Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! 30th chapter!!! Am I the only one excited for this!?!?!?!
Apparently... but that's okay! :) To be perfectly honest, I didn't think I'd reach this far. So thanks to all of you who read this story. You don't comment a lot or anything like that but I know that I haven't lost you guys yet cos the views continue to grow so I'm taking that as a compliment :P
If you wish to contact me another way, email me! I'll post it on my profile thingy or just comment on any of the chapters to let me know. Or if you want, you can even add me on my personal facebook. Just be sure to let me know you're one of my followers when you hit that request button. Find me by typing in: Kate Rina Ealdama.
OH and I also wanted to take the time to let you guys know that I have another story I got going on in: http://krthirteen.blogspot.com/
This one I thought of myself and I've been kinda itching to start it. I only have a couple chapters up cos I'm currently occupied with updating Flaming Moon and school. But yeah.. I just wanted to let y'all know. But I'll stop with the author note now...
READ ON TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED!!!!!! :O
Emmie's POV
Nina was the least of my worries for now. I still had tons of questions running through my mind but I knew that my brother was my main concern right now.
At first I couldn't really comprehend what was happening. From the looks of things, everything was fine. No one was on the cafeteria floor with blood oozing out anywhere. But something was completely wrong. Nessie, Mia, Rommel and I usually sat at the very end of the cafeteria. It was as if everyone knew that this was our favored seating and they dared not to even leave any trash behind. This table was also to our liking due to the fact it was one of the few that had a window view of the forest. And Rommel was still there, sitting. But he was was staring off into space so intensely that for the first time, I was actually terrified of him. His eyes were dilated and the pale gray color we shared looked harder, harsher. As I got closer to him, his lip twitch slightly and pursed. His fingers were tightly gripping the bench and I was worried that if he went any tighter, it would surely snap.
"Rommel," I said carefully, reaching out to rest my hand on his shoulder. And then he hissed at me. I flinched and automatically backed away.
I don't know what had gotten into my brother. He was never this mad before. Nessie rubbed my arm to comfort me. She knew that he was acting out of character, too. It was like he was possessed or hypnotized.
I sat, slumped actually, behind him on the opposite bench and that was when I saw what was in his line of sight.
Nova Nolen. My brother was staring at Nova. But why was he looking at her as if he wanted to kill her?
"Rommel, look at me," Nessie ordered him in that older-sisterly tone. She kept her hand on him always, trying to get through him with her power I suppose.
All he did was clench and unclench his jaw. This seemed to go on forever when in reality it was about 10 minutes. I looked around to see if anyone noticed how strangely we were acting but everyone continued on laughing, eating and talking. I didn't realize that Rommel was hungry, too.
He stood up in a flash and started making his way to her.
"Rommel!" Nessie and I whispered fiercely. I was panicking. My brother wasn't himself and he was going to kill Nova right in front of everyone.
"Emmie, use your power!" Nessie said desperately.
I looked at her, my vision blurred from the tears already falling from fear.
"But-but my power isn't as strong as his," I answered feebly.
"Just try!" she demanded.
I turned away from her and locked my eyes on my brother's back and concentrated.
I started talking to myself, as if I was actually talking to Rommel.
Rommel, get your ass back over here. What the hell are you thinking? I thought you said we needed to keep a low profile! Just think of mom and dad and what they would say if you killed Nova right now. If you kill her, we would have to move away from Forks. Do you really want that?!
Surprisingly, my power wasn't ebbing. It was actually working. He was halfway to his destination, where Nova was happily surrounded by her group of friends. Luckily, her attention wasn't on my brother and how he was angrily making his way over to her. In fact, no one seemed to mind that my brother was stuck in his stance and it was all because of me.
After about a minute, we were literally saved by the bell. Little by little, kids began to disperse to the hallways. I waited until Nova was completely out of sight and out of scent. Then and only then was I ready to release my brother.
I was relived to find my dad and my uncles burst through the door. They were beside him in a blink of an eye and once I let go of my power, they restrained him.
My brother was strong but my dad was stronger.
"Son, look at me. You have to control yourself," daddy said.
I was hugging Renesmee for support while Uncle Jasper calmed Rommel. Thankfully, it worked right quickly. It was about a minute until my brother's tense stance was softened and back to normal.
"So nothing happened to Nova, right? And the kids didn't notice anything unusual?" Uncle Edward asked as I broke away from Nessie to go hug my brother. She didn't answer out loud so I could only guess they were having a silent conversation.
Rommel looked really worn out when I reached him and daddy.
"Daddy?" I asked concern furrowing my brow. "Is Rommy gonna be okay?"
"Yeah, he just went through a little phase, if that makes sense. It's kinda a little more than that but we can talk about it when we get home. Do you have all your things?" he asked.
I nodded and continued with my questions.
"How did you know there was a complication? Did Ness call?"
"Actually, your Aunt Alice saw this coming. She's been knowing that this was going to happen soon. We were lucky that your brother had the strength to contain himself," Uncle Jasper answered stately.
We all started leaving the cafeteria and making our way to the jeep. We all didn't fit inside so Uncle Edward and Uncle Jasper offered to run home. Even with the seriousness happening a few minutes ago, my dad and uncles were still in the mood to tease and challenge each other. And so daddy drove faster than usual to get home before Uncle Edward or Uncle Jasper.
Within those 5 minutes of the ride home, Rommel managed to drift to sleep. Whatever he went through really tire him out.
When we were in the garage, I was quite surprised to find that my dad had won the challenge of speed. Uncle Edward was usually quite fast.
"Yeah, well there were some hikers on the way here and we had to be careful," Uncle Edward said right behind me. I giggled at their playful bantering and little fights.
My mom and Aunt Bella joined us soon after.
"Where's my baby boy? What happened to him?" my mom asked an octave higher than her usual chime.
"Hi to you, too, mama," I greeted her with a salute.
Aunt Bella and Nessie laughed in their embrace and my mom shook her head in amusement.
"I'm sorry, sweetie. You know I love and worry about you," she said, bringing me into her, engulfing me with her hazelnut fragrance. To my brother, she smelled like vanilla but to me it was more earthy.
"Mom," Rommel groaned, interrupting my thoughts of the different scents of my family. "I'm fine, okay? I'm just a little tired. I'm going to head upstairs and sleep. I don't want to talk about what happened right now."
"Hold on," she said sternly and he obeyed, looking a little drunk.
"You haven't given me my kiss yet. You always kiss me when you get home from school."
He smiled in amusement and kissed both of her cheeks and forehead. He was tall enough to do that now. Before he left, though, he gave me the look that told me to follow him.
"Umm, mom, I think I'm gonna rest a little bit, too. I used my power on Rom earlier and it took a lot of my energy."
"Oh, honey, you must be hungry. At least eat something first."
"No, it's fine. Really. I'll just come down for dinner later. Or we can hunt," I said, noticing the darkness in her eyes.
She nodded and gave a small smile.
When I was upstairs, I found my twin waiting for me right in front of my bedroom door.
"Sup," I greeted him with a nod.
"Where do ya wanna talk? My room, your room?"
"My room! I think my bed is plusher than yours and you did say you're sleepy right?"
He smirked and gestured for me to do the honors.
"After you, little sis," he replied doing a little bow.
"Why thank you, big bro," I answered back.
Knowing my twin, I knew that he had already taken off his favorite gray and black Vans Half Cab Pros. By the time I blinked again, he was already plopped, on his tummy, in the center of my queen sized bed. Before I joined him, I went over to my iPod and speakers and played my winding down playlist. The soothing acoustics of Mumford and Sons' "The Cave" filled the room. I knew it didn't do anything trying to mask the conversation my brother and I were going to have since we lived in a house filled with vampires but it was worth the shot. They were going to hear what happened today sooner or later.
I climbed onto my bed and settled myself in a criss-cross applesauce seating position.
"Okay...so spill."
To be perfectly honest, I wanted to tell him about Nina before anything else but I knew he truly was tired and my story could wait til later, when everyone was together.
He heaved a long, fatigued sigh into my lilac pillow before answering me. He then propped himself up with his elbow.
"Well when you went off to buy your food, Ness and I were just talking about the winter concert coming up. She was offered to play the piano parts since Drake is out for the week on vacation or something like that. And then the doors at the opposite end opened and in she came," he pause to gulp. I didn't realize that him talking about it would be hard for him. But he continued anyway.
"It didn't really help that there was a draft in there cos not only did she look physically appealing...her scent-" he paused again, with his eyes closed and his jaw fixed in chagrin.
"Her scent was the most intoxicating drug. It was so potent and alluring. She was far away but I swear I could hear her heart beating from where I was. Just hers. And it was like the rest of my senses amplified. The very first thing I noticed was her neck, almost like my mind was working on its on. My eyes practically zeroed in on her throat. The muscles contracting from her speaking and laughing...the fragrance of her bouncy, light chestnut brown hair...and the blood flowing from her jugular veins was. so. enticing."
I had to gulp myself after hearing all of this. Even now, the hunger in his eyes were eminent.
"It really did take all of my might and control to not stride over there and tell her to come with me to the woods or something. Knowing how much everyone admired us, it would be so easy to lull her to me. But I didn't. Even with every fiber of my being hungry and yearning for her, I just didn't. And I guess I have you to thank for that," he said nudging my knee.
We were quiet for a moment, now listening to Droplets by Colbie Caillat.
"Wow," was all I could execute from my lips. He switched from being on his stomach to his back. He then had his arms behind his head and stared thoughtfully at my ceiling.
"I don't think I could ever be as strong as you," I breathed.
"But you are. Seriously, if it wasn't for you, Nova would be dead right now."
I smiled and kissed his cheek as I laid beside him.
"Well, you can always count on me to save your ass."
He chuckled and that was all I felt under me. We drifted to sleep after that because the next thing I knew, we were being awakened by Ivee and Eddie to come down for dinner. Maybe now was the time to tell my day at school.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
CH29: TROUBLE
Emmie's POV
Once daddy drove us to school and kissed us goodbye, Nessie left my brother and I to find Mia. Deep down I wished she'd be at my side for all my classes but I knew that she was a year ahead of us. Besides, I had all the time to spend with her at home. I completely understood that she had been separated from Mia for quite a while and that she wanted to make up for that lost time.
"What's up with the face?" Rommel asked with one of his eyebrows shooting up.
We had reached the main entrance by now and like the gentleman he was, despite his churlish ways at home, he opened the door for me.
The second we stepped into the halls, the loud, mindless chatter switched to inquisitive whispers. And being the absolutely beautiful half-immortals we were, we heard each every word said.
"I hate having to compete with not one, but TWO Cullen girls..."
"Rommel smiled at me the other day and I swear my heart was going to jump out of my chest!"
"I don't care if Emmie's a freshman. I'd tap that any day..."
The last comment was very flattering but disgusting at the same time. Those guys were lucky that my power was strong enough for me to keep my brother still.
I pulled him towards the south hallway where it was usually deserted.
"Rom, would you calm down please?" I asked him, getting peeved.
"How can I calm down when jerks like that are talking about you like that?" He replied matter-of-factly.
I rolled my eyes and shook my head. It was enough having my dad, 2 uncles and a grandfather being over protective of me. But I'd have to admit that even when it gets annoying, I'm grateful for Rommel.
I sighed and answered him.
"These guys are all talk. They never actually do anything but that. And come on, Rom. Don't tell me you don't enjoy everyone admiring us the way they do. Cos for me, I love it."
He returned the rolling of the eyes and said, "Well, duh. You were raised by Rosalie Hale. If anything, you crave attention more than mom does."
"Ha-Ha," I answered him as sarcastically as I could because he was telling the truth, I did love attention. I'm beautiful so I choose to embrace it. I honestly didn't get why everyone else in my family abhor the adoration humans have towards for our kind.
Just then the bell rang and my brother and I continued making our way to our home room. We were originally supposed to have different classes but Seth and my parents were clearly against it. They trusted us being independent and to confront high school life as individuals but having the father that we had, he definitely had no confidence in regular high school boys.
So as a result, we had all but one class together. 5th period was my orchestra class while he had band.
After another 5 minute walk to Health, hearing more of the inconspicuous prattle, we were finally upstairs and the day officially began.
It was lunch time now and I was in the food line. I had my eye on the last three red velvet cupcakes. I was second to next to the cash register when I felt a tap on my shoulder.
I turned around swiftly, thinking that it was Nessie wanting to cut in front of me.
"Hi, Emmie," Nina said shyly to me. It seemed she was almost hiding behind her usual stack of library books she carried around all the time.
"Hey there, Nina," I replied kindly.
I didn't really know her all that much and in a way, I kind of felt sorry for her. She had so much potential to be really pretty behind her accustomed ponytail braid and braces. The most surprising is how sweet and friendly she is. Her physical appearance would make you think that she was just the typical brace-faced nerd. Little did anyone really know was that she had a really stunning voice. And if that wasn't enough, she also had amiable heart.
Poppa told me how impressed he was with her. He began to notice that she would visit the hospital ever so often to read for the ill children and on other days she would comfort and talk with the elderly. It was a shame to see everyone treat her so insensitively.
