Twilight Fan Fiction / Twilight Fan Fiction / Twilight Fan Fiction ❯ Untitled: A Leah Clearwater Story ❯ Chapter 33 ( Chapter 33 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: JAG28 
Non Anime: Twilight Fan Fiction / Twilight Fan Fiction / Twilight Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 04.10.2013 | Pages: 6 | Words: 7.5K | Visits: 687 | Status: Completed
Non Anime: Twilight Fan Fiction / Twilight Fan Fiction / Twilight Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 04.10.2013 | Pages: 6 | Words: 7.5K | Visits: 687 | Status: Completed
Chapter 33
The next day as expected Ren was ticked off that, no one had called her about the nursery. She whined and complained that both Shelly and her wanted to be apart of it and Nahuel had assured her that he and I were going to be sharing the experience together.
“Liar!” She hit him in the shoulder and continued to pout. Shelly for a change sat back as I did and just watched the show.
“Technically I did no such thing, Leah and I did share the experience together didn’t we?” He turned to me for rescue and I nodded. I was good enough to not throw flames into Ren's fire because when she was pissed she will never ever let anyone forget about it.
“Don’t play dumb Nahuel! Dude I am really let down you hurt me with this one.” When Ren said this, I couldn’t help but laugh and as soon as I did, she turned her attention to me.
“And what wrong with you Mrs. Cullen, your phone doesn’t work or something?” She had the nerve to arch her eyebrow at me. I cringed at the fact that she called me Mrs. Cullen, she was so stuck on the last name change thing, in reality it didn’t matter because I would never publicly go by it since I am permanently a teenager and all.
“No my phone works fine, I would have called you if I known everything that was going down.” I said and then checked within myself to see if I really would have . . . yeah, of course I would have wanted this crazy chick around.
“Leah it was an all day thing, and not once did you think to call me. I would have thought you would have missed your best friend being there with you.” She accused me, I felt a little bad she truly seemed disgusted.
“Yeah Leah you should have missed me . . . and what about poor Ren you shoulda missed her too!” Shelly joked trying to make light of the situation, Ren moved glare her to Shelly.
“Ren seriously I don’t think its any big thing . . . it’s not like you missed the birth of the baby or anything jeez!” Shelly rolled her eyes.
“You are pretending to be all calm and rational!” Ren scoffed, “Do you remember that field trip we went on and how you went on and on about have to stay in the same room as some girl that’s completely irrelevant to your life . . . at least I am upset about someone who actually matters to me.” Under normal circumstances, I would have been touched knowing that someone had such concern for me but the nagging it was wrapped in undermined the sentiment.
“Ren please” I pleaded; I held the bridge of my nose I didn’t feel like having this argument anymore.
“Ladies, if you don’t mind maybe we could table this conversation, I don’t think Leah is feeling well,” Nahuel said studying my face. He was right all this morning I felt drained and weak. I had finally mustered enough energy to come downstairs to find Nahuel and that’s when Ren trapped us in the living room and bombarded us with her nonsense. “Are you okay,” he rubbed my back.
“Yeah, I must still be tired . . . feel so drained.” I went to stand up but my legs wobbled beneath me and I returned to my seat, “I don’t know what’s wrong.”
“Okay,” he softly smiled at me, “you may not want me to but I going to call Carlisle and see if he can’t come home and see what’s wrong,” he got up to leave the room, “and ladies please no commotion while I am gone.” He left the room and I was left Shelly and Ren, which usually is a good thing but under the circumstances, I was a little nervous.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to stress you out,” Ren said examining me, “Nahuel’s right you do look pretty bad. Shelly turns my face towards her.
“Leah you do look pretty awful you want us to help you upstairs so you can get some more rest?” As soon as I went to answer, Emily came to the door and decided to put her mouth in everything, all of a sudden my stomach got sick.
“It’s no wonder Leah looks drained,” She moved pass Ren and looked at me, “with all of the yelling, whining, and complaining that you two do. It’s a wonder she stays sane.” She smiled at me. I saw Ren’s face, she was about to go off on Emily she opened her mouth to speak and shot her a look begging her not to do it. Unfortunately, I looked to the wrong person.
“Excuse me!” Shelly said, “You dear Emily are far worst in the stress department that either Ren or I could hope to be.” She scoffed.
“You don’t know what you are talking about we got alone famously yesterday,” Emily countered making sure they knew that she was with me while the nursery was being done and lying all the while, she had to have known that she had given me her own special brand of annoyance yesterday, “isn’t that right Leah?” She looked to me for approval but I couldn’t offer anyone anything at this point the more I sat there the worst I felt.
“Right we both heard about you yesterday from Jacob” Ren scoffed.
“How did Jacob tell you anything, he wasn’t there?” Emily countered.
“But Nahuel was, he was venting to Jacob about your behavior yesterday . . . and for the most part he just can’t stand you. Why you may ask? Because of the way you treat his wife!” Ren said all of this with extremely too much satisfaction, but I didn’t know that Nahuel had any ill feelings about Emily; I would have to address that some time in the near future.
“I don’t care about Nahuel!” Emily said bitterly, “He so cocky with his behavior, I don’t see how anyone can stand talking to him at length, sorry cuz but it is true your husband is a bit of a know it all.”
“Emily enough!” I said, “Nahuel has done nothing to you, he has respected me enough to be cordial with you . . .I am not going to be sucked into this conversation but you keep your negative words about my husband to yourself got it!” I sighed.
“FYI,” Shelly said calmly, “Nahuel is awesome one of the greatest guys I have ever met, if he has a problem with you, you are probably the one with a problem.” No truer words had been spoken; I knew I liked that girl.
“Wow, it is funny that you would say that, under normal circumstances he would probably just think of you as lunch!” Emily added and Shelly really looked hurt by this statement. I think she really had forgotten what he was and the whole Cullen family was for that matter, mainly because they do treat her so well.
