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CHAPTER EIGHT

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A/N:- Banner by FatesLoveQueen http:/yfrog(dot)com/oed60p

I own nothing. Boydblog helped me with this and I'll be forever thankful.

She fixed. I fiddled. Any mistakes that remain are on me.

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"Bella? Are you awake?"

I groaned in protest at being woken. I'd been having strange dreams about teenage heartache, the rainy town of Forks and a day spent in companionship with someone who wasn't Edward. Someone who I'd thought might be able to offer friendship and heal the hurt I felt. I tried to recall details and picture the boy's face. I couldn't, but I knew he looked very familiar.

"I've got to head into work early this morning." Edward ran his nose along the length of my neck as he whispered the words.

"No," I murmured, turning over and wrapping my arms around him. "Stay with me, please?"

I knew I was facing a losing battle, but I had to ask just in case I could change his mind. We still had to talk about the baby, and what that meant for us both.

"I'm sorry, you know I can't."

He placed his hand on my stomach and caressed it lightly, scrunching the fabric of my pajamas into his fist.

I pouted but twisted my body so that it was aligned with his.

"It's for us that I'm working so hard, you know that, right?" he whispered, before kissing the side of my neck and folding one of his legs over my body, tucking me tightly into him. "For the three of us."

He seemed so enthusiastic about becoming a father; I couldn't deny that it warmed my heart. I just wished we'd had the opportunity to talk about what would happen leading up to the birth.

"I know," I sighed. "I just wish I could see you more in the meantime. The baby won't be here for a long time yet."

Edward's hand shifted from my stomach to caress the side of my face.

"I could probably spare a few minutes." He leaned forward and touched his lips to mine. I knew where it was leading, and I let it follow that path. My crazy hormones meant I was just as willing a participant as he was. I only wished I knew how to express to him that I didn't want this to be our only quality time.

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Since the moment I arrived at Renee's the scent of the grease from the kitchen was making my stomach turn. The whole pregnancy game was a lot harder than it appeared on TV and in movies. I'd already had numerous trips to the toilet because of how nauseous I felt all of the time.

It was still early in the afternoon so we didn't have many patrons.

When the buzzer rang and I looked up to see Edward standing in the door, I couldn't help the smile that lit up my face. Jacob followed him and they sat at one of the booths by the window. Memories of my dream flooded my mind. It was Jacob—a slightly younger, smaller Jacob—that had been sitting beside me watching movies in my dream about Forks.

Why would I dream about him?

Why would I dream about him comforting me?

I walked over to take their order. Edward kissed my hand lightly and smiled at me.

"Hey babe."

I bent down to kiss his cheek.

"Do you greet all customers that way?" Jacob asked, tilting his head slightly to grant me easier access to his cheek. His black hair was bound at the nape of his neck in a low ponytail.

"Afraid not," I replied, running my hands lightly through Edward's hair.

My emotions were all over the place and the sight of Edward in his suit made it next to impossible not to touch him, even though he'd done a fantastic job of satisfying my body before heading off to work.

I kissed him softly once more before pulling my pencil and notepad out of my pocket, ready to jot down their orders.

"So, what will it be today?"

"The usual," Edward muttered without even looking over the menu. He was already in the process of laying a number of brochures down on the table and it became evident that this was a working lunch.

Jacob gave me a wolfish smile as his eyes trailed over my uniform. "I want something hot," he said finally, his eyes settling on my swollen breasts.

I turned toward Edward, feeling very uncomfortable in Jacob's presence, as usual. I wasn't sure what it was, but there was something altogether predatory about him. I began talking quietly to Edward while I waited for Jacob to pick from the menu.

While I was turned away from Jacob, I felt warm fingers on my thigh. I jumped instantly, shying away from the touch. Bile rose in my throat. "Don't touch me," I warned.

Jacob's response was another wolfish smile. "I just wanted to get your attention."

He laughed and Edward chuckled along with him. Flashes of past arguments ran through my mind.

'I don't like him, Edward. He touches me and it just makes my skin crawl.'

'He just comes from a touchy-feely family, baby. It's nothing to worry about. He's harmless.'

It never felt harmless.

I scribbled down Jacob's order quickly before scuttling to the kitchen. I felt sickened that Edward's first visit to Renee's in what felt like forever was marred by Jacob's attendance. Then I realized the sick feeling I had could only partly be attributed to Jacob. Another wave of nausea had me racing to the restroom. After I'd washed out my mouth and splashed my face I walked out of the ladies', only to be blocked by Jacob's solid build.

Taller and stronger than me, his hands came to my shoulders and he pressed me against the wall. I looked desperately from left to right to see if there was anyone else in the deserted corridor.

"Leave me alone, Jacob," I hissed.

He kept me pinned tightly with one hand; the other came to rest on my stomach.

"Edward told me about the baby." He circled his hand around slowly. "Congratulations."

He dipped his head down so that I could feel his putrid breath washing over my collarbone.

"There's something so sexy about motherhood."

I shuddered. "Let me go now, or I'll scream," I growled.

He chuckled and rested his lips against my ear. "Don't take yourself so seriously."