"I know I'm probably bothering you right now but—"
"Oh, don't be silly! You're not bothering me. In fact, would you like to join me and my brother and sister?" I asked. It was easy for me to keep up this charade during school. I already see Nessie as my sister.
"Oh no, no, I couldn't. I wouldn't want to intrude. I just wanted to ask you a little favor."
As I paid for my cupcakes, I was starting to get really suspicious with what she wanted me to do.
"Umm, sure I guess. What can I do for ya?"
"Well I was wondering if you can give this to your mother and father," she answered, handing me an intricately patterned basket filled with several fruits, it seemed, that I've never seen before.
I looked at her completely puzzled and she continued speaking.
"It's kinda my way of saying thank you to your parents. My family and I were going through a tough time paying the hospital bills for my sister and plus with the emotional toll of her miscarriage..." she started tearing up and I didn't know what to do. I wasn't good at comforting humans. Thankfully, she composed herself and looked me straight in the eye.
"It's truly amazing to find that the people who don't have a beating heart are the ones willing to help the downtrodden."
I stared at her pale blue eyes in utter shock. Did I hear her correctly?
"Please extend my thanks yous to the rest of your family as well."
And just like that, she made her way out of the cafeteria. I stood at the same spot for another minute or so to process what just happened right now.
I didn't get that much time because before I knew it, someone else was trying to get my attention. And this time, it was Nessie.
Her expression frightened me even more than my conversation with Nina.
"Emmie, your brother..." was all she had to say to break my trance. I hated being surrounded by all these humans. I couldn't get to my twin fast enough to see what was going on...
Once daddy drove us to school and kissed us goodbye, Nessie left my brother and I to find Mia. Deep down I wished she'd be at my side for all my classes but I knew that she was a year ahead of us. Besides, I had all the time to spend with her at home. I completely understood that she had been separated from Mia for quite a while and that she wanted to make up for that lost time.
"What's up with the face?" Rommel asked with one of his eyebrows shooting up.
We had reached the main entrance by now and like the gentleman he was, despite his churlish ways at home, he opened the door for me.
The second we stepped into the halls, the loud, mindless chatter switched to inquisitive whispers. And being the absolutely beautiful half-immortals we were, we heard each every word said.
"I hate having to compete with not one, but TWO Cullen girls..."
"Rommel smiled at me the other day and I swear my heart was going to jump out of my chest!"
"I don't care if Emmie's a freshman. I'd tap that any day..."
The last comment was very flattering but disgusting at the same time. Those guys were lucky that my power was strong enough for me to keep my brother still.
I pulled him towards the south hallway where it was usually deserted.
"Rom, would you calm down please?" I asked him, getting peeved.
"How can I calm down when jerks like that are talking about you like that?" He replied matter-of-factly.
I rolled my eyes and shook my head. It was enough having my dad, 2 uncles and a grandfather being over protective of me. But I'd have to admit that even when it gets annoying, I'm grateful for Rommel.
I sighed and answered him.
"These guys are all talk. They never actually do anything but that. And come on, Rom. Don't tell me you don't enjoy everyone admiring us the way they do. Cos for me, I love it."
He returned the rolling of the eyes and said, "Well, duh. You were raised by Rosalie Hale. If anything, you crave attention more than mom does."
"Ha-Ha," I answered him as sarcastically as I could because he was telling the truth, I did love attention. I'm beautiful so I choose to embrace it. I honestly didn't get why everyone else in my family abhor the adoration humans have towards for our kind.
Just then the bell rang and my brother and I continued making our way to our home room. We were originally supposed to have different classes but Seth and my parents were clearly against it. They trusted us being independent and to confront high school life as individuals but having the father that we had, he definitely had no confidence in regular high school boys.
So as a result, we had all but one class together. 5th period was my orchestra class while he had band.
After another 5 minute walk to Health, hearing more of the inconspicuous prattle, we were finally upstairs and the day officially began.
It was lunch time now and I was in the food line. I had my eye on the last three red velvet cupcakes. I was second to next to the cash register when I felt a tap on my shoulder.
I turned around swiftly, thinking that it was Nessie wanting to cut in front of me.
"Hi, Emmie," Nina said shyly to me. It seemed she was almost hiding behind her usual stack of library books she carried around all the time.
"Hey there, Nina," I replied kindly.
I didn't really know her all that much and in a way, I kind of felt sorry for her. She had so much potential to be really pretty behind her accustomed ponytail braid and braces. The most surprising is how sweet and friendly she is. Her physical appearance would make you think that she was just the typical brace-faced nerd. Little did anyone really know was that she had a really stunning voice. And if that wasn't enough, she also had amiable heart.
Poppa told me how impressed he was with her. He began to notice that she would visit the hospital ever so often to read for the ill children and on other days she would comfort and talk with the elderly. It was a shame to see everyone treat her so insensitively.
"I know I'm probably bothering you right now but—"
"Oh, don't be silly! You're not bothering me. In fact, would you like to join me and my brother and sister?" I asked. It was easy for me to keep up this charade during school. I already see Nessie as my sister.
"Oh no, no, I couldn't. I wouldn't want to intrude. I just wanted to ask you a little favor."
As I paid for my cupcakes, I was starting to get really suspicious with what she wanted me to do.
"Umm, sure I guess. What can I do for ya?"
"Well I was wondering if you can give this to your mother and father," she answered, handing me an intricately patterned basket filled with several fruits, it seemed, that I've never seen before.
I looked at her completely puzzled and she continued speaking.
"It's kinda my way of saying thank you to your parents. My family and I were going through a tough time paying the hospital bills for my sister and plus with the emotional toll of her miscarriage..." she started tearing up and I didn't know what to do. I wasn't good at comforting humans. Thankfully, she composed herself and looked me straight in the eye.
"It's truly amazing to find that the people who don't have a beating heart are the ones willing to help the downtrodden."
I stared at her pale blue eyes in utter shock. Did I hear her correctly?
"Please extend my thanks yous to the rest of your family as well."
And just like that, she made her way out of the cafeteria. I stood at the same spot for another minute or so to process what just happened right now.
I didn't get that much time because before I knew it, someone else was trying to get my attention. And this time, it was Nessie.
Her expression frightened me even more than my conversation with Nina.
"Emmie, your brother..." was all she had to say to break my trance. I hated being surrounded by all these humans. I couldn't get to my twin fast enough to see what was going on...
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
CH28: ROUTINE
Edward's POV
A whole month passed by in mere days it seemed. Perhaps it only felt that way because Eddie grew quite rapidly, both physically and mentally. He started speaking about a week after his birth.
"Daddy, where's Ivee? Me wanna play with her," was what he asked in a perfect toddler tone.
The initial shock of his advanced growing wasn't quite a shock to Bella and I anymore. We kind of expected as much. Considering the fact that Ivee was closer to his mentality for now, they almost always spent their day together.
Renesmee, Emmie and Rommel, on the other hand, were officially back in school.
Nessie was now an eager sophomore. The only thing she was really looking forward to was spending time with Mia. As for the twins, their growing seemed to be slowing so we all decided it was safe for them to enter as freshmen.
Mornings were a lot more chaotic now with 3 out of the 5 children attending school. Esme was obviously overjoyed with the catering of her grandchildren. They don't really eat any other human food unless their Gramma cooked it.
"I wish Gramma would be one of the cooks at school. Cafeteria food is just horrid compared to her cooking!" I heard Emmie complain as Bella and I entered the kitchen with Eddie holding on to our pinkies. He looked to be a small 3 year old.
"Sweetie," Rosalie replied at the same time she was brushing her daughter's long golden hair. "Your grandmother is too glamorous to be working in a high school and in the cafeteria at that."
"True, but we still gotta put on a show for the humans, little sis. Right, mom?" Rommel asked, taking the last bite of his pancake. Despite his jaunty demeanor, my nephew took our secret seriously.
Rose and Esme nodded in agreement.
"If you don't like the lunch on a certain day then just buy some fruit or chips. Rom's right, Emmie. We wouldn't want to cause a commotion," Nessie answered as well.
Her cousin let go of the subject at hand once she laid eyes on Eddie.
"Hey there, you little cutie patootie! What're you doing up so early, huh?"
"I wanna say bye-bye to alla you!" he answered brightly, raising his tiny arms over his head, motioning for her to pick him up.
"Uh, I don't think so M&M. I'm gonna say bye-bye first," Rommel said as he used his power to bring Eddie over to his side of the island counter.
"Rom! No fair! You know my power isn't as forceful as yours!" she pouted.
I chuckled in response. She just resembled her mother so much when she acted like this.
"Don't let your brother intimidate you, sweetheart. With just a little more practice, who knows? You can probably freeze his power altogether," I told her.
She smiled and wrapped her arms around my torso.
"Thanks, Uncle Edward."
"Besides, you know what they all say... "First is the worst, second is the best and third is the one with the hairy, hairy chest!" she announced as she finally got a hold of Eddie.
Eddie laughed and said, "Nessie, hairy chest!"
We all spluttered into merriment.
Nessie, however, clenched her jaw and narrowed her eyes.
"I don't have a hairy chest!" she exclaimed.
"Yeah, but you're dating a guy with one!" Rommel replied in between his hysterical laughter. That remark caused an even louder uproar in the house.
"What's so funny?" Ivee asked groggily, with one hand still rubbing her eyes.
"Ivee!!!" Eddie bellowed and jumped off the counter. Fortunately, he seemed to not inherit Bella's clumsiness.
His tiny legs ran full speed towards his sleepy cousin and crushed against her in impact. Since he was still considerably small, there was hardly any damage on Ivee.
"Good morning to you, too, kiddo," she greeted him and ruffled his hair.
"Alrighty then. I got the jeep up and running. Let's get you little munchkins to another wonderful day of high school," Emmett declared as he came through the back kitchen door.
Hugs, kisses, goodbyes and sayings of good luck were said all at once and within 5 minutes, the only sounds in the house were the footsteps of Ivee and Eddie running around, chasing each other. This was practically an everyday thing, but it was one of the most pleasant cheers of our days lately.
Just a cute little scene...I kinda have some drama planned for one of the twins in the following chapters... so be on the look out for that!!!
OH! and feel free to check out my newest story I'm working on, called 13.
go here: krthirteen.blogspot.com
I don't know how often I can update that one once since my main focus is on Flaming Moon right now...
A whole month passed by in mere days it seemed. Perhaps it only felt that way because Eddie grew quite rapidly, both physically and mentally. He started speaking about a week after his birth.
"Daddy, where's Ivee? Me wanna play with her," was what he asked in a perfect toddler tone.
The initial shock of his advanced growing wasn't quite a shock to Bella and I anymore. We kind of expected as much. Considering the fact that Ivee was closer to his mentality for now, they almost always spent their day together.
Renesmee, Emmie and Rommel, on the other hand, were officially back in school.
Nessie was now an eager sophomore. The only thing she was really looking forward to was spending time with Mia. As for the twins, their growing seemed to be slowing so we all decided it was safe for them to enter as freshmen.
Mornings were a lot more chaotic now with 3 out of the 5 children attending school. Esme was obviously overjoyed with the catering of her grandchildren. They don't really eat any other human food unless their Gramma cooked it.
"I wish Gramma would be one of the cooks at school. Cafeteria food is just horrid compared to her cooking!" I heard Emmie complain as Bella and I entered the kitchen with Eddie holding on to our pinkies. He looked to be a small 3 year old.
"Sweetie," Rosalie replied at the same time she was brushing her daughter's long golden hair. "Your grandmother is too glamorous to be working in a high school and in the cafeteria at that."
"True, but we still gotta put on a show for the humans, little sis. Right, mom?" Rommel asked, taking the last bite of his pancake. Despite his jaunty demeanor, my nephew took our secret seriously.
Rose and Esme nodded in agreement.
"If you don't like the lunch on a certain day then just buy some fruit or chips. Rom's right, Emmie. We wouldn't want to cause a commotion," Nessie answered as well.
Her cousin let go of the subject at hand once she laid eyes on Eddie.
"Hey there, you little cutie patootie! What're you doing up so early, huh?"
"I wanna say bye-bye to alla you!" he answered brightly, raising his tiny arms over his head, motioning for her to pick him up.
"Uh, I don't think so M&M. I'm gonna say bye-bye first," Rommel said as he used his power to bring Eddie over to his side of the island counter.
"Rom! No fair! You know my power isn't as forceful as yours!" she pouted.
I chuckled in response. She just resembled her mother so much when she acted like this.
"Don't let your brother intimidate you, sweetheart. With just a little more practice, who knows? You can probably freeze his power altogether," I told her.
She smiled and wrapped her arms around my torso.
"Thanks, Uncle Edward."
"Besides, you know what they all say... "First is the worst, second is the best and third is the one with the hairy, hairy chest!" she announced as she finally got a hold of Eddie.
Eddie laughed and said, "Nessie, hairy chest!"
We all spluttered into merriment.
Nessie, however, clenched her jaw and narrowed her eyes.
