ConSeQuences Chapter 14, a twilight fanfic

Shout out to my awesome team, Mel Cee and SassyNoles for taking time away from family and friends, during the holiday season.

I apologize for the delay with this chapter. Shortly after I posted chapter 13, I went out of town to visit with my family. From the night I arrived home, I was sick in bed for two weeks, due to a dramatic temperature change from 40 to 80 degrees.

This is the chapter some of you have been waiting for…

Chapter 14: The Present Perfect

The Present Perfect is used to refer to a situation set at some indefinite time within a period beginning in the Past and leading up to the Present.

Professor Saroj Kumar Tripathi

Bella

"Bella, sweetheart, we did a full panel on you, and everything came back negative."

"I know." I sighed nervously. "But he told me he had chlamydia today, Dr. Lawson." I whined at the last part.

I halfway wanted to faint when Edward told me, but there was no way in hell, I would show weakness in front of him.

"Did you have sex with him after you were tested?"

"No," I said with finality.

A few days after the blowup, with Edward, at my house, I scheduled an appointment with Dr. Irene Lawson. She was my mother's OB-GYN when she was pregnant with me, and since I'd always felt she was more like family than just another doctor, she was mine too.

"Good." She exhaled. "So, unless you've been sexually active with someone else after being with Edward, I don't see the need for any more tests."

I knew I was being paranoid, but I didn't care. If she said I was good, then I was good, but I needed that extra assurance.

"Please, Ren." I pouted. "I'll pay cash for the test."

She released a heavy sigh. "Okay, can you be here within an hour?"

"Yes, I can." I perked up in my chair.

"Great. I'll see you soon."

"See you." I smiled, before ending the call.

Tanya came out of the bathroom with a towel in her hand, drying her hair. "Were you able to get an appointment for today?"

"Yep, so if you're going with me, we have to leave in the next five minutes."

"All right." She walked back into the bathroom. "That's all I need."

About ten minutes later, Tanya and I were in my car headed for the I-290.

We arrived at Dr. Lawson's office twenty-minutes later since I drove over the speed limit all the way there, weaving in and out of traffic.

"All right Bella," Stephanie, the medical assistant, said, removing the thermometer from my mouth. "Your blood pressure and temperature are good. Dr. Lawson will be in with you shortly." She wrote the numbers down on a sticky note before she left the room.

Since Dr. Lawson squeezed me in, I knew there would a bit of a wait, which gave me more time to ponder on what had happened with Edward.

Him telling me he had an STD came as no surprise, at all. If you're fucking any and everything with a hole, it's bound to happen.

Now, what did surprise me was him having the balls to tell me. It was more than likely, Piper who threatened Edward to come tell me herself just so she could rub it in my face. She was definitely that petty.

I knew that I overreacted, even Dr. Lawson said so, but I needed to do this for my own sanity. I didn't want anything regarding Edward and our old relationship looming over my head.

"Knock, knock." Dr. Lawson smiled as she entered the room.

"Hi." I waved, as she sat down, opening up her laptop.

"How are your parents doing?"

"They're good. How is your family?"

"Everyone is good. I just had lunch with the grands a few days ago." She smiled.

"I'm sure that was fun."

"They keep me on my toes, but I had a ball." She chuckled. "Now, as for you, young lady." She looked at me over the glasses that sat on the tip of her nose. "You have a clean bill of health, according to my records but I'll ask you again. Were you sexually active with Edward or anyone after your test results came back?"

There was no way in hell I'd be stupid enough to let Edward anywhere near me, much less, have sex with another guy after that fiasco.

"No, I did not have sex with Edward or anyone else after the test results. And to make sure we're clear, I have not had intercourse with anyone other than Edward."

"Perfect." Dr. Lawson beamed, as she typed. "So, this is just a precaution for you then?"

"Yes." I nodded. "I know it's a bit much but I—"

She cut me off. "I get it." She snorted. "If I were in your shoes, I'd probably do the same thing."

"I knew you'd get me." I felt lighter.

"Always do." She typed one last thing before closing her laptop. "You remind me so much of myself when I was younger, including trusting someone that I never should've trusted. I get it because I was once in your shoes."

"You were?" My eyebrows raised.

She nodded, rolling her stool closer to me. "Listen, it's the same game just different players. What Edward is doing is nothing new, but it sounds like it's beginning to catch up with him."

"Well, when you lay down with dogs, you get up with fleas." I crossed my arms over my chest.

"True." Dr Lawson snorted a laugh. "So, it's safe to say your relationship with him is over?"

"Yes," I said with certainty. "I'm relieved." She held her hand over her heart, offering me a warm smile. "You're such a sweet girl and you deserve better."

"Thank you, Ren. It took me a while to understand that, but I finally do now."

"Oh, sweetie, you're doing well. Do you know it takes some women years to know they shouldn't accept any old thing and they do deserve better? You're still young so I'd say you're off to a good start."

