Breathe In Union
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 25
Fear gripped her as she sat, staring at the small, white, innocuous looking stick sitting on the bathroom counter in Alice's attached bath.
'Who knew such a tiny piece of plastic held such power? The power to bring unimaginable joy for some; for others, the power to devastate.' she thought as she, once again, glanced at the time on her phone. She blew out a breath.
Two more minutes to go…
The question in her mind was, which outcome would it bring for her? Perhaps both? 'Yes,' she thought, for she couldn't fathom not gaining joy from a child conceived through the love she and Paul shared. But then…they were so young—too young, and the upcoming war…not to mention Paul's misgivings… Yes, the potential for devastation was very real too.
A tear rolled down her cheek just as the alarm went off on her phone. Mechanically, she cancelled it and closed her eyes as she reached for the stick. Holding it in front of herself, she slowly opened her eyes as that lone tear dripped from her chin…
'Positive.'
The word echoed through her thoughts like a shot in a deep canyon. It was all she could process through her shock at having her fears confirmed…
'Positive.'
She felt cold, numb and somewhere off in the distance she heard voices and…was that knocking? Her breaths accelerated to an unhealthy level as the numbness increased and then…then the distant noises didn't seem to matter any more.
"Bella?" Alice knocked again at not receiving an answer. "Bella?!" She heard the sound of her friend's heart speed up along with her breaths and now she was worried. She knew, with the time Bella'd been in there, her friend should have had the results by now. "Bella? Come on sweetie, open the door…"
Carlisle and Esme walked in and Carlisle laid a hand on Alice's shoulder. "She's panicking Alice. I can hear it." He glanced at his wife. "Is Jasper home yet? Perhaps you should get him."
Esme nodded and left the room.
Alice rubbed her forehead and looked at Carlisle. "Should we break the lock?"
"Yes, I think that's best." He grasped the handle and it gave with a quick twist and a snap. He entered and gathered a panicking, unresponsive Bella into his arms. Walking out, he laid her on Alice's bed just as Esme entered the room with his bag. "Thank you sweetheart," he said with a smile as he took a seat next to Bella. He assessed her quickly, his vampire senses picking up the information in seconds. "She'll be fine. She's merely having a panic attack."
"Jasper should be here any time. He was hunting after school and is changing his clothes," Esme told them.
Just then, Jasper walked in and stared at a panting, wide-eyed Bella. She was curled onto her side and her hands looked like they were cramping. "Damn," he muttered while reaching out with his gift. In seconds, her body relaxed, her eyes fluttered shut and her breaths calmed as she slipped into sleep.
Carlisle smiled and shook his head. "We could really use you at the hospital Jasper. You're the best anti-anxiety medication on the planet. "
Jasper winked at his smiling wife. "Never thought I'd see the day I eased a human's anxiety Carlisle. Spent a hundred years causin' it though."
"Don't sell yourself short Jasper. You could do a lot of good with your gift," Carlisle told him with a smile as he closed up his bag.
"Me in a hospital…" he muttered dryly with a cocked brow. "Not likely old man."
"What happened to her Carlisle?" Alice cut in.
He sighed. "Well, I suspect if you go look at the test she dropped on the floor, you'll see. Something made her panic." He looked back at the girl on the bed. "I can't hear a fetal heartbeat yet, but I suspect the test was positive."
Alice walked back in with a wave of the white plastic stick. "It's positive," she affirmed as she set it on the bedside table.
Jasper leaned against the wall by the door and crossed his arms. "Hate to break up the party, but I'm thinkin' we're gonna be having a visit from a panicked alpha wolf here in a bit. They're soul bonded and it's strong—strongest I've ever felt. He ain't gonna be happy when he tracks her down. Not after feelin' this little episode."
Alice's eyes went wide. "Shit. We left school early to do this, but it's taken much longer than we thought it would." She glanced at the time. "Oh god…" She looked around at her family members with a worried expression. "Jacob's been waiting for twenty minutes at least…"
Jasper shook his head. "I suggest ya get on your phone to her mate Carlisle."
Carlisle took out his phone and scrolled through the contacts. "I don't have Paul Lahote's number."
"Then the pack Alpha, 'cause I'm tellin' ya, if you don't head him off, he's gonna show up with both barrels blazin', so to speak." He met Carlisle's gaze, and Carlisle worked to repress a shudder at the look in Jasper's eyes. "He was playin' with Edward the night he tore the hell outta him. I respect the boy. I've seen his wolf when he means business… I'd hate to hav'ta fight him, but I will if I have to."
Carlisle nodded gravely. "Noted," he said as he scrolled through to Sam's number and tapped connect.
~o0o~
Jacob sighed again and leaned against his bike. "Come on Bella," he grumbled, yet again taking a quick glance at his watch. "What's taking you?"
He'd been sitting here, waiting, for twenty minutes now, watching as the parking lot slowly emptied after school until here he sat, the only one left besides the jocks who'd stayed for practice.
He went back to playing angry birds on his phone when the thing vibrated. "Yo," he answered in a bored tone.
"You have Bella?"
He sighed. "No man, and I've been sitting here in this par…"
"Where is she?!" Paul barked.
Jacob scowled at his phone before answering. "Inside I guess. How would I…"
A deep growl cut him off. "Something's wrong and she's not answering her phone."
Jake's eyes widened. "I'll go in and look for her, but Paul, you know what Charl…"
"Fuck what Charlie said! Something's wrong and I'm gonna find her."
The call disconnected and Jacob pocketed the phone. "Shit," he muttered before jogging up to the school. "Bella, you better be in there…" he muttered before slipping inside.
~o0o~
"Paul, come on! She's at school and Black is there with her. She probably had to stay late for a test or something…"
Paul shrugged off his brother's hold as he grabbed his keys and headed for the door. "Something's wrong," he pinned his brother with glowing amber eyes. "I can feel it and I'm gonna find her."
Rudy held Paul's gaze for a beat before nodding. "Fine, but I'm going with you."
Paul opened the door without a glance back. "Fine, let's go." He ran down the steps and to his truck, hopping in and starting it up as Rudy hopped in the passenger side. "You might wanna wear that seatbelt," Paul muttered as he put the truck in gear and peeled out onto the road.
"Shit!" Rudy cursed while anchoring himself with the door handle and the side of the seat. "It would help to get there in one piece," he grumbled.
Paul ignored him and took the curves as fast as the truck was capable.
Halfway to Forks, Paul's phone vibrated. He handed it to Rudy who pressed connect and Sam's voice filtered through the truck's speakers. "Paul, get your ass back on the Rez. Bella's fine."
"She's not fine!" he growled. "You can't bullshit me Sam. I can feel her and something's wrong."
They heard Sam sigh. "Look, I just got a call from Dr. Cullen…"
"I knew it! Where the fuck is she?!"
"Would you calm down and let me finish?!" Sam shouted.
Paul sped around a particularly sharp curve. "Fuck calm. Now, where is she?!" he demanded, his tone chilling.
"She's at the Cullen's." Sam admitted and Paul growled. "But wait damn it! She really is fine. Nothing's happened to her. She apparently had a panic attack and she's sleeping it off now."
Rudy looked at Paul who was still pushing the truck as fast as he could. Paul's lip curled in a silent snarl. "Panic attack over what?" he spat.
"That I don't know," Sam answered with a sigh. "But the important part is, she's okay and you don't need to go rescue her. They've agreed to bring her…"
"No! No way will I agree to that," he groused, cutting Sam short. "Now, where is their…house? You either tell me, or I'll park outside of Forks, phase and find her that way."
