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We want to say we're sorry that updating has been so wonky lately. You all will be happy to know that the next chapter is almost ready to send to the beta team. Thank you for your patience, and support.


Parallel Parenting

Chapter 20

Edward POV

It's has been a month since our wedding, and married life has been good for both of us. Each day Bella and I seem to be growing closer to each other. I never knew how good it would feel to give someone my heart so fully and openly.

With that being said, I am still worried that this is not only our first Christmas together, but the first time I will be spending a large amount of money on her. I know she doesn't care about the amount I spend or what I get for her. I want, no need, my gift to be something special; something she'll be happy with not because I or the girls gave it to her, but because she is generally pleased to have been gifted it.

"You'll get permanent lines doing that!"

I turn looking at Tanya as she walks into my office still commentating.

"If you keep frowning at the computer screen like that your face will stick that way."

I just give her a huffed sigh in response, before looking back at the screen.

"You know that Christmas is only a few days away, and you're not likely to get this?" she says pointing at the screen.

"I know, but I've been debating for weeks about it," I sigh and rub my face. "Would you be happy to get this from your husband—if you still had one?"

Tanya huffs. "Roger never got me anything like that; if he had then maybe we would still be married." She rolls her eyes a little. "That may be unfair; we would still be married if the jackass had loved me more than he loved himself or even half as much as he loved himself."

I just keep looking at her. I knew her marriage had not been a happy one, but the things she said are not helping me at all. Though, I love to see the fire in her eyes when she starts ranting about Roger, and what he did and did not do.

"You'd think it would've killed him to make me coffee, or breakfast in bed. Oh, hell, no, that was a woman's job in his mind. That piece of dirt, not to mention asking him to pick up his—"

"Tanya," I moan, cutting her off as I give her my best begging-for-help face.

"Edward, she loves you, and she'll be happy with anything you buy or make for her."

"I know that," I let out a deep sigh in frustration. "I just want to give her something she wants but doesn't ask for."

"Then why not buy her a new car, or give money to her favorite charity. Hell, get someone to make a game board out of that stock market game your family plays together in honor of her dad."

I tilt my head and my eyes get wide; what a perfect idea. "There's not enough time for that," I mutter and wish that I had asked Tanya's opinion earlier. "But, do you think she would be happy with a new car? I mean, I don't want her to think I am looking down my nose at her car."

Tanya lets a loud sigh through clenched teeth. "You are her husband, Edward—you tell me! Not all gifts have to be bought. Some, and for the record—normally the best gifts—are the ones from the heart. Homemade gifts are something you know someone has spent time on because they care about you."

I smile a little and click off the browser page. "You're right, I know you are. I just want our first family Christmas to be happy, and wonderful."

"As long as the four of you are together, then it will be, so stop worrying."

"Easier said than done," I state.

"If Emmett told you that Bella was freaking out over what to buy you, and stressing whether you'd be happy with it or not, what would you do?"

I chuckle shaking my head. "I would pull her aside, kiss her softly and then tell her I love her, and that it's her and the girls' happiness that would make me happy, not a gift."

"Well then, don't you think that would likely be her response if roles were reversed?"

I nod at her. "Thank you, Tanya, you always talk me down from the ledge."

"This is what you pay me for, and I'm all too happy to help. Now, the reason I came in was to see if you wanted me to order lunch since your meeting will be taking place in a little over an hour from now?"

"Yes, please, just get me whatever you would choose for yourself, and then come in and join me please."

"Will do, boss."

It only takes Tanya a half hour to return with our lunch, and as she walks into my office, Jasper walks in behind her.

"Do you mind if I join you?" He asks with a smirk.

I shrug, and raise my eyebrow at him when he watches Tanya pull out both her lunch and mine.

"Don't give me that look. I want to know why Tanya's lunches are covered by the company, and me, your brother-in-law and best friend, has to pay for his own?"

I look at Tanya who is holding back a laugh.

"One, she's been involved with the stock market since she was twenty; that's over forty years' experience," I tick off on my finger and Jasper just huffs. "Second, I stole her from another company to be my personal assistant, and part of her contract of employment was company-paid lunches."

Jasper's mouth opens wide as he looks at her. "Why didn't you tell me that I could do that?" he asks me.

"Why would I want to give you added perks that you didn't think of to ask for? Besides, the company only pays for lunches on the days that she works. Just so you know I pay for my own lunches, too."

