Bella's Point of View
A week has passed, well, it's flown by without me even realizing it. School was much better. The students began to approach me, slowly at first. But I've managed to make a few friends. I guess 'friends' is a strong word. I'm talking to a small group that seems overall nice and willing to talk with me. They offered for me to sit with them at lunch. Which I would have gladly accepted, but Emmett insisted for me to sit with him at lunch. One of the girls of the group, Jessica, constantly asked about the Cullens. She more or less just wanted something to gossip about. Once she realized she wouldn't be getting any new information from me, she backed off. Mike, the baby-faced jock of the group, was probably the most persistent. He tried desperately to make me laugh, or help me with a homework assignment, he didn't hide the fact that he was being overly friendly, for a purpose. But I would continue to play dumb to his attempts.
It was all I could do to keep Emmett from sulking. Every time Mike stopped at our lunch table to chat, I noticed Emmett began getting a bit bothered by the interruption. Although, he never would comment on it after Mike left. But today he seemed to be lacking his usual amount of restraint.
Mike had only just arrived at our table, a friendly smile on his face. "How are you doing today, Bella?" He asked politely.
Emmett snorted, leaning over to reach his arm across the table. He rested his hand over mine. Letting his finger lace with mine. The feeling of his hand was so cold and smooth, it was like a piece of didn't make eye contact with Mike, he only looked at me. My face warmed, a smile lit my face. I couldn't hold it back. Sparks flew up my arm.
"I'm doing great and you," I turned to look at Mike now.
All the color drained from Mike's face as he looked at our clasped hands. "Oh, umm good. "I-I was just going to ask you… a group of us is heading to the beach this weekend and wondered if you wanted to tag along."
I glanced at Emmett. "I think we actually have plans for the whole weekend, don't we?"
Emmett nodded, his eyes flickering to Mike as well. "Our schedule is looking pretty full for the rest of this year to be perfectly honest." He gently lifted my hand up to kiss the top of my hand. "Well, longer than that."
I think Mike took the hint. He mumbled a few words, appearing embarrassed, before ducking his head and walking quickly to his usual table. Jessica was waiting for him, nearly bouncing her seat. She clearly wanted to know about the conversation he just had. And I'm sure he wasn't going to hold back any details.
I chuckled quietly, watching Emmett's smug expression. "That was pretty blunt, wasn't it?"
He shrugged his shoulders and kept his hand entwined with me. "I had enough of being underestimated. It was time to make it clear that I'm a real contender as well."
"A contender to what?"
"Well, to be the man you choose. I have a few rivals to keep my eyes on. But nothing too threatening. Although they all can offer something that I can't." His face turned somber now, he looked away from me. Completely turning sour.
"What are you talking about?" I whispered, trying to figure him out.
"You'll find out, today. I think I'm ready to be completely open about who I am."
There was some movement from the table behind us. His family sat, not looking at anything in particular. But I did catch a few of them, giving Emmett nervous glances. All of them were there, except for Rosalie. I haven't seen her all week. Emmett mentioned that she was in the process of moving out to stay with some of their cousins. All the way in Alaska. Even with her moving so far away, it didn't feel like it was far enough to feel relieved.
I squeezed his hand, making him look at me. "Whatever it is. I'm sure it's going to be okay."
He didn't look motivated by my words. In fact, he looked even more tormented. I wished for a moment I could get a look in his mind. Maybe I would know how to comfort him better. But I was completely in the dark. All I know is Emmett is hurting. Whatever his secret is. It must be pretty bad. But he didn't seem like a bad person. He has been nothing but kind to me since I've met him.
Emmett seemed to be deep in thought for the rest of the lunch period. I didn't want to disturb him, so I just ate in silence. His hand stayed in me and from time to time he would look at our hands. I still couldn't tell what he was thinking. He finally seemed to snap out of it once the bell rang for everyone to head to their next class. His golden eyes captured mine as I stood up from the table. Reluctantly our hands split apart.
"I'll walk you to your next class," He offered, getting up as well, before leading the way. I followed him, not about to complain. We didn't share the next class together, but I was seated with his brother. Edward. For biology class. Emmet admitted that he tried to switch classes with Edward so he could be in the same class, but the office wouldn't allow it.