Sam growled but gave up the address and Rudy tapped it into the GPS.
"Don't do anything stupid Lahote," Sam warned before ending the call.
Paul sneered and hung a sharp left just outside of Forks. Rudy watched him for a moment. "You know, you should probably listen to him."
Paul shot him a glare. "I'm just going to get my girl. That's all."
~o0o~
Bella's eyes fluttered open and she took a moment to get her bearings in the unfamiliar room. When she did, she ran a hand through her hair and mumbled, "Oh god."
"Bella?" a male voice questioned. She turned her head and saw Carlisle Cullen sitting in a chair by the bed. He smiled. "Feeling better?" he asked.
She sat up slowly and nodded. "Yeah, I think so." She looked back at him. "What happened…how did I get to the bed?"
He sat back and laced his fingers over his knee. "My best guess? You took a pregnancy test in Alice's bathroom and suffered a panic attack at the results. When you didn't answer Alice, I got you out of there and put you on the bed." He pinned her with the standard doctor stare and she covered her eyes with a hand.
"Yeah," she admitted with a nod. "That sounds like me."
She dropped her hand and looked at him as he sat forward. "Well, it's good that you're awake. It seems your mate felt your distress and is on his way here. From what Mr. Uley tells us, Mr. Lahote is quite upset and I'm sure your present location has much to do with that."
Her eyes widened and she swung her legs over the side of the bed. "I need to get out of here! He—he can't come here!"
He laid a hand on her arm. "Calm yourself Isabella. Another panic attack won't help any of us." His gaze cut over to the open door and he gave a slight nod to Jasper who focused his gift on her. She visibly relaxed and Carlisle smiled. "Mr. Uley has spoken to him. All will be well." He stood and held a hand out. "Let's get you downstairs and we'll await your mate there, shall we?" She took his hand and he helped her stand. "Jasper, her bag if you will?"
Jasper grabbed her bag and followed them downstairs where Carlisle glanced at her with a reassuring smile. "I believe he just turned onto our driveway. He drives a truck?"
"Yes," she answered with a look around. She glanced up at Carlisle. "Thank you for everything, but I should really wait for him outside."
Alice stepped forward and gave her a gentle hug. "Don't worry, everything will be fine, you'll see," she whispered.
Bella drew back and smiled sadly. "Is that your gift talking or just your optimism?"
Alice frowned. "I can't see anything to do with the wolves, unfortunately, but I have a good feeling about this. You'll be fine," she said with a determined nod.
"Thanks Ali, for everything."
She took her bag from Jasper and slung it over her shoulder before walking out the door that Carlisle held for her. Carlisle and Jasper followed and stood on the deck with her to wait.
Moments later, his truck came into view and skidded to a stop. She walked down the steps and Paul was out of the truck and wrapping her in his arms within seconds. He buried his face in her neck and took in deep pulls of her scent. "Shorty," he breathed. "You're all right," he said as he lifted her against his body.
She wrapped her legs around his waist and buried her fingers in his hair. "I am," she assured him with a kiss to his neck. "It was just a panic attack and I'm pissed at myself for it, but I'm fine."
He pulled back and looked at her. "A panic attack?" he asked as his gazed touched on the waiting vampires. She cupped his face and brought his attention back to her.
"Yes, and it had nothing to do with the Cullens. It was just stress, but I'm fine now."
He studied her for a few beats before nodding. "Okay. We'll talk about it later. For now, let's get outta here."
She smiled and kissed him softly. "Okay."
He turned and carried her to the truck where Rudy waited by the passenger side. "You two look like you could use some time alone so I'm gonna use this whole wolfie thing and get myself home."
Paul glanced over to him with a nod as he opened the driver's door and set Bella on the seat. "Okay bro. See ya at home." He slid into the cab and Bella waved to the Cullens through the windshield as he pulled out.
"Well, that was a bullet dodged," Jasper muttered as they went back in the house. Carlisle turned to him after closing the door.
"It was. It could have been so much worse. Thank you for insisting Edward leave for the duration."
"Well I figured it was the best course of action but I asked Ali to look, just in case." He met Carlisle's gaze as he took a seat in the living room and pulled Alice down into his lap. "She couldn't see the immediate conflict of course, but she did see you piecin' your favorite jigsaw puzzle together over the next day or so."
Carlisle winced and took the seat across from them. "I don't see how we're going to work together successfully if Edward can't resist antagonizing Bella's mate."
Alice got up, kissed his cheek and, after a quick glance at Rose, left the room. Jasper pinned Carlisle with an unyielding gaze; that of the seasoned warrior he was. "You, as his sire, are goin' to have to put him in his place." Carlisle looked down and nodded but Jasper wasn't done. "Make no mistake Carlisle. To do so is crucial and if you won't, I will. Our safety relies on it."
Carlisle looked up, the look in his eyes one of understanding. "There's a reason I've always deferred to you in these matters Jasper. Resolving conflict and administering discipline have never been my forte. I've done it in the past, but it's not something I have a knack for."
Jasper inclined his head. "Understood, but just to clarify, you're sayin' you want me to resolve any issues that arise?"
"I am."
"Then we need to call a family meetin' and you need to hand over the reins officially, so to speak. It'll be one less hurdle to overcome."
Carlisle gave a nod. "Consider it done."
~o0o~
The truck cab was quiet, with only the sound of the engine humming in the background as Bella stared out the passenger window, lost in thought.
Pregnant…
A baby…
Her chest tightened and she took in a deep breath as she fought down the panic. She couldn't let such a thing happen again. She knew Paul could feel it and if he did, it would only lead to questions… Questions she wasn't ready or willing to answer yet.
She saw him in her peripheral vision, as he shot a concerned glance at her. "Okay, what's going on Bella?" he asked with a creased brow, his fingers tapping lightly at the top of the wheel.
She took another slow, deep breath and pasted on a smile as she slipped her hand into his. "Nothing really…I guess it all just caught up to me today, ya know? I mean, I've been doing all right with it, but then I got to thinking about everything…"
She chanced a glance at him and he looked confused. "Bella, come on…something must have set you off. I mean, you've been the optimistic one in all of this and now all of the sudden—'just because'—you're panicking so bad that I can feel it all the way on the rez?" He shot her a searching look and she cut her gaze back toward the window as her mind raced for an excuse…anything but the truth…there was just no way she could share that with him…not yet…
Her eyes teared up and she gave him the only excuse that she knew he wouldn't question. "I'm…afraid of losing you. I don't usually let myself think about the possibility, but today…" her breath hitched and she swiped at her tears as she spoke the lie. Well, such a fear wasn't a lie in the strictest sense, but it wasn't the truth that applied to her afternoon and she hated herself for that. She would tell him. She had to. Just…not now…
She swiped at more tears as she felt the truck slow and pull onto the shoulder, and then Paul was pulling her onto his lap. "Hey," he murmured while running his fingers through her hair. "It's all right shorty. Everything's gonna be okay." He tipped her face up with a crooked finger under her chin and the look in those hazel/amber eyes held so much love and trust that she hated herself a little more, if possible.
He leaned down slowly and his lips covered her's in the sweetest kiss they'd ever shared. Her breath hitched on a sob and she pulled herself closer and deepened the kiss as if her very life depended on it.
Breaking the kiss, she moved herself so she straddled his lap as her hands held his face. "I love you," she said simply while staring into his eyes.