"But—"

I cut him off giving him a better point. "Not to mention, you get paid more than her, and she does more work than you. Would you like me to give her your wages, and you can have her salary along with free lunches on work days?"

Jasper shakes his head.

"Yes, please," Tanya chuckles, "I need extra cash for retirement."

"Hush now, no talk of retirement," I say quickly and look wide-eyed at Tanya.

"Edward, I am not getting any younger," Tanya states.

I shake my head holding up my sandwich. "We agreed that even after you die, you'd still be working for me. You know that I need you here to keep me sane."

"You'll do fine, Edward, you've turned into a great man, and boss."

I blush as Jasper snorts. Tanya gives him a little slap on the arm and her 'Mom' glare, which makes him look sheepish and whisper out his apologies.

"So, are you still coming to Mom's for dinner?"

"Yes, we should all be there," I answer.

"Alice thought you may have wanted to skip this year, and spend time with just the four of you," Jasper says with a small smile, but there seems to be more behind his words.

"Have I missed something? I mean, yes, I would like to spend the day with just the four of us, but two to three hours out of the day is not a huge amount of time."

Jasper looks at Tanya who sighs and looks at me. "I think Alice was worried about Bella spending the day with your family when she is unable to spend any time with her own."

"Ah," I mutter pulling at my hair. In truth I hadn't thought about how Bella would feel about Christmas with her parents being dead. I think the hype of being married has not allowed my brain to think about what she would be missing out on, or hurt by.

"She didn't say anything against it when we talked about going earlier this month. I mean, if it was going to be a problem she would tell me, right?" I ask hoping they would agree with me, especially Tanya since she has lost her own parents.

"I am sure she will be fine," Tanya says softly. "This is not her first Christmas without them. For me, I found that one to be the hardest; the others since then have been more bearable. She will miss them, and feel a little sad. Just let her know she can tell you about it, and talk to you. I would also ask if there are any traditions her family has, it will help make them a part of the day."

I nod at her a little as I let out a breath. We continue to talk as we eat lunch.

"What did the girls ask for from Santa?"

"They both want a sibling, and were unhappy to find out that it takes time and isn't something good old Saint Nick can bring."

Tanya laughs shaking her head. "Anything else?"

I shake my head. "No, nothing much really. Cordie wants more art supplies, and Kassie asked for a football and soccer sports kits." I stop and smile. "Both girls did spend two days picking gifts out for other children; they helped wrap them and then we dropped them all off at the shelters."

"Yeah, Colton really enjoyed doing that, too," Jasper adds in making me nod.

"That was sweet of them," Tanya smiles, but sounds confused.

"Bella had explained to the kids that the gifts brought to the houses are from Santa. And that sometimes he needs a little help with the kids who don't have their own homes or families. She told them that since we were fortunate to have so much, we should help Santa lighten his load. A way to help him was to buy gifts, wrap them, and drop them off to children in our area."

"That was sweet," Tanya states.

"I know – it made me feel a little guilty. She talked to them about children whose parents work hard, but can't afford to buy them the latest iPod or cell phone. She said that was okay, but we shouldn't brag too much about what we receive, or make them feel that they did something wrong and that's why Santa didn't get them as much as they did. This just made me think about the times when I was a kid and went to school and bragged about what I had, or had received. Now, I worry that there were less privileged children, who I mistakenly thought their parents didn't love them as much as mine loved me."

"I think we've all done that without thinking, but I agree with talking about only one small gift from Santa, that seems to be a good way of putting it for all children everywhere," Tanya says.

"Yeah, I am sick of Santa taking the credit for what I buy," Jasper mutters out, with a mouth full of food.

"Don't speak with your mouth full, Boy," Tanya corrects him.

~PP~

I hold my cell to my ear as I wait for Bella to answer my call. I know her class should be in gym right now, and so she'll be free to talk.

"Hi, Edward."

"Hi, Nayeli, how has your day been so far?"

"Stressful … I'm still finishing the written reports for each child for parents' night, but other than that it has been great, yours?"

"Horrible. I miss you like crazy, and can't wait for Christmas Eve, so I can spend time with you."