Edward was nothing like Emmett. I'd almost consider them polar opposites. Emmett was always light-hearted, a bit of a tease and for the most part he was always in a pretty positive mood about everything. Edward on the other hand, he was a bit more reserved, he took everything really serious, and he was always a gentleman. Since Emmett and I began talking, he would pull out my seat for me at the beginning of class.
That was the extent to our interactions usually. We paired as lab partners now and again. But the conversation only ever was about biology. I would like to get to know him a little better. If Emmett and I really were going to take steps towards a relationship, I should at least give an attempt to get to know his family as well. But then again, what if they didn't like me? What if they didn't approve of me? Would they compare me to Rosalie?
Emmett seemed to sense my discomfort. He lightly wrapped his arm around my shoulder, pulling me close to his side. "Is something wrong? You seem a little spacey?"
I relaxed into his muscular side, feeling slightly better. "No, I'm fine. I was just thinking that I might try to talk with Edward a bit today."
Emmett raised a single brow, an amused look coming to his face. "I bet that is going to be an interesting conversation." He snickered.
"What makes you say that?" I mumbled as we paused at the door to the biology room.
"I think you'll find out that Eddie is a bit of a buzz kill." He shrugged his shoulders before leaning down and pecking the top of my head. "Good luck with that talk." With that he let me go and causally walked away.
My heart felt like it was about to leap out of my chest. My face was instantly hot. I took a few fast breaths, trying to calm myself down. But I felt like I could have skipped into the classroom. I made my way inside, an awkwardly large grin on my face. The students that noticed turned away with some confusion. I realized that I must look entirely too happy to be here. No one likes biology class that much.
I toned down my emotions a little as I made my way back to where Edward was sitting. He watched me, with eyes that matched his brother's. His expression was light, but his body was tense. He stood swiftly and pulled my seat out for me.
"Thanks," I replied, as I did every day. And took my seat.
He stayed silent, bobbing his head before sitting down beside me. I wasn't sure what to say. I didn't know much about him, other than the fact that he was Emmett's brother. I wasn't great at initiating conversation.
"So, the weather sure has been bleak lately, hasn't it?" I commented, peeking in his direction.
A flash of amusement crossed his face, before nodding. "Emmett mentioned you dislike the rain here. It must be difficult to get used to." He kept his tone composed. There were no hints to what he was feeling. He just stared at me. With his brows furring slightly. A look of serious concentration. The intensity of the gaze was a bit off putting.
"I'm slowly getting used to it, but it wouldn't hurt for the sun to make an appearance once in a while." I said, shrugging my shoulders a bit.
Edward didn't reply, he continued to stare at me, narrowing his eyes now. He was beginning to look frustrated. I chewed my lip anxiously, trying to think of something else to say.
"I was hoping, maybe I could get to know you a little better,"
My words seemed to take him off guard. "Really, why is that?"
"Well, you are Emmett's brother. And since we have been getting a little closer, I figured it would be a good idea to know his family a bit better."
He ran his hands through his messy bronze hair for a moment, before leaning back in his seat. Whatever was bothering him, he decided to let it go. A stoic expression slid back to his face. "I'm not sure if that's a great idea,"
I was surprised how much that comment took a hit to my confidence. A stabbed pain prickled my heart. I felt slightly humiliated. But also, a bit angry. I made a click with my tongue and roughly turned myself completely away from him. "Whatever,"
It was quiet for a moment. Mr. Banner began his lecture. I let myself zone out. I couldn't believe the nerve of this jerk. He completely shut me down. With not so much as an explanation. Although I guess I didn't really give him any time to offer a reason why.
Reluctantly I turned to him, shocked to see he was staring at me again, with that same frustrated expression. "Not that I care, but why?" I whispered.
Again, he seemed to be taken off guard. "Hmm?"
"Why do you think it's not a good idea for us to get to know each other?"
"It's nothing against you. It's more so in respect for Emmett. It may not seem like it, but he has a pretty fragile ego. You are someone who is really important to him. And I get the feeling, if I was to get close to you, it would only upset him."
I instantly felt like an idiot.
"I wouldn't want him to feel uncomfortable either. I thought he would want me to become more involved with his family. You all seem really close."
Edward nodded with a small smile. "True, we are close. But Emmett has grown a bit… overly protective of you. For now, it would be best to remain casual. But feel free to befriend Alice. I know she is really excited to spend more time with you. And Emmett wouldn't have any issues with it."
