.
Chapter 30
Incidents
Bella
I was totally shocked and a great wave of fear ran over my body. If Edward could have turned pale, he would have. His face was transfixed and I knew he was desperately trying to figure out how we were going to get out of this. What on earth did this person want from me? ABP? Bella, don't be fooled, you're Police Chief Swan's daughter.
I took a deep breath.
"Sir, I'm sorry - but I know my rights. Do you have a warrant for my arrest?" I asked matter-of-factly and in a firm voice.
Demetri, James and Edward looked at me in amazement, bewilderment and amusement.
The officer paused.
He had clearly not reckoned with that. He was probably wondering what to say.
"Sir, I would think twice about what you say now if I were you, because I swear to you, I will spare no expense in bringing a lawsuit against you afterwards - should your statement prove to be false or baseless," I said.
The guy looked at me with wide eyes.
"Um ... I don't have a warrant, but you are wanted, ma'am."
"For what offense?", I asked aloud.
"I'd like to discuss that with you in person - without your husband," he said.
I pondered.
Ha... I would steal a march on him.
"I have a right to my lawyer!", I said.
"That's right, ma'am. But I don't think you actually need it. It's nothing serious. But if you want, you can of course call him and get him involved, only it will take a long time ...", he tried to persuade me not to call a lawyer.
I smiled at him.
"I insist on a lawyer," I said.
"Okay," he said, trying to hand me a phone.
"Thank you, Sir, that is not necessary," I said. I turned to Edward. "Mr. Volturi, I need a lawyer urgently. Would you be willing to take my case?", I asked him seriously.
He smiled and I think he was intrigued by my idea.
"I'm honored, Mrs. Volturi, but I'm not cheap," he then said, actually dead serious.
"It doesn't matter, Sir, my husband is loaded and will gladly pay for it for me," I said with a smile, registering in the corner of my eye the officer blushing with anger.
Edward pulled his card from his jacket.
"Sir, I am this lady's attorney. My license, please. I wish to know now what the lady is accused of," he said - quite legally correct and I breathed a little sigh of relief.
James eyed me anxiously. He had panic written all over his eyes and Demetri looked very skeptical and serious. That would have been funny, but that didn't get us out of the situation.
The officer resigned and said "Come with me, please!" to both of us and we followed him into an office.
"Please take a seat," he said, and we sat down side by side on two chairs in front of his desk, behind which he took a seat.
He was sorting some papers and Edward looked at me worriedly.
I was sure he sensed I was scared and knew what it was like behind the cool Bella facade.
Then the man looked up and at me.
"Miss Swan, I've heard from the Olympia police ..."
I interrupted him.
"Swan? My name is Volturi," I corrected.
Edward looked irritated. His look expressed exactly what I was wondering. Why Swan?
"Oh ... sorry," the person said. Then he continued, "An Isabella Swan has reportedly fallen victim to a fire in Port Angeles."
"So, what do I have to do with it? Where is Port Angeles?" I asked perkily.
He eyed me.
"This Miss Swan was thought to be deceased. However, a few weeks later she was seen in Olympia. The person who reported it is absolutely credible and reported it to the police. It was suspected that this Miss Swan was taken against her will and was living with a man," the guy explained.
"So?", I asked, deliberately annoyed. "What do I have to do with it? Isabellas are there thousands?"
"Yes, but with you not only the first name but also the age matches, even the date of birth and the appearance," the man said.
I was silent for a moment, terribly panicked that something might come out now. That stupid professor at the restaurant, Mrs. Link. I groaned inwardly. I had felt it. She hadn't believed us.
"Sir, so now you think I'm really an Isabella Swan from Port-Whatever and not really dead - even though I officially burned to death - and am now living against my will in Olympia with my captor?", I asked, forcing myself to make it sound ridiculous.
Edward interjected, "Sir, that sounds absolutely silly!"
The officer pondered.
I think he just realized how stupid that sounded. Or was I mistaken?
He took out a sheet of paper.
It was a copy of a photo and the photo was clearly me. Strange. I wonder if Dad knew that. He would never have agreed to it, he knew everything about us. Or was that before, before the wedding? Hmm...
I accepted the sheet and looked at the picture.
It was a photo from college, clearly. For the yearbook. So the professor had done this without daddy's consent. Crap.