I had great support around me between my parents, Tanya, Garrett, Grayson and Dr. Lawson. I knew I was lucky because not everyone had what I had.

"I have a few scars but I'm better, stronger." I pushed my shoulders back and held my chin high.

"See, I told you. You're on your way." She picked up her laptop, heading toward the door. "Stephanie will be in here in a few moments. Oh, and by the way, your money is no good here. I'll rush your test results with the lab, so call me tomorrow after one o'clock."

"Thank you… so much, Ren." My eyes were teary.

Dr. Lawson walked over, setting her laptop down, pulling me into a hug. "You're welcome, Bee." She pulled back, looking me in the eyes. "After tomorrow, next time I hear from you, I want it to be good news, you hear me?"

I nodded, not sure what would come out.

Dr. Lawson picked her laptop up again and quietly shut the door behind herself.

It wasn't even a full minute before Stephanie walked in with a cup in hand, with directions, leading me to the restroom down the hall.

I handled my business and met Tanya in the waiting room, finding her speaking quietly on her phone.

"Okay, baby, I'll see you shortly." She ended the call.

"Garrett?"

"Mm-hmm." She smiled. "He's going to pick me up here since he's already this way."

"Okay. I'll wait with you until he gets here."

"Let's wait downstairs in the lobby." Tanya picked her purse up from the chair beside the one she sat in.

We both waved at Stephanie as we walked out of the office, toward the elevator.

"So—"

"I'll—"

After entering the elevator, we talked over each other, then laughed. "I'll know tomorrow after one o'clock."

"Wow, that's fast." She tipped her head to the side.

"Ren is rushing it."

"That's exactly why I love her."

"Me too!" I agreed.

Ding. The elevator doors opened to a small group of people waiting to enter, as we quickly got off.

"What are you up to for the rest of the day?" Tanya asked, as we sat in the lobby chairs.

I knew exactly what I was going to do the minute she told me Garrett was picking her up.

"I'm going to call Grayson and see if he's busy."

She bounced in her chair, grinning, but Garrett's ring tone distracted her before she could comment on my plan. "Damn, just my luck he pulled up." Tanya stood up, pouting. "We're talking tomorrow afternoon. Lunch is on me, so be ready to spill all of it, Bee."

I couldn't do anything but laugh and nod in agreement.

Tanya leaned down and kissed me on the cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow, chica."

"See ya, sweetie."

Tanya walked through the glass doors to a waiting Garrett, who waved at me once our eyes connected. I watched as Tanya got in the car, giving him a quick kiss before they pulled off into traffic.

I sat there contemplating as I looked down at Grayson's contact picture, wondering if I should meet up with him today or wait. But then no sooner than I thought if I should wait, I asked myself, what the hell was waiting for?

It has been a couple of weeks since he told me how he felt and not once time had he pushed me to give him an answer, one way or another.

I pushed all of the over-thinking and hesitancy to the side and tapped his number. The phone rang two times before Grayson answered. "Hello?"

"Hi, Gray." I smiled.

"Hey, you." He chuckled. "I was just thinking about you."

"Really?" I bit my bottom lip.

"Yeah, I'm always thinking about you."

My face turned rosy, and I was sure I had a silly grin on my face.

I guess my silence was misunderstood. "Was that too much too soon, Bee?" He sounded nervous.

"No." I cleared my throat. "Not at all."

"Okay." He sounded relieved.

"Is this a bad time? Are you busy?" I asked.

"No, I'm not doing anything, and I don't have anything planned for later tonight."

"Would it be okay if I stopped by? I'm in Oak Park now." I hoped I didn't sound too forward.

"Sure, Bee." He lightly chuckled. "You know you're always welcome."

I slumped back in the chair, smiling slowly. "Cool. I'll see you in thirty."

"See you soon," Grayson said before he disconnected the call.

I sat in the glassy lobby, as the sun shone brightly, making its presence known. People walked by, some laughing and others looking as if they were trying to be on time for their next appointment, glancing at their watches.

I wasn't nervous but instead the opposite. I felt giddy. My pulse sped up, but my chest was light, and warmth radiated throughout my body.

I finally stood up, grabbed my fob from my pocket and headed to the parking garage to my car.

I was ready to let go of my past and see what the future had to offer.

CCCCCCCCC

"Hi." His eyes danced.

"Hi." My voice was bubbly.

Grayson stepped forward engulfing me in a hug and picking me up off the ground. "I've missed seeing you every day."

I hugged him back. "I've missed you too. So much."

He spun around to the opened door, walking us into the house, setting me down on the floor. "Let's go inside and get comfortable." He smiled.

Before I could respond, a delicious aroma arrested my senses. "What is that mouthwatering smell?"

"I'm making us some steak fajitas and cilantro lime rice."