“I swear to God Emily! You are so lucky you are pregnant!” Ren said getting ready to get in Emily’s face. Ren raised her hand to Emily and thankfully, Nahuel and Rose entered the room just in time.
“Ren what are you doing? I ask one thing of all of you,” he shook his head with revulsion. “You can’t but your caddy behavior away long enough to ensure the well being of someone you call your friend?” he directed the statement to Ren.
“But I was . . .” She started. I understood where he was coming from but I couldn’t help but feel good about Ren coming to Nahuel’s defense.
“It doesn’t matter what was said,” he looked at me, “priorities Ren.” Rosalie ignored all the drama going on and looked me over.
“When did you start feeling so drained?” She asked.
“I was a little tired yesterday but I slept well last night I just can’t seem to get it together.” I leaned back on the couch, which normally would be a mistake, but since so many people were here, I knew someone would be kind enough to dig me out of the hole.
Rose raised my eyelids and examined me, “your eyes don’t look strained from sleep deprivation, stress could be the cause of your symptoms. Any other weird things going on with you that we should know about?”
“No not really . . . besides the fact that I keep having this craving for salt, maybe my blood pressure is low or something?”
“How long have you had this craving?” She got up and started walking towards the door.
“For about half of the pregnancy so far, why?” I asked confused.
“And of course you have tried to diffuse the craving?” She asked she smiled a little.
“Duh, I’ve tried pretzels, potato chips, and even beef jerky; none of it is strong enough.” I sighed; it wasn’t bothering me all that much at first but now that I mentioned it the craving attacked me again.
“I think I know what is wrong with you. I will check your blood pressure just to rule that out but if I’m right it should be an easy fix for your situation.” She laughed, “Well, I think it’s easy.” She motioned for Nahuel to come with her. I sat there and wondered what in the heck she was talking about, all of the others stared off in different directions.
“Hey!” Maria said Embry was tagging along beside her, “Why does everyone look so negative?” She asked bluntly.
“Something’s wrong with Leah we are waiting to find out what it is?” Ren said numbly.
“Nothing looks wrong with her to me,” Embry touched my forehead like he was taking my temperature, “still as hot as ever, she just looks tired as hell.” He laughed. They went to leave the room.
“Maria you two hang out here with me okay?” I didn’t want the only two positive energies in the room to leave. Rosalie came back without Nahuel.
“He is running a small errand for me he will be back shortly,” she smirked at me; it was a little sad that my behavior was so predictable, even Rosalie could read my mind. I was going to have to be pretend to be more nonchalant about that guy. She took my blood pressure, “Normal . . . for you anyway, so that means that I am probably right and once Nahuel comes back you will be fine!”
While I waited for Nahuel, I decided to distract myself with the odyssey of seeing Maria and Embry together. “So what were ya‘ll going before I kidnapped you.” I sat upright (or to the best of my ability anyway).
“Actually Seth had sent us to get you,” Embry pointed at Shelly.
“Oh crap I had forgotten we were going out this afternoon.” Shelly said, “But I would have wanted to be here anyway. I’m going to go call Seth and let him know what’s up. Want me to let your mom know too Leah?” She said thoughtfully.
“No I don’t think exhaustion is a need for my mom to worry.” I laughed, “But thanks.”
“No prob be back in a sec,” she smiled.
“So just the four of you were going out?” I said still using them as a distraction.
“No most of the pack is going we tried to get Marisol go but she was busy being Marisol.” Maria said she touched my stomach. I tried to read the look on Embry’s face when Maria said this, it almost looked like a look of concern. All the this time I kind of thought that Embry was gushing over Maria but it looks like Marisol might be the one he was gravitating towards, too bad because that will never happen, Marisol is too content being miserable to acknowledge his presence. The thing I personally don’t get about Marisol is that she now has what she claims to have wanted. Right now, she was living here with Nahuel and her family and yes, she may have been uprooted from where they previously lived but they were still together. Why was she still bitter?
“Oh . . . I remember when I could go out” I sighed, “then I got all knocked up and things.” I laughed. There was one thing I did miss but once the baby was born, I wouldn’t be imprisoned in the house.
“Leah what are you like thirty,” Embry laughed, “An old girl such as yourself should have known about protection. You should have told your hubby to wrap it up!” he laughed.
“Ha-ha . . . I’m not even sure that would work on him anyway.” I gave the option serious thought.
“Look hell if I know Leah, I’m just messin,” He laughed.
“You’re always messin and that’s why I love ya!”
Within fifteen minutes Nahuel was back before coming in the room with me he took a moment with Rosalie. “She’s not going to agree to this you know that?” he whispered to her. I couldn’t hear her response. They came into the room and Nahuel sat down beside me.
“Where’d you go?” I asked he shrugged.
“You will soon find out,” he seemed a bit amused, however he placed his arm around my shoulder this was a normal action he would take to brace me for something unpleasant.
Rosalie came in after Nahuel.
“Did you tell her?” She asked him, I was started to get annoyed. I wanted them to just tell me whatever it was so that I could mad and get over it.
“I’m not telling her that. I’m just here for moral support,” he smirked, “the floor is yours.” He motioned to Rosalie.
“Leah you know that part of your baby is marked by the curse of the undead . . .” Rosalie started, “you have to feed its primal nature.” She spoke slowly unsure how I was going to take the news.
“Point blank I have to drink blood . . . now that I think about Bella had to do that too, right?” How did I remember that my bones would break and completely disregard the baby’s thirst?
“So you will do it?” Rosalie asked surprised especially knowing how put off by the way they feed.
“I guess I have no choice . . . but given what I am, I’d rather try animal’s blood first and if that doesn’t work . . .” I let my statement trail off, I figured they’d get my point.
“Okay that’s easy enough,” Rosalie left the room and within minutes came back with a cup.