I can almost hear her rolling her eyes as I talk. Jasper keeps telling me I've turned into a sap, but I don't care, and there is nothing wrong with missing your wife, and children. I'm looking forward to that special time off with them. It's men or women who don't want, or look forward to it, that people should question more so than those of us who look forward to it. I know that raising children—more so in this day and age in which everything seems to cost so much—can be hard. Not to mention children are more demanding and wanting stuff, which forces some parents to work hard just to have a few minutes of peace. It's the men and women who work all day every week and hardly take any time off because it's more important than spending time with their children; now those are the people that I don't understand.

"Our appointment for the girls has been moved to a little later tomorrow; it's now at seven. One of the other parents needed to switch because her mother-in-law is flying in, and they wanted to be able to pick her up at the airport as a family. I didn't think you'd mind?"

"No, I don't mind, and I am sure it will be fine anyway."

"I am sure, too, but still this is the girls' first report for first grade, so I'm somewhat nervous about it."

"Me, too," I chuckle understanding what she means.

We both love our girls, and always worry that they won't receive quite as good of a report as we want. I know not every child will be a rocket scientist, doctor, or lawyer, but you always worry that they're not doing quite as good as they are meant to be. I only have peace of mind because I am sure Bella would have spotted something in either of the girls, if that were the case. I also know that Cordie has slowly been coming out of her shell.

"The girls and I are going for our pampering day at Alice's after school today. I was thinking that you could meet us, and we could go out for dinner tonight. What do you think?"

"That sounds like a plan. I'll meet you at Alice's at five."

"Okay. My class is due back in a few minutes. I'll talk to you later. I love you."

"Love you, too," I say and hang up the phone.

~PP~

I sit at the head of the conference table with Tanya to my right and Jasper to my left.

We're reviewing the monthly reports and I am happy to see things have improved since Angela's departure. After that, we review each department's requirements for the next month, including the addition of any new staff.

When that is done, we have a twenty minute coffee break before going back to speak with all the department heads about what will be happening in my absence.

"As you are all aware, I am taking two weeks off starting on the twenty-second, and I will be returning on Monday, January the eighth. Jasper will be off as well, but Tanya is only taking the twenty-fourth through the twenty-sixth off in December and the first and second of January. When she is off, I need all the department heads to report to Lucy and Nik."

My company is multicultural so I always have staff that is able to work, even during the festive holidays. The three days around Christmas, and then on the three days around New Year's day will be managed by Lucy, who is of the Muslim faith and Nik who is Japanese. Both of them will manage the staff of eighty for those four days. The eighty-two staff members each receive six days off when their individual faith requires it.

"As we have just established, everything has been sorted, and there shouldn't be much to deal with during those few days. I will leave petty cash and a list of local restaurants that will deliver." As most places and the canteen are closed, the company pays for their meals during working hours. I don't see why they should be expected to pay twice just because it's viewed as a holiday time.

"Tanya, can you speak to Steven to make sure the tree, and Hanukkah decorations are taken down on the twenty-eighth and stored correctly?" She gives me a nod, and moves back to Lucy and Nik. "Any problems just let her know. You should both give her full reports, on the twenty-seventh and again on the third. Tanya will give me a full report when I return on the eighth."

"I also need a list of people from each department who want to take part in the Fire and First Aid trainings. I will need about four people from each department, and this should include one department head for the Fire training, and one for the First Aid training. This is required for each department. Make sure they only put their name down for one. Each person that takes part in the Fire training will work with Tanya to make sure that each department has a new fire drill, and then schedule it. It should be noted that everyone will take part in the drill regardless of what they are doing at the time. The First Aid training will be with me. I expect that each department will make sure that all first aid boxes and defibrillators are up to date, and fully stocked."

Every two years I require training courses for both first aid, and fire. Normally it's different staff that participate, and I believe it helps to develop their skills in other areas.

"The dates for the First Aid training will be every Monday for six weeks starting on Monday the fifth of February. The Fire training is three weeks and will start on Friday the second of February. This year I will be running the First Aid training sessions and Tanya will be running the Fire training sessions."

They all nod their heads at me.

"Moving on. The Christmas party is tonight. Has everything been confirmed?"

"Yes, we have two halls: one for the children who will accompany staff members and entertainers are scheduled to perform. The other hall is for the adults. We are providing alcohol, but only enough for each person to have four glasses. All staff has signed the no driving and drinking contract, and knows that busses and taxis will be provided to take people home. The catering staff has called for last minute additions, and I have made sure they know all food allergies they need to be aware of. All the gifts for the children are with Santa, who will arrive at seven, along with one reindeer." Tanya stops and clears her throat. "Lastly, we have three photo booths that will be available for everyone to use, and all photos taken will be wired to a large screen in the adult party hall."