"Well, this Isabella looks a lot like me, Sir. What are we going to do now? Are you going to have my husband, a well-known lawyer, arrested and change my birth name Smith to Swan on my passport?", I asked sarcastically.
Edward's cell phone rang. He pulled it out of his jacket pocket and answered it.
"Volturi," he said.
...
"Ah, yes. It's going to be a moment. We're being held up," he said and turned the cell phone off again.
He looked at me for a moment.
"Our chauffeur is waiting outside the airport wondering where we are," he explained and I nodded.
The officer raised an eyebrow.
"Excuse me," I said to him. "We didn't mean to interrupt you, Sir. But I would be very grateful if you would explain to us quickly what you want from me. You see, I've had a sixteen-hour flight, I'm dog-tired, and I'm also pregnant. I want a hot meal, a shower, and my bed!" I said, and Edward stroked my back soothingly.
The officer eyed me again.
"Sir, please hurry up. I want to take my wife home now," Edward said, annoyed.
"Mrs. Volturi, so you are sure that the picture is not of yourself and that you really belong to Mr. Volturi?" he asked.
"Yes, sir, I'm quite sure. Here's my wedding ring, this is my engagement ring, these earrings were given to me by my mother-in-law for my wedding, pretty, aren't they - and do I really look like I'm being forced to do something?" I asked.
"Who are the other two gentlemen, if I may ask?" he asked.
"Our bodyguards, Sir. We are rich. I have been harassed before. My husband tries to protect me that way," I explained.
"And where were you traveling?" he then asked.
"Darling, you don't have to answer that," Edward said gently.
I stroked his arm and then took his hand in mine.
"It's okay. I don't want the person to worry about me, honey," I said. To the man I said, "We went to an island in the Pacific, twelve days, our honeymoon. And it was very beautiful and romantic," I said, smiling at my husband.
"I thought so too," he smiled back in love.
The officer looked back and forth between us.
"Well ... I guess there's nothing I can do," he said.
"That's right," I said kindly.
"Here's my card, lady. If you ever need help, call me!" he said, handing me a card.
I pushed it back.
"Thank you, Sir, that's sweet, I don't need it. Definitely not. I'm so happy I can't put it into words. And I'm absolutely sure I'll stay that way."
He nodded and I rose.
Edward and the officer also stood up.
We left the office and the person gave me back my passport.
"Thank you very much, Sir!", I said kindly.
James looked at me worriedly, Demetri stood there ready to fight. He looked as if he was about to tear the entire building apart.
I walked over to James and looked at him.
"It's all right," I said.
He looked at me skeptically.
Edward put an arm around me and I put one around his hips and we strolled toward the exit.
Our suitcases were already in the car.
I could feel the officers' eyes on our backs.
The chauffeur held the door open for us and I got in first, then Edward and James.
Demetri sat down in front.
We drove off and I clung to Edward in relief. He pulled me onto his lap and held me tightly.
"I was so scared," I sobbed, crying all over his shirt.
"I know, love, I felt it. I was queasy, too. But he believed you. He was a little skeptical, but he also saw how we looked at each other, touched. We were quite convincing. But still, I was afraid for you and for us," he sighed, pressing his face firmly into my hair. "I love you so much, sugar," he whispered.
"I love you too," I sobbed.
James gave me tissues and after a while I calmed down. The first shock was over.
Edward explained to the two of them what it had been about.
I stayed snuggled up to Edward on his lap and let him pet me.
"Hopefully we'll be there soon. I'm thirsty," I stated.
"Why don't you say so right now, Princess Magnolia, I did bring something," James said, pulling a bottle of water from his small travel bag.
"Oh ... that's great, thank you," I said delightedly and drank.
Oh, my James was already great.
Finally we pulled up in front of the palace.
"I don't want everyone to know I'm pregnant right away," I said to James and Demetri, who nodded in understanding.
"What are you afraid of, love?", Edward asked me anxiously.
"From nothing. But it's your secret and mine and I want to keep it a little longer," I said and kissed him on the nose.
He looked at me and his gaze burned into mine.
"Did you prefer to announce it right away?", I asked.
"No, I'm just worried about you. We have to tell Nanny and Dad soon so they can stand by you, okay?" he said, and it sounded very anxious.
