Repentance - Chapter 27

CHAPTER 27:


The following morning Edward and I sat down with Masen and told him he was going to have a little sister.

“Like Emmie?” he asked, referring to Rose and Emmett’s daughter.

“Yes, just like Emmie,” Edward responded.

Masen’s eyes grew wide and he smiled. “Where is she?”

“She’s in mommy’s tummy. She has to grow and she’ll be ready to come out in a few months.”

Masen looked disgusted and I had to laugh. We showed him the ultrasound pictures. Masen poked and prodded at my baby bump before becoming uninterested and running off to play with his toys. We shared our news with Edward’s parents at breakfast.

“I knew it!” Esme beamed.

Carlisle laughed and nodded at Esme.

Edward and I looked at each other suspiciously.

“How did you know?” Edward asked.

“Because it’s obvious Bella has gained a little bit of weight and she’s got a healthy appetite! I’ve suspected it for a few weeks now, but I wanted you all to tell us in your own time.”

“It’s a girl,” I said shyly as I passed the ultrasound photos across the table.

Esme and Carlisle looked them over closely and talked about how they couldn’t believe they were going to be grandparents of three.

Esme beamed and reached across the table and took my hand. “Edward, Bella, we really are so happy for both of you.”

“Thank you. It was a bit of a shock, especially with everything else going on, but we are adjusting.”

Esme and Carlisle didn’t like to talk about Edward as he relates to the fraternity or James. Edward kept them informed, but it was obvious they felt deep regret and shame for what Edward had done and the people he had associated himself with.

Carlisle changed the subject as we finished breakfast. All I wanted to do anymore was eat and sleep. Carlisle and Esme were going into town to run errands and get groceries for Thanksgiving dinner and they took Masen with them to give Edward and I some time alone.

As soon as they were gone Edward started rambling off plans as we both sat down on the couch.

“So, I was thinking...” he started. “I get the cast off next week and I’m coming back to Seattle.”

“What?” I asked, shocked. “What about all your physical therapy? How will you get to your appointments?”

“Emmett said he would help me. He will adjust his schedule around me.”

Don’t get me wrong, I wanted Edward home. I wanted normalcy in our lives again but I wasn’t sure it was right to let someone else interrupt their life for him. “Edward, that’s not fair to Rose and the baby. Emmett shouldn’t have to rearrange his work schedule to meet your needs.”

Edward squeezed his eyes tightly closed and pinched the bridge of his nose while he took a deep breath. He was angry. “Bella, will you please just not fight me on this one thing. Please? For God sakes, I cannot be away from you and Masen any longer. I can’t. Please understand.”

“I just hate to burden other people with our problems,” I said quietly.

“It’s not a burden. I offered to keep Emmalie for them one night each weekend until my physical therapy was concluded so they could have a date night.”

“Oh, I see.” If I were being perfectly honest with myself, I was scared to have Edward back home. I was afraid of him being home alone all day by himself. I feared I would come home to him on the floor, in a pool of blood like I did a couple of months ago. I could never get those images out of my mind and even dreamt about them lately. My nightmares had really been haunting me lately, but I hadn’t told Edward about them.

“Don’t you want me to come home?” he asked quietly, unsure of himself.

My heart ached. I looked up at him quickly and reached over and grabbed his hand. “Of course I want you home, but I also want what is best for your recovery.”

He looked me directly in the eyes and I felt like he could see right through me. “Bella, you and Masen are what is best for my recovery.”

“Okay,” I agreed. “Come home.”

Edward grinned from ear to ear and tenderly brushed his lips against mine. “I promise I won’t be a burden. I’ll help out as much as I can.”

“Edward, you’re not a burden to me.”

“I know, I just don’t want you to feel stressed out about taking care of me, Masen, and yourself.”

“I’ll be okay.”

Edward kissed me again before we laid down on the couch and took a nap.