"Sounds great, is there anything else?"

Everyone shakes their head. "Then this meeting has come to an end. I'll see you all tonight."

Everyone says their goodbyes. "I am heading out to get Colton; see you tonight, Edward," Jasper says as he picks up his files.

"Yeah, see you tonight," I yell back as he heads out of the conference room door.

Tanya and I head back to my office, and we both work for another half hour.

"Edward," I look up at Tanya as I start to switch off my computer. "I am heading out to get my hair and makeup done."

I chuckle. "I am done, too." I tell her pleased that I have finished a little earlier than I thought. "Do you want to ride with me?" I ask her knowing that she is heading to Alice's.

"Sure."

I nod at her and switch off my lights. "Are you bringing anyone special tonight?" I question as we make our way to my car.

"Yes."

I raise my brow at her. "Jake said he'd come and keep me company."

"Jake?" I stutter out.

"Yes, we've kept in touch since your wedding. He is a very nice gentleman."

"That he is," I smile as I start my car.

I have just left my building car park when my cell rings. Seeing Bella's name I smile knowing that she is calling to let me know she has arrived at Alice's.

"Can you answer that?"

"Do you think I am a secretary?" Tanya says with a snap but still answers my call.

"Hey, Bella, Edward—" Tanya cuts herself off with a frown. "Mike?" she stutters and then turns to me looking worried.

~PP~

Bella POV

I look at the girls using the rearview mirror, my eyes move a little up, seeing a car traveling a little too fast as it comes up behind me.

"What's the rush?" I mutter moving to give the guy more room. Suddenly my car jolts forward as a loud bang sounds. Both girls scream as my car is hit again. Just as I am looking over my shoulder, I see the car hit us for a third time causing us to shoot forward. I hit my brakes trying to move out of this car's path. The car behind follows me, and hits me again, only this time it stays connected to mine.

"What in the heck?" I mutter out having no idea what to do. Both of the girls are sobbing and they scream as the other car starts to push my car toward the bridge. "Shit …" I say as I try pushing my brake pedal harder and pull on my hand break hoping it will stop my car from moving forward.

As my car crashes into the bridge wall, my airbag deploys, and my head knocks against my door window.

"Mommy!" Both girls scream as the car keeps going forward, my hand presses on my door, as the car's front starts to lean over the edge of the bridge.

"I need you girls to stay calm, after we hit the water take your seat belts off!" I tell them trying hard to hide my fear. I keep my finger over the button to unlock the girls' doors.

"Please. Please let me get them out of this," I beg under my breath, as a loud crashing sound comes from behind my car and we seem to stop moving. Everything in me wants to look around, but I know I have to stay still, as the whole front of the car is now hanging off the bridge.

"Bella!" I hear being yelled. "Bella, it's Mike!"

"Get the girls out of the car!" I yell back, taking their door lock off.

"I can't!" he yells back.

"Michael Newton!" this time his name is said with anger. "You get my girls out of this F'ing car right now"

"Trust me, I will, I just need all of you to stay still in your seats for a minute."

"Mike?" When I don't hear his voice I sob a little. "Mike, don't leave us."

I hear a groan coming from the back of my car, and it sounds as if metal is being crushed. Both the girls and I scream as the car jerks.

"Mike, get them out! Please, just get them out. Please get them out!" I yell holding on to the steering wheel.

"Mom, we're moving backwards," Cordie tells me as my mouth drops open and I feel the car not only moving but can see it's backing up.

"Hey," Mike says and I know he has opened my door, and is right next to me. "If you can get out I'll get the girls." I try to nod at him, but can't seem to move. I hear him as he opens the girls' door. "Okay, girls, one at a time jump down to me and move right over there." It only takes a few seconds until he's talking again. "Well done, Cordie. Now it's your turn, Kassie," he says.

"What about Mom?" I hear her sob.

"I'll get her next," I hear him say.

I let out a soft breath knowing both girls are out of the car. "Bella, let go of the steering wheel," Mike says as he leans over me and undoes my seat belt. "The girls need you to calm down and get out of the car, Bella. Come on, you can do it."

