Chapter 18 Together
BELLA POV
It had been a few days since Edward and I had officially labeled ourselves as "Partners". It was such a weird word to describe us but it was nice to put a label on us. We had gotten together about every night except last night. Edward had to do some conference call with the Italy guys and he was angry so he said he would pass on seeing me since he didn't want to bring any bad energy to my place.
I'll admit I missed him last night greatly, but he did text me before I went to bed. I would actually get to see him early today due to us seeing Dr. Smith for the first time. I was a bit nervous to see her because I had never been to anyone but Maria. Edward kept telling me it was just to get a second opinion that I didn't have to quit seeing doctors.
If Dr. Smith was good and made me feel comfortable then I may switch. I didn't like how I felt lately with Dr. Keener. She's been seeing me since I started my menstrual cycle, she knows how I am and who I am so the way she reacted hurt a bit. I understand she was doing her job, but still.
After getting ready for the day, I decided to head to the coffee shop. My stomach was a bit queasy at the moment and Bern's honey tea would settle it just right. Approaching the coffee shop, my thoughts flashed back to Bree's diary. Should I privately ask Bern for video footage of a time when all the victims were alive? Would I need to get a warrant?
If I did it may help the case. I knew possibly three victims visited the shop, Gianna, Bree, and possibly Charlotte? Jessica could also possibly be one since it was near campus. I would ask Bern, he may help and if he didn't I may need to just turn the diary over and get a warrant. There had to be a connection amongst them besides the obvious way they were left for dead.
I knew I was about done with the diary, so it shouldn't bother me turning it over. On the other hand, did I really want to? How would I get away with turning it over? I was pulled out of my thoughts as I walked towards the coffee shop. It was crowded as I walked in, and I knew I probably wouldn't get a conversation with Bern today.
Glancing around as I waited in line, I saw Chelsea. She seemed busy talking on her phone but she glanced at me when she saw me. I offered a small wave and looked back towards the line. I didn't want to scare her or say anything because I really didn't want her father involved in anything else than he already was.
To my knowledge the Mayor hadn't received any repercussions from his actions with Marcus and that's because there was nothing linking him or any evidence saying he had anything to do with what Marcus was up to. Caius said right now Marcus was pending investigation. That's all I knew; everything was pretty hush hush at work. It didn't bother me I for one was happy not to have him there.
They brought in someone to watch over us, and per Caius I was to have a temporary partner until Jacob was able to come back. I didn't agree with that and even told Edward I wasn't exactly happy about it but he agreed with Caius that I shouldn't be alone concerning this case.
Speaking of Jacob, he had kept calling me and texting me and I just couldn't deal with that right now. I was hurt and felt betrayed by everything he did. It only had been three days since he had been suspended and I'm pretty sure I had over 50 missed calls from him. We had been childhood friends, partners, and he had been my rock when my dad died so why would he do what Marcus said just like that? Marcus had to have something on him, it just wasn't like Jacob to turn like that.
As I made my way up the line, I saw Chelsea Hale leave not bothering to throw me a glance. She looked awful, like she upset and it took everything in me not to follow her. I knew she was hiding something; she knew more than what she let on.
When I finally reached the counter and placed my order, I asked the lady if Bern was in. She told me he was out today and I nodded. I guess I could ask about the video later. Then again, what if I got a warrant if I could I mean. I had no cause to, no this decision would rely on Bern's cooperation.
My phone beeped then; it was Edward saying he would meet me at the doctor's office. I smiled; I would be glad to see him since I didn't yesterday. Oh, geez what is wrong with me? Please tell me I wasn't already getting into deep with him.
I shook my head and left the coffee shop in hand. I texted Edward back, saying I would see him there. I quickly made my way to my SUV and headed towards the doctor's office. The pants I was wearing were bothering me a bit as I sat down in the driver's seat. I had already unbuttoned them but I was still feeling uncomfortable.
I was glad I was taking the day off, because I was going to see Alice about some maternity clothes after my doctor's appointment. Yes, I could go to a store, but with the way things were at the moment it was best just to hit up my best friend for now. I had already called Alice and found out she was in town. She said she would have some stuff waiting on me.
I stepped out of my Murano, since I wasn't on the clock, I drove my personal vehicle. I closed the door and was swept in the arms of a very muscular chest. "There she is!" I heard a somewhat familiar voice say as I elbowed whoever my attacker was and moved from his arms. The attacker left and was laughing as I turned to face him.