***

Emmett, Rosalie and Emmalie arrived later that day along with a few other guests invited by the Cullens, including Nanna Cullen. Rose and I had been helping Esme in the kitchen with Thanksgiving dinner. I noted that there was no help staff here this time. Esme was doing everything on her own. I also definitely took notice that Tanya and her family weren’t here. I knew her parents were really close friends of the Cullens and I felt bad that they hadn’t invited them because of me.

I caught Esme momentarily alone in the dining room as she was beginning to set the large table.

“Esme, are the Denali’s coming? I feel terrible that you feel like you couldn’t invite them...” I trailed off.

“Oh, Bella, a lot has changed since last year.” Esme looked down and distant for a moment. “They’re not welcome here anymore.” She changed the subject quickly before I could ask questions. “Could you go grab the cloth napkins from the kitchen?”

“Sure.” I went back to the kitchen, slightly confused. I made a mental note to ask Edward about it later. He was sprawled out in the floor in the living room playing with Masen and Emmalie.

About half an hour before dinner was served, I could tell something was up. Edward and the Cullens were acting kind of strange. They would whisper to each other and look at me. I was definitely out of the loop, but I wasn’t sure what I was missing.

I heard the door bell ring and I wondered who else was arriving. Carlisle met me in the foyer and put his arm around my shoulder. “Bella, I had a heart to heart with your father about Edward. It’s not easy for him, but he’s here for you. I hope you don’t mind.”

My eyes grew wide and instantly filled with tears. “Charlie’s here?” I asked.

Carlisle nodded and gently pushed me towards the front door. I swung it open quickly. It had been a while since I’d seen my father. I missed him. I missed the comfortable silence we shared. I missed knowing he was okay in Forks with out me. “Dad!” I beamed.

“Bells!” He gave me a big smile and a hug. I threw my arms around his neck. “I’m so glad you’re here.” He held me tightly for a moment. Charlie and I didn’t always see eye to eye about things, but with the hell I had been through lately, all I wanted was my dad to tell me everything would be okay.

Charlie finally let me go and we turned to go back into the house. We had gathered a crowd in the foyer, all watching our exchange with smiling faces.

“Papa!” Masen screamed and clapped his hands. Edward was holding Masen and he put him down so Masen could go to Charlie. Edward came to me, wrapping his arm around my waist and kissing my forehead. “Happy Thanksgiving, baby.” I smiled and buried my face in his chest as I watched Charlie and Masen’s exchange. Seeing Charlie again nearly brought Masen, and myself, to tears. I made a mental note to visit Charlie more often.

After the crowd dispersed Charlie and I were alone in the foyer. “You look different, Bells.”

Oh. I hadn’t told him. I’m sure there would be an announcement at dinner. I decided I should be the one to tell him, now. “Oh, Dad.” I took a deep breath. “Please, don’t be upset.”

Charlie gave me a strange look. “About what?” he asked.

“Dad, I’m pregnant. Edward and I are having another baby.”

His eyes grew large and he inhaled a deep breath. Before he could speak, I cut him off. “It’s a girl, Dad. I’m having a little girl.” I placed my hand over my lower stomach, making the loose fabric of my shirt cling to my baby bump.

Charlie stood there with his mouth gaping open. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I was going to. We hadn’t told many people. We just told Esme and Carlisle this morning. I only told Edward a few weeks ago. I guess I was just scared.”

Much to my surprise, Charlie pulled me towards him and embraced me in a hug. Tears sprung to my eyes and I looked up into his big brown eyes that matched my own. “You’re not mad?” I asked.

“Are you happy, Bella?”

I nodded my head furiously.

“Then I’m not mad,” he responded.

I squeezed him tightly. “Thanks, Daddy!” I kissed his cheek briefly before bouncing off to find Edward.

I found him and he hobbled into the library with me. “Were you crying?” he asked. “What’s wrong?”

I flung my arms around his neck, nearly knocking him over. He backed up to lean against a bookshelf because he still couldn’t stand on his own with out the crutches, that had since fallen to the floor. His arms wrapped around me.