“Man, this is so crazy!” Embry said, “I wish everybody else was here to see Leah go all vampire nobody’s gonna believe me . . . hold on wait.” He pulled out his cell phone to record me. Shelly who had come back in the room was staring in shock at one moment her jaw had actually dropped. I took the cup to my lips and drank. I made the process quick not wanting to fully take the time to process what I had done.
“Hmmm just like tomato juice!” I cheesed for the camera. Nahuel bust out laughing beside me and then wiped something from my face.
“Was it horrible for you?” He asked.
“It was no pizza that’s for sure, but not as bad as I thought it would be.” It most definitely cured my need for something salty, which was a good thing, and my energy level seemed to be rising. “I’m feeling better.” I got up on my own and stretched. I was finally going to be able to leave the room I had become trapped in.
“Whoa, whoa Leah I wanted to see the nursery,” Ren whined.
“Oooo me too!” Maria squealed.
“But we are supposed to be . . .” Embry said motioning for the door.
“This will only take a second then we will be on our way.” Maria rolled her eyes.
“Good cause I got to get this video to the guys, they’re gonna freak!” He laughed and I glared at him.
“Your little video should just look like me drinking out of a cup. I could always deny it.” I countered I placed my hands where my hips used be.
“But I have witnesses.” He laughed and I rolled my eyes, “ha-ha victory!” We all walked to the nursery and the girls cooed over it as expected. Emily even appreciated the finished look of the room even though she hadn’t approved the theme.
“Leah you so owe me, I would have loved to be a part in creating this!” Ren hit me playfully, “And I just had a brilliant idea of how you could make it up to me!”
“And how is that?” I was almost scared to ask.
“You could let me plan you a baby shower!” She smiled brightly. We had already discussed this and she knew what I was going to say.
“Ren, I don’t want a . . .”
“But now that you owe me you don’t have a choice, ya see” she laughed, “ha so it’s settled tomorrow you will be having a baby shower!”
“I can’t believe you pulled all of this off so quickly!” I looked around the room at all of the decorations, food, and games.
“Honestly, I had been planning this since I found out you were pregnant you were going to have a baby shower if I had to shove it down your throat . . . this way works out better of course.” She laughed. I had to admit the girl was thorough she even picked out what she wanted me to wear to this thing. It wasn’t something I would have picked for myself a pink maternity dress.
“Wow Ren,” I said as dry and sarcastic as possible, “I am overwhelmed by your need to respect my wishes . . . you are my bestest friend ever.” She laughed
“Shut up! You know I only have your best interest at heart . . . and I expect you to have my best interest when I’m in this situation.” She rubbed my stomach to clarify her meaning.
“Oh I must of thrown something cause that was the catch,” I laughed at my corny joke, Ren didn’t. “Ren you didn’t have throw me a baby shower just because you want me to throw you one . . . it’s called asking, you know ask and you shall receive.”
“Leah seriously, I wanted to do this for you because you deserve the spotlight even if you don’t want it,” she hugged me.
After a while, all the females filed into the nursery I sat in the rocking chair and they all sit on pillows around me. “Okay the first classic baby shower game requires clothes pins,” She handed everyone 3 clothes pins, “Anyone who says the word baby loses a clothes pin at the end of the shower whoever has the most pins at the end of the shower wins a prize . . . and may I add that Alice supplied the shower’s gifts. Okay that game begins now.” She also handed out cards that everyone could put heartfelt wishes and advice. After they did this Ren brought out stacks of toilet paper.
“Okay I saw this one online this is going to be funny!” She handed out toilet paper to all of them.
“Oh, I know this one,” My mom laughed.
“Great, Leah can you stand please?” Ren said happily.
“Sure,” I played along.
“Okay turn around please.” She asked I did as she asked, “Everyone get a good look, what you need to is rip of a piece of toilet paper long enough to wrap around the largest part of Leah’s stomach which is . . . here” Which was slightly above my belly button.
“Are you serious?” Rose laughed and then focused her eyes at my stomach. “Okay.” They were all making there guess and Emmett walked by.
“What the hell are you all doing?” He stood by the door.
“We are guessing how much toilet paper it takes to wrap around Leah’s belly,” Rose answered.
“And I am modeling,” I posed for Emmett purposely knowing that Emmett would get a kick out of it.
“Let me get this straight you are gonna measure to see how fat Leah is?” Emmett laughed, “I want in!” He grabbed the roll of toilet paper from Rose.
“When you say it like that . . .” Ren said.
“What like what?” Nahuel said now he was standing beside the door.
“We are measuring your wifey’s stomach to see how fat she is, you should get in on this man!” Nahuel looked all of us like we were mad.
“You’re all insane,” he came in and took some toilet paper regardless.
“I thought this was supposed to be an all female party,” Esme said to Emmett as he sat down beside her.
“Nobody told me that I would have an opportunity to crack on Leah . . . that changes things,” He smiled devilishly at me.
“And what about you,” I said to Nahuel who was now standing beside me, “are you here to crack on me too?” I nudged him.
“No I just have a general liking to being around you.” He wrapped his arms around me.
“Hey, there will be no cheating!” Ren said nudging him.
“So now I can’t embrace my wife,” He frowned.
“Not during this game you can’t, for all I know you are using the opportunity to get a better range of her circumference.” He allowed Ren to move him momentarily.
“I have an unfair advantage anyway don’t you think. I embrace Leah at least once a day.” He spoke truthfully I didn’t think I could have possibly change much for this yesterday or this morning for that matter.
“Well then” she took the toilet paper away from him. “You. Are. Disqualified.”
“Good,” He wrapped his arms back around me.
“Why are you here to poop on my party Nahuel?” She whined at him.
“Well here I thought that this was my party?” I countered.
“Partially.” She laughed, but she was serious, Ren didn’t put this much effort into something unless she was getting something out of it. I couldn’t understand what she could possibly be getting out of hosting the baby shower, maybe it was the spotlight that came with being game master, Ren was unlike Bella in that way, she loved the spotlight.