"Yes, darling, soon, but not today, okay?", I asked and he nodded.
"Okay, but as soon as you're not feeling well in any way, you tell James or me. Then we'll involve Dad or Nanny, right?" he asked.
"Okay," I whispered now and now he kissed me on the nose.
We got out and Edward took my hand. When we were just outside the reception hall, Alice came shooting and threw herself at me.
"Bella, how nice to have you back! How was it?"
She squeezed me tightly.
"Oh Alice, not so hard, please!", I cried and she immediately let go of me.
"Excuse me," she said.
"It was great!", I said and she smiled enthusiastically.
"You must have been making out and enjoying togetherness all day?" she asked.
"That's exactly how it was," I smiled happily.
She bent to my ear.
"And congratulations - I'll keep quiet as long as you want!" she said softly, and Edward gave her a punishing look.
Oh yes, so she already knew.
Then she hugged Edward as well.
"I have to go over to the practice for a moment. Edward, there's a mountain of work waiting for you," she once forewarned him.
He sighed.
"I know, but not until tomorrow. Today I'll stay at home," he said firmly and I was happy.
We went up to our rooms and by now I was able to find them on my own, I realized happily. Our guards moved aside and we went in.
"I take my leave then for today, Your Royal Highness," Demetri said.
"Yes, of course, Baron," Edward said. "Thank you for the company."
I quickly turned around once again and extended my hand to him.
"Thank you, Demetri. It feels good to know you are always near me," I said.
He took my hand and breathed a kiss on it.
"It is my honor to protect you, Your Majesty," he said, bowing.
I was a little embarrassed.
Edward smiled and pushed me into the room.
James immediately began to unpack our luggage.
"James, I'm dying of hunger," I sighed, taking off my shoes first.
"That's quite new, my Princess," he smiled, "I'll order you something right away!"
"Thank you," I said and went to the bathroom first.
After that I had to play the harp. Edward smiled and accompanied me on the piano. There was an indescribable familiarity between us. (Barcarole – harp and piano)
"I missed that," I said.
"Me too," Edward said, "this is beautiful with you together. Harmonious!"
I was just about to start dinner when Rose, Emmett and Grace came to visit.
"Bella!" cried Grace excitedly, falling around my neck.
Rose smirked at this and I greeted the child affectionately.
"Oh ... I like that too!" said Grace when she saw my food.
"Shall I order the same again, Your Highnesses," James smiled questioningly at Rose.
"Yes, please, if Bella will allow us to stay that long?"
"Of course!", I said delightedly.
I helped Grace into the seat next to me and pushed my food over to her.
"Here, then you eat mine. I'm about to eat with your mommy!", I explained.
"Oh thank you," Grace said enthusiastically and began to eat.
"You look good, Bella, you've got nice color and you're beaming all happy," Rose said kindly.
"Thank you, I feel good too. It was just beautiful!", I sighed and Edward smiled contentedly.
"What's new at the law office, Emmett," he then asked his brother.
Rose settled down next to Grace, and Emmett across the room next to Edward, and the men sank into their business conversations.
"Is the island beautiful?" asked Rose.
"Yes, Rose, great. A great house, everything wonderful. Edward says we can keep the island. You guys can vacation there then too. I'm sure Grace would love it by the sea."
"I think so, too. We'll see, maybe we can persuade Emmett to do it sometime," said Rose.
"Doesn't he like to go away?", I asked.
"Yes, he does. But he has a hard time separating himself from work," she explained.
"Well, Grace will have to work her charm then," I winked at her and she nodded conspiratorially. "How are Esmé and Carlisle?" I asked.
"Good, I'm sure they'll be here to greet you two soon," Rose said.
At that moment there was a knock and we laughed.
James opened the door and at the same time as the food, Esmé and Carlisle came in.
"Oh... a family reunion?" Esmé laughed and came straight over to give me a hug and say hello. "You look really well rested, little one," she said kindly, eyeing me.
"So am I. I've just been lazing around, taking leisurely walks and occasionally in the sea," I said.
"That's the way it should be," she said. "Did Edward behave and treat you well?" she then asked more seriously.
"Mom, please!" said Edward indignantly.
"Yes, he did. He's so sweet, reads my every wish from my eyes. I think you really don't have to worry about that anymore," I said.