“Bella, are you happy or upset? I can’t tell. Talk to me.”

I giggled and pulled back to look at him. “I told Charlie about the baby. He’s not mad. He said if I was happy, then he was happy,” I beamed. I was so nervous about telling Charlie. I don’t know what Carlisle said to him, but it worked.

Edward smiled wildly and kissed me. “See, you didn’t have anything to be worried about.”

I grinned up at Edward. I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off of me. My dad was becoming more accepting of my situation with Edward and Edward was coming home. “I’m so happy,” I squealed as I felt more tears spring up in my eyes, “and apparently emotional,” I laughed.

Edward laughed too. “I love you.”

I kissed him again briefly before we rejoined everyone for dinner.

It was the best Thanksgiving I ever remember having. Ever. Edward and I made our announcement, and with the exception of Emmett, everyone had expected it. Emmett was always on his own little planet. Rose was really excited that we were having a girl. She went on and on about all the things she could give us that Emmalie had grown out of. Everyone laughed and smiled and gave thanks, especially me. So much had changed in the last year and I had trouble letting it all sink in. Last year, this was the most uncomfortable situation I’d ever been in, at this very table. And now, this was my family.

I caught Charlie looking at me frequently and smiling. He didn’t want to admit it, but he was excited about having a granddaughter to spoil.

It was hard to watch Charlie leave that night, but he promised he’d be back for Christmas, and he would come baring gifts for both of his grandchildren.

Edward and I had put Masen down early and found ourselves alone and bored in his room. I was so happy and excited I couldn’t stand it. I couldn’t wait to have him home and to meet our daughter. I refused to let thoughts of James enter my mind. I just wanted to savor the good feelings. Edward and I made a couple of lame attempts at making love that night. It wasn’t easy with a full length cast on his leg. He couldn’t really move and that cast was horribly uncomfortable against my skin. We eventually managed, and had a few good laughs in the process.

Later that weekend when I was getting our stuff together to leave, we were updated by one of the detectives at the local police department. Apparently a passer by obtained the tag number of the blue car that ran me off the road and provided it to police. It wasn’t owned by James. In fact, detectives in Portland spoke with detectives in Seattle who paid James a visit the same night the accident occurred. He was in Seattle, and he had an alibi. They questioned the owner of the vehicle who said he had been in the area on the day of the accident, but wasn’t aware he ran anyone off the road. He said he had swerved to miss an animal, but never saw another car.

I didn’t buy it. I was so sure it was James. Maybe I am crazy. Either way, I didn’t have a way back to Seattle. Edward wanted to go right out and buy another car so I could take it back to Seattle, but the more we talked about it, we decided to wait until he got home. We figured we needed a larger, more family oriented, vehicle since the little one was on the way.

Esme agreed to drive Masen and I back to Seattle. I hated to be such an inconvenience to her, but she said she didn’t mind. Edward wanted to come along for the ride, but I knew it wouldn’t be comfortable for him sitting like that for so long, so I insisted he stay behind.

“We’ll be fine. I promise. You’re mom will get us there safely.”

Edward sighed and nodded his head. “I get the cast off on Wednesday and I’ll be there on Thursday, okay?” He cupped my face in his hands.

I nodded. “Okay.”

Edward leaned down and kissed me. It was slow, and sweet and full of need. When he tried to pull away, I followed after him, not quite ready to let him go.

“We better get going, dear. I’d like to be home before dark,” Esme interrupted.

I stopped kissing Edward and planted my feet back firmly on the floor. I sighed at the loss of contact.

He kissed me again briefly. “I love you. Be careful. Call me when you get there.”

“I will. I love you, too.”

Edward said goodbye to Masen and we made our way to the car to head back home.

**CHAPTER 28 - CLICK HERE**

Repentance - Chapter 26

CHAPTER 26:

I went straight from home to work. It was a busy day. We would be working with the state prosecutor during the trial with James, but I did speak with one of the attorneys at work who was familiar with James’ father. He said he rarely looses. He always finds loopholes and that Edward and I likely have a big battle ahead of us.