“Okay, okay times up!” Ren said, “Who wants to go first?” Maria got up and put her stretch of toilet paper around my waist, she had went three sheets over.
“Sorry Leah you’re a little smaller than I thought” She smiled; I was slightly perturbed maybe I was seeing myself through tunnel vision because I didn’t think I was that big. Emmett got up next and knew whatever he did was not going to be good for my ego.
“Seriously Emmett the whole roll.” I rolled my eyes at him.
“Well Leah you’re pretty fat I had to be sure I had enough.” He went to wrap the toilet paper around me, he was laughing so hard that he could barely complete the task.
“Guess what you’re disqualified!” I snatched the roll from him.
“On what grounds.” He tried to look innocent, he failed horribly I thought vampires were supposed to be better lairs.
“On the grounds that you get on my nerves, that’s what grounds.” I pushed him in the shoulder.
“No fair I can’t hit a pregnant chick!” He laughed.
“You wouldn’t hit me regardless,” I pinched both his cheeks, “cause you love me too much!” I laughed at his facial expression.
“Love may be slightly extreme.” He murmured the ruffled my hair, “but I would miss you annoying me if you were gone.” He face grew serious for a moment I had a good feeling I knew what he was thinking. Ren brought the party back to the jovial mood by mentioning the gifts. The closest guess with out going over was my other that was rewarded with a Louis Vuitton purse.
“I did know that gift’s were like that, I guess I should have known, but now that I do,” Shelly rolled up her sleeves, “lets do this thing.”
“That’s the spirit Shells!” Ren beamed that Shelly and a few others now had a vested interest in the day’s events. The object of the next game was to make the best diaper you could for you partner using toilet paper. Emily had partnered with my mom, Shelly with Maria, Alice with Bella, and Rose with Emmett; Esme sat this one out and instead filled the room with appetizers from the kitchen. Ren and I were to judge the even, Ren took pictures for the memories book she was putting together for me.
“Well Leah I pick . . . Shelly.” Ren whispered we both looked at Shelly who was dancing around in the diaper that Maria had created. It was sad that Marisol had decided that she took no interest in joining us or even acknowledging the fact that she was going to be an aunt, potentially my child could look up to her, idolize her even if she would just embrace all this.
“I like Emmett’s diaper, it at least deserves and honorable mention.” Emmett stood with Nahuel it seemed like they were deep in conversation, which made his diaper look even more ridiculous.
“Okay people we have reached a stalemate, which means we must have a tie breaker.” She brought out a cooler and sat in front of the four winners.
“In each jar there is baby food . . .” Ren started.
“Pass, I’m out.” Emmett said walking away from the challenge.
“I haven’t even finished the rules Uncle Emmett.” Ren said pulling Emmett’s arm, he easily maneuvered out of her grasp.
“It doesn’t matter, I still pass!” Rose rolled her eyes at him.
“I’ll stand in for Emmett,” Nahuel stood by Rose, “at least I can digest the food naturally.”
“How do you know we’re supposed to eat it?” Rose nose wrinkled.
“Yeah Nahuel way to take the element out of the game!” Ren huffed; she still pulled the blindfolds out a bag.
“What else could we possibly do with it? From the way the stuff smells Leah could possibly use it for paint.” Nahuel countered.
“That’s why I passed good old common sense,” Emmett laughed, “Nahuel is just a glutton for punishment, just look who he ended up with.” I glared at Emmett he was truly using today as a day to get under my skin.
“Well for what it’s worth Nahuel was right you will have to taste it and guess what you think it is, there are two decent ones, and one that I would think would taste . . . well you’ll tell me how it tastes.” She laughed, “Of course the one who guesses the most right is the winner!”
Nahuel and Maria decided to be the taste testers, so that they would be on fair playing grounds. Ren blindfolded them both, “okay,” she handed me the first jar. “Jar one,” Ren fed Maria and I dipped the spoon in the jar and pulled out the golden substance I looked at Nahuel standing in front of me blinded and helpless. The site was too tempting, I kissed his lips adding only the slightest bit of passion to the kiss, not wanting to completely frustrate myself. When I pulled away he stumbled forward slightly.
“I don’t believe that comes in a jar.” He smirked.
“No I can’t say that it does.” I laughed, “But seriously are you ready?” He nodded, and opened his mouth, I doused my finger in the baby food and then stuck it in his mouth, he arched his eyebrow and tighten his lips around my finger. Once my finger left his mouth, he was left with nothing but the taste of the baby food and he immediately cringed. Both Maria and Nahuel returned to their respective partner and delivered their guesses, and then returned for more punishment. This game as innocent as it was supposed to be caused frustration on my end, watching is his lips wrap around my finger each time, and the seductive feel of his tongue.
“So Maria got all three correct and Nahuel got only two correct. Dirt is not typically a baby food selection, not one you can buy in stores anyway.” Ren frowned.
“That’s what it tasted like,” he murmured, “what was that third thing anyway?”
“Spaghetti and meatballs,” Ren read the jar.
“We are not feeding her that!” He said to me, he took the jar of food from Ren and threw it away. He spread his look of revulsion to the trash can as if the trash can now needed to be burned because of its contents.
“Yeah it did taste like straight bosta!” Maria said, “Sooo . . . about that gift!” She squealed.
“Oh right.” Ren handed both Maria and Shelly Versace bags that they gushed over.
“Well now, I’m glad I didn’t win, that bag wouldn’t have worked with anything I wear!” Nahuel said snatching his sister’s bag.
“What are you talking about you would have rocked that purse and called it a satchel.” Maria said I burst out with laughter.
The party continued, those that could enjoyed the snacks and conversation. I stepped away from the party, an action that was only supposed to be momentary, I just felt a little claustrophobic with all the gushing. I went to the living room to breathe. That’s when reality started to stir in my brain, once the baby was born things in my life would change so dramatically if I survived the bone breaking experience (and everyone had assured me that it would be bone breaking). I sighed and touched my stomach, the most evident part of me that proved my child’s existence.