He pushed away from the wall, shoving my shoulder against it briefly. I held back the tears that threatened. I considered telling Edward about the confrontation, but I knew it would just be the cause of another argument. Sometimes I thought Edward wouldn't believe anything bad about Jacob until he caught him red handed, and even then I wondered whether he would just chalk it up to being friendly.

I heard the order up bell chime and took a few deep breaths before heading out to deliver the food to their table. I stood as close to Edward as I could and leaned across the table. Jacob winked at me and a shudder ran down my spine.

The diner was empty other than Edward and Jacob so I tried to go about my business as best as possible, but I kept feeling eyes on me. Each time I looked over, Edward was buried in a brochure and Jacob was staring openly at me. Once or twice he even winked.

All too soon, Edward began throwing his things back into his briefcase. I was saddened that I'd barely had the opportunity to see him or speak to him and he was already leaving. I raced over to his table.

"Leaving so soon?" I asked, trying to keep the emotion out of my voice.

"I'm sorry," Edward said as he absently handed me some cash. "I have to get back.

I nodded absently.

"Thank you for the delicious lunch," he murmured against my cheek as he kissed me softly.

"And the great view," Jacob added.

Edward chuckled again, even as my skin crawled.

I tried to focus my attention solely on Edward and push the lecherous Jacob out of my mind.

"Will you be at home when I get there?" I asked.

His grimace answered my question better than his words ever could. I blinked to hold back the tears which rushed into my eyes again.

"I'll do what I can to be home before you," he offered.

"Thank you," I said, uncertain whether his offer actually meant anything in reality or whether I would be facing yet another evening alone.

Angela arrived for her shift shortly after Edward had left. I took the opportunity to have a break and sneak out the back. As soon as I breathed in the fresh air, the stress of Jacob's rough treatment caught up with me. I stepped back and fell against the wall heavily as my head began to spin.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath as a tingling sensation crept over my body. A metallic, acrid taste surged into my mouth. I couldn't control my limbs or my voice. I felt helpless and overwhelmed in the seconds before my legs gave way beneath me and I fell heavily toward the cement.

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"I've got you."

I recognized Kieran's voice instantly. I tried to wade back through the murky darkness of my mind to find him.

As I became aware of my body, I felt his arms supporting my head and torso.

"I've got you," he repeated.

When I opened my eyes I realized how close he was. His eyes watched me carefully, and when he saw I was focused on him, he smiled brightly.

"Hey, there," he breathed.

I blinked, waiting for my mind to catch up with what I was seeing and feeling.

"What are you doing here?" I asked quietly.

"Saving you from eating pavement again, or at least that's the way it seems."

I tried to right myself. Kieran wouldn't let me go completely, holding my waist as I tried to right myself. The bitter taste still filled my mouth.

"I guess I must have passed out," I said.

"I'd say that's a good guess. It's been happening a lot lately. Have you been to see a doctor yet?"

I couldn't help the smile that crept slowly across my features. "Not yet, I will need to though. In fact, there will be a number of doctor's appointments over the next few months.

He tilted his head slightly in confusion.

"I'm pregnant!" I exclaimed before biting my lip. I hoped that he would be excited for me.

"Wow, Bella, that's great." His smile was warm and genuine and I knew he was truly happy for me.

"Thank you. Edward and I are both thrilled."

"So are you going to keep working at this place even though you've got that little one to think about?" he asked.

"I don't know what you mean."

"Well, I just don't think it would be good for you: all the hustle and bustle, being on your feet for hours on end, not to mention the lifting."

I thought about what he was saying. "I don't know. Maybe you're right."

"You know I am." He winked. "I meant what I said. There will always be an opening for someone like you at my firm. Just think about it."

"I know." I shrugged out of his arms. "I better get back to work."

"Are you sure that's a great idea? It wouldn't be a good idea to faint in front of the customers would it?"

I laughed. "Probably not, but I can tough it out. I'm a big girl."

"If that's the case, I hope you don't mind me hanging around for a while, just to make sure you don't need rescuing again?"

I wanted to deny him, but I couldn't. I had to admit it was nice to feel like someone cared about me enough to be concerned.

The rest of my shift passed quickly. True to his word, Kieran perched himself at one of the stools along the counter and watched me like a hawk. Unlike earlier with Jacob, it was actually pleasant having his eyes on me. Rather than salacious thoughts and horrid leering, Kieran offered cautioned glances and concern for my welfare. He even walked me to my car at the end of my shift.

I drove home wishing that I'd see Edward's car in the garage when I arrived.

When I did arrive, I noticed a strange car was parked on the road directly in front of our house. I looked around for the driver as I opened the garage door, but became distracted when I realized Edward's car was there.

He's home, waiting for me!

I parked the car and raced into the house.

"Edward?"

"In the kitchen."

I followed the sound of his voice, coming to a sudden stop when I saw the back of Jacob's head; his greasy black hair no longer tied back. I swallowed heavily in disappointment. Edward was home, but once again, we wouldn't be talking alone. I craved his company; I needed our long nights talking like we used to do. I had to try to get him to understand that I just wanted him all to myself.