A grin—the one that brought out that dimple she loved so much—curved his lips as he pulled her close with his hands at the small of her back. "Back at ya shorty," he said before leaning in for another kiss.
There was heat behind this one and she moaned into his mouth as his tongue played against hers, her hips tilting to grind against the growing bulge in his pants.
His hand drifted up her side to caress her breast, his thumb circling over the taut peak as his kisses trailed from her lips to her jaw and down the satin skin of her neck where he lightly sucked at her mark. "Mine," he murmured as she arched against him.
"Yours," she breathed while snagging the hem of her shirt to pull it over her head.
He groaned and placed a kiss right above the front clasp of her bra, drawing in deep breaths of her scent as she rocked against him, his fingers busy unfastening her jeans. "Need you," he mumbled before nipping one hardened bud through her cotton bra. "Gotta be inside you…"
She leaned back, popped the clasp of her bra and shrugged out of it. "Yes please…" she said while trying to push aside her guilt.
Maneuvering off his lap, she shimmied out of her jeans and panties while he loosened his own jeans and pulled himself out.
She straddled his lap again and kissed him passionately, nipping and sucking at his bottom lip as his hand glided up her inner thigh to find her soaking center. Two sure fingers slipped into her as his thumb expertly circled her clit drawing whimpers from her as his mouth broke from hers to capture one dusky peak. He sucked deeply and the sensation went straight to her center.
Her head tilted back and she rose up and arched her back, her hands buried in his raven hair. "Oh god Paul…yes…" she moaned while rocking into his hand. "Fuck…feels so good…"
A dark chuckle was his only response as he pulled his hand away and lined himself up at her entrance. "You ready for me shorty? 'Cause I'm gonna fuck you now…"
With a nod, she sank down just as he thrust up into her and she cried out at the intense feeling of being stretched and filled—possessed—by him.
A growl ripped from him and his jaw clenched at the feel of her tight, wet heat sheathing his straining cock. "Jesus…so good," he groaned as she rose and fell in time to his thrusts, her hips rolling against him before rising again.
He tilted his head forward, watching her through hooded eyes as she rode him, her eyes closed and kiss-swollen lips parted as she moved, her hands buried in her own hair as he guided her with a firm hold on her hips. "So beautiful…" he whispered. "So damn beautiful…"
She kept her eyes closed because she just couldn't take looking at him. She knew what she would see…unfathomable love and trust shining in those lust hooded eyes she loved so much…and she knew it would be her undoing. She was barely holding it together at the sound of his whispered words… So, she kept her eyes closed and did her best to lose herself to her baser senses…the heat of his body…his musky scent…the feel of his cock as they moved together…and it was working…until it didn't…
"I love you Isabella," he whispered against her ear as they found their completion and she clutched to him as traitorous tears fell from her eyes and onto his shoulder. She nodded against him, her throat too choked with emotion to speak as his fingers tangled in her hair. "Hey," he murmured. "It's all right baby girl, I promise. It's all gonna be fine, you'll see."
"Yeah," she finally whispered as she laid her head against his shoulder, her eyes staring into the thick trees just outside the passenger window. "I sure hope so."
~o0o~
Alice watched as Carlisle and Jasper walked Bella out of the house and turned and caught Rosalie's eye. With a quick nod, she headed upstairs and Rose followed. "Close the door, will you?"
Rose did and took a seat across from her on the bed, eyes narrowed as she looked at her sister. "Okay, so what's up?"
Alice blew out a breath before meeting her steady gaze. "You heard what went on with Bella?"
"The panic attack and what caused it?" Alice nodded. "Yeah, I heard. I guess I can understand why she'd be upset…I mean, they're both so young and all the shit going on at the moment…not exactly an ideal situation for having a baby…"
"No, it's not and that's what I wanted to talk to you about. You see, Bella told me her suspicions earlier today at school and Jessica Stanley overheard."
Rosalie sneered. "I bet the skank can't wait to share that juicy tidbit."
"Exactly. But I plan on heading her and her bestie off, hopefully before they get the chance to spread it."
Rose smirked. "I'm in."
Alice grinned and stood up. "Awesome." She walked to the door, opened it for Rose and they walked down the stairs together as Alice spoke lowly. "They're usually hanging out at the diner this time of day. I'm really hoping to get to them before they speak to anyone else. I haven't seen Jessica telling Lauren yet, so I think this will work." She glanced at Rose. "You up to paying them a friendly visit now?"
Rose nodded. "Yeah, I look forward to showing them what real bitch looks like, just give me a few minutes to let Em know we're going for a drive and we'll head out."
Alice giggled. "Perfect!" She went and sat with Jasper for a bit after he and Carlisle came in from seeing Bella off. When Rose was ready, she stood and gave Jasper a kiss and they left.
~o0o~
Jessica and Lauren walked into the diner and waved at the waitress before sliding into their usual booth, right next to where Mike and his friends usually sat. They came here everyday after cheer practice because Mike and his crew always came here after football practice. Jessica frowned when she saw he wasn't there yet, but shrugged it off and turned to Lauren who narrowed her eyes. "Okay, we're alone, finally. Now tell me!"
Jessica smirked. This was just too good! It was rare that she ever got to such good information before Lauren did and she wanted to savor the victory, but she could see the blonde's patience was wearing dangerously thin. She'd just opened her mouth to speak when the waitress showed up, order book and pencil in hand. "What'll it be today ladies? The usual?"
Lauren huffed in frustration before absently flapping a hand. "Yeah, yeah, the usual, thanks."
The waitress cocked a brow at the rude blonde before glancing at Jessica who nodded and smiled sheepishly. "The same as always, please."
The waitress scribbled on the pad and cracked her gum before turning. "All righty, I'll get right on that." She walked off and Lauren pinned Jess with a glare.
"All right. I'm done playing. Spit. It. Out," she growled while leaning forward, toward her wide-eyed friend.
Jessica held up her hands. "Okay, okay! Shit, keep your hair on," she pouted, then grinned and bounced in her seat. "Okay, so this morning, I saw Bella Swan run toward the girls bathroom, you know, the one just off the science hallway?"
Lauren rolled her eyes and rolled a hand in the air. "For fuck's sake Jess, get to the good part."
Jessica huffed. "Fine. So Alice Cullen follows her in and when they didn't come out after a couple of minutes and the hallway cleared, I went to listen at the door."
"And?"
Jessica giggled. "Annnnd…
Lauren's hand slammed on the table. "I swear to god Jess, if you don't…
"All right! Shit. Sorry." Lauren's nostrils flared and Jess hurried to tell her. "I heard Bella Swan say she thinks she's…" she leaned forward and stage whispered, "pregnant!"
Lauren's brows shot up and she sat back with her arms crossed over her ample chest as an evil smirk bloomed on her faded hot-pink lips. "Oh, that's rich..." she chuckled.
Jessica thought her friend sort of resembled the grinch in that moment but shook off the thought as she let out a small squeal and bounced. "Can you believe it?!"
Lauren looked down-right malicious as she gave a slow nod. "Yeah, I can believe it. What I'm wondering is which one of the rez boys is responsible?" She chuckled darkly and took a pull from the soda the waitress put in front of her. She waited until the waitress walked off before speaking again. "I wonder if the slut even knows?"
Jess bounced and took a sip of her own soda before her brow pinched. "Knows what?"
Lauren rolled her eyes. "Who the father is, you ditz."
Jess smiled. "Oh, yeah. Well, I heard Alice Cullen ask her if someone named Paul knew, so maybe he's the one."