“Sweet, sweet baby you were meant to be I know that deep in my core,” I just hoped I would be able to watch her grow. I grabbed the memories box that Ren had given me to highlight the epic moment in my life. I needed a distraction from Nahuel’s previous logic that now held my mind captive. I opened the light pink box, it contained a bunch of letters all addressed to me. I opened the first one that was written in my mother’s handwriting.
Leah,
The cliché’ thing to do in this type of letter would be for me to tell you how one of the proudest moments in my life were the births of you and your brother. I could also mention how honored I felt being able to watch you grow into who you are now, but you know all that so I won’t (insert my laughter here). Seriously, I am going to tell you that loving and raising your baby will be one of the hardest, scariest things you will do in your life, because her life is in your hands and you will not want to see her hurt, sad, or heartbroken. The hardest thing for me to do was to watch life happen to you Leah, and to know that there was nothing I could do. You know I am only a call away if you need my help. However, I have never raised a vampire so your own there. I love you I hope everything goes as planned.
Good luck my daughter.
“That didn’t help much.” I said into the emptiness. The letter had actually heightened my fears and worries and reminded me of all the people I could potentially be leaving behind. That heavy feeling hit my chest, that feeling that comes before tears start to flow. I quickly reached into the box to find another letter that was hopefully lighter hearted. I found Maria’s letter, I figured it would be safe since she hadn’t known me for very long.
Leah,
A beautiful baby, you are so lucky. I have lived many years and hoped to find a proper mate for that purpose. When I was younger I thought of an infant as a creation that was meant to be studied. I now view them as gifts from the heavens that certain people are blessed with. They are a slice of innocence. I want you to know that I see this baby as that, I see her as family, and I will do whatever I can, whatever is needed of me to help this baby. I wish you and my brother all the best.
What was with all the well wishes? Maybe I was interpreting them wrong, part of me wanted to believe they wished me good luck in raising my daughter, but the better part of me knew that they were wishing for my survival during labor. They were wishing as I was that I would live through child birth to see my baby’s face. I wanted to see her, I could imagine her little face. I could see myself touching her little fingers and toes. I couldn’t be deprived of that. I read two more letters, Hulien and Esme, both beautifully written with the same concerns. My worries grew stronger, on some level I felt I had made a mistake. I had put my life on the line, and now poor Nahuel would have to suffer at the impulsiveness of my decision.
“Oh little one,” I whispered and heart wrenched tears now covered my cheeks. I sat in silence choking back tears cradling my stomach, I felt like I was trying to protect the both of us from the future that everybody, in the back of the minds at least, thought was going to occur. “I may die.” Tears came quicker and I buried my head in my hands, I saw my child’s face once more, she was smiling I envisioned her giggle, I wanted to hear that sound.
“Leah?” Nahuel found me, “I thought you had went to the powder room . . . I didn’t know you were upset. Are you in pain? What has upset you this way?” He scooped me up into his arms and held me in his lap.
“I can’t bring myself to tell you, it would only cause you pain.” I placed my head on his shoulder.
“But you have to tell me, I must know.” He forced me to look into his eyes, causing me to lose all logic and awareness of any hurt.
“I guess I’m just getting scared.” I laughed awkwardly, “Bella was pregnant for about a month I have been pregnant for about two.” I looked down at my massive stomach, “Time is winding down.”
“That is true.” He said solemnly, slowly rubbing my back. After hours of relentless baby talk I had been left with peace, silence, and Nahuel, all three things beneficial to my health. He was slowly erasing my concerns.
“I can’t believe you crashed the baby shower,” I laughed. I hadn’t even wanted to be there and he had forced himself in, and of course I was grateful for his presence.
“Believe me it wasn’t mediated plan I assure you.” He laughed. We still sat in the living room in a completely abandoned I was surprised that Ren hadn’t released a search party for me. “But I must say seeing Emmett in a diaper was worth it.” He laughed.
“Yeah Ren got a good picture of that one,” I sighed and repositioned myself. I looked at his face him seemed content but his eyes seemed empty, my mood had affected him which now I deeply regretted. “What’s wrong?” I asked even though I already knew.
“Nothing,” he smiled reassuringly, he tightened his grip around me.
“You know how I feel about lying.” I crossed my arms.
“Honestly, the baby thing still worries me too. I’m not only worry about your life but now the life of our child especially since . . .” he stopped himself and sighed, “it’s not worth discussing really.”
“Since what?” I shoved him. I was already blubbering like Bella I wasn’t gonna look much worse than I did at the moment.
“Since I can hear her heartbeat it’s so strong. It makes her real to me; I didn’t expect to feel so connected. I still fear sometimes that somehow she will be the death of you and now I feel I can’t live without you both . . .it’s stressful.” He let out a stressed laugh.
“I am sorry to put you through this, but I just couldn’t live with myself if I had gotten rid of her. To me it would have been like killing a part of you and I could never do that.” We sat in silence and felt his eyes glued to the side of my face.
“There is something else that has been bothering me but I must say it is rather selfish.” He smirked.
“Oh God I’m afraid to ask . . . but I have to know, so tell me” I scooted closer to him.
“I miss you Leah . . .” He whispered with his head down.
“What am I missing something because last time I checked I was right here beside you!” I put my head on his shoulder.
“No, no I believe you are missing my point.” He used his pointer finger to guide my lips to his. He hadn’t kissed me with the intent to be seductive since I became pregnant, I had almost forgotten how delicious his tongue was, and how deeply he could penetrate my mouth, I couldn’t help but sigh with the satisfaction. We were both eager and are kiss became very passionate, very quickly. He went to wrapped his arms around me but he bumped into my stomach. “The extra heartbeat in the room makes me feel guilty for behaving this way . . . what if she can hear us?” He whispered.