"I don't have a hairy chest!" she exclaimed.
"Yeah, but you're dating a guy with one!" Rommel replied in between his hysterical laughter. That remark caused an even louder uproar in the house.
"What's so funny?" Ivee asked groggily, with one hand still rubbing her eyes.
"Ivee!!!" Eddie bellowed and jumped off the counter. Fortunately, he seemed to not inherit Bella's clumsiness.
His tiny legs ran full speed towards his sleepy cousin and crushed against her in impact. Since he was still considerably small, there was hardly any damage on Ivee.
"Good morning to you, too, kiddo," she greeted him and ruffled his hair.
"Alrighty then. I got the jeep up and running. Let's get you little munchkins to another wonderful day of high school," Emmett declared as he came through the back kitchen door.
Hugs, kisses, goodbyes and sayings of good luck were said all at once and within 5 minutes, the only sounds in the house were the footsteps of Ivee and Eddie running around, chasing each other. This was practically an everyday thing, but it was one of the most pleasant cheers of our days lately.
Just a cute little scene...I kinda have some drama planned for one of the twins in the following chapters... so be on the look out for that!!!
OH! and feel free to check out my newest story I'm working on, called 13.
go here: krthirteen.blogspot.com
I don't know how often I can update that one once since my main focus is on Flaming Moon right now...
Sunday, April 17, 2011
CH27: EMERALD GREEN
Hey guys! Did you miss me?! I know it's been a hella long time and I'LL FOREVER BE SORRY FOR THAT! Things are still pretty rough for me but things should be back to normal. You don't know how much I missed writing!!! So without further ado, here's the chapter you've all been waiting for!
Bella's POV
Before I knew it, my surroundings changed. I wasn't opening gifts anymore. I wasn't laughing cheerfully with my friends and family. Now, I was in agonizing pain and I vaguely felt myself getting stripped down to just my bare skin. The cut on my stomach that was Edward's doing was no comparison to the harrowing ripping within me. This discomfort made me realize that my pregnancy was dangerous after all. I was a vampire but all my senses began to fade as Edward and Carlisle worked over me.
Slowly but surely, it felt as if I began to fade as well.
"Bella, stop thinking that way," I heard Edward say to me fiercely.
I couldn't understand how he was able to read my mind when my shield almost never faltered. Just then, my body began to heat up. It started from the very tips of my toes and it trickled up. By the time it reached my face, my stomach felt empty. A second later, I heard gurgled cries.
Thankfully right when Eddie was taken out of me, all the pain ceased. I got up to find my newborn son being wiped down by Carlisle. I was making my way to them but Edward caught my wrist.
"Edward," I looked to him confusingly.
"Love, you're naked. Here," he said amused. "Put this on."
He handed me a light blue chiffon dress, along with underwear and a bra. I swiftly put them on so that I could see the son I've always wanted.
Edward and I waited patiently as we could for Carlisle to be done with dressing and measuring him. I looked to my husband to find his expression joyous but hard. He was smiling but it didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Edward," I said, "what's wrong?"
"He's growing at a much faster rate than Renesmee," he answered a little frustrated.
"I'm afraid he's right, Bella," Carlisle said coming towards us with Eddie bundled up.
"But let's not worry about this now. We have another birthday to celebrate."
I couldn't help but be completely terrified for my son's health, just as I was when Renesmee was born. But he was right; I wanted nothing but to welcome this precious baby boy Edward and I brought into our world.
The very moment I laid eyes on the most perfect emerald green eyes, my breath staggered. His hair was of my complexion but those eyes were all Edward, if he were still human.
I was carrying him now with Edward and Carlisle hovering very close beside me. I noticed all of the little things, like how his skin was nearly as transparent as ours but soft just like a baby should be. Like Renesmee, he was a fair combination of my and Edward's features. It looked as if he inherited my hair and lips whereas his nose and eyes were perfectly Edward's. I swayed him gently to and fro and he just loved it. He giggled and reached out to play with a lock of my hair. The cutest smile and tiny dimples showcased and I was just amazed.
"Edward Masen Cullen. Eddie for short. Do you like that, my darling baby boy?" I cooed while stroking his perfectly round cheeks.
To my utter astonishment, he reached for my neck and projected his thoughts, exactly how Nessie does.
(Yes, Momma. I like having daddy's name.)
"Edward!" I gasped.
By this time, the rest of my family began piling in. I wasn't surprised to find the evidence of my giving labor were all gone.
"I wanna see Eddie, mommy! I wanna see!" Ivee rang beside Alice while tugging at Jasper's shirt.
"We all do, sweetheart," Jasper answered his daughter, going down to her eye level.
"Before we do all the greetings, we have to address one issue," Carlisle said motioning for me to hand Eddie over to him.
"Bella," he asked, "how are you feeling?"
I thought about it and realized that I felt just fine, completely back to normal.
"I'm fine. I know I probably have a more defined scar now but I don't mind it at all," I answered.
Carlisle nodded and continued: "As for Eddie, he seems just fine as well. I'm happy to say that he's quite healthy and from the looks of the incident earlier, he's talented, too."
"He has a power?" Nessie squealed in excitement.
Edward was the one to answer.
"Indeed, he does and it appears he has the same power as yours."
Everyone's eyebrows shot up.
"This makes sense because Eddie is the offspring of Edward and Bella. He was biologically conceived just like Renesmee and so they are half Edward and Bella. The combination of their powers suggest to be the projection of thoughts," Carlisle explained.
"Cool!" Nessie exclaimed. It was funny how she was very near in reaching her maturity of 7 years when at times she still acted very childish.
"Can I hold him, Poppa?" she asked eagerly.
"I call next!" Emmie called.
"Me, too!" Rommel and Ivee announced together.
While the children fussed over Eddie, all of the adults came together. Esme and Rose were the first to claim me.
"Oh, Bella, he's absolutely gorgeous! Congratulations, sweetheart," Esme said engulfing me with her embrace.
"You're going to have your hands full now with 2 running around. You're lucky Ness is growing up to be an amazing young lady. But don't worry, you know I'll help you babysit," Rose said smirking.
"Thank you," I replied wholeheartedly. "But I just can't help but worry about him either. He's growing at a much faster rate, it seems. Just look at him; does he look like a newborn. I know I blanked out right after giving birth to Nessie but I remember her being small and fragile like a newborn."
"Don't sweat it, little sis," Emmett stalled. "So he grows a little faster, big deal. Boys usually do. Plus he's more vampire than anything which means he's indestructible."
"He's right, love," Edward breathed next to me. "We don't need to worry so much. Stephan and Auvril are just a drive away if we have any major concerns."
I pursed my lips thoughtfully. Having my family reassure that everything would be fine helped ease my anxiety. I guess finally having the son of my dreams scared me a little. It just felt too good to be true; he was unquestionably perfect.
"Come on, let's go downstairs. I'm sure the guests would love to meet the newest Cullen," Alice said, her eyes twinkling with delight.
"Uncle Edward! Eddie said he wants you," Ivee called as we began exiting Carlisle's office.
She looked even tinier holding her baby cousin.
Edward was quick to retrieve our son.
"Why aren't you a sturdy one?" Edward observed playfully.
Right then and there, Eddie's face turned crabby with the the most adorable pout.
I laughed and pinched his cheeks.
"That's a good thing, sweetie. Now go on and turn that frown upside down," I said and in the same time he giggled and called out: "Momma!"
I smiled and reached for him. We were downstairs by now and the minute everyone saw Eddie, sounds of awe and wonder diffused throughout the room.
"You've got quite a big boy in your hands, Bells," I heard my dad say from behind me. "Can I hold him?"
Eddie's skin was brushing with mine so I was still in contact with his thoughts.
(He smells yummy) I heard him say.
"Umm, I think it's best if Edward and I feed him first. He said you smell yummy," I answered him with laughter in my voice.
Ironically, my father wasn't weirded out with what I just said to him. I'm glad that he adjusted to my lifestyle considerably fast. Thankfully my husband was already walking towards us with a covered baby bottle filled with donated blood that we stocked up on.
Once he was fed, I felt better with him being carried by the others. After all, most of my guests were human.
Eddie looked to have the same charm and magic as Renesmee had. Everyone couldn't keep their hands off of him. I couldn't blame, though, because he was so angelically captivating. It wasn't soon until Leah came to me with a snoring baby boy.
"So I see that he sleeps. He's showing lots of similarities with hybrids, that's for sure," she said placing him gently into my arms.
"Yeah, I know. If anything he grows more rapidly than they ever did."
She nodded and replied, "I see what you mean. He looks around 2 to 3 months old and you just gave birth to him, like, 5 hours ago!"
"I just hope that this is normal for his kind."
"I hope so, too, Bella. But hey, it's getting late and I just wanted to let you know that we're leaving. We'll see you all soon, okay?"
With that, we hugged and most of the wolves left, including Seth and Jake.
The Denali's were the next to leave not long after Leah and the rest.
"Happy, happy birthday dearest Bella and precious little Edward Masen. I'm afraid it's time for us to depart as well. The holidays aren't that far behind so in no time we'll be reunited again. But for now, farewell and best wishes to you all," Eleazar said beside Garrett as Tanya, Carmen, and Kate kissed everyone goodbye.
With them gone, we were all alone and the rest of my family dispersed around the house, doing their own thing. It was pretty late in the night and it was so calming and pleasant to hear nothing but the peaceful snoring of all the children in their sleep.
Edward and I were sitting in the living room, enjoying the cute little snores of Eddie as well. He sighed and placed his arms around me and our son.
There was no denying the contentment in his sigh. I looked to the most marvelous angel beside me and brought out my shield.
(Thank you for giving me such a wonderful family.)
He smiled and his fingers brushed my face.
"None of this would've been possible if it wasn't for you, so thank you Isabella Swan Cullen for keeping this family together and complete."
I smiled back and brushed my lips with his. We stayed like this until morning. I wanted nothing but to do this for the rest of my existence: to have the most unconditional love for my husband and children, along with the rest of my family.
Bella's POV
Before I knew it, my surroundings changed. I wasn't opening gifts anymore. I wasn't laughing cheerfully with my friends and family. Now, I was in agonizing pain and I vaguely felt myself getting stripped down to just my bare skin. The cut on my stomach that was Edward's doing was no comparison to the harrowing ripping within me. This discomfort made me realize that my pregnancy was dangerous after all. I was a vampire but all my senses began to fade as Edward and Carlisle worked over me.
Slowly but surely, it felt as if I began to fade as well.
"Bella, stop thinking that way," I heard Edward say to me fiercely.
I couldn't understand how he was able to read my mind when my shield almost never faltered. Just then, my body began to heat up. It started from the very tips of my toes and it trickled up. By the time it reached my face, my stomach felt empty. A second later, I heard gurgled cries.
Thankfully right when Eddie was taken out of me, all the pain ceased. I got up to find my newborn son being wiped down by Carlisle. I was making my way to them but Edward caught my wrist.
"Edward," I looked to him confusingly.
"Love, you're naked. Here," he said amused. "Put this on."
He handed me a light blue chiffon dress, along with underwear and a bra. I swiftly put them on so that I could see the son I've always wanted.
Edward and I waited patiently as we could for Carlisle to be done with dressing and measuring him. I looked to my husband to find his expression joyous but hard. He was smiling but it didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Edward," I said, "what's wrong?"
"He's growing at a much faster rate than Renesmee," he answered a little frustrated.
"I'm afraid he's right, Bella," Carlisle said coming towards us with Eddie bundled up.
"But let's not worry about this now. We have another birthday to celebrate."
I couldn't help but be completely terrified for my son's health, just as I was when Renesmee was born. But he was right; I wanted nothing but to welcome this precious baby boy Edward and I brought into our world.
The very moment I laid eyes on the most perfect emerald green eyes, my breath staggered. His hair was of my complexion but those eyes were all Edward, if he were still human.
I was carrying him now with Edward and Carlisle hovering very close beside me. I noticed all of the little things, like how his skin was nearly as transparent as ours but soft just like a baby should be. Like Renesmee, he was a fair combination of my and Edward's features. It looked as if he inherited my hair and lips whereas his nose and eyes were perfectly Edward's. I swayed him gently to and fro and he just loved it. He giggled and reached out to play with a lock of my hair. The cutest smile and tiny dimples showcased and I was just amazed.
"Edward Masen Cullen. Eddie for short. Do you like that, my darling baby boy?" I cooed while stroking his perfectly round cheeks.
To my utter astonishment, he reached for my neck and projected his thoughts, exactly how Nessie does.
(Yes, Momma. I like having daddy's name.)
"Edward!" I gasped.
By this time, the rest of my family began piling in. I wasn't surprised to find the evidence of my giving labor were all gone.
"I wanna see Eddie, mommy! I wanna see!" Ivee rang beside Alice while tugging at Jasper's shirt.
"We all do, sweetheart," Jasper answered his daughter, going down to her eye level.
"Before we do all the greetings, we have to address one issue," Carlisle said motioning for me to hand Eddie over to him.
"Bella," he asked, "how are you feeling?"