I nod and open my hands feeling the pain in my fingers.

"Mike?" I sob out as I look at him and he gives me a small smile.

He helps me get to the girls and I pull them into my arms as all three of us start to sob.

"Here you go," Mike says as he wraps a cover over the girls' backs. "Where is your cell, Bella?"

"In my car," I say looking over at it. I am shocked to see the front of my car is all smashed in, and my eyes move along it to see the back is worse. It seems to be held in the air by Mike's tow truck. I can see the hook and chain, but the front of his truck looks almost as bad as my car does.

My eyes scan the area and a little way from my car is another car, the one that was hitting mine. By the looks of it, Mike must have rammed his truck into the backside of it.

"He saved us," I whisper looking around for him. I find him easily; he's near my car and looks to be talking to someone on my phone.

"Ma'am," someone says on the other side of me, but I don't respond to them. Mike looks my way and hangs up the cell.

"Ma'am," they say again.

"Bella, her name is Bella," Mike says. "And the girls with her are her children. The one with the blue bow is Kassie. Cordie is the one with the pink bow," Mike says keeping a forced smile on his face. "I have called her husband; he's the girls' father. He is on his way to the hospital, and asked that you call ahead to inform Dr. Cullen that his daughter-in-law and granddaughters are on their way after being involved in an accident."

The full time he speaks, I feel I'm unable to say, or do anything. A hand reaches for Kassie and pulls her closer to me.

"I'll take Kassie, you take Cordie?" Mike says looking me in the eye. I give him a pleading look not wanting to give up either girl. "You're in shock, you've hit your head," Mike whispers softly to me.

"Okay, Mommy, I'll be okay with Mike," Kassie sobs out. I nod and he takes her. I stand up with Cordie, but stagger, winching, and holding my side. "I'll take Cordie, too," Mike says picking her up also. He walks the three of us to the ambulance and helps us into it.

"Carlisle will be at the other end, and I'll stay here to deal with this."

My eyes glance at Mike, who looks to be in shock himself.

"Thank you," I whisper as the ambulances doors close.

I feel my body shake, but look down at the girls. "Are either of you in pain?" I ask, thankful when they both shake their heads.

"We were just scared," Kassie says as she pulls Cordie closer to her.

"I was, too," I tell them, still having no idea what the hell just happened.

The EMT works around the three of us, taking each of our vitals. As he takes mine he places a bandage on my head and then wraps a gauze bandage around my full head.

The ambulance comes to a stop, and the doors open, right away.

"Bella," Carlisle says looking deeply worried. I feel the tears running down my face.

"I don't know what happened … just that Mike saved us," I tell him.

He nods at me and I hold his hand as he reaches out to me.

"Girls, I have wheelchairs for you," he tells them.

I start to stand up, and a stabbing pain in my side has me crying out.

"Sit down," Carlisle says to me.

I let out soft breaths as I try to control the pain; he looks at me and slowly touches my side. I wince making him sigh.

"I think you have cracked, or broken, a few of your ribs. Okay, let's get the three of you inside." The girls move slowly to the wheelchairs and take a seat as Carlisle helps me into one. He pushes me inside as two nurses flank us each pushing one of my girls.

We are all taken to a room where two doctors are standing.

"Okay, let's see what's going on."

I shake my head at them and look to Carlisle. "Bella, you are my daughter-in-law, and they are my grandchildren, I can't treat any of you, but I can be here with you."

"I know that, I just want the girls looked at first. Take care of them, don't worry about me."

I watch the two doctors the whole time, and thankfully they say the girls have only a few bruises on their chests caused by their seat belts, and seem to be in shock, but other than that, they are fine.

One of the doctors leaves as the other one attends to my head wound. I end up with six small stitches. As the doctor stitches me up, a nurse asks me questions.

"I need urine and blood samples, then we can get you to x-ray."

I nod at her, and look over at the girls who are being entertained by Carlisle. The nurse takes my blood and helps me to the bathroom. When I get back, I am disappointed that Edward still hasn't shown up.

"Do you think Edward is okay? Mike said he called him."

Carlisle looks my way. "I'm sure he is fine … just worried about you and the girls. I think your car accident may have caused a slight backlog of traffic, and he will have to use that road to get here." I give him a weak smile not wanting to think about just how bad, what happened was. "If he's not here in half an hour, I'll give him a call."