“Nahuel it’s a baby even if it can hear us, she wouldn’t know what’s going on.” I laughed.
“Still I can’t wait until she is out of there, sleeping peacefully in the nursery, and we can be left to our own devices.” He whispered seductively in my ear rubbing his nose against my earlobe.
“Look if you don’t stop I am going to force myself on you, my hormones are all crazy remember?” I was only half-serious about this statement but why was he trying to torment his poor pregnant wife?
“I am sorry I don’t mean to . . .” He stared into my eyes, we both became lost in each other, “I don’t mean to . . .” He smoothed my hair behind my ear.
“Yes, yes you do,” I kissed him again the passion in me was unbearable I tried press my body against his to the best of my ability. “I want you so bad” I was barely able to breathe.
“Our union . . .will be great.” He smiled breathlessly, “After the baby is born.”
“After? You know there is a saying . . . there’s no time like the present.” I said undoing the buttons of his shirt.
“They also say that patience is a virtue.” He placed his hands over mind.
“Yeah, yeah being virtuous doesn’t seem that appealing right now.” I sighed now frustrated. He laughed at my demeanor.
“Trust me I agree with you!”
< br>
The next day as expected Ren was ticked off that, no one had called her about the nursery. She whined and complained that both Shelly and her wanted to be apart of it and Nahuel had assured her that he and I were going to be sharing the experience together.
“Liar!” She hit him in the shoulder and continued to pout. Shelly for a change sat back as I did and just watched the show.
“Technically I did no such thing, Leah and I did share the experience together didn’t we?” He turned to me for rescue and I nodded. I was good enough to not throw flames into Ren's fire because when she was pissed she will never ever let anyone forget about it.
“Don’t play dumb Nahuel! Dude I am really let down you hurt me with this one.” When Ren said this, I couldn’t help but laugh and as soon as I did, she turned her attention to me.
“And what wrong with you Mrs. Cullen, your phone doesn’t work or something?” She had the nerve to arch her eyebrow at me. I cringed at the fact that she called me Mrs. Cullen, she was so stuck on the last name change thing, in reality it didn’t matter because I would never publicly go by it since I am permanently a teenager and all.
“No my phone works fine, I would have called you if I known everything that was going down.” I said and then checked within myself to see if I really would have . . . yeah, of course I would have wanted this crazy chick around.
“Leah it was an all day thing, and not once did you think to call me. I would have thought you would have missed your best friend being there with you.” She accused me, I felt a little bad she truly seemed disgusted.
“Yeah Leah you should have missed me . . . and what about poor Ren you shoulda missed her too!” Shelly joked trying to make light of the situation, Ren moved glare her to Shelly.
“Ren seriously I don’t think its any big thing . . . it’s not like you missed the birth of the baby or anything jeez!” Shelly rolled her eyes.
“You are pretending to be all calm and rational!” Ren scoffed, “Do you remember that field trip we went on and how you went on and on about have to stay in the same room as some girl that’s completely irrelevant to your life . . . at least I am upset about someone who actually matters to me.” Under normal circumstances, I would have been touched knowing that someone had such concern for me but the nagging it was wrapped in undermined the sentiment.
“Ren please” I pleaded; I held the bridge of my nose I didn’t feel like having this argument anymore.
“Ladies, if you don’t mind maybe we could table this conversation, I don’t think Leah is feeling well,” Nahuel said studying my face. He was right all this morning I felt drained and weak. I had finally mustered enough energy to come downstairs to find Nahuel and that’s when Ren trapped us in the living room and bombarded us with her nonsense. “Are you okay,” he rubbed my back.
“Yeah, I must still be tired . . . feel so drained.” I went to stand up but my legs wobbled beneath me and I returned to my seat, “I don’t know what’s wrong.”
“Okay,” he softly smiled at me, “you may not want me to but I going to call Carlisle and see if he can’t come home and see what’s wrong,” he got up to leave the room, “and ladies please no commotion while I am gone.” He left the room and I was left Shelly and Ren, which usually is a good thing but under the circumstances, I was a little nervous.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to stress you out,” Ren said examining me, “Nahuel’s right you do look pretty bad. Shelly turns my face towards her.
“Leah you do look pretty awful you want us to help you upstairs so you can get some more rest?” As soon as I went to answer, Emily came to the door and decided to put her mouth in everything, all of a sudden my stomach got sick.
“It’s no wonder Leah looks drained,” She moved pass Ren and looked at me, “with all of the yelling, whining, and complaining that you two do. It’s a wonder she stays sane.” She smiled at me. I saw Ren’s face, she was about to go off on Emily she opened her mouth to speak and shot her a look begging her not to do it. Unfortunately, I looked to the wrong person.
“Excuse me!” Shelly said, “You dear Emily are far worst in the stress department that either Ren or I could hope to be.” She scoffed.
“You don’t know what you are talking about we got alone famously yesterday,” Emily countered making sure they knew that she was with me while the nursery was being done and lying all the while, she had to have known that she had given me her own special brand of annoyance yesterday, “isn’t that right Leah?” She looked to me for approval but I couldn’t offer anyone anything at this point the more I sat there the worst I felt.
“Right we both heard about you yesterday from Jacob” Ren scoffed.
“How did Jacob tell you anything, he wasn’t there?” Emily countered.
“But Nahuel was, he was venting to Jacob about your behavior yesterday . . . and for the most part he just can’t stand you. Why you may ask? Because of the way you treat his wife!” Ren said all of this with extremely too much satisfaction, but I didn’t know that Nahuel had any ill feelings about Emily; I would have to address that some time in the near future.
“I don’t care about Nahuel!” Emily said bitterly, “He so cocky with his behavior, I don’t see how anyone can stand talking to him at length, sorry cuz but it is true your husband is a bit of a know it all.”
“Emily enough!” I said, “Nahuel has done nothing to you, he has respected me enough to be cordial with you . . .I am not going to be sucked into this conversation but you keep your negative words about my husband to yourself got it!” I sighed.