"I'm glad to hear that," she said with a smile, grinning at her son.
Carlisle also took me in his arms once.
"All brown our Princess has become," he said with a smile.
I nodded.
"May we join you?" he asked.
"Of course," I said and also took my seat again.
Esmé sat down next to me and Carlisle next to Emmett.
Rose and I had to eat first while Edward reported what we had been up to.
Of dolphins, intrusive island visitors and unusual passport controls.
Carlisle and Emmett were very concerned about that.
"I'll call my dad tomorrow and tell him. Perhaps he can contact the Olympia Police Department and see to it that the APB is canceled. Because surely that lady professor did it without his knowledge. The photo they had wasn't from home, it was the one for the university yearbook. I bet my dad doesn't know anything about it," I said.
"How did you fare in that situation?" asked Esmé with concern.
Edward answered for me.
"On the outside, she was totally cool, but afterward, she was a mess because she was scared."
I nodded in agreement.
Esmé put a hand on my arm.
"I'm so sorry about that, Bella. I can imagine you were very scared."
"Thanks, it's okay. We're back in one piece!", I said.
"Why don't you all come into the living room," Edward said, rising as we finished eating.
We followed him and he pulled me next to him into an armchair.
Hmm ... that felt good.
I leaned against him.
Again there was a knock and Alice rushed in with Jasper.
"Hello everyone. Why is there a family party here and no one calls us?" she asked, playfully indignant.
"Because it's not necessary, sweetie, because you always call yourself," Emmett said, grinning cheekily at her.
Jasper and Edward grinned, too.
Carlisle ordered champagne and blood and glasses.
Since when did they drink blood from glasses? I had never experienced that before.
Edward smirked beside me.
"We do that sometimes for fun, when there's something to celebrate and Dad's in a good mood," he explained.
"Let's celebrate and toast our family," Carlisle said.
As the glasses were handed out, I thought about how I was going to get out of this act. I'll just have a mini sip, I decided. Pregnant and drinking, that was not for me.
James eyed me worriedly.
"So here's to Edward and Isabella being back safe and sound, and to our family!" said Carlisle, and everyone drank.
I sipped so little that my tongue wasn't even wet, and Edward smiled lovingly at me. After that, I just put the glass on the table and paid no attention to it - and James let it disappear at some point.
I loved him for that. Sometimes it was as if he could read my mind.
"Oh Grace, we brought you something," I remembered and got up to get the book and the bubbles.
"Ow yes ...", Grace whooped in joyful anticipation.
I gave her the bubbles.
She had never seen any before and was quite amazed, so I demonstrated it to her first. She clapped her hands enthusiastically and then blew herself. Quickly our room was full of soap bubbles and the child's enthusiasm moved me.
Rose smiled.
"That was a lovely idea, Bella," she said.
When Grace had blown enough, I handed her the book.
"Oh ... butterflies!" she said.
I took her on my lap and we sank into the pictures. She had great perseverance, asked a lot and I had to explain and read up.
"Where is the Admiral and the Cabbage White?" she then asked.
"You remember that?", I asked in amazement.
"Sure," she said.
That was really great. After so many weeks, she still remembered it.
We looked for the pictures and she was very enthusiastic. Then I showed her the Peacock butterfly and the Brimstone butterfly and Swallowtail butterfly, because we also had them all in the garden.
Grace was thrilled.
Edward watched us with a smile.
"So you were right about that, darling. She is pleased. I didn't think so!" he said, recognition in his voice.
"Next Friday, we're going over to Kent. There's a Plain White concert there. Don't you want to come?" asked Alice.
Edward looked at me.
I liked Plain White. Hmm ... But the baby - was that too much noise?
"We'll think about it, okay?", I said and Edward nodded with a smile.
"Yes, then let me know so I can still get you tickets!" said Alice.
"We'll do that," I said.
Grace was already half asleep on my lap and I was tired too and yawned.
"Emmett, grab your mini Princess and put her to bed. I think mine needs to sleep too," Edward said to his brother.
"Well, don't pretend. You just want to be alone with her, Edward," Emmett said with a grin, and Edward rolled his eyes.
But Emmett really stood up to lift Grace into his arms and that was the starting gun. Everyone said goodbye.