"Thank you," I say just as my doctor walks back into the room.

"Time for my x-ray?"

"No, I am sorry but you can't take an x-ray, at this time." I frown looking at him. "We need to do another test first." My eyes flicker to Carlisle who stands up moving to us.

"What's the problem?" He asks and the doctor holds my notes closer to him.

"You can show him, whatever it is, you have my permission."

The doctor nods and passes them over to Carlisle.

Carlisle looks it over and nods. "Yes, I agree that an x-ray would not be advisable," he says and looks at the girls before he moves closer to me. "You're showing a high level of HCG, which means you're pregnant," he whispers.

"But …" I feel the air leave my body as I look at him in pain.

"It's okay; we can scan you as soon as we get an ultrasound machine."

I touch my head as the panic starts to come over me. I've just been in a car crash where someone rammed into me and my girls, on what has to be on purpose. They succeeded in pushing us off the road, and almost over the bridge. I have a cut on my head, my ribs may be broken, and my girls have bumps and bruises. I'm pregnant, which means all of this could cause me to have a miscarriage?

"Stop worrying," Carlisle says as if he can read everything running through my mind.

"We'll get answers as soon as we can. Best thing you can do is just relax."

I nod at him feeling yet again as if I am falling apart.

The door bursts open and Edward stands there looking as if he has just fought his way through hell to get here.

"Daddy," both girls cry and he moves quickly to them. Sweeping them both into one large hug.

"Hello, Tanya, it's good to see you. Since you are here, would you look after the girls for a few minutes? Bella needs to go for a test, and Edward should be there," Carlisle says not giving anything away in his voice.

"Of course," she smiles.

"What test?" Edward asks looking at me, with worry and fear in his eyes.

"We'll fill you in on the way," Carlisle tells him as he helps me stand and I wince again.

"What's wrong?" Edward asks immediately helping on my other side as I sit in the wheelchair.

"Grandpa thinks she cracked her ribs," Kassie tells him, and he looks her way and then back to me.

"I am fine; don't worry, girls. Be good for Tanya," I tell both of them as Carlisle pushes me out the door.

"Aren't we going the wrong way for X-ray?" Edward asks.

"She can't get an x-ray," Carlisle states.

"Why? " Edward demands sounding as if he's losing it.

"Because my urine showed that I am or was pregnant," I sob knowing it will no longer be heard by the girls.

Carlisle keeps pushing me as Edward falls silent. I am taken into a room, and Carlisle starts up a machine.

"Don't I have to drink a lot of water?"

"A second pregnancy test shows HCG levels which coincide with being around four to six weeks pregnant. So we'll have to do an internal ultrasound to get answers. Edward, please help Bella out of her pants, and then help her get on the bed, and then place this sheet over her. I'll go and get Jane to do the ultrasound."

Edward waits until his dad leaves and helps me to stand. "I am so sorry it took me so long to get here."

"It's okay," I sob as Edward pulls my bottoms down. I hold onto his shoulders as I step out of them one leg at a time. "I am still not sure about what happened. The police haven't come by. I don't know if they got the guy that rammed into us."

Edward helps me lie down on the bed.

"Did Mike say anything to you?" I ask.

Edward's eyes seem to stay away from my own, and I place my hand on his face making him look at me.

"He said that Maggie is the person who rammed into you and the girls."

I feel my own face drop at her name.

"He said she rammed into your car and then tried to push it off the bridge."

"Maggie did this?" I choke out as the door opens.

"This is Jane," Carlisle says.

I'm still looking at Edward who looks as if he is beating himself up.

Jane helps me put my feet into the stirrups, and I hold Edward's hand closing my eyes and biting my lip. I refuse after what happened to allow myself to hope, worried that I will be crushed.

"There you are," Jane says and my eyes open.

"Everything looks perfect, but I would say no X-ray and that we treat you as if your ribs are cracked. I would also like you to stay in the hospital tonight and maybe tomorrow."

"But—"

She cuts me off by shaking her head. "You need bed rest for next few days and then at least six weeks for your ribs to heal. I will scan you once more before you leave the hospital and then each week until you are healed."

"Okay," I sob feeling overwhelmed.

Jane leaves us and Edward helps me get dressed again.

"We're pregnant," I say as he sits me in the wheelchair. "Please let this be okay, I—" Edward cuts me off by kissing me. I know he doesn't want to hear me say the words I was thinking any more than I want to say them.