I wondered why Alice was a sibling I could become friends with, and Edward wasn't. Was it true, was Emmett really so unsure of himself that he thinks I would ever fall for his brother? Maybe his divorce with Rosalie left him feeling the need to guard me. Protect me from anything or anyone that might threaten our budding relationship. It was all pretty confusing to me. I swear, sometimes that man didn't act human. But I would continue to try and understand him and respect his boundaries. If he wasn't comfortable with me becoming friends with Edward yet, I'd give up on that idea.
"We can still talk, right?" I muttered. "I mean, it would be hard to have a lab partner that refuses to speak to me." I laughed nervously.
Edward raised a brow, a smirk coming to his face. "Don't pretend that you need my help with any of this material. It's only been two weeks, but I can tell you know what you're doing."
"I did go over this lesson in Arizona last year. It makes it a bit easy to keep up." I admitted.
"I figured as much," He nodded, his gaze lingering now towards the door to the classroom. A confused look came to his face. "What's she doing here?"
I frowned, turning to see who he was talking about, but as I shifted there was a sudden churning in my stomach. I hunched over immediately, struck by a strong wave of nausea. I rested my face on the cool lab desk, realizing my face was getting hotter by the second. My mouth began to water. I covered my mouth tightly. I felt like I was about to puke.
"Bella, are you alright?" Edward whispered to me in a panic. I didn't respond. If I did, I knew I was going to puke. His cold hands were now on the base of my neck. The coldness was a relief, I felt my shoulders loosen a bit. But the nausea continued.
"Excuse me, Mr. Banner, I'm going to escort Bella to the nurse, I think she is sick." Edward announced.
"Alright, go ahead." I heard him reply, not sounding even slightly concerned. He continued on with his lecture as Edward wrapped an arm around my waist and practically carried me out of the classroom. The motion was so fast it made my head spin. The second we made it out into the hall, Alice and Emmett both were there, concerned looks on their faces.
Edward quickly passed me over to Emmett, who cradled me in his arms. "Hold on, I'll take you to the nurse." He walked briskly, which didn't help my stomach. I just squeezed my eyes shut and held back the urge to vomit. The last thing I wanted to do was throw up on him. Peeking over his shoulder I noticed Alice and Edward following closely behind. The two of them were having a private conversation that I couldn't make out.
By the time we made it to the nurse's station, I was jumping out of Emmett's arms to rush to the nearest trash can. I dropped to my knees and let it all out. I groaned weakly as I emptied my stomach contents into the trash. Just pieces of food from lunch. The taste of tomato lingered in my mouth. Most likely from the salad that I had. I suspected that some of the salad tasted a bit off. The lettuce must have been wilted, or some of the vegetables had spoiled. Leave it to me to get sick from eating salad.
Emmett was at my side in an instant, holding my hair back from my face. "It's going to be okay," He murmured, before sharply looking at the nurse. "Well, aren't you going to do something for her?" His tone was slightly impolite. Which was a bit out of character for him. I realized that he was worried, but that was no reason to take out his frustrations with the nurse.
I elbowed him, with what little strength I had. "Knock it off," I groaned, before turning my head and again started to puke. It was coming out my nose, I was choking on the undigested food as it spilled out from my throat. I could barely breathe. Tears stung in my eyes.
"Now, now relax kids. I can't do much for her right now. She needs to finish getting it all out of her system. Anything I give her now, will just come right back up. This may take a while, so if you have somewhere else to be, you all can go back to class." The nurse said in a casual tone.
Edward and Alice exchanged looks with each other.
Emmett didn't look away from me. "You two can go back. I'm staying here,"
"I'll let Mr. Masen no you won't be coming back," Alice said softly. "And I'm guessing you won't be going to the last class either?"
Emmett just shook his head. The look on his face was really starting to worry me. He watched me, like he was afraid I was about to die or something. I reached out timidly to grab his hand. He flinched, but tightly held onto it. The emotions on his face flashed before my eyes. Pain, worry, heart break. I couldn't understand why he was so upset. I was just a little nauseated. I ate something that didn't agree with me.
"Well wait for you at the Jeep," Edward spoke up, before he and Alice both turned and walked out of the nurse's office. The nurse brought over an ice pack, which Emmett took from her and carefully placed it against the back of my neck. I sighed in relief.