"Emmett!" I then heard that very familiar voice rushing towards me and stopping between Mr. McCarthy and I. It was him; it had only been a day but it was like I hadn't seen him in years. He was wearing blue jeans followed by a blue button-up shirt. His hair in a disarray but he looked like sex on wheels.
"I told you not to approach her! Shit, you probably scared her." Edward said as he came to my side looking at me now, he removed his sunglasses, looking down at me with a smile "Hi." He said before he turned his attention to the big boulder of a man standing in front of me.
"Sorry Miss. Swan." Emmett said as he looked at me. He seemed to feel somewhat remorse but the smile was back on his face.
"It's alright, and you can call me Bella." I said. I then turned my attention to Edward. "Your early." I said.
Edward smiled at me flashing his teeth. "Emmett insisted on driving me even though he isn't my driver." Edward announced putting his sunglasses back on.
"Right." I smiled back at him not sure why Emmet would insist on driving him. Was he in trouble? Was there something going on?
"Now that I have, I'm off!" Emmett said to the both of us Edward rolled his eyes. I tried not to laugh at his antics,
"Hey wait!" I said as Emmett had almost made it back to the Rolls Royce he was driving. I had walked toward Emmett on impulse and it seemed Edward followed.
"Yes, Bella?" Emmett said from afar.
"I know this sounds weird but I still need to ask you questions." I said feeling a bit uncomfortable considering this wasn't the time or place to bring this up but I needed to say something to him.
"Of course, Ms. Bella, I'll be at the station bright and early then!" He said but I shook my head.
"Or I can meet you somewhere." Knowing most of everyone would give me looks if I was talking to Emmett McCarthy after the whole Rose disaster and Marcus and Jacob's suspension.
"Anything works, you have my card but if you lost it, Ed has my number hit me up." He said flashing a grin at me before getting into the car and pulling away from the curb.
I stared as he drove in the distance forgetting the presence at my side. "How was your night?" Edward asked from my side as I walked to my car again to retrieve my drink that I had forgotten to get out.
"It was good, but it took me awhile to get comfortable my stomach was upset." I said aloud seeing emotions flicker across his face. It was hard to tell what he was thinking with the sunglasses on his eyes not letting me see those shiny green orbs.
"And yours?" I asked as I took a sip of my drink as we walked to the posh sleek building ahead.
"Terrible." He said flashing me a grin but grabbing my hand to hold it. I froze, it was unexpected.
"Sorry." He said as he let go but I suddenly took his hand again. We were together now, and no matter how much I wanted to keep our relationship a secret because of the case I needed to be fair to him, to my child and to me.
"I just wasn't expecting it, sorry for freezing like that." I said as we walked up the stairs and into the hallway. I went to the directory but Edward guided me to the elevator. Did he already know where to go? Granted her address was on the paperwork I printed last night so I could turn it in when we got here but I had even forgotten the suite number.
As we rode up Edward squeezed my hand, and smiled at me until we came to the floor. We stepped off and made our way into the doctor's office. As we went to the sign in counter, Edward let go of my hand so I could sign in. The lady sitting behind quickly opened the glass to ask my name but stopped once her eyes looked at Edward.
"Mr. Cullen!" The receptionist called out with a smile. I signed in while giving them a glance. How did she know Edward? This was a doctor's office for women. Was this a past lover? Or was Dr. Smith one and her staff aware of that fact?
"Miss. Swan is checking in." He said to the lady while my mind ran from me. Did Edward really suggest a past lover to be my baby doctor? I mean I am the one that picked her from the list but did he really suggest this?
"Of course." The receptionist who hadn't lost her smile, "Here is some papers you need to fill out." She handed me a clipboard and I snapped out of my mind and handed her the paperwork that I had already printed and filled out from online. She nodded once it was in her hand and took the clipboard with her.
"Just have a seat, Dr. Smith will be with you shortly." She said, closing the window. I turned and made my way to a seat, my mind still racing. I sat down taking a deep breath before I noticed we were the only ones in the room.
It was a bit early for a doctor's office to be this empty, I thought. Maybe she just opened? Still, it didn't make sense to me. I took another deep breath unaware that Edward was now sitting beside me looking at me.
"You alright?" He asked me with a curious gaze. I nodded, although it was a lie. No, I wasn't and I wasn't sure as to why that was. Why did it bother me that the receptionist greeted him like she knew him at an ob-gyn's office? I can't fault him for his past but I wouldn't be reminded of it.