Lauren's breath caught. "Paul? Are you sure that was the name you heard?"
Jessica bobbled her head. "Yep, I heard it clear as day. Why, you know him?"
Lauren smiled wickedly. "Sure. You remember that bonfire we went to after that baseball game last year?"
Jessica turned a little green. "The one where I got so wasted I don't really remember what happened after the first hour?"
Lauren smirked. "That's the one."
"I'll never drink Jack Daniels again…" Jessica murmured with a shudder and Lauren chuckled.
"Yeah well, while you were passed out in a puddle of your own puke, I was having a very, very good time with their star pitcher, Paul Lahote."
Jessica leaned forward, eyes wide. "You fucked Bella Swan's boyfriend?" She watched as Lauren's face blanked so she soldiered on. "You made out?" She squealed. "Damn, I'm jealous. If he's the one I'm picturing, he was hot. So spill! He kissed you?!"
"Well, no," Lauren admitted with a scowl, "but I did give him a bj."
Jessica sat back as her brows inched up. "Yeah, like that's not being used at all. Did you get anything out of it?"
Lauren sneered and flipped her off. "At least I had an actual encounter. Better than you trailing after guys you lust after like a lost puppy. I take what I want."
"Sounds like you took what you could get," Jess muttered under her breath.
They both jumped when a chipper female voice cut in. "Hi Jessica, Hi Lauren."
Jessica's eyes went comically wide as Lauren's eyes narrowed in on their visitors. "Alice Cullen and Rosalie Hale. What do you two want?"
Alice smiled brightly. "Well, we were just out for a drive and saw you guys and thought it'd be more fun with more people along. So, would you like to go with us?"
Lauren was suspicious, even as Jessica smiled widely. She'd been trying forever to get an 'in' with the close-knit Cullen group and this was it! Visions of Edward Cullen danced through her head and she clasped her hands together. "Oh my god! Absolutely!" She locked a pleading gaze on her bestie. "Right Lauren? We'd love to! Right?"
Lauren eyed the two skeptically. "Where would we be going? I have to let my mother know."
Alice glanced at Rosalie. "Oh, we were just thinking of doing some light shopping in Port Angeles."
Lauren glanced back at Jessica. "I don't know…I mean, we haven't even gotten our food…"
Jessica bounced. "Aw, come on Lauren…we can grab something in PA," she looked at Alice, "right?"
Alice smiled winningly. "Of course!"
She looked back at Lauren. "There, you see?"
Lauren tossed up her hands. "Fine, we'll go, but I have to be back here by eight, otherwise I'll never hear the end of the bitching from my mother."
Each girl placed money on the table and left the diner with Alice and a secretly smirking Rosalie.
Rosalie prayed for patience while Jessica—the air head—prattled all the way to PA. She had to hand it to the bottle-blonde bimbo Lauren. She maintained her silence the entire time while carefully observing the interactions of her friend and Alice. She was definitely sharper than her buxom brunette friend, without a doubt.
Finally, to her great relief, Alice gestured toward a central parking lot and she pulled in and parked. Before the dynamic duo had a chance to get out, both she and Alice turned in their seats. "Well, here we are!" Alice chirped and Jessica beamed while Lauren maintained her stony facade. "Before we get to shopping though, I thought we could have a little girl to girl chat."
Lauren crossed her arms over her chest. "About?"
Alice looked grave. "Well, you see, I know that Jessica heard something very private about my friend Bella Swan this morning, and I just want to make sure that information stays private."
Jessica frowned and Lauren scoffed. "Why should we keep quiet? She wants to whore herself out to the rez boys, she should face the consequences."
The blood drained from her face in the next second at the chilling smile on Rosalie's face. "I was so hoping you'd say something like that. Now, get your skank-ass out of my car. We're gonna take a little walk."
Rose and Alice looped arms with the outraged girls and marched them into the alley behind the nearest store. "What the hell's going on?" Lauren yelled while trying to yank away from Rosalie.
Rosalie shoved her back against the building and her head bounced on the rough brick surface as tears sprang into the girl's eyes. "You listen to me," Rose seethed. "You don't get to make demands here, got that? You're gonna shut that disgusting hole in your face and listen and when it's time for you to agree to what I tell you, you're gonna nod that lump of meat you call a head. Let's try, shall we? Do you understand?"
Lauren sneered. "Fuck you!"
Rose grabbed her by the throat and shoved, drawing a pained gasp from her. "Wrong answer. Now, because repetition is apparently the key to learning, I'll ask again. Do you understand?"
This time, both girls mutely nodded. Rose smiled over at a grinning Alice. "Would you look at that Ali? They can be taught." She wrinkled her nose and looked down at a trembling Jessica, whom Alice had pinned against the wall next to her friend. "Seems yours needs work on potty training though. Be a dear Ali and mind the puddle. I don't want that stench in my car."
"No problem Rose. These shoes are old and I brought another pair to change into. You know me, I like to be prepared."
She nodded and focused back on their guests. "So ladies—and I use that term in the loosest sense of the word—here's what's going to happen: You two are going to forget ever knowing anything about Bella Swan or anyone having anything to do with Bella Swan. If my sister and I hear even the tiniest whisper about her, we'll be having another chat, is that clear?" She shoved a scowling Lauren again and the girl cried out from the sharp pain in the back of her head. "Needless to say, it'll be much less pleasant than this one, understand?"
"Yes! We u-understand!" Jessica sobbed and Alice tsk'ed and shoved her against the bricks.
"You were doing so well dear Jessica. Now, how are you supposed to answer?"
Jessica nodded as well as she could with Alice's hand around her throat. "Good girl," Alice praised.
Rose chuckled and lightly smacked Lauren's cheek. "Your turn sleaze. Not. One. Word. Understand? You won't like it if we have to have this talk again, I promise you."
Lauren clenched her jaw and nodded, her eyes fairly sparking in rage and fear.
Rose and Alice let go of the girls and Alice raised her wrist and looked at it as if checking the time. "Well girls, time's a'wastin' and you have quite the walk ahead of you if you want to get back to Forks by eight. Ta ta!" She and Rose walked out of the alley and Jessica collapsed to her knees and sobbed.
"Get up!" Lauren nudged her with her foot while swiping at the tears on her own cheeks. "They're just a couple of bitches. No need to fall apart for fuck's sake."
Jessica scowled up at her friend. "Oh, and like you're any better? You're crying too!"
Lauren spun back toward her. "At least I didn't piss myself and then kneel in it!" She glared until Jessica dropped her head with a defeated nod. "Now get up! We need to get walking."
Jessica stood on shaking legs, looking dismayed. "We're really gonna walk?"
Lauren's lip curled. "Yes. My car's at the fucking diner, remember? Unless you wanna call Mike for a ride?" she drawled cruelly while striding down the street. Jessica had to jog to catch up.
"No way! Are you crazy?" She gestured down at her soiled pants. "I can't face him like-like this!"
"This is your fault you know?" Lauren ground out. "You just had to go for a ride with Edward's sisters, didn't you? Fucking idiot…"
"You agreed!"
Lauren looked at her friend like she was something she'd just scraped from the bottom of her shoe. "You begged. I was being nice."
They fell silent after that and walked a couple more blocks until they drew up short when a beautiful red-headed woman stepped into their path. Her hair was wild and curly and tumbled over a tatty looking white fur coat draped over her shoulders.
"Hello girls," she simpered with a manic smile. "My name's Victoria."
Fear gripped her as she sat, staring at the small, white, innocuous looking stick sitting on the bathroom counter in Alice's attached bath.
