Hello lovelies, finally I'm getting a little free time to actually do some writing. My bloody cold is FINALLY gone! *does happy dance* and my sinuses are clear (for now) and the fog on my brain has been lifted off. Let's give thanks for that shall we? Anyways, I'm babbling too much here, let me get on with the story. *grins*
Disclaimer: I ain't Stephenie Myers.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
EmPOV
I didn't want to think.
I couldn't.
I wouldn't.
It was excruciating to sit and wait as Edward found a park in the crowded hospital parking lot, but I didn't have the energy, physical or mental, to go in there alone. I needed to have a support system and by the looks of it, so did Edward.
His shaking hands turned off the ignition, the car jerked spasmodically for a few seconds and then came to a stuttering stop.
"Sorry," he half whispered, half shouted.
I swallowed the lump that had settled in my throat uncomfortably, I wanted to comfort him but the words wouldn't come.
'How was I supposed to support him when I can't even support myself?' my inner voice argued.
We got out of the car jauntily, both of us stumbling carelessly along in our haste.
The door of the hospital loomed in front of us, both of us loath to touch it anytime soon; but we didn't have a choice did we?
Edward turned out to be the braver of the two of us, and pushed open the door letting out the stale air that was tinged with the scent of the sick and dying. My steps faltered once again, stunned immobile by the smell and sounds around me, Edward's fast retreating back giving me the green light to move.
I was off behind him, matching his stride in mere seconds. The front desk was almost in our reach. The nurse behind the desk didn't look at all friendly, and I wasn't really in the mood to deal with her bullshit today.
Edward must've sensed my instability and rushed to speak to the woman.
"Yes," he said, his voice not betraying his turbulent emotions.
He was a bigger man than me.
"There was a young woman brought in, probably about an hour ago...Isabella Swan..."
I drowned out the sound of his voice.
Isabella. She didn't like to be called that.
"Thank you," Edward finished with a smile and turned to me, his eyes frantic.
"She's here," he stammered. "She's seeing the doctor right now."
"The baby?" I whispered hoarsely, the sound of my own voice shocking me momentarily.
He shook his head, "They don't know anything yet."
"I want the baby Edward," I wheezed, my chest suddenly feeling very tight.
As if someone had plunged their hand through my breast plate and squeezed with all their might, on my heart.
It was a truly sobering thought.
I did want this baby!
The baby who had started out as just a shackle to hold me down, the baby I looked upon as a burden and not a blessing. The baby that was going to turn me into the one person I respected and feared the most, my own father.
His eyes met my startled gaze, the shock coursing through my body.
"I know you do," he said, his hand reaching out to give my shoulder a comforting grasp.
We made our way to the waiting area and sat down, shaky breaths expelling from both our bodies.
The minutes seemed to tick by slower than molasses, making me more amped up. I was itching to move, to shake someone and demand they tell me what I needed to know. I wanted to wrap my hands around somebody's neck and just squeeze it; that was the force of the anger raging inside me.
Okay, it was more anxiety than anger, but the end result was still the same: Rage.
Finally, a doctor made his way to us.
"Mr. McCarty?" he asked stepping closer.
I sprung to my feet, nearly knocking the man over in the process.
"I'm sorry," I said. "I'm Mr. McCarty," I said a bit harsher than needed, but hey, who was checking?
"Ms. Swan is your..." the man trailed off looking at me with a questioning look.
"The mother of my baby," I growled at him. I didn't care what he thought at the moment, I just wanted to know that Bella was fine. And the baby too, of course.
"Well Ms. Swan is doing fine, she had a close call today. The womb started to spontaneously abort the baby," the doctor said.
"And?" my heart slowed to a extremely lethargic pace.
Did she lose the baby?
Is she really alright?
"The baby is fine, Ms. Swan is just going to need plenty of bed rest. Nothing strenuous or stressful for her."
I needed to see her.
Needed visual confirmation that she was really alright.
I hadn't even realized that Edward had moved to join us until he spoke, "Is she awake?"
Why didn't I think about asking that?
The doctor gave a nod, "She's not going to be very lucid but you can pop in to say hello if you'd like."
If I'd like?
He must not be certain.
He led the way to the room and there she was. My heart finally resumed beating at a normal pace when my eyes roved over her prone body. The beeping of the monitors attached to her small, pale frame, gave him a brief feeling of peace. The doctor stepped aside to let them through.
"Oh God Bells," Edward breathed beside me, his hands reaching out to hold hers.
"Only a few minutes gentlemen," the doctor said leaving us to have our private moment with her.
She looked so pale, and still.
I watched with a man man's eyes for the tell-tale rise and fall of her chest. When I had been satisfied with the sight, my eyes moved to her face. She looked so beautiful, and tortured.
It was though she was having a bad dream and couldn't move or scream out to wake herself from it. I watched as her hands fluttered and moved to her stomach, in a very protective gesture.
I was most shocked to look down at my hands, which had moved unconsciously to mirror hers.
"She'll be fine," Edward said softly to me, my eyes never leaving her face.
He gave her a kiss on the cheek and looked at me, "I'll be outside. I'll give you a few minutes to yourselves."
Thank you.
I heard the soft click of the door behind him and then I let go.
Let go of all the emotions I had inside me.