I thought about it and realized that I felt just fine, completely back to normal.
"I'm fine. I know I probably have a more defined scar now but I don't mind it at all," I answered.
Carlisle nodded and continued: "As for Eddie, he seems just fine as well. I'm happy to say that he's quite healthy and from the looks of the incident earlier, he's talented, too."
"He has a power?" Nessie squealed in excitement.
Edward was the one to answer.
"Indeed, he does and it appears he has the same power as yours."
Everyone's eyebrows shot up.
"This makes sense because Eddie is the offspring of Edward and Bella. He was biologically conceived just like Renesmee and so they are half Edward and Bella. The combination of their powers suggest to be the projection of thoughts," Carlisle explained.
"Cool!" Nessie exclaimed. It was funny how she was very near in reaching her maturity of 7 years when at times she still acted very childish.
"Can I hold him, Poppa?" she asked eagerly.
"I call next!" Emmie called.
"Me, too!" Rommel and Ivee announced together.
While the children fussed over Eddie, all of the adults came together. Esme and Rose were the first to claim me.
"Oh, Bella, he's absolutely gorgeous! Congratulations, sweetheart," Esme said engulfing me with her embrace.
"You're going to have your hands full now with 2 running around. You're lucky Ness is growing up to be an amazing young lady. But don't worry, you know I'll help you babysit," Rose said smirking.
"Thank you," I replied wholeheartedly. "But I just can't help but worry about him either. He's growing at a much faster rate, it seems. Just look at him; does he look like a newborn. I know I blanked out right after giving birth to Nessie but I remember her being small and fragile like a newborn."
"Don't sweat it, little sis," Emmett stalled. "So he grows a little faster, big deal. Boys usually do. Plus he's more vampire than anything which means he's indestructible."
"He's right, love," Edward breathed next to me. "We don't need to worry so much. Stephan and Auvril are just a drive away if we have any major concerns."
I pursed my lips thoughtfully. Having my family reassure that everything would be fine helped ease my anxiety. I guess finally having the son of my dreams scared me a little. It just felt too good to be true; he was unquestionably perfect.
"Come on, let's go downstairs. I'm sure the guests would love to meet the newest Cullen," Alice said, her eyes twinkling with delight.
"Uncle Edward! Eddie said he wants you," Ivee called as we began exiting Carlisle's office.
She looked even tinier holding her baby cousin.
Edward was quick to retrieve our son.
"Why aren't you a sturdy one?" Edward observed playfully.
Right then and there, Eddie's face turned crabby with the the most adorable pout.
I laughed and pinched his cheeks.
"That's a good thing, sweetie. Now go on and turn that frown upside down," I said and in the same time he giggled and called out: "Momma!"
I smiled and reached for him. We were downstairs by now and the minute everyone saw Eddie, sounds of awe and wonder diffused throughout the room.
"You've got quite a big boy in your hands, Bells," I heard my dad say from behind me. "Can I hold him?"
Eddie's skin was brushing with mine so I was still in contact with his thoughts.
(He smells yummy) I heard him say.
"Umm, I think it's best if Edward and I feed him first. He said you smell yummy," I answered him with laughter in my voice.
Ironically, my father wasn't weirded out with what I just said to him. I'm glad that he adjusted to my lifestyle considerably fast. Thankfully my husband was already walking towards us with a covered baby bottle filled with donated blood that we stocked up on.
Once he was fed, I felt better with him being carried by the others. After all, most of my guests were human.
Eddie looked to have the same charm and magic as Renesmee had. Everyone couldn't keep their hands off of him. I couldn't blame, though, because he was so angelically captivating. It wasn't soon until Leah came to me with a snoring baby boy.
"So I see that he sleeps. He's showing lots of similarities with hybrids, that's for sure," she said placing him gently into my arms.
"Yeah, I know. If anything he grows more rapidly than they ever did."
She nodded and replied, "I see what you mean. He looks around 2 to 3 months old and you just gave birth to him, like, 5 hours ago!"
"I just hope that this is normal for his kind."
"I hope so, too, Bella. But hey, it's getting late and I just wanted to let you know that we're leaving. We'll see you all soon, okay?"
With that, we hugged and most of the wolves left, including Seth and Jake.
The Denali's were the next to leave not long after Leah and the rest.
"Happy, happy birthday dearest Bella and precious little Edward Masen. I'm afraid it's time for us to depart as well. The holidays aren't that far behind so in no time we'll be reunited again. But for now, farewell and best wishes to you all," Eleazar said beside Garrett as Tanya, Carmen, and Kate kissed everyone goodbye.
With them gone, we were all alone and the rest of my family dispersed around the house, doing their own thing. It was pretty late in the night and it was so calming and pleasant to hear nothing but the peaceful snoring of all the children in their sleep.
Edward and I were sitting in the living room, enjoying the cute little snores of Eddie as well. He sighed and placed his arms around me and our son.
There was no denying the contentment in his sigh. I looked to the most marvelous angel beside me and brought out my shield.
(Thank you for giving me such a wonderful family.)
He smiled and his fingers brushed my face.
"None of this would've been possible if it wasn't for you, so thank you Isabella Swan Cullen for keeping this family together and complete."
I smiled back and brushed my lips with his. We stayed like this until morning. I wanted nothing but to do this for the rest of my existence: to have the most unconditional love for my husband and children, along with the rest of my family.
Monday, April 4, 2011
CH26: THE SHOWER
Sorry for talking so long guys. I've been going through a lot lately and I just couldn't really find time to write. Read on to see how I made it up to you guys! :D
Renesmee's POV
I was so thankful for Kamielle and Auvril. If it wasn't for them teaming up in concocting the elixir, my Granpda wouldn't be alive right now or would be a vampire. I honestly had no objection on him being turned but it was obvious that momma didn't want that for him.
They left not long after his miraculous recovery. I was sad to see them go, but we all promised to keep in touch.
A month passed and he healed pretty quickly. Apparently whatever was in the elixir made him really energetic. Nearly everyday I'd find him in the living room watching sports with Rommel and my uncles, jumping up and down from touch downs and hollering from missed plays. Occasionally Seth and Jacob would come over too. Seth and Emmie would always be off somewhere in the backyard or the beach and just run around and play. The twins still looked to be about 9 or 10. As for me, I looked closer to 16 or 17 considering my 6th birthday being only a couple days away.
Sue must've felt like time was closing in and she didn't want to take another chance of losing Grandpa so I wasn't surprised to see her around the house, too, with her wedding next month. She requested for Aunt Alice to work everything out and of course she was delighted to have another planning obligation.
If you asked me, Ivee and Aunt Alice bonded really well when there was an event to plan. She being the talented artist that she was, Ivee nearly knew which colors coordinated well with others. And so the color scheme for Sue and Granpa's wedding was a medium champagne and a bright guava color. Seth, of course, would be walking her down the aisle and Leah would be her maid of honor. It wasn't going to be a huge, extravagant ceremony but a very intimate and elegant one. Both the ceremony and reception would be held at La Push, where they would say their "I Do's" just as the sun was setting, very romantic.
Sue was a little into her late 30s but to me, she was still very beautiful. Even if she wasn't my real grandma, I loved her like one. There was no doubt that she loved my Grandpa Charlie and that was all that mattered.
If Aunt Alice wasn't working on wedding plans, she was either working on my birthday or the baby shower that was due soon. Momma requested that instead of celebrating her 26th birthday, of course she didn't look a day over 18, she wanted a baby shower for Eddie. She never got to do it for me since it only took a month for me to come out and so she wanted to do it the normal way.
"Come on, Bella! I'm perfectly capable of doing Sue and Charlie's wedding, Nessie's and your birthday, AND your baby shower," Aunt Alice admitted, following momma around the house like a lost puppy.
"Alice," momma sighed. "I just don't see a reason for celebrating Nessie's birthday one day, mine on another day, and then my baby shower a couple days after. I'd be too exhausted. And if you ask me," she paused to stretch and rest her hands on her globe-sized stomach, "the pain has been coming more often and I think it means this little guy is ready to come out. I know I am."
Momma gave up trying to lure Aunt Alice here and there so she sat down across from me in the dining room table.
She frowned at my mom, but didn't argue.
"If you put it that way..." she answered, dejected.
I was just silently enjoying my peach yogurt, sitting cross-legged and observant. We were all quiet but my mom looked thoughtful. Before I got a chance to ask, momma spoke.
"Tell you what, Alice; you plan my baby shower for my birthday and you can go through with whatever you have planned for Halloween. You can dress Eddie in whatever you want, too, okay?"
Aunt Alice clapped and jumped in glee.
Just then we were joined by Jacob and daddy. I turned my head back to find that Aunt Alice was gone.
"Ivee, honey, I need your help!" she called. I chuckled and all of a sudden I felt warm lips brush my cheek. Before they retreated completely, I made sure to kiss them properly.
"Hey there beautiful," he greeted me while he pulled out the chair next to me. I was aware of my parents' stares so I pretended that the chills going up and down my spine from Jacob's voice were nothing. There hasn't been any danger lately so Jake's been coming over more often. Paul was well suited to be Alpha for now anyway.
"So did we hear right?" Daddy asked while he helped my mom get up. It was obvious that she was, indeed, going into labor soon. Poppa's even been home more.
"Yeah. You know how that sister of yours insists and insists. Besides, I can tell that Eddie's excited. He's been kicking almost nonstop now. I hope we can get through the baby shower without any problems."
I was listening to them but I couldn't keep my eyes off of Jacob. He was very close to me and I haven't seen enough of him. I heard daddy growl at my thoughts but I didn't care.
"C'mon Jake, let's go to the hammock," I said with him in tow. Thankfully my dad didn't follow us.
"What was that all about?" he asked as we laid next to each other.
I cuddled onto him and breathed in his scent until my nose was thoroughly saturated with it.
"Nothing," I muffled into his shoulder.
"Okay," he answered.
We stayed quiet for a long time. After a while I heard him snoring. I propped myself on my elbow to watch him carefully. His face was so cute when he was asleep. I stretched a little more so that I could place a kiss on his cheek. He sighed and smiled, but he kept his eyes closed. I didn't mind it when we did this. Being in his arms was enough for me.
As he snored away I began introspecting.
The scattered pieces of my life were finally coming together. I had the most amazing boyfriend who made me shudder from his voice and touch. I had the most loving family anywhere and it just keeps on growing. I was beyond happy when I found out my mom was pregnant. It was nice to have Rommel, Emmie and now Ivee but Eddie was actually my brother. I mean I wished and wished, knowing that it was just wishful thinking because it was known that vampires couldn't reproduce but now that it was coming true any day now I was just ecstatic. In fact, I was more excited for his birth than my own party. I sighed in satisfaction. To my astonishment, today was overly cloudy. Patches of baby blue were visible and it made my mood even lighter. Everything seemed to be coming together quite nicely.
SEPTEMBER 13
THE BABY SHOWER
For the last couple of days momma was in so much pain that all you heard were her muffled cries. It was excruciating for her but if anything, daddy was suffering as much as she was. He hated nothing but seeing my mom in pain. We were expecting for her to go into labor yesterday but nothing, just pure, piercing, agony.
It was odd how the pain started right after all my guests were gone from my birthday party. *
Then right at midnight last night, the house was filled with silence. I was up staring at my high ceiling because I couldn't sleep. I become worried; I hope nothing bad happened.
To be sure of it, I swiftly got out of my bed and went over to my parent's room. I didn't even have to knock because daddy was at the door in the same second.
"Daddy, what happened? Is everything alright?" I asked him, trying to sneak a peek into their room.
"Ness, you have nothing to worry about. Now go on and get some rest. We have a long day today. I hope we can all get through this baby shower," he sighed, actually leaning against the doorway like he needed the support.
"Can I say happy birthday to momma first?" I asked under my batting lashes.
He smirked and moved out of my way. I found my mom sitting upright with dozens of pillows supporting her back. She was also sipping her cup of blood quite happily.
"Hi, momma," I said carefully climbing onto bed with her.
"Hey, sweetie," she croaked.
"You should awful," I commented as she placed her cup on her night stand.
"I know, but thankfully I'm feeling fine. Maybe Eddie knows that it's my birthday..." she mentioned.
"Good," I yawned. I didn't want to admit it but I haven't gotten that much sleep every since the pains started.
"Well I came in to check up on you and to greet you a very happy birthday. Oh, momma you're going to love what today has in store you for you!" I exclaimed.
I really wanted to hug her but I didn't wish to jostle her in any way; I didn't want to take any chances of triggering the pain.
"Thank you, baby girl," she answered, blowing kisses my way.
"I'll see you later on today. Bye momma, bye Eddie."
Before I left their room, daddy's arms claimed me.
"Rest up, sweetheart."
"Thanks, daddy. And don't worry, I will."
By the time I woke up it was around noon. I shot up from my bed once I keep into the realization that I had slept in a full 12 hours. Aunt Alice was going to bite my head off for not helping her!
I got dressed quickly and nearly slammed into Uncle Emmett who was heading down the hall as well.