"Isabella." The nurse called from the side door with a smile. I quickly stood up and made my way to her ignoring Edward behind me. They checked my weight and took some blood. I had gained another three pounds which was crazy considering I just went to the doctor.
After being shown to a room the nurse told me the doctor would be with me shortly. Then after she closed the door It was just Edward and I in the room.
"You okay?" Edward asked me after a few moments of silence. I nodded because I was afraid of my words. This whole thing felt weird it was like there was things happening that I hadn't been privy to. I would ask him when we left. Though Edward wasn't going to take my silence and he stared at me waiting for an answer.
"It seems kind of early for the doctor to not have any patients." I said still wondering why I had been the only one waiting.
Edward smiled "I went ahead and paid in advance for privacy." My eyes flash to his and he looks at me with a friendly gaze.
"Why?" I smile at him. I had already told him we were together. Why would he want privacy?
"One, you're handling the biggest murder case going on right now with no suspects in sight. I don't need wandering eyes or anyone else knowing you are pregnant. It's bad enough you look like the victims I don't need anyone else catching on and using the baby as a trap. Two, I have more money than I know what to do with and three, you have told me Dr. Keener has been with you since the beginning you should be able to voice any concerns and feelings in private."
He gave me a smile and moved towards the bed that I was laying on and grabbed my hand. Looking deep in my eyes unlocked something in my soul. I didn't know what this feeling could be but it was rather new.
"I told you I'm possessive, you are mine, the baby is mine. I'll protect what's mine." He said leaving a peck on my lips and me speechless but then he moved away from me as soon as the doctor came in.
"Good morning, Miss. Swan. How are you feeling today?" I wanted to answer but I was still caught by Edward's words. Trying not to look at him because I didn't know how to feel I focused on the doctor once I took a breath.
"Fine." I said in a voice that didn't sound like my own. I was also a bit horny after Edward's speech.
"That's good I'm Dr. Smith" She then looked to my side and focused her attention on Edward.
"Edward." Dr. Smith gave him a smile and he nodded back to her. I gave a nervous smile, it was the weirdest thing and now I was even more confused but not really. I was leaning more and more to this being an ex. Did he really suggest me to see an ex?
"Miss. Swan." Dr. Smith said and I looked at her. She smiled at me and focused her attention on me. "I read some of your medical history but I wanted to ask a few questions since you declined to have your medical records transferred from your old doctor."
"Um." I started out "That's just for this visit." What I really wanted to say was I'm just testing the waters, to see if I like you before transferring everything and Dr. Keener finding out. I shook my head "What would you like to know?"
Edward moved closer to take my hand but I was too nervous so I didn't take it I just pulled my fingers. Dr. Smith took a seat on the spinning stool and opened a folder. "So you were diagnosed with primary ovarian syndrome or early menopause as I like to call it."
I nodded. "Yes, when I started my menstrual cycle they were very abnormal, sometimes I would go months before bleeding. I started seeing a doctor and after many ultrasounds and even a minor surgery to see if anything could be done she diagnosed me with it." I said thinking about all the prodding and poking I went through.
"Although it is rare, but not 1 percent rare can you tell me why your doctor only gave you a one percent chance?" She asked.
"After an ultrasound showed something on both of my ovaries, I had a minimal invasive surgery to go in and look and my ovaries are surrounded in this hard like shell substance. The needle couldn't even get in." I had a smile.
"Wow, I see why you were only given a 1 percent chance." Dr. Smith said with a look of concern on her face.
"Yeah that and I don't usually release a egg anyways." I finished with a smile.
"Your doctor didn't recommend any type of medication to help your ovary release?"
I sighed, I hated this question "Yes, and I was also on birth control, but It didn't really matter since my ovaries were in the state they were in." I let out a frustrated sigh and Edward came forward and grabbed my hand again succeeding this time around.
I smiled at the doctor without looking at Edward. I was feeling uncomfortable with the doctor's questions. Was this how I talked to people when I was asking questions?
"It doesn't matter now though, I'm pregnant and I just want to know if everything is okay with my baby." I smiled at her.
"Let's do an ultrasound." She said moving the machine from the wall towards the bed that I was laying on. After she put the gel on my stomach and started moving the monitor around she turned the screen towards us. "You weren't kidding your ovaries are covered. From a medical standpoint its incredible a egg was fertilized." She gazed at the screen in amazement.
Edward growled from beside me and I quickly looked at him. His gaze wasn't on me though it was on her and he wasn't happy.