“FYI,” Shelly said calmly, “Nahuel is awesome one of the greatest guys I have ever met, if he has a problem with you, you are probably the one with a problem.” No truer words had been spoken; I knew I liked that girl.
“Wow, it is funny that you would say that, under normal circumstances he would probably just think of you as lunch!” Emily added and Shelly really looked hurt by this statement. I think she really had forgotten what he was and the whole Cullen family was for that matter, mainly because they do treat her so well.
“I swear to God Emily! You are so lucky you are pregnant!” Ren said getting ready to get in Emily’s face. Ren raised her hand to Emily and thankfully, Nahuel and Rose entered the room just in time.
“Ren what are you doing? I ask one thing of all of you,” he shook his head with revulsion. “You can’t but your caddy behavior away long enough to ensure the well being of someone you call your friend?” he directed the statement to Ren.
“But I was . . .” She started. I understood where he was coming from but I couldn’t help but feel good about Ren coming to Nahuel’s defense.
“It doesn’t matter what was said,” he looked at me, “priorities Ren.” Rosalie ignored all the drama going on and looked me over.
“When did you start feeling so drained?” She asked.
“I was a little tired yesterday but I slept well last night I just can’t seem to get it together.” I leaned back on the couch, which normally would be a mistake, but since so many people were here, I knew someone would be kind enough to dig me out of the hole.
Rose raised my eyelids and examined me, “your eyes don’t look strained from sleep deprivation, stress could be the cause of your symptoms. Any other weird things going on with you that we should know about?”
“No not really . . . besides the fact that I keep having this craving for salt, maybe my blood pressure is low or something?”
“How long have you had this craving?” She got up and started walking towards the door.
“For about half of the pregnancy so far, why?” I asked confused.
“And of course you have tried to diffuse the craving?” She asked she smiled a little.
“Duh, I’ve tried pretzels, potato chips, and even beef jerky; none of it is strong enough.” I sighed; it wasn’t bothering me all that much at first but now that I mentioned it the craving attacked me again.
“I think I know what is wrong with you. I will check your blood pressure just to rule that out but if I’m right it should be an easy fix for your situation.” She laughed, “Well, I think it’s easy.” She motioned for Nahuel to come with her. I sat there and wondered what in the heck she was talking about, all of the others stared off in different directions.
“Hey!” Maria said Embry was tagging along beside her, “Why does everyone look so negative?” She asked bluntly.
“Something’s wrong with Leah we are waiting to find out what it is?” Ren said numbly.
“Nothing looks wrong with her to me,” Embry touched my forehead like he was taking my temperature, “still as hot as ever, she just looks tired as hell.” He laughed. They went to leave the room.
“Maria you two hang out here with me okay?” I didn’t want the only two positive energies in the room to leave. Rosalie came back without Nahuel.
“He is running a small errand for me he will be back shortly,” she smirked at me; it was a little sad that my behavior was so predictable, even Rosalie could read my mind. I was going to have to be pretend to be more nonchalant about that guy. She took my blood pressure, “Normal . . . for you anyway, so that means that I am probably right and once Nahuel comes back you will be fine!”
While I waited for Nahuel, I decided to distract myself with the odyssey of seeing Maria and Embry together. “So what were ya‘ll going before I kidnapped you.” I sat upright (or to the best of my ability anyway).
“Actually Seth had sent us to get you,” Embry pointed at Shelly.
“Oh crap I had forgotten we were going out this afternoon.” Shelly said, “But I would have wanted to be here anyway. I’m going to go call Seth and let him know what’s up. Want me to let your mom know too Leah?” She said thoughtfully.
“No I don’t think exhaustion is a need for my mom to worry.” I laughed, “But thanks.”
“No prob be back in a sec,” she smiled.
“So just the four of you were going out?” I said still using them as a distraction.
“No most of the pack is going we tried to get Marisol go but she was busy being Marisol.” Maria said she touched my stomach. I tried to read the look on Embry’s face when Maria said this, it almost looked like a look of concern. All the this time I kind of thought that Embry was gushing over Maria but it looks like Marisol might be the one he was gravitating towards, too bad because that will never happen, Marisol is too content being miserable to acknowledge his presence. The thing I personally don’t get about Marisol is that she now has what she claims to have wanted. Right now, she was living here with Nahuel and her family and yes, she may have been uprooted from where they previously lived but they were still together. Why was she still bitter?
“Oh . . . I remember when I could go out” I sighed, “then I got all knocked up and things.” I laughed. There was one thing I did miss but once the baby was born, I wouldn’t be imprisoned in the house.
“Leah what are you like thirty,” Embry laughed, “An old girl such as yourself should have known about protection. You should have told your hubby to wrap it up!” he laughed.
“Ha-ha . . . I’m not even sure that would work on him anyway.” I gave the option serious thought.
“Look hell if I know Leah, I’m just messin,” He laughed.
“You’re always messin and that’s why I love ya!”
Within fifteen minutes Nahuel was back before coming in the room with me he took a moment with Rosalie. “She’s not going to agree to this you know that?” he whispered to her. I couldn’t hear her response. They came into the room and Nahuel sat down beside me.
“Where’d you go?” I asked he shrugged.
“You will soon find out,” he seemed a bit amused, however he placed his arm around my shoulder this was a normal action he would take to brace me for something unpleasant.
Rosalie came in after Nahuel.
“Did you tell her?” She asked him, I was started to get annoyed. I wanted them to just tell me whatever it was so that I could mad and get over it.
“I’m not telling her that. I’m just here for moral support,” he smirked, “the floor is yours.” He motioned to Rosalie.
“Leah you know that part of your baby is marked by the curse of the undead . . .” Rosalie started, “you have to feed its primal nature.” She spoke slowly unsure how I was going to take the news.
