been my best friend for a long time. I love that chick."
"Yeah I know. I look forward to knowing her like family. Jake is the closest thing I have to a brother."
"I love how all of yall are so close."
"Yup. Jake, Quill… hey all of us that went to Vegas. I trust those people with my life. I know you got a chance to get to know Ava. Kim you would love too if yall hung out more."
"Yeah Kim seems cool. So does Claire… though she's really quite."
"Claire is sweet. She's only really quite around people she doesn't really know well. Plus she's…"
Embry paused like he didn't want to finish his sentence.
"What were you about to say?"
"Um… it's not really my place. A lot of people don't know."
"Oh."
I didn't want to pry that much since it was personal. But I was wondering what could she be?
"Sorry Nicky. Though I feel like I can tell you everything… it's just not my business to tell; especially because she doesn't want people to…" he sighed. "She'll tell people when she's comfortable."
"Ok… I wasn't going to pry Em. I respect privacy."
"Ok."
"Um… One thing. And you don't have to tell me if you don't want to."
"What is it?"
"You were really emotional in that waiting room when you confronted Mr. Cullen for being such an ass to May. It looks like whomever you knew that had a miscarriage really affected you."
"Well yeah. One of my best friends Emily had a miscarriage around a year ago. She was kinda far along too by a few months. It was stress from her family; basically a big argument that caused her to have a miscarriage. And she was a healthy woman with no major medical history. It's really important for a pregnant person not to be stressed out. It pissed me off how Nessie's father acted."
Embry started to look angry again and ran his fingers through his hair.
"I know Baby. That was crazy. I hope her father comes around soon. I'll try to do what I can with talking to them."
"Um… I don't want him getting in your face like he tried to. I'm glad I stayed calm 'cause if he wasn't going to stop it may have been something."
"Yeah… I'm glad it didn't get escalated too. But I don't care if they yell and scream at me. I just want to get through to them."
"Um… I've watched him. Yeah I know he was stressed out. But something about him just turned me off. Like when Nessie's mom went to him and he pushed her hand away. The whole motion of that just was…"
"No… I don't think that Mr. Cullen is like that. I'm sure he's not violent with her. I've never seen that when I'm around them."
"There's a lot of shit that can go on when you're not around Baby."
I didn't agree with what Em was trying to say. Mr. Cullen wouldn't hurt a fly. His not like that. I hardly ever saw May's parent's argue. And she hasn't told me about anything. They look so happy. No… Em has it wrong. Mr. Cullen would never hit a woman. I looked at the cab meter and pressed my lips together. I didn't even want to entertain the idea of Mr. Cullen being violent. All I know is that he did have a drinking problem a few years ago… but he wasn't even violent then; Just a functioning alcoholic. That time was really sad. He was like a totally different person. I'm not sure what type of pain he was trying to hide with drinking… but it did nothing but hurt him and everyone around him. Glad he got out of that phase.
"You ok?" Embry asked.
"Yeah... I was just thinking about when Mr. Cullen used to be an alcoholic."
"Oh… he was?"
"Yeah… even then he wasn't the violent type."
"Yo… it scared me a bit when he came charging at you. Not scared like scared of him. Fuck that shit. Just alarmed I guess of what he was about to try to do. No way was I going to let him get near you as mad as he looked."
"Thanks… but Mr. Cullen wasn't going to do anything but yell."
"Well he wasn't going to be yelling in my girls face. Um… I mean your face. I remember… No titles."
Shit I felt bad. Embry wanted us to be an official couple since we flew over Vegas a few days ago. Was it too soon to tell him that I wanted more? My damn nerves were getting to me.
"I know I said no titles. I just want us to be sure before we get serious. "
"Well what type of man are you willing to get serious with? Um… you want someone more mature than me. I don't act like a fool all of the time."
"Oh I know that Em. I love the fact that you're silly. Don't think that there's something wrong with you. You're actually sickly perfect for me." Oh shit… did I just say that out loud?
"What was that I hear? Did you just admit what I've been saying all along?" he said with a grin.
"Shit," I said under my breath.
"Awww… look at you. Don't worry Nicky. You're secret is safe with me. You really want me."
I sighed.