I rubbed my stomach. "Seriously?"

"You know I don't kid around when it comes to food." He laughed. "Come on, it should be just about ready."

I followed him through the house which had a large open floorplan. Every area I passed was carefully and tastefully decorated, until my brief tour ended in an all-white chef's dream kitchen with stainless steel appliances.

The food smelled even better once we were in the kitchen.

"Oh my god, seriously, Gray, why do you eat out when you know how to cook?"

"Most of the time, no one is here to cook for, since we're all so busy and secondly, I like hanging out with you better." He shrugged one shoulder.

He washed his hands and then took the top off of one of the skillets on the stove. He stirred the steak, onions and bell peppers around before forking a piece of steak. "Wanna taste?"

It smelled like something from a restaurant.

"Sure." I nodded, taking a bite. "Mmmmm." I hummed at the delicious taste, going back for the other piece of meat I'd left on the fork.

"I'm glad you like it." Grayson grinned from ear to ear. "I'll give it another few minutes and then we can eat." He gestured for us to sit on the couch in the family room.

I turned and looked at him, as he sat next to me in the middle of the couch. "Gray, I appreciate you cooking for me, but I'd like for us to talk before we eat, if that's okay with you?"

It had been a while since I'd eaten but I had delayed this conversation long enough, so the food could wait.

"Sure, no problem at all." He swallowed nervously. "I'll go put it on warm." He quickly walked over to the stove, adjusting the temperature.

He scraped his hand through his hair, sitting back down next to me.

I lightly touched his other arm. "Grayson, it's just me, Bella. There is no need to be nervous, okay."

"Okay." He let out a huge breath.

I cupped his jaw with my hand. "Gray, you have been so patient with me, after you laid your heart on the line and now, I want to be open and honest with you."

He placed his hand over mine, the one that was still rubbing his face. His stare was intense. "Bella, this is a safe space. There's no pressure. Please say what you need to say. If you don't feel the same about me, that—"

I placed my finger over his mouth to stop him. "Shh, Grayson. You had your turn to talk, so it's mine now." I removed my finger and gently kissed his lips. He gasped, as he blinked rapidly, but he kissed me back.

"Bella," He said just above a whisper, as I pulled back.

"Grayson, you're one of the kindest men I know, and you've been that way ever since we met. Even when we first met, it seemed like I was reunited with an old friend."

"I felt the same way," He agreed.

"But something changed at the cabin." I bit the inside of my cheek. "I saw you in a different light after that, but when I sat with myself and really thought about it, we've been building this…" I waved my finger between the two of us. "…for a while. I mean I've shared things with you I've only shared with Tanya and some only you know."

"I know exactly how you feel." He continued to rub my hand.

"I'm won't dare sit here and compare you to him, but there are some things I noticed I have with you that I never had with Edward. We've sat and talked for hours about our childhood, our career goals, family, past relationships, and our first crushes that ended badly." He nodded, smiling.

"Gray, you know what music I listen to while I'm driving and what songs I butcher up in the shower. And I know what music you listen to when you're working out or cleaning. Or how your favorite board game, which is Life. I think the list would be shorter if someone were to ask what we don't know about each other."

I was on a roll, so I kept going. "You were there for me during a rough time in my life, always the listening ear. You never once pushed or pried. You never judged me or made me feel like the dumbest girl that walked the earth when everything came out. Nor did you try to pounce when I was vulnerable." I ran my other hand through his soft hair.

"You were a true friend to me. You told me the truth, but you weren't mean or harsh. I'm not sure if I could've gotten through this summer without you."

He shook his head. "You're stronger than you think, Bee. You could've gotten through it."

"I'm not so sure about that," I disagreed. "You made me laugh even when I didn't want to, and you made sure I at least had a smoothie every day when I starved myself at work. And I'll never forget how you sat next to me on the bench during lunch. You didn't say anything, but you just being there meant so much to me."

"You mentioned March 15th to me when we were at the cabin as a day you'll never forget." I leaned in and kissed his cheek. "I'll never forget it either. You were and are a pleasant surprise that I like a lot, and I think it can grow into much more."

His eyes were as wide, as saucers.

My stomach fluttered in a good way.

"But I'm not going to set the pace. We're going to do that together. We've always talked about everything, and nothing will change. Actually, I think our communication will get even better." I smiled and he smiled back at me.

Suddenly, the smile on his face was gone, and he was serious now. "Isabella Marie Swan, are you saying what I think you're saying?" He palmed my face in both of his hands.

"Yes." I nodded with unshed tears. "I'm ready."

I felt a tingling surge that started from my head and spread throughout my body.

His smile grew wider, if that was even possible. "Can—um, will—" He stuttered over his words. "Can you repeat what you just said?"

Grayson had always been stunning to me, but his hazel eyes were bright, engaged, and awaiting.