When he pulls back, I caress his cheek and smile at him. He moves us to the door and I look up at him.

"Mike saved us, did he tell you that?" I say needing to speak as he pushes me out into the hallway.

"No?"

"Yeah, he did," I whisper as he pushes me.

"From what the EMT staff said, he pulled her car back off the edge of the bridge," Carlisle tells him.

"He did more than that; he looked after us, and he kept us safe until the EMT's got there."

As the image of us hanging over the bridge comes to mind, a wave of nausea comes over me. "I feel sick," I tell them just as I start to vomit. "I am so sorry," I tell them as I hold my side and cry in both pain and humiliation.

"It's okay," Edward whispers to me.

"Take her back to her room. I'll fill her doctor in and get someone to clean this up," Carlisle states.

"Thanks, Dad," Edward says.

We start to move again only this time I close my eyes.

"I am so sorry," Edward sobs after a few minutes and my eyes open wide.

"What, why?" I ask, but because he is pushing me I can't see him. "Edward, stop!"

He stops the chair but doesn't answer me nor does he come around to the front. "Edward, please come around here so I can see you. Every time I move it hurts."

"Sorry," he says kneeling in front of me.

"Why are you sorry?" I ask again pressing my palm to his cheek.

"Maggie … she's my fault."

I shake my head at him.

"Yes, she is, Bella. I should have been firmer, harder, crueler to her, then—"

"This wasn't your fault." I interrupt telling him again. "You could never have known she would be this crazy. I still feel mind blown by it all."

"If she—"

"Don't, please," cutting him off, I beg feeling scared about what happened and not sure if I want to hear what he thinks.

Edward kisses the side of my face. "Let's get to the girls."

I nod at him.

When we arrive back to the room we were in, Emmett, Rose, Alice, Jasper, Colton, and Esme are all there.

"I am not sure you can all be in here," I chuckle.

"It's okay, there are three of you, and you're each allowed three people, so that's nine total," Esme says softly.

"How is Mike?" I ask Rose.

"He's still with the police," she says pulling me in for a gentle hug.

"What, why?"

"Ugh … because they are questioning him about ramming Maggie's car. I mean, really, she was trying to push you off a bridge but they question him? You can believe they will be hearing from our lawyer," Rose rants as I cover my mouth feeling sick again.

"Honey, I know you're angry, but Bella doesn't need to hear this," Emmett says softly.

I open my eyes and give her a small smile. "Sorry, I just feel a little off."

"Mommy," Kassie says looking at me.

"I'm fine, just shock sometimes makes people sick," I tell her.

Kassie just seems to stare at me as if she's trying figure out if I am lying to her or not. I slowly move my eyes back to Rose.

"Is he in big trouble, Mike, I mean?" I ask feeling panicked over this.

"He'll be fine; I'll call our lawyer, Samuel, and get him over there right away," Edward says.

"I have already done that, and I have also made sure that our company lawyer is there, too," Tanya informs us.

"What will happen now?" Cordie asks, in a small voice.

"Well, Mommy has to stay here, for tonight anyway," Edward tells them softly.

Both girls look at me sadly and I place a smile on my face. "Don't worry, it's only for tonight, and I am sure Daddy will have fun with you tonight."

"Can we stay home from school, and come and get you in the morning?" Kassie asks.

Before Edward and I can answer her, Carlisle walks in. "Bella, your room is ready." His eyes flicker to the people in the room. "But it will be a good idea if everyone else leaves so you can rest."

"Can't we stay, grandpa?" Both girls ask in union.

"Girls, you both checked out okay, and you are coming home with grandma and me, so that I can keep an eye on you overnight. But your mom needs to rest and is staying here tonight."

"Bella, I signed you off from school for the rest of the week, and I'll cover your parents' meetings." I rub my face having completely forgotten about that parents' night is tomorrow. I have even forgotten that tonight is Edward's company party.

"Edward," I say looking at my watch seeing he still has a little time before he needs to leave. "You need to go home and get changed for the company party."

Edward just seems to look at me for a few seconds, and shakes his head chuckling in a non-laughing manner. "You and our daughters were almost killed. I am not going and my staff will understand."

"Edward …"

"It's okay Bella; he never does too much anyway. I'll be there to make sure everyone has a good time," Tanya smiles.