"The baby Lucy." He growled out and I looked back at her. Her eyebrows rose and her cheeks went red. She then focused on the baby to my relief which made me feel better but also scared because once it was on screen it looked even bigger than it did days ago.
"You said eight weeks?" The doctor asked me looking at the screen but didn't say anything because she was waiting on me to answer.
"Yes." I said in a quiet voice already knowing what she was about to say.
"Big babies run in your family?" she asked me I shook my head no because there wasn't any babies in my family. She then looked at Edward.
"Yeah, I was a big baby." Edward answered then focused his gaze on me while I looked at the doctor.
After she took a few more measurements, I became very uncomfortable at the silence from the doctor. It felt like forever before she said anything. Edward's hand was still enclosed in mine while his thumb ran up and down my hand on the side to reassure me.
"The baby is measuring 14 weeks but if Mr. Cullen was a big baby that may be the reason." She grabbed a tissue and wiped the gel off. "Everything is fine Bella." Edward coughed "I mean Miss. Swan." She said "Make an appointment in two weeks I would like to see things then instead of four." She left while Edward helped me up from the bed.
My mind was running with a million thoughts. I was more confused now then ever, Dr. Keener said that I shouldn't be showing right now that it was possible that I had the dates wrong and now Dr. Smith was saying the possibility was it being a big baby.
I didn't even make the appointment; I just left the doctor's office with Edward hot on my heels. I went straight for my car. It took me a moment to realize he was yelling my name.
"Bella!" He shouted as he grabbed for me once I reached my car.
"What!' I yelled as he let go and stepped back.
"Sorry I didn't mean to grab for you." He pulled at his hair. "I was trying to get your attention since we got off the elevator but you didn't hear me."
I took a few breaths, not realizing I was breathing very hard. "I'm sorry I'm just" I put my hand up
He studied me waiting on me to speak, he put his hands in his pockets while I gathered my thoughts. What was wrong with me? Why was I acting like this? My head was so full between the case, Jacob, Edward, the doctors, and my baby I don't think I could handle anything else.
"I need some air." I climbed into my car and started it turning the air on high. Edward climbed into the passenger seat and closed the door.
After a few moments I had my bearings, "Look, I'm sorry for losing it a bit there but I need to know something." I looked at him then his shiny orbs of green staring at me.
"Anything." He said while he grabbed my hand.
"Look, I don't care to know them all, I'm not the jealous type, but as your girlfriend, partner." I corrected myself while he looked at me with a grin. "Please tell me you didn't refer a ex to be my baby doctor."
His grin then went into a full-blown laugh. I rolled my eyes "It's not funny Edward." He wiped his eyes.
"Your right it isn't." He stopped and looked at me again. "I didn't Bella, but I know her because she's good friends of someone I know."
I took a breath. "The doctor that gave you references?" He nodded and kissed my hand.
I let out a deep breath hoping he didn't notice, "I'm not good with letting my emotions out, but all of this isn't easy for me. I feel like my head is exploding." I said and I hated that I was saying this stuff in front of him. I mean way to go Bella, let him see your crazy side.
"Hey, Hey." He said in a comforting voice "What's wrong?"
"It's just the case, and the baby, it doesn't make sense how the weeks are different." I let out a breath.
"Listen, it doesn't matter, okay? We know when we made this baby." My heart sped up and my cheeks flushed. I definitely knew when we made this baby.
He leaned down and put his forehead against mine. "The baby's fine, he or she is growing a little fast that's all." He then gave me a peck on the forehead. "Things are fine, and the case?" He then moved away from me, and I'll admit it felt awful not sharing his space afterwards. "Don't think about the case today okay?"
I nodded he was right. We just saw our baby again, even though deep down I felt unsettled by it I knew more than I did before.
"So, I took the rest of the day off and I know you told me you did as well." I nodded unsure of where he was going with the conversation. "Let's spend it together."
I smiled, but then frowned because I had already had plans for the rest of the day.
"What?" He said his smile fading and that scowl that always graced his face was back on.
"I kinda of had plans afterwards, I mean you can come with but my friend Alice has me some maternity clothes sat aside." I muttered and he smiled.
"Eat first?" He said with a smile not at all upset that I was going to try on clothes and may have messed up any plans that he may have had. I also don't know why I said it like that my friend Alice. He knew who Alice was she was dating an employee of his.
"Sure, sounds good." I nodded at him as we left the parking lot.