It was discouraging news to say the least, but as long as Edward and our children were safe, I really didn’t care. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I wanted him behind bars for a very long time. I just wanted my family to be safe.

I barely remembered to call Edward on the way to class as I was consumed with making sure my mid-term paper was perfect. I called him as I walked across campus to the building. Our discussion ended just as I entered the classroom, and that’s when I nearly started screaming.

James was in his usual seat in the front row. He hadn’t been in class in nearly two months and now he’s just back like nothing happened? I looked from him to the professor, who didn’t seem to care, and back again. James definitely looked different. The attorney at work was right, this was going to be hard. James cut all his hair off and had a respectable shorter cut. He was dressed very nicely and looked like a typical college kid. Nobody would ever suspect him of what he did. I was frozen. I couldn’t move. I didn’t know whether I should run out the door I came in, or go to my seat.

When I finally determined that he couldn’t hurt me in front of all of our classmates, I took a seat in the back of the room, farthest from him.

I had to really try to pay attention in class and fortunately it let out a early since we really just had to turn in our mid-terms and then we were on Thanksgiving break.

I made sure I was the last one in the classroom and the door was closed. James left the room and didn’t even look in my direction. I rushed to the front of the room before the Professor left.

“Professor Arnold? Can I talk to you for just a second?”

The old man slowly looked my direction. “Sure, Bella. What can I help you with?”

“Well, I was just wondering...you know James hasn’t been in class for nearly two months, and now he can just come back and pick up where he left off?”

“Well, Ms. Swan, not that it is any of your business, but James had a family emergency that he told me about nearly two months ago. He’s been doing assignments via correspondence.”

I couldn’t believe what he was saying. “Are you serious? Do you even watch the news? He has had a warrant out for his arrest for the past two months. He’s only back because he got caught. He nearly raped me and he tried to kill my boyfriend!” I screamed at him.

The Professor looked at me like I was crazy. “I’m sorry to hear that Ms. Swan. It must be awfully troubling for you to be in the same class with him.”

I nodded my head.

“I’ll tell you what. I can’t very well kick him out of class. His father is a well respected alumni and one of the largest financial contributors. How about I allow you to complete the course via correspondence? We can meet twice a month in my office to go over any questions you might have and I’ll email you an audio of my lectures. Will that ease your nerves, Bella?”

I took a deep breath and exhaled it. How could this really be happening? “Yes, that will help me. Thank you.”

I turned around and left the room before I broke down into tears. I kept my eyes open and when I got to the exit of the building and saw that it was dark and rainy outside, a million emotions and memories flooded my mind. I had to call Edward.

“Hello?”

“Will you stay on the phone with me until I get to my car?” I said through my tears and uneasy breaths.

“Of course. Bella, what’s wrong? Why are you so upset?”

“He’s here,” I barely choked out. “James. He was in class tonight.”

“What?” Edward nearly screamed. “Are you kidding me? How was he not dropped? He hasn’t been there in two months!”

“I’ll explain later,”I said, concentrating on my footsteps and the faces around me.

“Did he bother you? Did he hurt you?”

“No. He didn’t do anything. He didn’t even wait for me to leave. He looks all cleaned up now.”

I could hear Edward crushing a soda, or beer, can in the palm of his hand and tossing it across the room. He was angry. “Damn it, Bella!” He yelled. I cannot deal with this shit! I cannot deal with being here and you being there. I can’t!”

I sighed and got safely into Edward’s car. I didn’t respond to his yelling. I started the car.

“Don’t go straight home. Drive around in circles, make sure nobody is following you. He can’t find out where we live.”

“Okay,” I choked out.

I stayed on the phone with Edward until I got back to our apartment and I assured him that after I spoke with Alice, I would call him back.

I had a nervous breakdown with Alice. I was so emotional lately. I was grateful Masen was already in bed and missed me being emotionally unstable.

Alice insisted on staying the night and then Jasper insisted on staying the night if Alice was staying the night.