I was glad that they left, because now I was really very tired.
I quickly disappeared into the bathroom and when I came back out in my nightgown, Edward was no longer in my room. He was sitting at his desk. I stood behind him, hugged him gently and kissed him on his head. Tenderly, he put both hands on my forearms, pulled me around him onto his lap and hugged me.
"Hmm ... you smell, my magnolia," he whispered, kissing my ear.
"I need to sleep. Are you still working?", I asked.
"No, I'm taking you to bed," he whispered lustfully.
"Sleep, Edward, no sex," I said.
"Not?" he asked, disappointed.
I had to laugh.
"And there you accuse ME of being insatiable!"
He smiled.
"I am, too, of course. I'm crazy about you. You smell so seductive and your skin is so soft," he kissed my shoulders and began to pull away the night gown, "and fluffy and sexy and those boobs."
He caressed my nipples through my nightgown...
"Edward, I'm tired!", I said indignantly, pulling his hands away.
He pouted.
My goodness, that was sweet. Like a child.
I had to laugh.
What a puppy dog look.
I stood up and asked, "In your bed or in mine?"
"Sleep or sex?" he asked boldly.
"Sleep, my Prince," I said.
He sighed.
"It doesn't matter, pick one!"
I walked into his room and he came after me. I quickly jumped into his bed and covered myself.
Edward first turned on some music before he stepped up to the bed and eyed me. (Sally Oldfield - Woman of the Night)
Then he slowly stripped naked - oh my God - and crawled into bed with me.
I sighed.
He laughed and began to caress me.
I knew he wouldn't leave it alone. So I crawled under the covers and devoted myself to his penis. I stroked it and it immediately became hard and stiff. I rubbed up and down its length and kissed it, letting my tongue gently circle around its tip.
He groaned.
"Love, you don't have to do that. If you want to sleep, I'll just hold you, okay?" he asked.
Of course, I was not deterred and continued. Gently I let the part slide into my mouth, sucked and licked it, bit lightly and rubbed it with one hand up and down, with the other I carefully stroked his testicles.
He reared up excitedly and moaned loudly.
"This is so beautiful," he then whispered.
This is how it should be.
He became more restless and frantic under my touch, keeping one hand on my head, one on my shoulder.
"Oh Bella," he whimpered.
"Hmm...", I went on, not letting myself be interrupted.
"Stop it or I'll come in your mouth."
"Hmm...", I went on sucking until he came and growled.
Was that sweet. I didn't mind at all, I loved him so much.
A new song began. (Sally Oldfield - Love is Everywhere)
What a voice, that sounded good.
Edward gently pulled me up by the shoulders onto his chest and kissed me.
"I love you so much. Thank you, that was very nice," he said and kissed me once again.
"I thought it was beautiful, too," I whispered.
"Tell me, what you like now. I'll do what you want," he whispered lovingly.
"Just hold me," I sighed.
He stroked my back and I contentedly laid my head on his chest and sniffed his neck.
Hmm ...
"I could also caress you, kiss you, satisfy you - anything you want," he suggested.
"No, I'm tired and my breasts hurt," I said.
He immediately turned me next to him, pushed up my night gown and looked at my breasts.
"They're a little swollen," he noted in horror.
I nodded.
"Did I do that?" he asked in a panic.
"I think it's your baby," I said smiling.
He looked me in the eye.
His look was so full of love. Hmm...
Carefully he put his hands on my breasts and cooled them.
I smiled.
"Thank you, that feels good."
"I hope you made the right decision there, darling, I'm so worried," he sighed. "If I lost you," he said, looking at me so anxiously that I really felt sorry for him.
"Edward, we're just having a baby," I said in dismay.
"Yes, but it won't be a normal baby. I'm a vampire, Bella. I'm the evil one!", he said sadly.
I stroked his face.
"You're not evil, you have a heart too. You're very loving in spirit. And you give that love to me and our baby. Grace is also half-human and not evil, is she?"
He kissed me gently.
"I want this baby. I'm so happy to be a daddy, but I'm so scared for you, little one," he whispered.
"It will be all right, I'm sure," I said, kissing him now. "Will you let go of my breasts now and take me in your arms?", I asked.
He smiled.
"Yes," he said, pulling me into his arm so I could snuggle on his chest.