'Who knew such a tiny piece of plastic held such power? The power to bring unimaginable joy for some; for others, the power to devastate.' she thought as she, once again, glanced at the time on her phone. She blew out a breath.
Two more minutes to go…
The question in her mind was, which outcome would it bring for her? Perhaps both? 'Yes,' she thought, for she couldn't fathom not gaining joy from a child conceived through the love she and Paul shared. But then…they were so young—too young, and the upcoming war…not to mention Paul's misgivings… Yes, the potential for devastation was very real too.
A tear rolled down her cheek just as the alarm went off on her phone. Mechanically, she cancelled it and closed her eyes as she reached for the stick. Holding it in front of herself, she slowly opened her eyes as that lone tear dripped from her chin…
'Positive.'
The word echoed through her thoughts like a shot in a deep canyon. It was all she could process through her shock at having her fears confirmed…
'Positive.'
She felt cold, numb and somewhere off in the distance she heard voices and…was that knocking? Her breaths accelerated to an unhealthy level as the numbness increased and then…then the distant noises didn't seem to matter any more.
"Bella?" Alice knocked again at not receiving an answer. "Bella?!" She heard the sound of her friend's heart speed up along with her breaths and now she was worried. She knew, with the time Bella'd been in there, her friend should have had the results by now. "Bella? Come on sweetie, open the door…"
Carlisle and Esme walked in and Carlisle laid a hand on Alice's shoulder. "She's panicking Alice. I can hear it." He glanced at his wife. "Is Jasper home yet? Perhaps you should get him."
Esme nodded and left the room.
Alice rubbed her forehead and looked at Carlisle. "Should we break the lock?"
"Yes, I think that's best." He grasped the handle and it gave with a quick twist and a snap. He entered and gathered a panicking, unresponsive Bella into his arms. Walking out, he laid her on Alice's bed just as Esme entered the room with his bag. "Thank you sweetheart," he said with a smile as he took a seat next to Bella. He assessed her quickly, his vampire senses picking up the information in seconds. "She'll be fine. She's merely having a panic attack."
"Jasper should be here any time. He was hunting after school and is changing his clothes," Esme told them.
Just then, Jasper walked in and stared at a panting, wide-eyed Bella. She was curled onto her side and her hands looked like they were cramping. "Damn," he muttered while reaching out with his gift. In seconds, her body relaxed, her eyes fluttered shut and her breaths calmed as she slipped into sleep.
Carlisle smiled and shook his head. "We could really use you at the hospital Jasper. You're the best anti-anxiety medication on the planet. "
Jasper winked at his smiling wife. "Never thought I'd see the day I eased a human's anxiety Carlisle. Spent a hundred years causin' it though."
"Don't sell yourself short Jasper. You could do a lot of good with your gift," Carlisle told him with a smile as he closed up his bag.
"Me in a hospital…" he muttered dryly with a cocked brow. "Not likely old man."
"What happened to her Carlisle?" Alice cut in.
He sighed. "Well, I suspect if you go look at the test she dropped on the floor, you'll see. Something made her panic." He looked back at the girl on the bed. "I can't hear a fetal heartbeat yet, but I suspect the test was positive."
Alice walked back in with a wave of the white plastic stick. "It's positive," she affirmed as she set it on the bedside table.
Jasper leaned against the wall by the door and crossed his arms. "Hate to break up the party, but I'm thinkin' we're gonna be having a visit from a panicked alpha wolf here in a bit. They're soul bonded and it's strong—strongest I've ever felt. He ain't gonna be happy when he tracks her down. Not after feelin' this little episode."
Alice's eyes went wide. "Shit. We left school early to do this, but it's taken much longer than we thought it would." She glanced at the time. "Oh god…" She looked around at her family members with a worried expression. "Jacob's been waiting for twenty minutes at least…"
Jasper shook his head. "I suggest ya get on your phone to her mate Carlisle."
Carlisle took out his phone and scrolled through the contacts. "I don't have Paul Lahote's number."
"Then the pack Alpha, 'cause I'm tellin' ya, if you don't head him off, he's gonna show up with both barrels blazin', so to speak." He met Carlisle's gaze, and Carlisle worked to repress a shudder at the look in Jasper's eyes. "He was playin' with Edward the night he tore the hell outta him. I respect the boy. I've seen his wolf when he means business… I'd hate to hav'ta fight him, but I will if I have to."
Carlisle nodded gravely. "Noted," he said as he scrolled through to Sam's number and tapped connect.
~o0o~
Jacob sighed again and leaned against his bike. "Come on Bella," he grumbled, yet again taking a quick glance at his watch. "What's taking you?"
He'd been sitting here, waiting, for twenty minutes now, watching as the parking lot slowly emptied after school until here he sat, the only one left besides the jocks who'd stayed for practice.
He went back to playing angry birds on his phone when the thing vibrated. "Yo," he answered in a bored tone.
"You have Bella?"
He sighed. "No man, and I've been sitting here in this par…"
"Where is she?!" Paul barked.
Jacob scowled at his phone before answering. "Inside I guess. How would I…"
A deep growl cut him off. "Something's wrong and she's not answering her phone."
Jake's eyes widened. "I'll go in and look for her, but Paul, you know what Charl…"
"Fuck what Charlie said! Something's wrong and I'm gonna find her."
The call disconnected and Jacob pocketed the phone. "Shit," he muttered before jogging up to the school. "Bella, you better be in there…" he muttered before slipping inside.
~o0o~
"Paul, come on! She's at school and Black is there with her. She probably had to stay late for a test or something…"
Paul shrugged off his brother's hold as he grabbed his keys and headed for the door. "Something's wrong," he pinned his brother with glowing amber eyes. "I can feel it and I'm gonna find her."
Rudy held Paul's gaze for a beat before nodding. "Fine, but I'm going with you."
Paul opened the door without a glance back. "Fine, let's go." He ran down the steps and to his truck, hopping in and starting it up as Rudy hopped in the passenger side. "You might wanna wear that seatbelt," Paul muttered as he put the truck in gear and peeled out onto the road.
"Shit!" Rudy cursed while anchoring himself with the door handle and the side of the seat. "It would help to get there in one piece," he grumbled.
Paul ignored him and took the curves as fast as the truck was capable.
Halfway to Forks, Paul's phone vibrated. He handed it to Rudy who pressed connect and Sam's voice filtered through the truck's speakers. "Paul, get your ass back on the Rez. Bella's fine."
"She's not fine!" he growled. "You can't bullshit me Sam. I can feel her and something's wrong."
They heard Sam sigh. "Look, I just got a call from Dr. Cullen…"
"I knew it! Where the fuck is she?!"
"Would you calm down and let me finish?!" Sam shouted.
Paul sped around a particularly sharp curve. "Fuck calm. Now, where is she?!" he demanded, his tone chilling.
"She's at the Cullen's." Sam admitted and Paul growled. "But wait damn it! She really is fine. Nothing's happened to her. She apparently had a panic attack and she's sleeping it off now."
Rudy looked at Paul who was still pushing the truck as fast as he could. Paul's lip curled in a silent snarl. "Panic attack over what?" he spat.
"That I don't know," Sam answered with a sigh. "But the important part is, she's okay and you don't need to go rescue her. They've agreed to bring her…"
"No! No way will I agree to that," he groused, cutting Sam short. "Now, where is their…house? You either tell me, or I'll park outside of Forks, phase and find her that way."
Sam growled but gave up the address and Rudy tapped it into the GPS.