I got them settled on the pull out sofa, checked on Masen, and called Edward again before going to bed. It seemed like he would rest easier knowing that Alice and Jasper were here. I knew I certainly would.

***

Wednesday evening finally arrived without incident and Masen and I were getting our things together to go see Edward. Masen was so excited to get to go see his Daddy. Masen’s favorite part of visiting Edward was drawing pictures on Edward’s cast. Masen always made sure to bring his markers.

As we headed out in a hurry, I nearly forgot the envelope, containing the sex of the baby, I had stuck on the fridge. I would’ve been so upset to have left it behind.

In just under three hours we were nearly to Portland, just outside of the secluded Cullen home. I didn’t particularly care for driving up the steep terrain to the house nestled on a few sprawling acres cleared out in the middle of the woods. Masen was sound asleep in the back seat. I was on the phone with Edward, talking about nothing specific, when it happened.

I was coming around a sharp curve in the road when I saw a blue car coming towards me. If I wasn’t so emotionally unstable, I would’ve sworn it was James driving the car. I even gasped when I saw him.

“Bella?” Edward asked, but I ignored him. It was like everything was happening in slow motion.

James was looking right at me and he was driving on my side of the road. I tried to steer to the left but he blocked me. I had no choice but to go right. I looked to my right quickly and saw the city hundreds of feet below the steep cliff we were on.

Edward was screaming at me and I couldn’t make words come out of my mouth. I was paralyzed in fear. I slammed on the brakes and prepared for the impact if James hit us, but I don’t think he did, instead, the car fish tailed and slid off the road to the right. As the car spun around and descended down the incline on the right side of the road, I saw James return to his lane of travel and never look back.

I screamed, fearing that the car would go all the way down the cliff and kill all of us. Just as I looked back at Masen, who was quiet, but with wide, terrified eyes, I felt the impact. It was hard and jolting. We weren’t moving anymore. We were still alive and I could see the road about 50 feet ahead of us. I looked through the back windshield. We hit a tree. Thank God. I took a deep a breath and Masen and I began crying at the same time.

I could hear Edward screaming through the phone, but I dropped it upon impact and couldn’t find it and was afraid to move because I wasn’t sure how stable we were.

“Edward! Stop yelling!” I finally screamed through my tears. “I can’t find the phone. I’m afraid to move. We had an accident. I think we’re on the side of a cliff. A tree stopped us.”

“Where are you?” he yelled.

“Maybe a mile from your house, at the big curve in the road. Someone ran me off the road. I swear it was James.”

“Are you okay? Is Masen okay?”

“I think we’re okay, just shaken up.”

Edward took a deep breath and exhaled it into the phone. “My parents and I are on our way. We’re calling the police. Don’t move until someone gets there and tells you it’s okay.”

“Okay,” I agreed. I stopped him before he hung up. “Edward? I love you.”

“I love you too, baby.”

Edward hung up the phone and I tried to get Masen to calm down without much luck. It seemed like hours, but it was likely only minutes before I heard sirens and rescue teams converged on the side of the cliff, trying to figure out a way to get us safely from the car.

I could see Edward and his family at the top of the cliff, near the road. Edward was doing better on his crutches.

I learned early on that I wasn’t going to have a problem getting out. The problem was getting Masen out.

They were afraid the car would move too much if I got out first and potentially send it falling down the cliff. I refused to get out first. I wanted Masen to go first. They didn’t know how to get him out. Someone would have to pry my door open and I would have to get out so they could get in the backseat. The passenger side door was smashed and partially against the tree. Masen could only get out through my door.

After what seemed like hours of debate, they finally decided they would try to get Masen through the busted back windshield, if they could coax him out of his car seat.

I tried to tell Masen how to undo his safety belt but his little fingers weren’t strong enough. Not to mention he was afraid to get out of his car seat.