"I didn't know I'd be getting a helper today. I appreciate it, but are you sure you don't want to head back to class? I am a licensed professional." The nurse spoke with a chuckle.
Emmett didn't look at her. "I'm not leaving. Bring some water and some Zofran. I think she is ready to handle it."
"Wow, you are even knowledgeable on nausea medication. I'm impressed. Although your father is a doctor, isn't he? It makes sense." The nurse replied, walking to a cabinet in the back of the room. It blew my mind that she was doing everything Emmett asked. As if he was the supervisor in this situation.
I moved away from the trash bin once I felt there was nothing left in my stomach. After losing so many fluids I was left feeling a little dry and dehydrated. Emmett was ready with a little plastic cup of water. He watched me take a few sips, before holding out the tiny pill.
"This should help," He added.
I swallowed the pill and tried to find a comfortable position on the floor. Instead, Emmett pulled me back up into his arms and walked me over to one of the empty cots. He drew the curtain to give us some privacy, while the nurse tended to the garbage can, filled with my vomit. I'd truly hate to have her job.
Emmett continued to move the ice pack to different parts of my face, cooling me down tremendously. "Do you have any idea of what might have caused you to get sick?"
"I'm guessing the salad wasn't good. It's the only thing I've had to eat today."
There was still bubbling in my stomach, it was uncomfortable, the nausea was still strong. I let my eyes close, just to focus on breathing. Emmett's cold hand stroked my cheek. It brought a smile to my face. Him being close was a comfort.
"Bella," Emmett said after a short pause.
My eyes fluttered open to see Emmett's serious expression. "What is it?"
Wordlessly his hand moved down to rest on my stomach. "You said you were a virgin, before we met."
I nodded in confusion. "Yeah, I was… why are you bringing this up now?"
His face turned grim. In a flash he moved away from me, taking his phone from his pocket and dialing a number. He frantically began pacing the room. It was as if there was a sudden switch. I couldn't keep up with his mood swings.
"Emmett? What is it?" I sat up dizzily.
He didn't look in my direction, his lips were moving quickly as he talked, but I couldn't make out what he was saying. My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach. Something was wrong. I just wasn't sure what. The nurse moved the curtain to the side to come in. She drew the curtain completely, so I could no longer see Emmett.
Discreetly, she handed me a pregnancy test. "There's no pressure in taking this test. You could do it here or take it home with you. But I suggest taking one, just to be sure it was the salad." Her eyes glanced down at my stomach, then back at me with a smile.
My face went hot as I took the test from her. I shook my head. "No, that would be impossible. My period is due any day now. I'm always regular. I'm sure it will come."
She patted my shoulder. "I'm sure you're right. It's just for peace of mind. Things happen. Now that your friend has finally stopped hovering, I'd like to take some vitals on you." The nurse began pulling out her stethoscope.
I just nodded, clutching the test in my hand. She stayed quiet as she performed each task. Once she finished, she smiled kindly. "Everything is normal except your blood pressure is a little elevated. But I'm sure that has to do with this situation and puking tends to raise blood pressure as well. I suggest you head home for the day and just take it easy."
To my relief Emmett came back, poking his head around the curtain. "I'll take you home." He still had a tense look on his face. His lips were in a tight line, his brows pulled together. I've never seen him look so worried.
"Wonderful, make sure she gets in bed and gets lots of rest." The nurse spoke, scribbling on a piece of paper, before passing it over to Emmett.
I sighed as I moved myself to the edge of the bed, I felt heavy. My head was beginning to act as I stood up. Emmett quickly was at my side, wrapping an arm around my waist. He supported most of my weight.
"Did you want me to call your father?" She asked as Emmett walked us past her.
"No, it's alright, I'm perfectly fine. I'll let him know when he gets home." I said quickly, tucking the pregnancy test in my pocket. Emmet noticed but didn' react.
"Alright Bella, have a good rest of your day," That was the last thing I heard as Emmett walked us out of her office. He was moving a bit too quickly for me to keep up, but when he looked at me, I could see the concern dancing in his eyes. Even as we reached his Jeep. He lifted me up into it and buckled me up.
"Emmett what's wrong?" I asked, chewing my lip.
He stared at me for a moment. "Listen, there is something I need to tell you, right now. So, is it alright if we go over to my place? It's important."