"Don't do anything stupid Lahote," Sam warned before ending the call.
Paul sneered and hung a sharp left just outside of Forks. Rudy watched him for a moment. "You know, you should probably listen to him."
Paul shot him a glare. "I'm just going to get my girl. That's all."
~o0o~
Bella's eyes fluttered open and she took a moment to get her bearings in the unfamiliar room. When she did, she ran a hand through her hair and mumbled, "Oh god."
"Bella?" a male voice questioned. She turned her head and saw Carlisle Cullen sitting in a chair by the bed. He smiled. "Feeling better?" he asked.
She sat up slowly and nodded. "Yeah, I think so." She looked back at him. "What happened…how did I get to the bed?"
He sat back and laced his fingers over his knee. "My best guess? You took a pregnancy test in Alice's bathroom and suffered a panic attack at the results. When you didn't answer Alice, I got you out of there and put you on the bed." He pinned her with the standard doctor stare and she covered her eyes with a hand.
"Yeah," she admitted with a nod. "That sounds like me."
She dropped her hand and looked at him as he sat forward. "Well, it's good that you're awake. It seems your mate felt your distress and is on his way here. From what Mr. Uley tells us, Mr. Lahote is quite upset and I'm sure your present location has much to do with that."
Her eyes widened and she swung her legs over the side of the bed. "I need to get out of here! He—he can't come here!"
He laid a hand on her arm. "Calm yourself Isabella. Another panic attack won't help any of us." His gaze cut over to the open door and he gave a slight nod to Jasper who focused his gift on her. She visibly relaxed and Carlisle smiled. "Mr. Uley has spoken to him. All will be well." He stood and held a hand out. "Let's get you downstairs and we'll await your mate there, shall we?" She took his hand and he helped her stand. "Jasper, her bag if you will?"
Jasper grabbed her bag and followed them downstairs where Carlisle glanced at her with a reassuring smile. "I believe he just turned onto our driveway. He drives a truck?"
"Yes," she answered with a look around. She glanced up at Carlisle. "Thank you for everything, but I should really wait for him outside."
Alice stepped forward and gave her a gentle hug. "Don't worry, everything will be fine, you'll see," she whispered.
Bella drew back and smiled sadly. "Is that your gift talking or just your optimism?"
Alice frowned. "I can't see anything to do with the wolves, unfortunately, but I have a good feeling about this. You'll be fine," she said with a determined nod.
"Thanks Ali, for everything."
She took her bag from Jasper and slung it over her shoulder before walking out the door that Carlisle held for her. Carlisle and Jasper followed and stood on the deck with her to wait.
Moments later, his truck came into view and skidded to a stop. She walked down the steps and Paul was out of the truck and wrapping her in his arms within seconds. He buried his face in her neck and took in deep pulls of her scent. "Shorty," he breathed. "You're all right," he said as he lifted her against his body.
She wrapped her legs around his waist and buried her fingers in his hair. "I am," she assured him with a kiss to his neck. "It was just a panic attack and I'm pissed at myself for it, but I'm fine."
He pulled back and looked at her. "A panic attack?" he asked as his gazed touched on the waiting vampires. She cupped his face and brought his attention back to her.
"Yes, and it had nothing to do with the Cullens. It was just stress, but I'm fine now."
He studied her for a few beats before nodding. "Okay. We'll talk about it later. For now, let's get outta here."
She smiled and kissed him softly. "Okay."
He turned and carried her to the truck where Rudy waited by the passenger side. "You two look like you could use some time alone so I'm gonna use this whole wolfie thing and get myself home."
Paul glanced over to him with a nod as he opened the driver's door and set Bella on the seat. "Okay bro. See ya at home." He slid into the cab and Bella waved to the Cullens through the windshield as he pulled out.
"Well, that was a bullet dodged," Jasper muttered as they went back in the house. Carlisle turned to him after closing the door.
"It was. It could have been so much worse. Thank you for insisting Edward leave for the duration."
"Well I figured it was the best course of action but I asked Ali to look, just in case." He met Carlisle's gaze as he took a seat in the living room and pulled Alice down into his lap. "She couldn't see the immediate conflict of course, but she did see you piecin' your favorite jigsaw puzzle together over the next day or so."
Carlisle winced and took the seat across from them. "I don't see how we're going to work together successfully if Edward can't resist antagonizing Bella's mate."
Alice got up, kissed his cheek and, after a quick glance at Rose, left the room. Jasper pinned Carlisle with an unyielding gaze; that of the seasoned warrior he was. "You, as his sire, are goin' to have to put him in his place." Carlisle looked down and nodded but Jasper wasn't done. "Make no mistake Carlisle. To do so is crucial and if you won't, I will. Our safety relies on it."
Carlisle looked up, the look in his eyes one of understanding. "There's a reason I've always deferred to you in these matters Jasper. Resolving conflict and administering discipline have never been my forte. I've done it in the past, but it's not something I have a knack for."
Jasper inclined his head. "Understood, but just to clarify, you're sayin' you want me to resolve any issues that arise?"
"I am."
"Then we need to call a family meetin' and you need to hand over the reins officially, so to speak. It'll be one less hurdle to overcome."
Carlisle gave a nod. "Consider it done."
~o0o~
The truck cab was quiet, with only the sound of the engine humming in the background as Bella stared out the passenger window, lost in thought.
Pregnant…
A baby…
Her chest tightened and she took in a deep breath as she fought down the panic. She couldn't let such a thing happen again. She knew Paul could feel it and if he did, it would only lead to questions… Questions she wasn't ready or willing to answer yet.
She saw him in her peripheral vision, as he shot a concerned glance at her. "Okay, what's going on Bella?" he asked with a creased brow, his fingers tapping lightly at the top of the wheel.
She took another slow, deep breath and pasted on a smile as she slipped her hand into his. "Nothing really…I guess it all just caught up to me today, ya know? I mean, I've been doing all right with it, but then I got to thinking about everything…"
She chanced a glance at him and he looked confused. "Bella, come on…something must have set you off. I mean, you've been the optimistic one in all of this and now all of the sudden—'just because'—you're panicking so bad that I can feel it all the way on the rez?" He shot her a searching look and she cut her gaze back toward the window as her mind raced for an excuse…anything but the truth…there was just no way she could share that with him…not yet…
Her eyes teared up and she gave him the only excuse that she knew he wouldn't question. "I'm…afraid of losing you. I don't usually let myself think about the possibility, but today…" her breath hitched and she swiped at her tears as she spoke the lie. Well, such a fear wasn't a lie in the strictest sense, but it wasn't the truth that applied to her afternoon and she hated herself for that. She would tell him. She had to. Just…not now…
She swiped at more tears as she felt the truck slow and pull onto the shoulder, and then Paul was pulling her onto his lap. "Hey," he murmured while running his fingers through her hair. "It's all right shorty. Everything's gonna be okay." He tipped her face up with a crooked finger under her chin and the look in those hazel/amber eyes held so much love and trust that she hated herself a little more, if possible.
He leaned down slowly and his lips covered her's in the sweetest kiss they'd ever shared. Her breath hitched on a sob and she pulled herself closer and deepened the kiss as if her very life depended on it.
Breaking the kiss, she moved herself so she straddled his lap as her hands held his face. "I love you," she said simply while staring into his eyes.
A grin—the one that brought out that dimple she loved so much—curved his lips as he pulled her close with his hands at the small of her back. "Back at ya shorty," he said before leaning in for another kiss.