"Yes, and I'll drop in to explain to the head of our department that Edward's leave has started earlier than anticipated," Jasper says.

All I can do is nod at him feeling as if everything has gotten so messed up.

The girls' goodbyes last for a few minutes, but I am able to hold myself together as they walk out with everyone else leaving only Edward, Carlisle and me.

"Are you sure they're okay to head home?" I ask feeling panic setting in again.

"Yes, they seem to only have bumps and bruises. But, I insist that they take it easy for a few days. They'll have to refrain from gym or any sports for the next week."

"Kassie is just going to love that," I chuckle as I start to cry again. "Can't I just go home?" I beg wanting and needing to be near them.

"I would prefer that you stayed here tonight; you have a head wound, and a cracked rib or ribs, and newly pregnant. You've already gotten sick, and we need to make sure we can get you comfortable on a medication that you can take safely and observe you closely for a few hours."

"Bella, please, just stay the night, and I'll have everything sorted for you and the girls tomorrow," Edward begs.

"Fine, but my room better be warmer than this one," I relent.

Edward just frowns pulling his eyebrows together, and looks at his dad.

"She's still in shock, and that's another reason for her to stay the night."

Carlisle pushes me down the hallway, and it's not until we get to the ward that it clicks to me the reason he was so insistent that no one else come up with us.

"Maternity ward?" I question.

"Yes, you're pregnant, you've been in an accident and are sick plus you're in shock. The best place for you and the baby is here. I wasn't sure if you were telling anyone, but I knew you wouldn't tell the girls just yet, in case—" he quickly cuts himself off from saying the word 'miscarriage'.

"You're not going to tell Esme?" I ask.

"No, of course not, that is news for you both to share."

I gulp a little. "Won't she be upset that you knew and didn't tell her?"

Carlisle chuckles. "No, sweetie, she is married to a doctor, and understands what that means. I knew Alice was pregnant almost at the very start, and Esme wasn't told until she was three months along and she is her baby girl. Don't worry; it is nothing to fret over."

I am pushed into a room, and I see that I will be on my own, and have a TV and bathroom.

"Let me help you onto the bed," Edward says.

I nod and he helps me onto it. "Do you think you could call Samuel later?" He nods but merely looks at me.

"I would like to know that Mike is okay, and I am a little worried that the police haven't come to question me yet?"

"They've been here, but you've been having tests performed," Carlisle says. "They took a sample of your blood, more than likely to rule out that you were not drinking or under the influence of anything. When I gave it to them, I told them you would be ready around eight tonight to be interviewed, but that it will take place here and if you get stressed at all, it is over until you can stay calm."

"Oh," I say.

"I'll leave you two alone," Carlisle says, but stops at the door. "Would you like anything for dinner?"

I shake my head still feeling sick. "Nayeli," Edward whines.

"I still feel sick," I mutter back to him.

"How about a piece of dry toast?" Carlisle says. "You need something in your belly."

I give him a nod and he walks out.

"You don't have to stay," I tell Edward.

"I know, but I want to," Edward says.

I smile and make a move to turn to him, but stop when a sharp pain hits me.

"Ouch," I say as my eyes fill with tears. "This hurts like a bitch. Strange that wasn't sore, or at least I didn't feel it when it happened? Or even when I got out the car."

"It could have been due to being in shock or adrenalin." Edward says and sounds as if he is in pain himself.

"I'm sorry I didn't call you, just—"

Edward leans over kissing me. "It's okay. Mike told me that you looked a little spaced out when he called."

I chuckle. "I can't believe …" I shake my head. "I'm not sure how, but my car was hanging off the bridge, and then it was fully back on the bridge again."

Edward just looks at me and starts to rub the unhurt part of my head.

"You keep doing that and I'll fall asleep," I tell him.

"That's okay, go to sleep."

I smile and try to let out a small laugh, but I can't seem to keep my eyes open.

"I think she's sleeping," I hear Edward say but I hear worry in his voice.

"Her body will be overly tired, and she needs to rest."

"The baby will be okay won't it?"

I try hard to open my eyes but I can't, and I can't even hear Edward any more.


A/N: So that just happened. Guess the girls kind of get what they asked Santa for, huh? Maggie is off her rocker, how do you suppose that will go? We hope to post the next chapter in a week, and appreciate and thank you all for your patience and support. Please let us know what you think so far.