I just lay my head on her stomach, and I cried.
-TA-
BPOV
I could feel my baby.
She was still there.
I could feel her.
Little butterfly kisses against my stomach, or maybe it was wishful thinking.
It didn't matter, I just knew she was still there.
I'd taken to referring to the baby as she.
Call me spiteful, but I wanted a little girl to drive Emmett crazy.
He didn't have enough normal women in his life.
I really hoped someone called him.
He and Edward.
Oh Lord, they'd both be hysterical.
It had been so quiet for a while, and then I heard him.
I would know his voice anywhere now.
That husky baritone that sent ripples through my body, even if involuntarily.
He was talking.
Words I couldn't make out clearly.
I wanted so badly to reach out and just touch him, but the meds they had given me had knocked me on my ass.
I had made sure to ask if they would harm the baby, but the doctor reassured me it wouldn't.
My stomach felt wet and for a moment I panicked.
It was happening again!
But then my mind registered, my stomach wouldn't be wet.
Was he...crying?
Oh my God, he was!
I didn't know what to think.
Was he crying for me?
Or was he crying for his baby?
I would never let anyone know that it actually did matter, and suddenly I felt horrible.
I should be glad that this man would love his child.
It shouldn't...I mean it didn't matter that I was not part of the equation.
It didn't.
Still the tears flowed down my cheek, seeping from under my closed eyes.
So there we have it. The baby and Bella are fine. I couldn't bring myself to have her lose the baby. I couldn't hurt my Emmett that way. So yes, Bella gets bed rest. No more kicking James's ass. I have to give you a little word from our little anonymous schemers next. So I hope to see you next time. ~ Riney.
.twilight4u: I already replied to your review, but I hope this is fast enough for you. :)
Toxic Angel: I'm sorry *laughs* I'm here now. *mwah*
.ruthnickcj: Hope you're pleased with the outcome. And as for the ?POV...well the thing is, as the story goes along you'll get more clues as to who they are. And I know my readers are pretty quick on the beat they'll get it. In fact one of them already has. ;)
DayDreamer147: I couldn't kill my little baby. The baby's become a part of me, so I couldn't get rid of it.
.vampgurlkisses: Moi? What did lil ole innocent me do? *bats eyelashes and giggles*
.wheres the fire: I'm so glad you enjoy my story so much. I think you're awesome too hun :)
WestCoastGirl16: lol and now you're in that waiting phase again aren't you? Sowwy.
. .9: I don't know what she's having yet. They haven't decided yet, you know how the characters get. They take over. So you'll have to wait and see just like me.
PrettierThanThou: I won't disappoint you hun, or at least I'll try not to :)
JessJess76: You know I love, love, LOVE your reviews. Yes James is the King of Jackasses, Emmett is a darling. We all know how I love him. Al will get his just rewards, if from Bella remains to be seen since I'm sure we're gonna get an appearance from Neanderthal/Mother Hen Emmett in the next few chapters. And oh yeah, sorry about the warning. I was chastised about that from another reviewer.
Tatas Bouncealot: Don't hate on darling James too much, he's a good guy in this. And of course I wouldn't kill our little bean. *hugs*
Marie One: Thanks hun and you're welcome *big hugs*
An Avid Reader Forever: Thanks hunny :)
KimberlyAnnT: The baby's gonna be just fine :)
.jessa76: If I wasn't an optimistic person you'd totally kill my vibe with your constant doubt. Such negativity isn't good for Bella and the baby. Have faith woman!
.foxylady1on1: Like I said before, sorry for the lack of warning. I'll do better next time. (If need be).
JFK2984: Thankies ^_^
.babygirl2928259: Thanks for the love. So glad you're enjoying this story.
.emnelly13: lol I love your outlook. Twins huh? Hmm interesting.
.wedeltrey: Thanks for your review hun :)
Mickeyluver33: SS *snorts* declare his semi-undying love? You are such a riot. Stop picking my brains...again. Sheesh *pretends to be in a huff...fails miserably* You know I love it :D
KCLutz4475: Forgive me? *bats eyes and pouts* I'm really sowwy I made you suffer so long. I was sick :(. Still wubb me?
Madmaxi: Sorry soon wasn't in 24hrs, but you did make me smile big. Oh Lord with the nooky! They'll get there...I promise! Lmao.
Guest: Thank you and no she won't, but I'm sure you've already gathered that from the above ;)
.katandjasper: Well according to my research not necessarily AND I think Bella's fear made her exaggerate a bit, but who can blame her in a situation like that?
Sassy Mami: You nutter, I hope you went back and read, and she's just past her first trimester I believe...If I didn't mention that before it will come up in the next chapter or two. Love ya too *hugs*
A JASPER 4 ME: You're very welcome and I'm glad you like my writing so much. I'm so very humbled every time someone says that to me. *big hugs*
Lalina92: I know right *sighs*
Guest #2: *giggles* You'll get used to my cliffies :D
.jlove34: Well I guess from your end it's bad muhahahaha. :D
.teamhotmen: *hangs head to cover laughing* The pixies made me do it. :p
.manda2784: Thanks for your support hun :)
.lissie boo: LOL Emmett said thanks for your offer, he's looking forward to it ;)
.adrianiforever: I got you boo. :)