"Thank you," I sighed contentedly.
"Do you want to go to this concert?" he asked.
"I do, in principle. I love Plain White," I said.
"But?" he asked.
"It's very noisy there and loud enthusiasts are jumping around wildly. Is that good for our baby?", I asked.
"Hmm ... it's noisy already. But if I stand behind you and put my hands on your sweet belly and Demetri and James stand to your right and left, you're well protected. It's still so tiny. The noise won't hurt, I think," Edward said.
"Isn't that silly for James and Demetri. Do they feel like it?", I asked and let my fingers gently circle over his beautiful chest.
"Isabella, it doesn't matter what they think. We'll do what you like," he said.
"You are very self-centered, Edward. Have you ever asked James what he wants?", I asked.
"No, he wants everything you want. I can save myself the trouble of asking," he said.
These men drove me out of my mind. What logic.
"Tell her, James," Edward said suddenly.
James must have been getting closer.
"I love Plain White, Princess, and I love standing next to you and protecting you," he said, and I heard the smile that played around his mouth at those words.
"Oh James, go to bed," I said annoyed and both men laughed.
"I'll tell Alice in the morning to get the tickets!" my husband said and I sighed sleepily, "Okay".
While falling asleep, the next piece was playing. (Sally Oldfield - Morning of my Life)
I'd really have to ask him tomorrow who sings that. What a voice.
And I disappeared into the land of dreams.
I jerked awake in the middle of the night.
Oh God, what a dream.
Edward immediately pulled me back into his arms.
"Love, all is well, shh ... What did you dream?" he asked.
"Nothing," I said and let myself sink back into his arms, relieved that it was just a dream.
"Tell me, please?" he whispered, stroking me gently.
"Alec," I whispered.
"Alec?" he asked, horrified.
"Yes, he threatened me and hurt me and the baby," I whispered.
"Oh ... how, Bella?"
I shook my head. Tears came up and I had to swallow.
It had been so real.
Edward tenderly turned my face in his direction.
"That bad?" he asked gently.
I nodded.
He kissed my eyes, my forehead.
"If you tell me, maybe you'll feel better?" he asked.
"I want to forget it quickly," I said, and he fell silent.
After a while I fell asleep again.
In the morning Edward was already gone and I missed him immediately.
"Good morning, Princess," James said lovingly.
"Good morning, James. What time is it?", I asked.
"Eight-thirty," he said, and I sighed.
I started my day with extensive body care. After that I had breakfast and first decided to call my dad.
I seemed to be lucky. He was probably not on duty until later.
"Bella!" he shouted into the receiver, delighted.
"Hi Dad!", I said.
"Are you all right, dear?" he asked.
"Yes, Dad, I had a wonderful honeymoon."
"Where did he abduct you?", Dad asked with interest.
I told him about our vacation.
"That sounds like a Bella pampering program," he said with a smile.
"It was, dad. It was only at the end, at the airport in Olympia, that I was slightly shocked."
I told him what had happened.
"Oh, that's stupid, of course. But if I call them right away and say that I don't want it, it will be noticed, since you were just checked yesterday. They might get skeptical. I'll take a look in the PC at the police station later. Maybe I'll find it by accident when I'm downloading APBs and then, by accident, I can step in and demand that it be taken out, because after all, you're officially declared dead."
"Thanks, Dad, that would be great. I'm sure we'll go on vacation every now and then, and I really don't feel like going through that every time."
"I understand that, honey. So you're happy all around?" he asked.
"Yes dad. Very. I'm doing really well. How about you? Are you okay too and how are Sue and Seth doing?", I asked.
"I would have called you anyway, honey," he said.
"Why, did something happen?", I asked, immediately worried.
"No, nothing bad, more like something beautiful!" he said cheerfully.
I already suspected it.
"So - first of all, the divorce is through now. Your mom and I are now officially divorced," he said.
"I'm glad to hear that, Dad. It was the right path for you. And secondly?", I asked.
"I asked Sue to be my wife and she said yes," he proudly announced.
"Oh dad, that's great. I'm so happy for you guys. Congratulations!", I said enthusiastically.
I was happy for him. Sue did him good.
"Thanks. We're getting married in four weeks and I wanted to invite you and Edward," he said.