I leaned in closer to him. "Gray, I'm ready." I smirked as a thought came to mind to lighten the mood but still expressed what I wanted to say. "Will you go with me?"

He snorted out a loud boisterous laugh, tipping his neck back. "Bee, you are crazy as hell." He gave me a quick peck on the lips. "And hell yes! I will go anywhere with you." Then he began to pepper my face with kisses.

I giggled like a schoolgirl as adrenaline flowed through my body, while we embraced each other.

But then I thought about my unfinished business with Edward. I wasn't going to taint this relationship with my past. Grayson and I had always been honest and upfront with each other and it would stay that way.

I lightly pulled away from him and looked him directly in the eyes. "Gray, I don't mean to burst our bubble, but I have to tell you something that happened with Edward."

The smile slowly left his face. "Okay." He frowned.

I didn't want to make things seem worse than what they were, so I got straight to the point. "Edward told me he has chlamydia."

"What?" He jerked his head back.

"Yes, he has an STD." I rolled my eyes. "More than likely, he got it from his sex puppet, Piper and god only knows who she got it from."

"So—" He cleared his throat, but I interrupted him, holding my hand up for him to stop, before he could finish.

"I was tested for every STD known to man, when the shit show first happened, but everything came back negative, and I have not had sex with anyone else after getting my test results back."

I wasn't the least bit embarrassed admitting that I had not been sexually active with anyone else after Edward.

"Good." I saw the tension leave when Grayson's shoulders sagged. His face turned up like he smelled something bad. "That's what happens when you're a nasty fucker that screws everything. I knew he was dumb, but damn, he's too dumb to wrap it up?"

I chuckled and shook my head. "You know you can get it if the person giving you a BJ has it in her mouth, right?"

His eyes grew wide as he blinked rapidly. "For real?"

I pursed my lips and nodded.

"Wow! I didn't know that one."

"I didn't know it either until I had a two-hour visit with my doctor the day I was tested." I lightly laughed. "I think I could teach sex education now."

"You probably could." He lightly laughed with me, while pulling me closer to him. "Baby, you know that wouldn't matter to me one way or another right?" I nodded, as he tucked strands of my hair behind my ear. "I haven't been with anyone for months, but just to be safe, I'll make an appointment so I can get tested too. I'm not saying this to try to push our relationship to move faster than it should, but when we're ready for that step, I want us to do so without any reservation."

I knew it wasn't the most romantic conversation, but it was a much-needed, responsible talk we needed to have.

"Gray, you may think I was being over-the-top when I tell you this, but…" I paused. "I went to my doctor's office earlier today and asked her to test me for chlamydia, again."

He ran his hands down my arms. "I don't think that's over-the-top at all. If it had been me, I would've done the same thing. I wouldn't want anything or anyone to interfere with us." His face softened with his last word.

I hummed in agreement. "That's exactly why I had to tell you. I wanted to be open and honest with you. I don't want any lies between us." I squeezed his hand.

"I'm not perfect. I know I'll mess up along the way, but I'll never lie to you." He gently grabbed my hand, kissing my knuckles. "I've wanted to be with you from the moment I laid eyes on you. There is no way in hell I'm going to mess this up," he said matter-of-factly.

Grayson took me by the hand, pulled me off the couch and readjusted himself. He then kissed my left hand, as I looked down at him, standing up. He slightly opened his legs and pulled me down to his lap, with a genuine smile that reached his eyes. "So, it's official then, Ms. Swan." My smile was lighthearted. "We are in an exclusive, committed relationship."

I could have said yes or simply nodded, but I wanted to relish in the moment. I ran my finger through his silky hair. He shivered at my touch. I took my time and caressed his face, memorizing every angle, as I got lost in his hazel eyes which had soft tones of green. "Grayson Andrew Walsh, you are so beautiful." I gently kissed his lips.

He laughed lightly. "Beautiful? No one has ever told me that." He leaned his forehead against mine as our noses touched.

"First time for everything." I breathed in the citrus amber scent mixed with all that was Grayson. I couldn't resist so I kissed him again but lingered this time. He smiled, tangling his fingers through my hair, as I pulled back slowly and met his gaze. "Gray, there's no one else I want to be with but you."

His whole face lit up with a blinding smile before he sealed the deal with a kiss that made my toes curl.

A/N: Thank you to all of my reader, reviewers, followers, and favorites. I appreciate your kind words and some of the funny comments you leave.

Do you think Bella went overboard getting tested again? What do you think about Dr. Lawson?

I know some of you all are Team Grayson… what did you think of B & G's conversation?

Do you think Bella did the right thing telling Grayson about Edward having a STD, and being tested again?

Have any of you diehard Team Edward crossed over to Team Grayson yet? LOL

Please gift me with your thoughts!

No Rec's this week due to being sick, but I'm sure I'll have at least one the next time I update.