There was heat behind this one and she moaned into his mouth as his tongue played against hers, her hips tilting to grind against the growing bulge in his pants.
His hand drifted up her side to caress her breast, his thumb circling over the taut peak as his kisses trailed from her lips to her jaw and down the satin skin of her neck where he lightly sucked at her mark. "Mine," he murmured as she arched against him.
"Yours," she breathed while snagging the hem of her shirt to pull it over her head.
He groaned and placed a kiss right above the front clasp of her bra, drawing in deep breaths of her scent as she rocked against him, his fingers busy unfastening her jeans. "Need you," he mumbled before nipping one hardened bud through her cotton bra. "Gotta be inside you…"
She leaned back, popped the clasp of her bra and shrugged out of it. "Yes please…" she said while trying to push aside her guilt.
Maneuvering off his lap, she shimmied out of her jeans and panties while he loosened his own jeans and pulled himself out.
She straddled his lap again and kissed him passionately, nipping and sucking at his bottom lip as his hand glided up her inner thigh to find her soaking center. Two sure fingers slipped into her as his thumb expertly circled her clit drawing whimpers from her as his mouth broke from hers to capture one dusky peak. He sucked deeply and the sensation went straight to her center.
Her head tilted back and she rose up and arched her back, her hands buried in his raven hair. "Oh god Paul…yes…" she moaned while rocking into his hand. "Fuck…feels so good…"
A dark chuckle was his only response as he pulled his hand away and lined himself up at her entrance. "You ready for me shorty? 'Cause I'm gonna fuck you now…"
With a nod, she sank down just as he thrust up into her and she cried out at the intense feeling of being stretched and filled—possessed—by him.
A growl ripped from him and his jaw clenched at the feel of her tight, wet heat sheathing his straining cock. "Jesus…so good," he groaned as she rose and fell in time to his thrusts, her hips rolling against him before rising again.
He tilted his head forward, watching her through hooded eyes as she rode him, her eyes closed and kiss-swollen lips parted as she moved, her hands buried in her own hair as he guided her with a firm hold on her hips. "So beautiful…" he whispered. "So damn beautiful…"
She kept her eyes closed because she just couldn't take looking at him. She knew what she would see…unfathomable love and trust shining in those lust hooded eyes she loved so much…and she knew it would be her undoing. She was barely holding it together at the sound of his whispered words… So, she kept her eyes closed and did her best to lose herself to her baser senses…the heat of his body…his musky scent…the feel of his cock as they moved together…and it was working…until it didn't…
"I love you Isabella," he whispered against her ear as they found their completion and she clutched to him as traitorous tears fell from her eyes and onto his shoulder. She nodded against him, her throat too choked with emotion to speak as his fingers tangled in her hair. "Hey," he murmured. "It's all right baby girl, I promise. It's all gonna be fine, you'll see."
"Yeah," she finally whispered as she laid her head against his shoulder, her eyes staring into the thick trees just outside the passenger window. "I sure hope so."
~o0o~
Alice watched as Carlisle and Jasper walked Bella out of the house and turned and caught Rosalie's eye. With a quick nod, she headed upstairs and Rose followed. "Close the door, will you?"
Rose did and took a seat across from her on the bed, eyes narrowed as she looked at her sister. "Okay, so what's up?"
Alice blew out a breath before meeting her steady gaze. "You heard what went on with Bella?"
"The panic attack and what caused it?" Alice nodded. "Yeah, I heard. I guess I can understand why she'd be upset…I mean, they're both so young and all the shit going on at the moment…not exactly an ideal situation for having a baby…"
"No, it's not and that's what I wanted to talk to you about. You see, Bella told me her suspicions earlier today at school and Jessica Stanley overheard."
Rosalie sneered. "I bet the skank can't wait to share that juicy tidbit."
"Exactly. But I plan on heading her and her bestie off, hopefully before they get the chance to spread it."
Rose smirked. "I'm in."
Alice grinned and stood up. "Awesome." She walked to the door, opened it for Rose and they walked down the stairs together as Alice spoke lowly. "They're usually hanging out at the diner this time of day. I'm really hoping to get to them before they speak to anyone else. I haven't seen Jessica telling Lauren yet, so I think this will work." She glanced at Rose. "You up to paying them a friendly visit now?"
Rose nodded. "Yeah, I look forward to showing them what real bitch looks like, just give me a few minutes to let Em know we're going for a drive and we'll head out."
Alice giggled. "Perfect!" She went and sat with Jasper for a bit after he and Carlisle came in from seeing Bella off. When Rose was ready, she stood and gave Jasper a kiss and they left.
~o0o~
Jessica and Lauren walked into the diner and waved at the waitress before sliding into their usual booth, right next to where Mike and his friends usually sat. They came here everyday after cheer practice because Mike and his crew always came here after football practice. Jessica frowned when she saw he wasn't there yet, but shrugged it off and turned to Lauren who narrowed her eyes. "Okay, we're alone, finally. Now tell me!"
Jessica smirked. This was just too good! It was rare that she ever got to such good information before Lauren did and she wanted to savor the victory, but she could see the blonde's patience was wearing dangerously thin. She'd just opened her mouth to speak when the waitress showed up, order book and pencil in hand. "What'll it be today ladies? The usual?"
Lauren huffed in frustration before absently flapping a hand. "Yeah, yeah, the usual, thanks."
The waitress cocked a brow at the rude blonde before glancing at Jessica who nodded and smiled sheepishly. "The same as always, please."
The waitress scribbled on the pad and cracked her gum before turning. "All righty, I'll get right on that." She walked off and Lauren pinned Jess with a glare.
"All right. I'm done playing. Spit. It. Out," she growled while leaning forward, toward her wide-eyed friend.
Jessica held up her hands. "Okay, okay! Shit, keep your hair on," she pouted, then grinned and bounced in her seat. "Okay, so this morning, I saw Bella Swan run toward the girls bathroom, you know, the one just off the science hallway?"
Lauren rolled her eyes and rolled a hand in the air. "For fuck's sake Jess, get to the good part."
Jessica huffed. "Fine. So Alice Cullen follows her in and when they didn't come out after a couple of minutes and the hallway cleared, I went to listen at the door."
"And?"
Jessica giggled. "Annnnd…
Lauren's hand slammed on the table. "I swear to god Jess, if you don't…
"All right! Shit. Sorry." Lauren's nostrils flared and Jess hurried to tell her. "I heard Bella Swan say she thinks she's…" she leaned forward and stage whispered, "pregnant!"
Lauren's brows shot up and she sat back with her arms crossed over her ample chest as an evil smirk bloomed on her faded hot-pink lips. "Oh, that's rich..." she chuckled.
Jessica thought her friend sort of resembled the grinch in that moment but shook off the thought as she let out a small squeal and bounced. "Can you believe it?!"
Lauren looked down-right malicious as she gave a slow nod. "Yeah, I can believe it. What I'm wondering is which one of the rez boys is responsible?" She chuckled darkly and took a pull from the soda the waitress put in front of her. She waited until the waitress walked off before speaking again. "I wonder if the slut even knows?"
Jess bounced and took a sip of her own soda before her brow pinched. "Knows what?"
Lauren rolled her eyes. "Who the father is, you ditz."
Jess smiled. "Oh, yeah. Well, I heard Alice Cullen ask her if someone named Paul knew, so maybe he's the one."
Lauren's breath caught. "Paul? Are you sure that was the name you heard?"
Jessica bobbled her head. "Yep, I heard it clear as day. Why, you know him?"