"Why so jumpy kiddo?" he asked steadying me in amusement.
"Aunt Alice is going to kill me! I woke up late and I was supposed to help her with everything today," I answered, exasperated.
"Don't worry about it, Emmie and Ivee got you covered. We all knew the last few days have been hard on you and your dad, especially. I think they're just about finished with the decorations, so chill," he said as we walked down the stairs together. We found the whole living room floor covered with light blue balloons. Since momma's pains were coming in close intervals lately we wanted to be safe and have the party in the afternoon.
Guests started flooding in about an hour after I woke up. Kamielle and the Redfords couldn't come but the Denali's came again. Another pleasant surprise was finding Zafrina enter from the front door carrying a huge bow-wrapped box.
We found out later that the box contained a wooden rocking horse made out of the wood from the strong capirona tree.
Other gifts included various toys and clothes. Overall, it was a nice celebration, filled with lots of laughs and joy. Momma very well aware of her party but what was unexpected was when Uncle Emmett came in, interrupting the opening of the gifts and everyone burst into loud guffaws.
He was dressed as a big baby with only a diaper, a bonnet, and some booties on. It was beyond hysterical. We were laughing so much that we almost didn't hear him say: "Don't tell me I've never done anything for you."
When the laugher died down I noticed my mom suck in a sharp breath. Her hand instinctively clutched her stomach and then it happened.
Blood oozed down from her legs and her eyes were filled with utter panic.
"Momma!"
"Bella!"
Oh my god, Bella!" everyone roared.
Daddy was quick to snatch her away and bring her up the stairs to Poppa's office, where the delivery bed had been prepared a good long time ago.
After a while, the screaming started again. This was it. My birthday wish was coming true; my brother was going to be born on my mother's birthday...
*remember this little mark in the text? well I just wanted to make a small indication. So when I was writing this chapter, I wanted it to revolve around Bella's pregnancy. But then again, this story is as much Renesmee's as it is with Bella. And so I decided to make an alternate chapter in the 'extras' tab I have going on.. check it out! It's about Renesmee's birthday. This chapter would've been way too long if I combined Bella's birthday/baby shower AND Nessie's bday so yeah.
Enjoy! :)
Renesmee's POV
I was so thankful for Kamielle and Auvril. If it wasn't for them teaming up in concocting the elixir, my Granpda wouldn't be alive right now or would be a vampire. I honestly had no objection on him being turned but it was obvious that momma didn't want that for him.
They left not long after his miraculous recovery. I was sad to see them go, but we all promised to keep in touch.
A month passed and he healed pretty quickly. Apparently whatever was in the elixir made him really energetic. Nearly everyday I'd find him in the living room watching sports with Rommel and my uncles, jumping up and down from touch downs and hollering from missed plays. Occasionally Seth and Jacob would come over too. Seth and Emmie would always be off somewhere in the backyard or the beach and just run around and play. The twins still looked to be about 9 or 10. As for me, I looked closer to 16 or 17 considering my 6th birthday being only a couple days away.
Sue must've felt like time was closing in and she didn't want to take another chance of losing Grandpa so I wasn't surprised to see her around the house, too, with her wedding next month. She requested for Aunt Alice to work everything out and of course she was delighted to have another planning obligation.
If you asked me, Ivee and Aunt Alice bonded really well when there was an event to plan. She being the talented artist that she was, Ivee nearly knew which colors coordinated well with others. And so the color scheme for Sue and Granpa's wedding was a medium champagne and a bright guava color. Seth, of course, would be walking her down the aisle and Leah would be her maid of honor. It wasn't going to be a huge, extravagant ceremony but a very intimate and elegant one. Both the ceremony and reception would be held at La Push, where they would say their "I Do's" just as the sun was setting, very romantic.
Sue was a little into her late 30s but to me, she was still very beautiful. Even if she wasn't my real grandma, I loved her like one. There was no doubt that she loved my Grandpa Charlie and that was all that mattered.
If Aunt Alice wasn't working on wedding plans, she was either working on my birthday or the baby shower that was due soon. Momma requested that instead of celebrating her 26th birthday, of course she didn't look a day over 18, she wanted a baby shower for Eddie. She never got to do it for me since it only took a month for me to come out and so she wanted to do it the normal way.
"Come on, Bella! I'm perfectly capable of doing Sue and Charlie's wedding, Nessie's and your birthday, AND your baby shower," Aunt Alice admitted, following momma around the house like a lost puppy.
"Alice," momma sighed. "I just don't see a reason for celebrating Nessie's birthday one day, mine on another day, and then my baby shower a couple days after. I'd be too exhausted. And if you ask me," she paused to stretch and rest her hands on her globe-sized stomach, "the pain has been coming more often and I think it means this little guy is ready to come out. I know I am."
Momma gave up trying to lure Aunt Alice here and there so she sat down across from me in the dining room table.
She frowned at my mom, but didn't argue.
"If you put it that way..." she answered, dejected.
I was just silently enjoying my peach yogurt, sitting cross-legged and observant. We were all quiet but my mom looked thoughtful. Before I got a chance to ask, momma spoke.
"Tell you what, Alice; you plan my baby shower for my birthday and you can go through with whatever you have planned for Halloween. You can dress Eddie in whatever you want, too, okay?"
Aunt Alice clapped and jumped in glee.
Just then we were joined by Jacob and daddy. I turned my head back to find that Aunt Alice was gone.
"Ivee, honey, I need your help!" she called. I chuckled and all of a sudden I felt warm lips brush my cheek. Before they retreated completely, I made sure to kiss them properly.
"Hey there beautiful," he greeted me while he pulled out the chair next to me. I was aware of my parents' stares so I pretended that the chills going up and down my spine from Jacob's voice were nothing. There hasn't been any danger lately so Jake's been coming over more often. Paul was well suited to be Alpha for now anyway.
"So did we hear right?" Daddy asked while he helped my mom get up. It was obvious that she was, indeed, going into labor soon. Poppa's even been home more.
"Yeah. You know how that sister of yours insists and insists. Besides, I can tell that Eddie's excited. He's been kicking almost nonstop now. I hope we can get through the baby shower without any problems."
I was listening to them but I couldn't keep my eyes off of Jacob. He was very close to me and I haven't seen enough of him. I heard daddy growl at my thoughts but I didn't care.
"C'mon Jake, let's go to the hammock," I said with him in tow. Thankfully my dad didn't follow us.
"What was that all about?" he asked as we laid next to each other.
I cuddled onto him and breathed in his scent until my nose was thoroughly saturated with it.
"Nothing," I muffled into his shoulder.
"Okay," he answered.
We stayed quiet for a long time. After a while I heard him snoring. I propped myself on my elbow to watch him carefully. His face was so cute when he was asleep. I stretched a little more so that I could place a kiss on his cheek. He sighed and smiled, but he kept his eyes closed. I didn't mind it when we did this. Being in his arms was enough for me.
As he snored away I began introspecting.
The scattered pieces of my life were finally coming together. I had the most amazing boyfriend who made me shudder from his voice and touch. I had the most loving family anywhere and it just keeps on growing. I was beyond happy when I found out my mom was pregnant. It was nice to have Rommel, Emmie and now Ivee but Eddie was actually my brother. I mean I wished and wished, knowing that it was just wishful thinking because it was known that vampires couldn't reproduce but now that it was coming true any day now I was just ecstatic. In fact, I was more excited for his birth than my own party. I sighed in satisfaction. To my astonishment, today was overly cloudy. Patches of baby blue were visible and it made my mood even lighter. Everything seemed to be coming together quite nicely.
SEPTEMBER 13
THE BABY SHOWER
For the last couple of days momma was in so much pain that all you heard were her muffled cries. It was excruciating for her but if anything, daddy was suffering as much as she was. He hated nothing but seeing my mom in pain. We were expecting for her to go into labor yesterday but nothing, just pure, piercing, agony.
It was odd how the pain started right after all my guests were gone from my birthday party. *
Then right at midnight last night, the house was filled with silence. I was up staring at my high ceiling because I couldn't sleep. I become worried; I hope nothing bad happened.
To be sure of it, I swiftly got out of my bed and went over to my parent's room. I didn't even have to knock because daddy was at the door in the same second.
"Daddy, what happened? Is everything alright?" I asked him, trying to sneak a peek into their room.
"Ness, you have nothing to worry about. Now go on and get some rest. We have a long day today. I hope we can all get through this baby shower," he sighed, actually leaning against the doorway like he needed the support.
"Can I say happy birthday to momma first?" I asked under my batting lashes.
He smirked and moved out of my way. I found my mom sitting upright with dozens of pillows supporting her back. She was also sipping her cup of blood quite happily.
"Hi, momma," I said carefully climbing onto bed with her.
"Hey, sweetie," she croaked.
"You should awful," I commented as she placed her cup on her night stand.
"I know, but thankfully I'm feeling fine. Maybe Eddie knows that it's my birthday..." she mentioned.
"Good," I yawned. I didn't want to admit it but I haven't gotten that much sleep every since the pains started.
"Well I came in to check up on you and to greet you a very happy birthday. Oh, momma you're going to love what today has in store you for you!" I exclaimed.
I really wanted to hug her but I didn't wish to jostle her in any way; I didn't want to take any chances of triggering the pain.
"Thank you, baby girl," she answered, blowing kisses my way.
"I'll see you later on today. Bye momma, bye Eddie."
Before I left their room, daddy's arms claimed me.
"Rest up, sweetheart."
"Thanks, daddy. And don't worry, I will."
By the time I woke up it was around noon. I shot up from my bed once I keep into the realization that I had slept in a full 12 hours. Aunt Alice was going to bite my head off for not helping her!
I got dressed quickly and nearly slammed into Uncle Emmett who was heading down the hall as well.
"Why so jumpy kiddo?" he asked steadying me in amusement.
"Aunt Alice is going to kill me! I woke up late and I was supposed to help her with everything today," I answered, exasperated.
"Don't worry about it, Emmie and Ivee got you covered. We all knew the last few days have been hard on you and your dad, especially. I think they're just about finished with the decorations, so chill," he said as we walked down the stairs together. We found the whole living room floor covered with light blue balloons. Since momma's pains were coming in close intervals lately we wanted to be safe and have the party in the afternoon.
Guests started flooding in about an hour after I woke up. Kamielle and the Redfords couldn't come but the Denali's came again. Another pleasant surprise was finding Zafrina enter from the front door carrying a huge bow-wrapped box.
We found out later that the box contained a wooden rocking horse made out of the wood from the strong capirona tree.
Other gifts included various toys and clothes. Overall, it was a nice celebration, filled with lots of laughs and joy. Momma very well aware of her party but what was unexpected was when Uncle Emmett came in, interrupting the opening of the gifts and everyone burst into loud guffaws.
He was dressed as a big baby with only a diaper, a bonnet, and some booties on. It was beyond hysterical. We were laughing so much that we almost didn't hear him say: "Don't tell me I've never done anything for you."
When the laugher died down I noticed my mom suck in a sharp breath. Her hand instinctively clutched her stomach and then it happened.
Blood oozed down from her legs and her eyes were filled with utter panic.
"Momma!"
"Bella!"
Oh my god, Bella!" everyone roared.
Daddy was quick to snatch her away and bring her up the stairs to Poppa's office, where the delivery bed had been prepared a good long time ago.
After a while, the screaming started again. This was it. My birthday wish was coming true; my brother was going to be born on my mother's birthday...
*remember this little mark in the text? well I just wanted to make a small indication. So when I was writing this chapter, I wanted it to revolve around Bella's pregnancy. But then again, this story is as much Renesmee's as it is with Bella. And so I decided to make an alternate chapter in the 'extras' tab I have going on.. check it out! It's about Renesmee's birthday. This chapter would've been way too long if I combined Bella's birthday/baby shower AND Nessie's bday so yeah.
Enjoy! :)
Sunday, March 27, 2011
CH25: EITHER WAY...
Bella's POV
I couldn't properly assess the words that spilled out of Alice's mouth. I took it in but they became jumbled up and were swishing around in my head like a boat trapped in the middle of the sea during a tempest.
Ness was well nearing hysteria whereas I was still too shocked, the blow not entirely affecting me. Everyone around me started to hustle, moving here and there while Edward tried to wake me from my frozen stance.
"Love? Love? Are you alright? Answer me, Bella, please," Edward's velvet voice murmured, begging.
My breathing sped in response.
My dad. Charlie. He couldn't die, not yet.
"Let's go. I need to see him; he needs me," I said, already on the move.
"Bella, wait!" I was already running. Unfortunately with a baby bump you can't get very far.
"Bella, it's not as bad as you think. Just calm down, okay? Carlisle has the car ready."
I nodded, letting him drag me back to the house where I found Seth and Leah consoling their mother, Sue.
She must be more devastated than me. Their wedding was planned for this October. She'd lost one husband already and it would be such a pity for her to lose Charlie when their "I Do's" were just a few months away.
I was making my way over, to comfort her, but Alice intercepted.
"Bella," she breathed, her eyes filled with terror.
Before I could ask what she saw, Carlisle was beside me in an instant.