"You already admitted it," he said. "You can't take it back unless you say that what you just said was a lie. Was it a lie?"
"No… wasn't a lie. Just an omission that I didn't know was going to spill out my big mouth."
"Oh… well I love your big mouth."
Embry reached out and held the side of my face. His hand was so warm. I closed my eyes briefly and smiled. "Look at you…. you're so beautiful Nicole. Give me the chance… and I'll make you deliriously happy." I opened my eyes and felt myself blush. My next word got stuck in my throat. I wanted to say thank you for the complement. Guess since my voice failed me I'll show him with my lips. I leaned into him and kissed him passionately. I didn't even care about the driver that was probably sneaking a peek.
"Mmm… that was good," Em breathed.
"Yeah."
"You know how much I care about you Nicole Moretti."
I was fighting everything not to have my eyes tear up. Do not do this Nicole. Do not cry in this frickn' cab. Don't wanna be that vulnerable; but I am.
"Yes. I know."
"I'm not sure you fully do."
"Embry."
Ididn't want to feel guilty anymore for pushing his heart I even admitted it to myself that he's perfect for me… yet I'm still fighting it for some crazy reason. May fell in love in hours and knew that she wanted to 100% dedicate herself to Jacob.
"Ok... I get it. You're scared," Embry said. "That's ok. Just trust me ok. I know that's an easy thing to say. Just know that you can."
"Embry…"
"I'll give you all the room you want if you don't want to get serious anytime soon. You're worth it to me."
"What if I don't want any room anymore?"
"What do you mean?"
"Wha… what if I want… a title."
Embry slowly smiled.
"Then you'll get whatever title you want from me. What title do you want now Baby?"
"Girlfriend."
I felt a chill go down my spine and couldn't look away from his mouth.
"I feel like I should ask you again to make it official. Nicole… will you be my girlfriend?"
"Yes Embry."
"Goaaaaaaal….. Goaaaaal," he yelled.
I started to laugh and felt a bit bad for the driver that had to deal with Em's craziness and I guess my loud laugh.
"Shut up and kiss your girlfriend Mr. Call."
"Yes Mayyuum," he said in a southern accent.
Embry leaned into me with the brightest smile. He ran his fingers in my hair and gently gripped my hair as he kissed me. He was the sweetest thing and I couldn't fight it anymore. Why fight it? "I can't wait to make love to you," he whispered in my ear then gently bit it. I wanted to tell him that I thought I was falling in love with him but my damn pride wouldn't let it freely slip out.
"Woman I told you last week that I wasn't going to let you go. So as long as you want me… I'm yours."
"I may want you for a while," I said smiling.
"Really… just a while?"
"Well… it may be more than that."
"Yeah… I'm sure it will be."
"You sound pretty confident in your statement."
"Hey… I'm Embry Call Baby. Confident is my middle name."
I giggled.
"Yeah… well you should have a few middle names then."
"Due tell."
"Sexy should be one of them."
"Ooh… I like that. Keep going, keep going. You did say that I should have a few."
"Sweet… adorable… mine," I breathed as I moved in to kiss him.
After we kissed for a while I laid my head on his chest and closed my eyes. I woke up when I heard a horn blaring. I looked up and someone was giving us the middle finger. The cab driver must have cut him off. I looked up at Embry and he kissed my nose and gave me a look like it was the cab drivers fault. Then it dawned on me that I never ordered the pizza. Shit. I looked around and my phone was on the floor.
"You ok?"
"Yeah," I chuckled. "I just forgot to call the pizza place. I dropped my phone when you kissed me earlier. Sorry food may be a bit later than we expected."
"Oh that's ok. I'm sure I can find something to eat," he said with a sly grin.
"Yeah I'm sure you can."
Wow that just gave me a chill. Flashback. Boy that Vegas room was eventful. But I'm sure he's hungry for real food as well. But we're only a few blocks from my house. I'll just call later once we get inside. I looked at the clock and it seemed like we got here in a good amount of time. I know sometimes the cab driver's take a longer route so that they could get paid more.
"We're here," the cab driver announced.
"Thanks," I said.