That plan was scratched. The next plan was to secure the car in some way to prevent it from going down the cliff when we got out. The carefully pried the hood open and put a rope down through the hood and secured it tightly. Four firefighters held the other end of the rope. I wasn’t really sure that was going to work, but I was past ready to be out of that car. Not to mention I was starving and I really had to pee.

I struggled to reach back and undo Masen’s safety buckle. The car creaked a little bit, but didn’t seem like it moved. Once I had the safety buckle undone I had to convince Masen to climb into the front seat with me. He was scared and reluctant but when he heard Edward yelling words of encouragement from the top of the cliff, he obliged.

I felt a million times better once Masen had crawled safely into my lap. I held him tightly to me for a moment before people began yelling at us to get out of the car. The tree was the cracking sound I had heard. It was about to fall over and no longer play door stop to the car.

The firefighters pried the driver’s side door open and helped us out quickly. It was a steep and dangerous walk back to the top of the cliff. Masen went up with a firefighter and I was shortly behind him with the help of another firefighter.

I was crying by the time I made it to the top and saw Masen safe in Edward’s arms. Edward was leaning against a fire truck with his crutches near by and I practically fell into him.

“Are you okay?” he asked softly as he ran his hands through my hair and I buried my face in his chest.

I nodded my head. “I just want to go home.”

“You have to give a statement to the police about what happened, and then we can go.” He kissed the top of my head.

I gasped suddenly, realizing my purse, and my beloved envelope was still in the car. I turned around and headed back down the cliff. “Wait!” I screamed.

Edward was yelling after me and a firefighter stopped me from getting any further. “I have to get my purse.” I pleaded with him. I’ll be damned if I was going to wait any longer to find out the gender of our baby.

The firefighter wouldn’t let me go any farther, but one closer to the car was able to reach in through the window and get it and my phone. They secured the car and were going to move it back to the top of the cliff. There were homes along the mountain side below and they didn’t want it to do any further damage. I clung to my purse and went back to where the police officers were so I could give my statement. I gave them a description of the car and that I thought it was James driving.

~

Nearly an hour later we were in the safety of Mr. and Mrs. Cullen’s home.

Masen was asleep when we arrived and we put him down in the guest room next to the room Edward was staying in.

When we were finally alone, I broke down and clung to Edward. It felt so good to be in his arms again.

He rubbed my back and soothed me.

“I’m sorry about your car,” I cried.

Edward nearly laughed. “It doesn’t matter, Bella. You’re alive. That’s all I care about. Are you sure you feel okay? The baby is okay?”

I nodded my head. “I think so. I think I’m fine. I was just scared.” I collected myself a little bit. “Speaking of the baby; are you ready to find out?” I asked.

Edward smiled. “Yes, I’m ready.”

I grinned and found the now crumpled envelope in my purse. I slowly tore the seal open and handed it to Edward. “You read it.”

“Are you sure?” he asked.

I nodded. “Go ahead!”

Edward slipped the yellow post it note from the envelope and his face lit up. “It’s a girl!” he exclaimed.

“Really?” I asked, excited, as I grabbed the paper from his hand to make sure it said that.

“Oh my gosh! We’re having a little girl!”

Edward laughed and pulled me into his chest, kissing the top of my head. “I can’t wait to meet her. I can’t wait to spoil her. She’s going to be beautiful. She’s going to be just like you.”

I leaned up and kissed his jawline because it’s all I could reach. “I love you, Edward.”

Edward grinned from ear to ear. “I love you.” He put his hand over my baby bump, “...and her.”

I smiled and leaned up, kissing him briefly before I begged for a nap. He obliged, and held me as I slept.



***Author’s Note: Sorry this chapter was a little short, but there’s more coming soon! Again, thank all for the numerous wonderful reviews. And a special thanks to those of you who are recommending the story a lot! Especially on the Twilight Fanfic Addicts Facebook page! Speaking of which, I have a FanFic Facebook page now, as I have to keep it separate from my personal one, but feel free to add me! Just search my email address which is AllOrNothingKR at g mail. <3


**CHAPTER 27 - CLICK HERE **