"Bella, I got a call from the hospital. I'm afraid he's in a critical condition; he's lost quite a lot of blood. You can come with me but with your pregnancy I'm not sure if you'll be physically up for it," Carlisle said, his eyes serious.
"I have to see him. He can't die, Carlisle. Please...please don't let him die," I whispered, the tears threatening to come. I thought I was done with the weird human abnormalities but apparently not. Whatever I was feeling was affecting my baby, too.
"Eddie vaguely knows what's happening. He's just worried about you," Edward said at my side, supporting my weight.
"We have to hurry. The operation won't start without me. Bella, Edward," Carlisle called exiting the house and heading to his Mercedes.
"Mommma!" Nessie called from Jacob's lap. Her face was riddled with tears as well.
"Tell Grandpa to hold on and that I love him so much," she said, barely a whisper.
I nodded and we left.
Within 10 minutes, Edward and I were arrived at the hospital with Carlisle. We had to stay in the ER waiting area.
Edward tried to get me to sit. Anyone that passed us by would always make a double-take.
I could only guess it was because I was so big and I wasn't even showing the slightest discomfort while I paced back and forth a little too fast for a human.
5 minutes past. 10, 30 and 45. Carlisle still didn't come out from the pale green double doors.
We weren't alone waiting for the verdict. Sue arrived not long after us with Seth, Leah and Shaun.
I finally gave up and just sat beside Edward, burying my face in my hands. If my father died, I swear I would torture those men who held the drug store hostage. My rage flared and the venom in my mouth was spreading. The only thing that distracted me from my maddening trance was the kicking in my lower abdomen. It wasn't painful, but it wasn't pleasant either. I really hoped I wasn't going into labor here.
"Eddie, it's okay. I'm sorry if you're feeling cramped. But this isn't the place to come out yet," I murmured onto my stomach, rubbing it for assurance.
I was aware that Edward was staring at me the whole time. I turned to him for any response.
"Eddie's just as anxious as you are," he said with a small smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"Bella?" Sue called.
I went over to her and plopped down. I had a long night. If I were able to sleep, I'd be in a coma by now.
"How're you holding up, Sue?" I asked. She was always more fragile than me.
"I'm fine," she said with her voice cracking.
"I'm so full of worry. I don't know what I would do without your father, Bella. I'm scared to lose him," she said with her head shaking.
She began sobbing and I rubbed her back. And then a thought occurred to me.
What if she didn't have to lose him? There was always that option. But would I dare give the life I rightfully chose for myself for my own father?
The double doors were suddenly pushed open and out came Carlisle with another man moving my father towards the ICU section.
"Carlisle?" Sue and I asked at the exact same time.
He sighed before answering.
"It was a tough operation but we managed to get the bullet out. Like I said earlier, he lost a significant amount of blood. We're going to keep a close watch on him but he should be out for quite a while."
Sue let out a sigh of relief but I wasn't content. I knew that he was hiding something crucial.
"What are the chances of Charlie recovering?" I asked, half afraid of his answer because I already knew his answer.
"That's what I wanted to discuss with the both of you," he replied and motioned for us to come closer into the halls.
He lowered his voice and said, "I'm terribly sad to say it but I honestly don't think he can survive this. I promise you that I will do anything I can to make him comfortable the bullet wound was just awfully close to his heart and it punctured the aorta."
He paused to look at me but continued. "For me, the only way I can think of to revive him is if—"
"He becomes one of you," Sue interrupted, finally following where Carlisle was going.
We were all quiet for a while. I couldn't decide on that for now. I knew that my dad didn't belong in this life. I introduced him into my world simply because I couldn't bear to close him out of my life like I was supposed to do when I was turned. He was my father and I loved him. If Carlisle changed him then many things would change. I don't think I have the heart to deprive him from Sue and the new beginning he was supposed to start with her. I just don't know how their relationship with work if he became like me and with Sue being the mother of two werewolves.
"Do whatever you can to bring him back to me. Even if that means I'll have to marry a vampire," Sue said, tearing me away from my thoughts.
We all stared at her dumbfounded but I know she was serious. I could see it in her eyes that she truly loved my dad. Carlisle nodded and turned to me.
"I don't think it's what Charlie would want. It's just...I mean... can I just see him first?" I said. I was just so torn. Carlisle nodded and I made my way to his room with Edward silently following me.
I peeked in, carefully sniffing the room to check my control. The smell of sedatives and alcohol overpowered anything else.
I came in slowly, thinking that any sudden movement would wake him from his rest, and sat down on the chair directly across the foot of his bed. I would sit here for as long as it took my dad to wake up.
THE NEXT DAY
I've never seen my dad so weak and pale. I don't know how long we've actually been at the hospital but it felt like an eternity. I know it didn't do anything but I covered him in my shield. I temporarily forgot that by doing this, Edward heard all my thoughts. As much as I hated seeing my father this way, I hated the fact that Edward was suffering beside me.
"Bella, don't think of me. I'm only getting depressed because you're feeling depressed," he started.
"Love, I know that you're hurting right now and you're entitled to feeling that way. But you have to understand that sulking here isn't doing anything. I don't think it's healthy for Eddie either."
I pursed my lips thoughtfully. (Are you saying that I should tell Carlisle to change Charlie?)
He didn't reply right away but when he did, he nodded with a pained expression.
I looked to my father and watched his chest rise and fall. "Healthy as a horse, Bells" ran through my head.
I took a big gulp. Was changing my dad the right thing to do? He would still be my dad and I'm sure his feelings for Sue wouldn't vanish. I think I would dread burying my father more than seeing him go through the transformation. Before I got go through with my decision, Charlie started stirring in his bed.
I was beside him in one fluid movement. He was moaning like he was in pain.
"Dad? Are you okay? What do you want me to get?" I asked, my shield still protecting him. If only it could shield his pain.
"Bella? Is that you?" he asked, fully opening his eyes.
"Yeah, dad, it's me," I breathed relieved.
"I was thinking you were an angel," he huffed. I smiled. Good ole Charlie.
"How are you feeling?" I asked while Carlisle knocked and Edward opened the door.
"Stiff. And drowsy. What kind of medication they got me taking?" he replied, looking to Carlisle.
"Just the normal sedatives like morphine," he answered, his tone happy to see Charlie acting like himself. "It's good to see you up. You sure you don't feel any pain? Specifically in your chest?"
"Well it does kinda feel a little tender..." he mumbled. As he said that, we all heard his heart speed, faster than the usual human rate. He gasped, clutching his heart and then his eyes rolled to the back of his head.
"Dad?!" I yelled desperately.
Nurses started filing in while Carlisle worked diligently over him. Edward had to drag me out into the hall so that I wasn't in the way.
This was it. I knew it by the feeble beating of my father's heart; time was running out.
"Edward," I whispered. His arms were around me in the same second.
"Do you think he'd be in less pain if they put him to sleep first? I don't see how we can move him to the house now if we're going to change him. Oh, I can believe this is happening. I can't lose him, Edward, I can't," I said, silently sobbing against his shoulder.
"Maybe you don't have to lose him either way, as a vampire or a human," he answered.
"What do you mean?" I asked, parting from our embrace so that I can examine his face. He was staring above my head, behind me.
A few seconds later, Kamielle appeared from the corner. She locked eyes with us and she was beside us in an instant.
"Am I too late?" she asked, squinting into the window of Charlie's room.
Edward was the one to answer. I didn't know what was happening. Was Kamielle going to change my father?
"I don't think so. But we have to hurry. Hand me the elixir," he ordered her.
She did as she was told and before he entered the room, he looked to me.
"Everything will be okay, Bella, I promise you, love."
His words rang in my head. Carlisle was still hovering over my father but he looked like he knew what Edward was doing in there with him. Eddie started kicking again, as if he was excited. I was just plain restless.
And then I finally understood what was happening. Carlisle replaced the dripping morphine with the elixir and after a few excruciating moments later his heart beat went back to normal.
I breathed a sigh of relief and hugged Kamielle so tight that if she were human, her bones would've been broken all over.
Before I knew it, Sue, Nessie and Jacob, along with the others gathered around the window. We waited in anticipation.
"He's stable now; his vitals look good..." we heard Carlisle say.
"Momma, Grandpa's going to be okay right?" Nessie asked as she was hugging Esme since Sue was holding onto Jake.
"See for yourself," Kamielle answered her. We all checked to find Charlie starting to sit up.
"Whatever that sedative was, it really worked. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to use the bathroom," was all he said. I shook my head in amusement and pure solace.
My dad was okay, better than before it seemed. Sue was the first one to dash into his room. For now, I needed to rest. The past couple of days were hard on me and I'm pretty sure Eddie would really appreciate it if I ate something.
I checked on Charlie one last time before we all returned to the house to get some well needed break.
I couldn't properly assess the words that spilled out of Alice's mouth. I took it in but they became jumbled up and were swishing around in my head like a boat trapped in the middle of the sea during a tempest.
Ness was well nearing hysteria whereas I was still too shocked, the blow not entirely affecting me. Everyone around me started to hustle, moving here and there while Edward tried to wake me from my frozen stance.
"Love? Love? Are you alright? Answer me, Bella, please," Edward's velvet voice murmured, begging.
My breathing sped in response.
My dad. Charlie. He couldn't die, not yet.
"Let's go. I need to see him; he needs me," I said, already on the move.
"Bella, wait!" I was already running. Unfortunately with a baby bump you can't get very far.
"Bella, it's not as bad as you think. Just calm down, okay? Carlisle has the car ready."
I nodded, letting him drag me back to the house where I found Seth and Leah consoling their mother, Sue.
She must be more devastated than me. Their wedding was planned for this October. She'd lost one husband already and it would be such a pity for her to lose Charlie when their "I Do's" were just a few months away.
I was making my way over, to comfort her, but Alice intercepted.
"Bella," she breathed, her eyes filled with terror.
Before I could ask what she saw, Carlisle was beside me in an instant.
"Bella, I got a call from the hospital. I'm afraid he's in a critical condition; he's lost quite a lot of blood. You can come with me but with your pregnancy I'm not sure if you'll be physically up for it," Carlisle said, his eyes serious.
"I have to see him. He can't die, Carlisle. Please...please don't let him die," I whispered, the tears threatening to come. I thought I was done with the weird human abnormalities but apparently not. Whatever I was feeling was affecting my baby, too.
"Eddie vaguely knows what's happening. He's just worried about you," Edward said at my side, supporting my weight.
"We have to hurry. The operation won't start without me. Bella, Edward," Carlisle called exiting the house and heading to his Mercedes.
"Mommma!" Nessie called from Jacob's lap. Her face was riddled with tears as well.
"Tell Grandpa to hold on and that I love him so much," she said, barely a whisper.
I nodded and we left.
Within 10 minutes, Edward and I were arrived at the hospital with Carlisle. We had to stay in the ER waiting area.
Edward tried to get me to sit. Anyone that passed us by would always make a double-take.
I could only guess it was because I was so big and I wasn't even showing the slightest discomfort while I paced back and forth a little too fast for a human.
5 minutes past. 10, 30 and 45. Carlisle still didn't come out from the pale green double doors.
We weren't alone waiting for the verdict. Sue arrived not long after us with Seth, Leah and Shaun.
I finally gave up and just sat beside Edward, burying my face in my hands. If my father died, I swear I would torture those men who held the drug store hostage. My rage flared and the venom in my mouth was spreading. The only thing that distracted me from my maddening trance was the kicking in my lower abdomen. It wasn't painful, but it wasn't pleasant either. I really hoped I wasn't going into labor here.
"Eddie, it's okay. I'm sorry if you're feeling cramped. But this isn't the place to come out yet," I murmured onto my stomach, rubbing it for assurance.
I was aware that Edward was staring at me the whole time. I turned to him for any response.
"Eddie's just as anxious as you are," he said with a small smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"Bella?" Sue called.
I went over to her and plopped down. I had a long night. If I were able to sleep, I'd be in a coma by now.
"How're you holding up, Sue?" I asked. She was always more fragile than me.
"I'm fine," she said with her voice cracking.
"I'm so full of worry. I don't know what I would do without your father, Bella. I'm scared to lose him," she said with her head shaking.
She began sobbing and I rubbed her back. And then a thought occurred to me.
What if she didn't have to lose him? There was always that option. But would I dare give the life I rightfully chose for myself for my own father?
The double doors were suddenly pushed open and out came Carlisle with another man moving my father towards the ICU section.
"Carlisle?" Sue and I asked at the exact same time.
He sighed before answering.
"It was a tough operation but we managed to get the bullet out. Like I said earlier, he lost a significant amount of blood. We're going to keep a close watch on him but he should be out for quite a while."
Sue let out a sigh of relief but I wasn't content. I knew that he was hiding something crucial.
"What are the chances of Charlie recovering?" I asked, half afraid of his answer because I already knew his answer.
"That's what I wanted to discuss with the both of you," he replied and motioned for us to come closer into the halls.