Embry slid his credit card to pay for the ride. The cab driver got out of the car and opened the door for me. I know he had an earful and a show from us. But I guess that's just something he has to deal with daily. Embry got the bags from the trunk and I got the smaller bags that were in the front seat.
"Thanks," Embry called out to the driver.
"You're welcome... And congrats on getting the girl."
"Thanks," Embry said smiling.
The driver drove down the street and I looked up at Embry. He still had that wide smile on his face.
"Hey I can get those too," he said motioning to the bags in my hand.
"Oh that's cool. I got it. They're not that heavy."
"Can't I just get them for you Baby."
"One thing you should know is that I'm not helpless. I can carry bags… take out trash. Hell I own a house by myself. I have to do a lot. I cut my grass too ya know."
"Oh… I know you're totally capable of taking care of yourself. Nicole, when I ask to help you with anything… it's not because I think you can't do it. Shhieet you have guns in them arms. I know my baby is a strong woman. Never think that I want to do something for you because I don't think you can. I wanna do things because I want to… because I care for you. I'm your man and I'm going to treat you like the queen that you are. Or Italian princess… whatever term you like. You have a real man now Baby." Embry dropped the luggage on the ground and swept me up in his arms in a passionate kiss. This kiss was more passionate than the kiss in the cab. He definitely wasn't holding back. His cologne… his breath… his fingers digging into my skin… everything was driving me crazy. I softly moaned in his mouth and started to run my fingers in his hair caressing his scalp. "Mmm," he moaned in response. I gently smiled at him. He kissed me one more time then placed me back down on the ground. I felt a bit dizzy. Hey I guess I can let him do the chivalrous things that used to annoy me. Compromise right?
"Now… let me be your man and take care of my beautiful woman… woman."
"Oh… ok. I said a bit dazed from the chills that were shooting through my body.
I searched in my pocket book for my keys. I was so flustered and couldn't find them at first. I pulled them out and started to walk up the stairs. When I got a few steps up Embry bit at my butt. I jumped a bit and laughed.
"Hey… couldn't help myself… it was right there."
"Ok Mr. couldn't help himself."
I started to walk up the stairs again and Embry followed me with all of the bags in his hands. He looked silly with all of those bags but he was doing a good job of carrying them. I opened my door and turned on the lights. The house was just how I left it. I looked down and noticed all the junk mail on the floor and kicked it aside. I knew I would have to go to the market tomorrow. Thank God I took off of work. I would have been calling out anyway because I'm totally beat and I'm going to check on May tomorrow. Embry went upstairs with all of the bags in his hand. He could have left them down stairs.
"Um… you don't have to do that now," I called out.
"That's ok."
I was thinking that everyone was probably finally home. How different it would be for all of us. I was wondering how May was and wanted to call her but I knew she was probably resting. I didn't want to text her just in case her text chime would wake her. So I just sent her a message through facebook so that she knows that I was thinking about her. I heard Embry flush the toilet in the bathroom and it made me have to go. I walked to the kitchen and put the light on then headed upstairs. When I reached the top of the steps I looked down the hallway and saw Embry taking off his shirt in my bedroom. Wow… I think I'm in love with that man. I was frozen for a moment just gazing at him and his frickn' beauty. Embry looked up and caught me staring. I blinked and shook my head to snap myself out of it. I didn't do a good job of doing that inconspicuously.
I walked in the bathroom cursing in my head from my oh so smooth moves. Why am I so extra nervous now? After I freshened up I found myself a bit anxious to be alone with him. Maybe it was because a big part of me wanted to tell Embry how I felt about him. I already admitted that he was perfect for me. I just wasn't ready to admit every damn thing. It's not like I think that he would take advantage of me if he knew how I truly felt about him. I don't like this uneasy feeling. I'm not used to this at all.
I heard a light tap at the door and it startled me.
"Hey Nicky… you ok in there?"
"Um… Yeah Em."
"Ok."
I gave a final look at myself in the mirror and went to open the door. Embry was looking at me in a way that made it just a little bit easier for me to tell him how I felt about him. He immediately embraced me and kissed me on top of my head. My nerves were melting away as I was pressed up against his naked caramel chest. I looked up at him and he cradled my face with his large hands.
"What is it princess?" he breathed.