"Hello, Bella." Jacob's voice sent shivers down my spine.

"I'm not feeling well, Edward," I said. "I'm going straight to bed."

He looked at me briefly, nodded and then turned his attention back to his laptop.

"Goodnight, Bella."

I shuddered as Jacob's voice carried down to hallway to me. I decided to lock the bedroom door while he was still here, just to be safe. It was terrible that I couldn't even enjoy spending time with my husband in the sanctity of my own home anymore.

I showered and changed into my pajamas. I heard a car drive away from the house and felt relieved that Jacob was gone. I wanted desperately to have a conversation with Edward. Maybe he'd be ready to talk to me now. I unlocked and opened the door.

I stepped back in shock when I saw Jacob standing in my bedroom doorway.

"Eddie's just gone to buy some milk. You guys ran out."

I shook my head in disbelief. Surely Edward wouldn't have left me alone with this creep?

"What a lovely bedroom."

"Thank you, but can you wait for Edward in the kitchen? We don't usually entertain people in this part of the house." I tried to sound polite, but even to my own ears I didn't sound sincere.

He smiled his horrific smile and reached one hand out for me. I should have just shut the door in his face as soon as I realized that it was him, now it was too late. His fingers entwined into my hair and he leaned his face close to mine.

"I don't know," his voice was like fingernails trailed down glass. "This room looks very entertaining to me."

His lips were inches away.

"I have to admit I was surprised when Eddie married you. You're not his normal type."

I stepped back again, only to realize I'd allowed him to back me up against a wall.

"You're my type though."

Jacob's lips pushed against mine. I held my mouth in a tight line and tried to twist my head away from him, but the hold he had on my hair made it infinitely more difficult.

My sense of self-preservation finally kicked in, and I no longer cared what Edward thought of how I treated Jacob. He was threatening me in my own home. I brought my knee up and enjoyed the satisfying whimper that accompanied the forceful connection. Even though he was tall and strong, Jacob dropped like a sack of potatoes.

"Don't ever touch me again," I hissed and then I turned and ran for the bathroom, locking myself inside.

I didn't move until Edward's worried voice called out to me. I unlocked the door and raced straight into his arms. I pressed my face tightly against his chest, inhaling the scent of him and using it to calm my nerves.

He wrapped his arms around me and held me close.

"Jacob was gone when I got home," he said. "What happened?"

"He came into our bedroom, he…he…" I couldn't force out the words.

"Bella, what happened?"

I buried myself into Edward's chest, trying to find a safe place to hide.

"Bella, please tell me what happened?" He seemed exhasperated.

I shook my head.

"I'm here for you. Talk to me?"

My tears were soaking his clothes, but he didn't seem to mind.

"I'm sorry," he whispered against the top of my head. "I should have thought before bringing him here. Especially tonight."

I sniffed loudly against his chest as I brought my tears under control.

"It was the only way I could still work and be home before you got here. I really wanted to be here for you. It's just, well, you know how crazy work has been. I thought this was win-win. It won't happen again."

He stroked my hair lightly.

"Why don't I run you a warm bath?" he asked quietly.

I shook my head.

"Do you want to talk?"

I breathed a sigh of relief. He seemed to sense that I needed a change in the conversation.

I'd been starting to think that he was slipping away from me. I wanted to believe we'd be okay, but I had started to doubt. We stood in silence, wrapped around one another, for a long moment.

Edward's finger caressed my chin and guided my face toward his. "Do you want to talk?"

He gently led me over to the bed and we sat side by side, talking for the first time since I'd discovered I was pregnant.

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I sank into the bath, luxuriating in the knowledge that I was loved. Edward loved me, and together, we'd be extremely happy. After Edward and I had talked for over an hour, I relented when he offered once again to draw me a relaxing bath.

I rested my head against the side of the tub, as a tiny giggle escaped my lips. I may not have been seventeen anymore, but I felt like a teenager in love thinking about the life Edward and I shared, and the new life we were creating.

My fingers hovered over my stomach, to rest over the tiny bulge that I kept telling myself was there. I knew it was just because I wanted to see tangible proof of our baby.

My long hair floated around my shoulders in a silky tangle. I sank further into the warmth, enjoying the feeling of the bubbles hovering on the water just above my bare skin.

I closed my eyes and submerged myself completely, feeling the water caress my nose and cheeks like a lover.

Instantly, something began to weigh me down, and hold me under. I panicked and grabbed at the sides of the tub, trying to grip hold of something, anything, to wrench myself out of the water.

The last of my breath escaped in a rush of bubbles and my lungs burned in protest, aching for oxygen. I tried to force my mouth closed, but my body resisted. I cried out silently in my mind before my mouth opened as I took the instinctive breath that would flood my lungs with water.

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A/N:- Sorry for the delay in this chap (I know, I know, I've been saying that a lot lately). I had my eyes lasered and then xmas, new year etc. On the other side, there are two chaps after this one already with my beta and one more hopefully about to be sent to her soon.

Would love to know what you think and whether your theories have changed.