He lowered his voice and said, "I'm terribly sad to say it but I honestly don't think he can survive this. I promise you that I will do anything I can to make him comfortable the bullet wound was just awfully close to his heart and it punctured the aorta."
He paused to look at me but continued. "For me, the only way I can think of to revive him is if—"
"He becomes one of you," Sue interrupted, finally following where Carlisle was going.
We were all quiet for a while. I couldn't decide on that for now. I knew that my dad didn't belong in this life. I introduced him into my world simply because I couldn't bear to close him out of my life like I was supposed to do when I was turned. He was my father and I loved him. If Carlisle changed him then many things would change. I don't think I have the heart to deprive him from Sue and the new beginning he was supposed to start with her. I just don't know how their relationship with work if he became like me and with Sue being the mother of two werewolves.
"Do whatever you can to bring him back to me. Even if that means I'll have to marry a vampire," Sue said, tearing me away from my thoughts.
We all stared at her dumbfounded but I know she was serious. I could see it in her eyes that she truly loved my dad. Carlisle nodded and turned to me.
"I don't think it's what Charlie would want. It's just...I mean... can I just see him first?" I said. I was just so torn. Carlisle nodded and I made my way to his room with Edward silently following me.
I peeked in, carefully sniffing the room to check my control. The smell of sedatives and alcohol overpowered anything else.
I came in slowly, thinking that any sudden movement would wake him from his rest, and sat down on the chair directly across the foot of his bed. I would sit here for as long as it took my dad to wake up.
THE NEXT DAY
I've never seen my dad so weak and pale. I don't know how long we've actually been at the hospital but it felt like an eternity. I know it didn't do anything but I covered him in my shield. I temporarily forgot that by doing this, Edward heard all my thoughts. As much as I hated seeing my father this way, I hated the fact that Edward was suffering beside me.
"Bella, don't think of me. I'm only getting depressed because you're feeling depressed," he started.
"Love, I know that you're hurting right now and you're entitled to feeling that way. But you have to understand that sulking here isn't doing anything. I don't think it's healthy for Eddie either."
I pursed my lips thoughtfully. (Are you saying that I should tell Carlisle to change Charlie?)
He didn't reply right away but when he did, he nodded with a pained expression.
I looked to my father and watched his chest rise and fall. "Healthy as a horse, Bells" ran through my head.
I took a big gulp. Was changing my dad the right thing to do? He would still be my dad and I'm sure his feelings for Sue wouldn't vanish. I think I would dread burying my father more than seeing him go through the transformation. Before I got go through with my decision, Charlie started stirring in his bed.
I was beside him in one fluid movement. He was moaning like he was in pain.
"Dad? Are you okay? What do you want me to get?" I asked, my shield still protecting him. If only it could shield his pain.
"Bella? Is that you?" he asked, fully opening his eyes.
"Yeah, dad, it's me," I breathed relieved.
"I was thinking you were an angel," he huffed. I smiled. Good ole Charlie.
"How are you feeling?" I asked while Carlisle knocked and Edward opened the door.
"Stiff. And drowsy. What kind of medication they got me taking?" he replied, looking to Carlisle.
"Just the normal sedatives like morphine," he answered, his tone happy to see Charlie acting like himself. "It's good to see you up. You sure you don't feel any pain? Specifically in your chest?"
"Well it does kinda feel a little tender..." he mumbled. As he said that, we all heard his heart speed, faster than the usual human rate. He gasped, clutching his heart and then his eyes rolled to the back of his head.
"Dad?!" I yelled desperately.
Nurses started filing in while Carlisle worked diligently over him. Edward had to drag me out into the hall so that I wasn't in the way.
This was it. I knew it by the feeble beating of my father's heart; time was running out.
"Edward," I whispered. His arms were around me in the same second.
"Do you think he'd be in less pain if they put him to sleep first? I don't see how we can move him to the house now if we're going to change him. Oh, I can believe this is happening. I can't lose him, Edward, I can't," I said, silently sobbing against his shoulder.
"Maybe you don't have to lose him either way, as a vampire or a human," he answered.
"What do you mean?" I asked, parting from our embrace so that I can examine his face. He was staring above my head, behind me.
A few seconds later, Kamielle appeared from the corner. She locked eyes with us and she was beside us in an instant.
"Am I too late?" she asked, squinting into the window of Charlie's room.
Edward was the one to answer. I didn't know what was happening. Was Kamielle going to change my father?
"I don't think so. But we have to hurry. Hand me the elixir," he ordered her.
She did as she was told and before he entered the room, he looked to me.
"Everything will be okay, Bella, I promise you, love."
His words rang in my head. Carlisle was still hovering over my father but he looked like he knew what Edward was doing in there with him. Eddie started kicking again, as if he was excited. I was just plain restless.
And then I finally understood what was happening. Carlisle replaced the dripping morphine with the elixir and after a few excruciating moments later his heart beat went back to normal.
I breathed a sigh of relief and hugged Kamielle so tight that if she were human, her bones would've been broken all over.
Before I knew it, Sue, Nessie and Jacob, along with the others gathered around the window. We waited in anticipation.
"He's stable now; his vitals look good..." we heard Carlisle say.
"Momma, Grandpa's going to be okay right?" Nessie asked as she was hugging Esme since Sue was holding onto Jake.
"See for yourself," Kamielle answered her. We all checked to find Charlie starting to sit up.
"Whatever that sedative was, it really worked. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to use the bathroom," was all he said. I shook my head in amusement and pure solace.
My dad was okay, better than before it seemed. Sue was the first one to dash into his room. For now, I needed to rest. The past couple of days were hard on me and I'm pretty sure Eddie would really appreciate it if I ate something.
I checked on Charlie one last time before we all returned to the house to get some well needed break.
Friday, March 25, 2011
CH24: HAPPY ANNIVERSARY (part two)
Renesmee's POV
Like every party Aunt Alice planned, it began quite smoothly and cunningly. Daddy brought momma right at twilight and when we saw them approaching, we lit all the lights that we worked hard on putting up everywhere. Daddy, of course, was in on the surprises already but it pleased me to their faces brighten up, as if they totally forgot it was their anniversary.
"Happy anniversary momma!" I said, dashing straight to her.
"Thank you, baby girl," she cooed.
"Happy anniversary, daddy," I greeted tippy toeing to kiss his cheek.
"Thank you, sweetheart."
The rest of the greetings began, right on timing. We were due to perform in about an hour. In the mean time, I wanted to be with Jacob. I literally haven't seen him for months. The afternoon we spent together with Seth and my cousins wasn't enough. I mean we haven't kissed in like forever.
"Hey, you," I said coming up from behind him; he was already making his way over to the tables of food a couple feet from the DJ Booth. My uncles would alternate spinning the music.
"Oh, hey there pretty lady," he replied turning around so that his hands we snaking my waist.
He leaned down and gave me two pecks on my lips and one on my nose. I giggled and we continued making our way to the line forming around the table of delicious food my grandparents slaved over practically the whole day.
Jacob and I got our food and we sat with Seth and my cousins. We chatted about this and that, trying to distract ourselves from our nervousness. I honestly don't know why we were so twitchy. Ivee sensed that something was up so she called her dad over. Sure enough, our moods lifted and it helped untangle the nerves. Uncle Emmett and Rommel would go and carry the piano over to the middle of the dance floor right before our performance. All that Emmie had to do was help her brother set up the drums since her cello needed no tending to.
While we ate, I looked around, examining the expressions on everyone's faces. Although it was my parents' anniversary, there was no denying all the explicit love that was diffusing throughout the atmosphere tonight. Having Jacob by my side again filled me with the warmth that had been absent for quite a long time since he's been gone with his pack for a good majority of the time nowadays. And with Emmie completely oblivious to Seth's reason for being with her all time, there was no question that they truly enjoyed each other's company and that as she grew, her feelings were slowly developing for him as it did for me with Jake.
Then there was my grandparents. They held each other by the waists and would occasionally glance at all of us, probably reveling in the life that was happily theirs, with all the children and grandchildren that they could possibly want. My aunts and uncles had no shame in showing some of their affection towards each other. Apparently it was Uncle Emmett's shift to man the songs while Uncle Jasper was sitting down on one of the white benches spewed all over the back yard and he had Aunt Alice sitting on his lap, her arms tight around his neck. Under this lighting, it was as if my family had a particular luminous luster in their physical appearance, my parents having the brightest of them all, especially my mom. Maybe it was that certain "glow" pregnant women get. Whatever it was, everyone at the party seemed affected by it. I like to think of it as universal love.
Sam and Emily arrived a little late but my best guess was that she wasn't feel all too well because of her pregnancy. My mom was lucky to just have the raging mood swings. I saw Poppa greeting them and Momma coming over, thanking them for coming. I smiled when I saw Emily and my mom touching each other's bellies.
I was excited to find that the Auvril and Stephan along with their children Anne and Ethan were here as well. Ethan was 6 and Anne was 4. I was expecting them to be shy, like any other human children but it was clear they weren't. Right when they arrived, they tore away from their parents and approached us. They came a couple hours early because they wanted to help with anything they could. Of course with a full house of vampires planning a party, little to no help was needed. So instead they played video games with us for the afternoon, well more like watched. Naturally, Ethan felt more comfortable with Rommel since he was the only one physically similar to him. As for Anne, she grew attached to Ivee quite rapidly.
The Denali's were present at the party, too. At first, they used to be apprehensive when it came to parties because they knew that seeing the wolves would be inevitable but over time they became comfortable with them being here. They understood that they were basically our family now, too, and so they felt obliged to let bygones be bygones.
And then there was Kamielle. It was weird to finally meet the woman who poisoned me but had no personal intention on doing so; she was, after all, just following orders. She was really pleasant, actually. Her and Poppa were pretty close, since they were with the Volturi together. I was still eating when she approached me with daddy on her side.
"Ness, this is Kamielle," daddy said gesturing me to acknowledge her properly.
I stood up from my seat and so did Jacob. I honestly had nothing against her. She saved my life in the end so her dues were paid. Obviously for Jacob, some things are left unforgiven.
"Hi, Kamielle," I greeted her with a sincere smile. I didn't have to check why my dad let out a small growl since Jake's grip tightened around me.
"Hello, Renesmee. Oh, you don't know how ashamed I am right now. I don't deserve your kindness. It's totally okay with me if you don't speak to me for the rest of the night. In fact, I don't even mind that your mate is glaring at me right now. I deserve it," she replied, her head bowing slightly.
"So what are you doing here in the first place?" Jacob spat out before I had a chance to answer her.
"Well if you must know, I just couldn't refuse the invitation. It would've been really rude of me to not at least make an appearance and greet Edward and Bella. I may be over a 100 years old but my culture is still important to me," she answered politely.
I waited for Jake to respond again but he didn't. The daggers he was shooting towards her, however, didn't stop.
"Kamielle," I said as I managed to escape Jacob's hold and take her hands in mine.
"You don't have to be ashamed. I know that you didn't mean to poison me. We can't change the past so let's not drown in it. I've forgiven you 100%. I was actually very interested in meeting you because Momma said you were physically different than all the other vampires we've met."
Her smile was relieved, then it became amused.
"I'm so glad to hear that you've forgiven me. As for my appearance, I guess I'm the only Danag in the whole Pacific Northwest. So I'm thinking I should leave you to continue eating. Don't worry I'll be here all night; we'll talk later."
A minute later I was still standing next to a fuming boyfriend.
"Jake, cut her some slack. She was apologized and I accepted it. I'm alive now, remember, let's not relish in the past but the present and our future," I said trying to get him to calm down. I didn't want him to phase in front of everyone, especially at my parents' anniversary.
Thankfully what I said indeed calmed him down.
He heaved a big sigh and we sat back down to finish dinner. Seth and my cousins didn't seem affected by our little exchange.
Once everyone had eaten, it was time for some dancing. My mom's stomach was a little too big for her and daddy to dance close like they usually do. Thankfully Uncle Jasper was behind the DJ Booth now. Who knows what kind of song Uncle Emmett would've played for my parents' first dance.
Everyone joined in after that; the dance floor was pretty huge. Jacob and I swayed gently from side to side while my Gramma and Poppa twirled gracefully around all the guests. I found it cute how Emmie was dancing with her brother while Seth danced with Ivee, well all he had to do was carry her since she was a lot shorter than Seth was. I was too busy smiling at everyone that Jake had to catch my attention with his lips on my neck.
"I wish that smile of yours was directed at me. Maybe I should get dancing lessons from your dad huh?" he asked.
I chuckled lightly.
"Sorry, it's just that I can't help but gravitate towards everyone's happiness tonight," I replied.
"S'okay. I'm just relieved to have you in my arms again," he said as his arms tightened around my waist. "AND to see that you don't mind my two-left feet."
I laughed. "Well you're not Bella Cullen's daughter remember?" I asked.
"Hey, I heard that, missy," Momma said, appearing suddenly beside us with her arms still around daddy's neck. All he had on his face was an amused smile.
"Why don't we switch partners for a while. I'm pretty sure Nessie want's to show off her dancing skills and I know that Bella wants at least one dance with her best friend," Daddy suggested.