Lauren smiled wickedly. "Sure. You remember that bonfire we went to after that baseball game last year?"
Jessica turned a little green. "The one where I got so wasted I don't really remember what happened after the first hour?"
Lauren smirked. "That's the one."
"I'll never drink Jack Daniels again…" Jessica murmured with a shudder and Lauren chuckled.
"Yeah well, while you were passed out in a puddle of your own puke, I was having a very, very good time with their star pitcher, Paul Lahote."
Jessica leaned forward, eyes wide. "You fucked Bella Swan's boyfriend?" She watched as Lauren's face blanked so she soldiered on. "You made out?" She squealed. "Damn, I'm jealous. If he's the one I'm picturing, he was hot. So spill! He kissed you?!"
"Well, no," Lauren admitted with a scowl, "but I did give him a bj."
Jessica sat back as her brows inched up. "Yeah, like that's not being used at all. Did you get anything out of it?"
Lauren sneered and flipped her off. "At least I had an actual encounter. Better than you trailing after guys you lust after like a lost puppy. I take what I want."
"Sounds like you took what you could get," Jess muttered under her breath.
They both jumped when a chipper female voice cut in. "Hi Jessica, Hi Lauren."
Jessica's eyes went comically wide as Lauren's eyes narrowed in on their visitors. "Alice Cullen and Rosalie Hale. What do you two want?"
Alice smiled brightly. "Well, we were just out for a drive and saw you guys and thought it'd be more fun with more people along. So, would you like to go with us?"
Lauren was suspicious, even as Jessica smiled widely. She'd been trying forever to get an 'in' with the close-knit Cullen group and this was it! Visions of Edward Cullen danced through her head and she clasped her hands together. "Oh my god! Absolutely!" She locked a pleading gaze on her bestie. "Right Lauren? We'd love to! Right?"
Lauren eyed the two skeptically. "Where would we be going? I have to let my mother know."
Alice glanced at Rosalie. "Oh, we were just thinking of doing some light shopping in Port Angeles."
Lauren glanced back at Jessica. "I don't know…I mean, we haven't even gotten our food…"
Jessica bounced. "Aw, come on Lauren…we can grab something in PA," she looked at Alice, "right?"
Alice smiled winningly. "Of course!"
She looked back at Lauren. "There, you see?"
Lauren tossed up her hands. "Fine, we'll go, but I have to be back here by eight, otherwise I'll never hear the end of the bitching from my mother."
Each girl placed money on the table and left the diner with Alice and a secretly smirking Rosalie.
Rosalie prayed for patience while Jessica—the air head—prattled all the way to PA. She had to hand it to the bottle-blonde bimbo Lauren. She maintained her silence the entire time while carefully observing the interactions of her friend and Alice. She was definitely sharper than her buxom brunette friend, without a doubt.
Finally, to her great relief, Alice gestured toward a central parking lot and she pulled in and parked. Before the dynamic duo had a chance to get out, both she and Alice turned in their seats. "Well, here we are!" Alice chirped and Jessica beamed while Lauren maintained her stony facade. "Before we get to shopping though, I thought we could have a little girl to girl chat."
Lauren crossed her arms over her chest. "About?"
Alice looked grave. "Well, you see, I know that Jessica heard something very private about my friend Bella Swan this morning, and I just want to make sure that information stays private."
Jessica frowned and Lauren scoffed. "Why should we keep quiet? She wants to whore herself out to the rez boys, she should face the consequences."
The blood drained from her face in the next second at the chilling smile on Rosalie's face. "I was so hoping you'd say something like that. Now, get your skank-ass out of my car. We're gonna take a little walk."
Rose and Alice looped arms with the outraged girls and marched them into the alley behind the nearest store. "What the hell's going on?" Lauren yelled while trying to yank away from Rosalie.
Rosalie shoved her back against the building and her head bounced on the rough brick surface as tears sprang into the girl's eyes. "You listen to me," Rose seethed. "You don't get to make demands here, got that? You're gonna shut that disgusting hole in your face and listen and when it's time for you to agree to what I tell you, you're gonna nod that lump of meat you call a head. Let's try, shall we? Do you understand?"
Lauren sneered. "Fuck you!"
Rose grabbed her by the throat and shoved, drawing a pained gasp from her. "Wrong answer. Now, because repetition is apparently the key to learning, I'll ask again. Do you understand?"
This time, both girls mutely nodded. Rose smiled over at a grinning Alice. "Would you look at that Ali? They can be taught." She wrinkled her nose and looked down at a trembling Jessica, whom Alice had pinned against the wall next to her friend. "Seems yours needs work on potty training though. Be a dear Ali and mind the puddle. I don't want that stench in my car."
"No problem Rose. These shoes are old and I brought another pair to change into. You know me, I like to be prepared."
She nodded and focused back on their guests. "So ladies—and I use that term in the loosest sense of the word—here's what's going to happen: You two are going to forget ever knowing anything about Bella Swan or anyone having anything to do with Bella Swan. If my sister and I hear even the tiniest whisper about her, we'll be having another chat, is that clear?" She shoved a scowling Lauren again and the girl cried out from the sharp pain in the back of her head. "Needless to say, it'll be much less pleasant than this one, understand?"
"Yes! We u-understand!" Jessica sobbed and Alice tsk'ed and shoved her against the bricks.
"You were doing so well dear Jessica. Now, how are you supposed to answer?"
Jessica nodded as well as she could with Alice's hand around her throat. "Good girl," Alice praised.
Rose chuckled and lightly smacked Lauren's cheek. "Your turn sleaze. Not. One. Word. Understand? You won't like it if we have to have this talk again, I promise you."
Lauren clenched her jaw and nodded, her eyes fairly sparking in rage and fear.
Rose and Alice let go of the girls and Alice raised her wrist and looked at it as if checking the time. "Well girls, time's a'wastin' and you have quite the walk ahead of you if you want to get back to Forks by eight. Ta ta!" She and Rose walked out of the alley and Jessica collapsed to her knees and sobbed.
"Get up!" Lauren nudged her with her foot while swiping at the tears on her own cheeks. "They're just a couple of bitches. No need to fall apart for fuck's sake."
Jessica scowled up at her friend. "Oh, and like you're any better? You're crying too!"
Lauren spun back toward her. "At least I didn't piss myself and then kneel in it!" She glared until Jessica dropped her head with a defeated nod. "Now get up! We need to get walking."
Jessica stood on shaking legs, looking dismayed. "We're really gonna walk?"
Lauren's lip curled. "Yes. My car's at the fucking diner, remember? Unless you wanna call Mike for a ride?" she drawled cruelly while striding down the street. Jessica had to jog to catch up.
"No way! Are you crazy?" She gestured down at her soiled pants. "I can't face him like-like this!"
"This is your fault you know?" Lauren ground out. "You just had to go for a ride with Edward's sisters, didn't you? Fucking idiot…"
"You agreed!"
Lauren looked at her friend like she was something she'd just scraped from the bottom of her shoe. "You begged. I was being nice."
They fell silent after that and walked a couple more blocks until they drew up short when a beautiful red-headed woman stepped into their path. Her hair was wild and curly and tumbled over a tatty looking white fur coat draped over her shoulders.
"Hello girls," she simpered with a manic smile. "My name's Victoria."
DISCLAIMER: Twilight and its inclusive material is copyright to Stephenie Meyer. Original creation, including but not limited to plot and characters, is copyright to the respective authors of each story. No copyright infringement is intended.