"Of course we're coming, Daddy. I'm so happy for you!", I said.
"We celebrate the Thursday night before with colleagues and friends at my house. Then on Friday night with the Quileute friends at Sue's. We wanted to invite you both to this event, because only there is it known that you did not die. Then on Saturday is the wedding. So you will stay over night and celebrate with us. Only on Sunday we will celebrate with colleagues and neighbors of mine, so you can leave there. Is that to your liking?" he asked.
"Yeah, Dad, you've got it all planned out in detail. Thank you so much. I am glad!", I said once again.
"Good, you will also get a written invitation. And now I have to go!", he said.
"Okay, Dad, I'll see you soon and please say hi to Sue and Seth for me!", I said.
"I will. Bye, little one!" he said, ending the call.
I wrote Edward an email.
Good morning. The bed was sad without you. :-(
My dad takes care of Olympia.
And he's getting married in four weeks - he's inviting us.
I have accepted. We have to stay there from Friday to Sunday - in La Push.
Can you take some time off?
I love you and don't be late. My heart is already bleeding with longing.
Love you!
Not a minute later, my phone rang.
"You've already acceoted?" he asked.
"Yes, of course, it's my dad," I said. "By the way, good morning, Edward," I added.
"Good morning." He sighed. "Isabella - La Push! It's not safe for you there, you can't really want to go there," he asked.
"Edward, Demetri and James will surely go with us. They love everything I want, don't they? You're going too. So what please is going to happen? Dad and Sue wouldn't let Jake hurt me, and I don't even think he would."
"Isabella, nevertheless. He will be there - at this wedding. I'm worried about you," he said.
"Completely unfounded, darling. Nothing will happen to me," I said firmly.
"We'll talk about it later," he said.
"Are you trying to act like the boss now, or what?" I asked, annoyed.
"Isabella, of course not. But you must understand that ..."
I interrupted him.
"Edward, you promised me I was free and I'm going to use that. I will go to this wedding and when in doubt, I will go without you!", I said and hung up.
Man, was I pissed. This paternalism!
"James, I need to get out of here," I said, grabbing books I needed to read for college and storming out, wisely leaving the cell phone in the room.
"Demetri!" shouted James, running after me.
I heard Demetri dash out of his room and run after James.
"What's going on?" he asked.
"She's pissed," James said.
I mentally turned they off and ran down, through the hall and then into the garden. On and on, just away for now.
Somehow I automatically ran towards the waterfall and I liked the destination. When I got there, I first looked at the natural spectacle and breathed calmly to bring myself back down. Then I sat down on a bench and took a book.
James' cell phone rang.
"Yes, my Master?" asked James.
...
"She walked to the waterfall and here we are now," he said.
...
"He wants to talk to you, my Princess," he said, holding out the phone to me.
"I don't want talk with him now," I said, looking back at my book.
"Sir, she doesn't want to," James said into the receiver, and then he held it a bit away from his ear to protect his ear from Edward's tirade of curses.
...
"Princess, please?" said James, but I shook my head.
"No," I said firmly.
...
"Yes, Demetri is here, my Prince, don't worry," James said, listening to anything else from Edward and hanging up.
He eyed me anxiously.
I couldn't concentrate on this book. I was so annoyed. He was treating me like a child. Slowly I breathed in and out and forced myself not to cry. You study now, Bella!
I immersed myself in my book and successfully shut out the anger.
At some point I got hungry and closed the book.
"I need to eat," I said to James.
He nodded and they both followed me.
I walked back slowly, but had no view of the beautiful garden today.
I hated quarrels. My first fight in this marriage? I didn't want him to be mad at me and me at him.
I sighed.
But what could I do? I couldn't let him treat me like that either. But it all felt not good and completely wrong.
My lunch arrived. I couldn't eat much.
Afterwards I sat down at the PC. While it was booting up, I looked at my cell phone.
Edward had tried to call several times.
I sighed.
Mails. Uh-huh ... From the university. And from Edward.
Isabella, what is this, please? ? We need to talk. I don't want to argue with you.
I'm just worried.
I love you,
Edward
I wrote back.
Yes, we need to talk.
No, I don't want to argue either.
I feel patronized.
That pisses me off.
But I love you anyway, you control freak!
Bella
He answered shortly after.