With that, I was in daddy's arm in one fluid movement and in the next second we were stepping and twirling all over the place.
"Hmmm.." he hummed.
"What daddy?" I asked, our surroundings a blur from our dance.
"I remember how when you were little you used to step on my shoes and I would twirl you around that way," he answered, his tone slightly dejected.
"Would you like for me to do that now?" I asked, joking.
He smirked but picked me up so that my feet were on his. I didn't mind it when daddy suddenly caught nostalgia fever. I'd never really admitted it before but I miss being really young. But it was nice to see how things always worked out in the end. Just look at how Emmie and Rommel developed and how they made Aunt Rosalie and Uncle Emmett so much happier. Ivee wasn't excluded from the additional happiness of my family either and then there was my brother who we couldn't wait to arrive.
We were well into 4 hours of partying. Our performance was a hit. Everyone applauded and we even got a standing ovation. The perfect ending to our song was the light show that Auvril helped Anne and Ethan conduct. Tonight was very well a magical night. The rest of the gifts were passed out as well. Ivee showcased her work and everyone was in awe, including me. I've seen a goood amount of her work before and they were good, but this was really extraordinary. It was almost like a photograph rather than a portrait she painted herself.
Gramma and Poppa got them a ticket to Switzerland. We don't think there are any caves filled with fertility gems there.
As for Aunt Rosalie and Uncle Emmett, they got them an intricate family tree with picture frames already hung in their places. Aunt Alice and Uncle Jasper gave them personalized stuffed animals of them. They even added the fangs and everyone laughed at that.
Lots more gifts were given, all from the Denali's, Kamielle, and the Redfords. The last gifts that were passed out were from Momma and daddy themselves. Like we all expected, my mom became overwhelmed with the crib that daddy and Poppa made for Eddie. She thanked him a million times before she gave him her gift. It was a big photo album.
She managed to recovery some pictures of daddy when he was still human. He was caught off guard entirely. If he had the ability to cry, he would've supplied enough water to cover the Sahara desert.
Tonight so magical that we didn't even notice that my Grandpa Charlie wasn't here yet when Sue was. He had to work over time tonight but he said he was going to be here an hour ago. I wasn't worried but my mom couldn't stop fidgeting.
"Love, I'm sure there's nothing to worry about. He's probably looking for a last minute anniversary gift," Daddy joked.
"I don't know; I just have a really bad feeling," Mommma answered.
The night continued on and still no Grandpa. Now I was getting worried. Leah tried to get a hold of him by calling the police station but all they said was that the officers on duty with him still haven't returned either because of a drug store being burglarized. Everyone was still dancing, having a great time with Uncle Jasper behind the booth.
And then just when the night was ending on a good note, Aunt Alice had that haze in her face.
I was dancing with Jacob when I saw her run quickly towards my mom and dad. I tore away from Jake to hear the horrid news.
"Bella, Charlie just got shot on duty."
Like every party Aunt Alice planned, it began quite smoothly and cunningly. Daddy brought momma right at twilight and when we saw them approaching, we lit all the lights that we worked hard on putting up everywhere. Daddy, of course, was in on the surprises already but it pleased me to their faces brighten up, as if they totally forgot it was their anniversary.
"Happy anniversary momma!" I said, dashing straight to her.
"Thank you, baby girl," she cooed.
"Happy anniversary, daddy," I greeted tippy toeing to kiss his cheek.
"Thank you, sweetheart."
The rest of the greetings began, right on timing. We were due to perform in about an hour. In the mean time, I wanted to be with Jacob. I literally haven't seen him for months. The afternoon we spent together with Seth and my cousins wasn't enough. I mean we haven't kissed in like forever.
"Hey, you," I said coming up from behind him; he was already making his way over to the tables of food a couple feet from the DJ Booth. My uncles would alternate spinning the music.
"Oh, hey there pretty lady," he replied turning around so that his hands we snaking my waist.
He leaned down and gave me two pecks on my lips and one on my nose. I giggled and we continued making our way to the line forming around the table of delicious food my grandparents slaved over practically the whole day.
Jacob and I got our food and we sat with Seth and my cousins. We chatted about this and that, trying to distract ourselves from our nervousness. I honestly don't know why we were so twitchy. Ivee sensed that something was up so she called her dad over. Sure enough, our moods lifted and it helped untangle the nerves. Uncle Emmett and Rommel would go and carry the piano over to the middle of the dance floor right before our performance. All that Emmie had to do was help her brother set up the drums since her cello needed no tending to.
While we ate, I looked around, examining the expressions on everyone's faces. Although it was my parents' anniversary, there was no denying all the explicit love that was diffusing throughout the atmosphere tonight. Having Jacob by my side again filled me with the warmth that had been absent for quite a long time since he's been gone with his pack for a good majority of the time nowadays. And with Emmie completely oblivious to Seth's reason for being with her all time, there was no question that they truly enjoyed each other's company and that as she grew, her feelings were slowly developing for him as it did for me with Jake.
Then there was my grandparents. They held each other by the waists and would occasionally glance at all of us, probably reveling in the life that was happily theirs, with all the children and grandchildren that they could possibly want. My aunts and uncles had no shame in showing some of their affection towards each other. Apparently it was Uncle Emmett's shift to man the songs while Uncle Jasper was sitting down on one of the white benches spewed all over the back yard and he had Aunt Alice sitting on his lap, her arms tight around his neck. Under this lighting, it was as if my family had a particular luminous luster in their physical appearance, my parents having the brightest of them all, especially my mom. Maybe it was that certain "glow" pregnant women get. Whatever it was, everyone at the party seemed affected by it. I like to think of it as universal love.
Sam and Emily arrived a little late but my best guess was that she wasn't feel all too well because of her pregnancy. My mom was lucky to just have the raging mood swings. I saw Poppa greeting them and Momma coming over, thanking them for coming. I smiled when I saw Emily and my mom touching each other's bellies.
I was excited to find that the Auvril and Stephan along with their children Anne and Ethan were here as well. Ethan was 6 and Anne was 4. I was expecting them to be shy, like any other human children but it was clear they weren't. Right when they arrived, they tore away from their parents and approached us. They came a couple hours early because they wanted to help with anything they could. Of course with a full house of vampires planning a party, little to no help was needed. So instead they played video games with us for the afternoon, well more like watched. Naturally, Ethan felt more comfortable with Rommel since he was the only one physically similar to him. As for Anne, she grew attached to Ivee quite rapidly.
The Denali's were present at the party, too. At first, they used to be apprehensive when it came to parties because they knew that seeing the wolves would be inevitable but over time they became comfortable with them being here. They understood that they were basically our family now, too, and so they felt obliged to let bygones be bygones.
And then there was Kamielle. It was weird to finally meet the woman who poisoned me but had no personal intention on doing so; she was, after all, just following orders. She was really pleasant, actually. Her and Poppa were pretty close, since they were with the Volturi together. I was still eating when she approached me with daddy on her side.
"Ness, this is Kamielle," daddy said gesturing me to acknowledge her properly.
I stood up from my seat and so did Jacob. I honestly had nothing against her. She saved my life in the end so her dues were paid. Obviously for Jacob, some things are left unforgiven.
"Hi, Kamielle," I greeted her with a sincere smile. I didn't have to check why my dad let out a small growl since Jake's grip tightened around me.
"Hello, Renesmee. Oh, you don't know how ashamed I am right now. I don't deserve your kindness. It's totally okay with me if you don't speak to me for the rest of the night. In fact, I don't even mind that your mate is glaring at me right now. I deserve it," she replied, her head bowing slightly.
"So what are you doing here in the first place?" Jacob spat out before I had a chance to answer her.
"Well if you must know, I just couldn't refuse the invitation. It would've been really rude of me to not at least make an appearance and greet Edward and Bella. I may be over a 100 years old but my culture is still important to me," she answered politely.
I waited for Jake to respond again but he didn't. The daggers he was shooting towards her, however, didn't stop.
"Kamielle," I said as I managed to escape Jacob's hold and take her hands in mine.
"You don't have to be ashamed. I know that you didn't mean to poison me. We can't change the past so let's not drown in it. I've forgiven you 100%. I was actually very interested in meeting you because Momma said you were physically different than all the other vampires we've met."
Her smile was relieved, then it became amused.
"I'm so glad to hear that you've forgiven me. As for my appearance, I guess I'm the only Danag in the whole Pacific Northwest. So I'm thinking I should leave you to continue eating. Don't worry I'll be here all night; we'll talk later."
A minute later I was still standing next to a fuming boyfriend.
"Jake, cut her some slack. She was apologized and I accepted it. I'm alive now, remember, let's not relish in the past but the present and our future," I said trying to get him to calm down. I didn't want him to phase in front of everyone, especially at my parents' anniversary.
Thankfully what I said indeed calmed him down.
He heaved a big sigh and we sat back down to finish dinner. Seth and my cousins didn't seem affected by our little exchange.
Once everyone had eaten, it was time for some dancing. My mom's stomach was a little too big for her and daddy to dance close like they usually do. Thankfully Uncle Jasper was behind the DJ Booth now. Who knows what kind of song Uncle Emmett would've played for my parents' first dance.
Everyone joined in after that; the dance floor was pretty huge. Jacob and I swayed gently from side to side while my Gramma and Poppa twirled gracefully around all the guests. I found it cute how Emmie was dancing with her brother while Seth danced with Ivee, well all he had to do was carry her since she was a lot shorter than Seth was. I was too busy smiling at everyone that Jake had to catch my attention with his lips on my neck.
"I wish that smile of yours was directed at me. Maybe I should get dancing lessons from your dad huh?" he asked.
I chuckled lightly.
"Sorry, it's just that I can't help but gravitate towards everyone's happiness tonight," I replied.
"S'okay. I'm just relieved to have you in my arms again," he said as his arms tightened around my waist. "AND to see that you don't mind my two-left feet."
I laughed. "Well you're not Bella Cullen's daughter remember?" I asked.
"Hey, I heard that, missy," Momma said, appearing suddenly beside us with her arms still around daddy's neck. All he had on his face was an amused smile.
"Why don't we switch partners for a while. I'm pretty sure Nessie want's to show off her dancing skills and I know that Bella wants at least one dance with her best friend," Daddy suggested.
With that, I was in daddy's arm in one fluid movement and in the next second we were stepping and twirling all over the place.
"Hmmm.." he hummed.
"What daddy?" I asked, our surroundings a blur from our dance.
"I remember how when you were little you used to step on my shoes and I would twirl you around that way," he answered, his tone slightly dejected.
"Would you like for me to do that now?" I asked, joking.
He smirked but picked me up so that my feet were on his. I didn't mind it when daddy suddenly caught nostalgia fever. I'd never really admitted it before but I miss being really young. But it was nice to see how things always worked out in the end. Just look at how Emmie and Rommel developed and how they made Aunt Rosalie and Uncle Emmett so much happier. Ivee wasn't excluded from the additional happiness of my family either and then there was my brother who we couldn't wait to arrive.
We were well into 4 hours of partying. Our performance was a hit. Everyone applauded and we even got a standing ovation. The perfect ending to our song was the light show that Auvril helped Anne and Ethan conduct. Tonight was very well a magical night. The rest of the gifts were passed out as well. Ivee showcased her work and everyone was in awe, including me. I've seen a goood amount of her work before and they were good, but this was really extraordinary. It was almost like a photograph rather than a portrait she painted herself.
Gramma and Poppa got them a ticket to Switzerland. We don't think there are any caves filled with fertility gems there.
As for Aunt Rosalie and Uncle Emmett, they got them an intricate family tree with picture frames already hung in their places. Aunt Alice and Uncle Jasper gave them personalized stuffed animals of them. They even added the fangs and everyone laughed at that.
Lots more gifts were given, all from the Denali's, Kamielle, and the Redfords. The last gifts that were passed out were from Momma and daddy themselves. Like we all expected, my mom became overwhelmed with the crib that daddy and Poppa made for Eddie. She thanked him a million times before she gave him her gift. It was a big photo album.
She managed to recovery some pictures of daddy when he was still human. He was caught off guard entirely. If he had the ability to cry, he would've supplied enough water to cover the Sahara desert.
Tonight so magical that we didn't even notice that my Grandpa Charlie wasn't here yet when Sue was. He had to work over time tonight but he said he was going to be here an hour ago. I wasn't worried but my mom couldn't stop fidgeting.
"Love, I'm sure there's nothing to worry about. He's probably looking for a last minute anniversary gift," Daddy joked.
"I don't know; I just have a really bad feeling," Mommma answered.
The night continued on and still no Grandpa. Now I was getting worried. Leah tried to get a hold of him by calling the police station but all they said was that the officers on duty with him still haven't returned either because of a drug store being burglarized. Everyone was still dancing, having a great time with Uncle Jasper behind the booth.
And then just when the night was ending on a good note, Aunt Alice had that haze in her face.
I was dancing with Jacob when I saw her run quickly towards my mom and dad. I tore away from Jake to hear the horrid news.
"Bella, Charlie just got shot on duty."
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