****TDOS*****
After a quick lunch we made our way to Alice's shop. I had texted her when I left the restaurant that I was on my way. She told me she was waiting on me and to come straight to the back when I came in. I let Edward drive my suv to her shop which was located downtown however it seemed pretty empty for being New York.
Alice's shop was lit up and when I went inside, I also noticed it was empty as well. Huh? I walked straight to the back with Edward following behind me.
"Bella!" Alice said once she spotted me and came towards me like she was going to give me a hug. She stopped though when she got close and it had nothing to do with my slight bump it had to do with the man behind me.
"Mr. Cullen." Alice gulped and I wasn't sure why. "I didn't know you would be with Bella." I turned towards Edward who was looking at Alice with a smile.
Edward then draped his arm across my waist and put his hand on my hip. "Hello Alice, nice to see you again." His nice tone must have been unusual to her, because she looked at me wide eyed then focused back on his hand that was on my hip.
He then moved it away and I suddenly felt the loss. "I'll let you ladies have at it." He said then looked at me. "I'll be up here when you get ready to leave." At a loss of words he gave me a quick peck on the head and headed for the front of the store.
Alice gasped in shock and I gave her a look to shut up. She grabbed me by the shoulders and we headed to a space that had a stage like dressing area. "Your together?!" She whispered yelled and I quickly shushed her. I nodded and she gasped. "You didn't tell me you two were official!"
"Well were having a baby together." I said feeling a bit guilty for saying it like that but I was still wary about my relationship with Edward. I wasn't sure why, it was new and I guess I just wasn't used to expressing it yet.
Alice knew I was having a baby with Edward. It was probably the first time I had seen Alice speechless. It took her a few days to come to the realization that I had sex with her boyfriend's boss. Now, I wonder how long it would take for her to come to a conclusion that we were now partners or boyfriend/girlfriend.
"We just started this thing its really new." I finished lamely
"You started backwards, your suppose to have a boyfriend before you get pregnant." She said in a teasing tone and I huffed really not comfortable with the talk.
"So, you made me some clothes?" Effectively ending the conversation while Alice gave me a smile.
********TDOS******
After getting a whole new wardrobe consisting of blouses, dress pants, blue jeans, some scarves, leggings, and some nice dresses that I may not even wear I was now in a better mood then earlier which was unusual because I didnt really care for shopping.
"Thanks Alice, Now I don't have to use rubber bands to tie my stuff." I said with a laugh while Alice just shook her head at me.
"Honestly Bella, you should have come to me a long time ago." She was looking at me with her hands on her hips shaking her head. I couldn't help but laugh at her. "Now, on to the main event." Alice squealed with pleasure and I looked at her in confusion.
She pulled my hand to another section that look taped off. I was confused what was the main event? It didn't take long for me to find out either. There sitting on four mannequins were four beautiful dresses. One was a sapphire blue, a beautiful pink rose colored dress, a white one, and a blood red one.
"Well?" Alice urged gesturing towards the dresses "Which one do you want to wear to the gala? I was thinking the blue one would go very well with your skin."
I froze. What Gala? What was she talking about?
"What are you talking about Alice? What gala?" I said confused surely, she was mixing me up with one of her other clients?
When I looked at her, I knew that wasn't the case. She looked at me in utter confusion. "What do you mean what gala? Cullen Inc is hosting a Gala fundraiser this Saturday night! Edward is hosting it.
I stared at her confused on my face trying to hide the hurt that had suddenly taken root in my chest. If Edward was hosting it then why had nothing been said. I knew what we had was new but he didn't even mention in passing.
"You really don't know?" I shook my head afraid to speak. Had he already asked someone? Was he embarrassed to be around me? Why had Alice made me dresses if she didn't think he was taking me?
"Oh no, I fucked up." I heard Alice whimper and then she came to me. "Can we pretend you haven't seen these yet and you didn't hear me mention them?"
I shook my head because no I couldn't.
"I think you should choose the red one or the blue one." A voice from behind us said. Alice let out a shriek as I slowly turned around.
There, leaning against the door was Edward. He was expressionless and it was a different mood change than earlier he looked mad actually. His gaze went from me to Alice who looked scared shitless. Why?
Was he mad that I now knew about the gala? Was he mad Alice spilled the beans and now he would be forced to tell me he was taking someone else?
"Can I have the room?" His gaze leaving mine for just a bit to look at Alice's who all but ran out of the room.
Leaving Edward and I alone.