I nodded. "Of course,"
"Are you sure that you feel up for it?" He turned his sights down towards my stomach.
"Yes, like I said I'm fine."
"You are not fine Bella. Let's get that clear. You are not going to be alright." He looked away from me, his tone turning a bit harsh.
I flinched, feeling tears sting in my eyes. "W-what do you mean?"
His eyes instantly went soft as he inched closer to me. His hand went up to cup my cheek. "Don't take that the wrong way. We will figure this out. I promise. I won't let anything happen to you." His words were so warm. I felt a little better, but I was still very confused. He wasn't making any sense. I wish that he could just be straightforward with me. But hopefully that would become the case today.
Emmett lightly closed my door, before jogging over to get into the driver's seat. I've been driving with him to school this whole week. It was becoming familiar. His scent lingered on every surface. Sage with an earthy wood smell. I had been expecting him to drive fast, it was a terrifying experience each time I rode with him, but today he went at a normal speed. I kept peeking over at him. He barely looked at the road. He mostly watched me. My hand was in his. Everything was right in the world. So why did it feel like my entire world was going to start crashing down around me?
Edward's Point of View
"They will be arriving in about ten minutes. Emmett is driving slow. He is worried the added stress will affect the fetus." Alice said, glancing between Carlisle and I.
Carlisle looked worriedly in my direction. "The poor girl doesn't know anything yet, let's give them some time to talk. Before we bring any of this up. Although I'm sure she is already suspicious."
I sighed, glancing out the window. We ditched school early today. We wanted to all be here for Emmett. He was going through hell. I couldn't even imagine. If it was me, I'm not sure if I would even have the strength to stand. It's an impossible situation. One that is completely unheard of. There was so much we didn't know. The only good thing about this situation was the fact that Rose had moved out early this morning. If she found out Bella was carrying Emmett's child, she would have lost it. There is no doubt in my mind that she would make an attempt to take Bella's life.
That was the one thing Rose always wanted. A child. Even more, Emmett's child. We had to be careful. She couldn't' find out about this. At least until we terminate the pregnancy.
"What if she wants to keep it?" Jasper asked, leaning against the wall at the opposite side of the room. Alice lingered by his side, holding onto him.
"We will convince her that it's for the best." Carlisle replied with guilt coming to his face. Although morally, I'm not sure I feel comfortable doing that. The bond between a mother and her child, that's sacred, and frankly not my business. His thoughts were a mixture of difficult emotions. I knew Carlisle would never try to force anyone to give up a child in different circumstances. If this pregnancy was normal, it wouldn't be an issue. But the fetus was part vampire. The thing would kill Bella. Before Emmett even had the chance to be a mate to her.
"And you can no longer see Bella's future, isn't that right darlin'." Jasper asked, resting his hand on the top of her head, stroking her hair.
Alice bobbed her head. "I've been having more and more trouble seeing her future for a while now. It started last week, but I could still see glimpses of it. But now there is nothing. It's like trying to see through a mud puddle." The last vision I had was of her getting sick in biology class.
"And you mentioned that you can no longer hear her thoughts," Carlisle said with a small frown. I could practically see the gears turning in his mind. That shouldn't be possible. Unless somehow the fetus is causing it.
I nodded. "I had no problem reading her thoughts until today, when she spoke with me. I tried several times, but there was nothing. Radio silence." It was incredibly frustrating and a bit unnerving. I've never been around someone I couldn't read. There was a peace to it. But I felt myself getting more paranoid by the second. What was she thinking? It became the only thing I could focus on. She now was a complete mystery.
"Well, for now, let's just come together as a family and support the two of them, anyway we can." Esme suggested, moving into the room now. Out of the rest of us, she seemed to have the most positive view of this situation. Maybe there will be a way she can keep the baby. If anyone can find a way, it's Carlisle. There is hope. I know there is. I never thought something like this was possible. It's a miracle.
I couldn't' disagree more with her. But I'd never speak out against her. She was such a kind person. If anything happened to either of them, I knew she would take it hard. She always doted on Emmett, and she was warming up to the idea of Bella as well. This whole situation was fragile. I didn't envy Emmett today. He would have to tell the one that he loves that he is a monster, and she was now carrying his child.
A/N: Thanks for reading! If you are enjoying this new idea for a story, let me know in a review. Thanks again!