Control freak? So that's how you see me.
Frustrated greetings
Edward
Oh man, that went completely off the rails.
I didn't answer anymore and immersed myself in my university stuff. It was only 1:00 p.m., so I had plenty of time. But at 3:00 p.m. I got tired.
This pregnancy was to blame, guaranteed. I was never this tired before.
"James?", I asked and he immediately came to me. "Could you please get me some coffee. I'm going to fall asleep."
"Princess, there's nothing wrong with taking a nap and a rest, hmm ...?" he asked anxiously.
"No, I have a lot of catching up to do. I don't want to sleep," I said firmly.
He got me the coffee and put it down for me, along with cookies.
He was so cute.
"Oh thank you, that's sweet," I said and he smiled.
Edward called and I let it ring.
"That will annoy him, Your Highness," James whispered.
"I know, James - and I don't care. I'm upset, too."
He watched me worriedly.
Then his cell phone rang.
"Yes, my Prince?" he came forward and I groaned in annoyance.
...
"She's working for the university, Sir, since 1:00 p.m. already," he explained. "I'm sorry, Your Highness, she won't. She says she's upset."
Since he didn't say anything else and put the phone away, I assumed that Edward had hung up.
At 5:00 p.m. there was a knock.
"Nanny," I said delightedly as James let her in.
She beamed at me and I stood up.
"You look well, little one," she said kindly.
"Thank you," I said and asked her to take a seat at my table. "I'll just shut down the PC real quick. Would you like something to drink?"
I closed my programs and let everything shut down.
"A water, please," Nanny said, and James got it for her right away. "How was your honeymoon?" she asked with a smile as I settled down next to her.
"Beautiful," I also said with a smile.
She eyed me.
"You're pregnant," she stated.
I nodded.
I had guessed that she would feel it.
"But we haven't told anyone yet," I explained with a smile.
"That's okay, a sweet secret," she said with a smile, taking my hands gently in hers. "May I?" she asked as she did so.
I nodded.
She closed her eyes. After a while, she opened them again.
"What's on your mind, Bella?" she asked softly.
"I don't want to talk about it," I said.
She nodded sadly.
"Are you feeling nauseous?" she asked.
"No, not so far. I'm just terribly tired. I could sleep without end," I said.
"Then go ahead and do it. Your body will show you what it needs," Nanny said.
"I'm going to bed early tonight," I said.
She nodded.
"Are you scared?" she asked.
"No, but Edward did," I said.
"Yes, I know, he had said that the other day. He dotes on you. But it's going to be okay. You're a strong person, you can do it," she said.
"Yes, I think so too," I said confidently.
"When are you going to tell the King?" she asked.
"I don't know yet," I said.
"You know you're going to need blood soon. He must know that in time, because he will get it for you," she explained.
"Yes, I know. Right now I don't feel like I need it," I said.
"All right, as soon as you feel it, don't try to suppress it. Contact us then. The blood will make you feel better, for sure," she said.
"I will, Nanny," I said gratefully. "I'm glad you're helping me and accompanying me," I added.
"I'm happy to do that. You are wonderful," she said tenderly and I just had to hug her.
She was what a mother felt like to me.
"May I feel your belly once?" she asked after gently returning the hug.
I nodded and she put her hand on my belly.
"It's already bulging ever so slightly," she noted with a smile.
I touched my own belly in amazement.
Oh ... that was quick, I really already had a bump!
We then chatted about all sorts of things until my dinner came.
Nanny said goodbye and promised that we would see each other regularly now and I was happy about that. It did my soul good somehow.
I ate only a little, I did not feel like eating.
When would Edward come? Hmm ... somehow that made my stomach hurt. I didn't want to argue with him. I wondered if he would be very angry. Was I afraid? Hmm ... yes, a little. Afraid of my husband, that was idiotic.
I sighed.
James eyed me anxiously.
I pushed the food away, went to the bathroom and got ready for the night. It was only half past six, but I was totally exhausted and tired.
Just as I stepped out of the bathroom into my room, Edward walked in.
He closed the door behind him, stopped and looked at me.
His face was rigid, he didn't make a face and looked at me. I felt very uncomfortable with this and automatically backed away a little. Sadly, he looked at me. Man, I didn't want to give in though! Hmm ...