“Point blank I have to drink blood . . . now that I think about Bella had to do that too, right?” How did I remember that my bones would break and completely disregard the baby’s thirst?
“So you will do it?” Rosalie asked surprised especially knowing how put off by the way they feed.
“I guess I have no choice . . . but given what I am, I’d rather try animal’s blood first and if that doesn’t work . . .” I let my statement trail off, I figured they’d get my point.
“Okay that’s easy enough,” Rosalie left the room and within minutes came back with a cup.
“Man, this is so crazy!” Embry said, “I wish everybody else was here to see Leah go all vampire nobody’s gonna believe me . . . hold on wait.” He pulled out his cell phone to record me. Shelly who had come back in the room was staring in shock at one moment her jaw had actually dropped. I took the cup to my lips and drank. I made the process quick not wanting to fully take the time to process what I had done.
“Hmmm just like tomato juice!” I cheesed for the camera. Nahuel bust out laughing beside me and then wiped something from my face.
“Was it horrible for you?” He asked.
“It was no pizza that’s for sure, but not as bad as I thought it would be.” It most definitely cured my need for something salty, which was a good thing, and my energy level seemed to be rising. “I’m feeling better.” I got up on my own and stretched. I was finally going to be able to leave the room I had become trapped in.
“Whoa, whoa Leah I wanted to see the nursery,” Ren whined.
“Oooo me too!” Maria squealed.
“But we are supposed to be . . .” Embry said motioning for the door.
“This will only take a second then we will be on our way.” Maria rolled her eyes.
“Good cause I got to get this video to the guys, they’re gonna freak!” He laughed and I glared at him.
“Your little video should just look like me drinking out of a cup. I could always deny it.” I countered I placed my hands where my hips used be.
“But I have witnesses.” He laughed and I rolled my eyes, “ha-ha victory!” We all walked to the nursery and the girls cooed over it as expected. Emily even appreciated the finished look of the room even though she hadn’t approved the theme.
“Leah you so owe me, I would have loved to be a part in creating this!” Ren hit me playfully, “And I just had a brilliant idea of how you could make it up to me!”
“And how is that?” I was almost scared to ask.
“You could let me plan you a baby shower!” She smiled brightly. We had already discussed this and she knew what I was going to say.
“Ren, I don’t want a . . .”
“But now that you owe me you don’t have a choice, ya see” she laughed, “ha so it’s settled tomorrow you will be having a baby shower!”
“I can’t believe you pulled all of this off so quickly!” I looked around the room at all of the decorations, food, and games.
“Honestly, I had been planning this since I found out you were pregnant you were going to have a baby shower if I had to shove it down your throat . . . this way works out better of course.” She laughed. I had to admit the girl was thorough she even picked out what she wanted me to wear to this thing. It wasn’t something I would have picked for myself a pink maternity dress.
“Wow Ren,” I said as dry and sarcastic as possible, “I am overwhelmed by your need to respect my wishes . . . you are my bestest friend ever.” She laughed
“Shut up! You know I only have your best interest at heart . . . and I expect you to have my best interest when I’m in this situation.” She rubbed my stomach to clarify her meaning.
“Oh I must of thrown something cause that was the catch,” I laughed at my corny joke, Ren didn’t. “Ren you didn’t have throw me a baby shower just because you want me to throw you one . . . it’s called asking, you know ask and you shall receive.”
“Leah seriously, I wanted to do this for you because you deserve the spotlight even if you don’t want it,” she hugged me.
After a while, all the females filed into the nursery I sat in the rocking chair and they all sit on pillows around me. “Okay the first classic baby shower game requires clothes pins,” She handed everyone 3 clothes pins, “Anyone who says the word baby loses a clothes pin at the end of the shower whoever has the most pins at the end of the shower wins a prize . . . and may I add that Alice supplied the shower’s gifts. Okay that game begins now.” She also handed out cards that everyone could put heartfelt wishes and advice. After they did this Ren brought out stacks of toilet paper.
“Okay I saw this one online this is going to be funny!” She handed out toilet paper to all of them.
“Oh, I know this one,” My mom laughed.
“Great, Leah can you stand please?” Ren said happily.
“Sure,” I played along.
“Okay turn around please.” She asked I did as she asked, “Everyone get a good look, what you need to is rip of a piece of toilet paper long enough to wrap around the largest part of Leah’s stomach which is . . . here” Which was slightly above my belly button.
“Are you serious?” Rose laughed and then focused her eyes at my stomach. “Okay.” They were all making there guess and Emmett walked by.
“What the hell are you all doing?” He stood by the door.
“We are guessing how much toilet paper it takes to wrap around Leah’s belly,” Rose answered.
“And I am modeling,” I posed for Emmett purposely knowing that Emmett would get a kick out of it.
“Let me get this straight you are gonna measure to see how fat Leah is?” Emmett laughed, “I want in!” He grabbed the roll of toilet paper from Rose.
“When you say it like that . . .” Ren said.
“What like what?” Nahuel said now he was standing beside the door.
“We are measuring your wifey’s stomach to see how fat she is, you should get in on this man!” Nahuel looked all of us like we were mad.
“You’re all insane,” he came in and took some toilet paper regardless.
“I thought this was supposed to be an all female party,” Esme said to Emmett as he sat down beside her.
“Nobody told me that I would have an opportunity to crack on Leah . . . that changes things,” He smiled devilishly at me.
“And what about you,” I said to Nahuel who was now standing beside me, “are you here to crack on me too?” I nudged him.
“No I just have a general liking to being around you.” He wrapped his arms around me.
“Hey, there will be no cheating!” Ren said nudging him.
“So now I can’t embrace my wife,” He frowned.
“Not during this game you can’t, for all I know you are using the opportunity to get a better range of her circumference.” He allowed Ren to move him momentarily.
“I have an unfair advantage anyway don’t you think. I embrace Leah at least once a day.” He spoke truthfully I didn’t think I could have possibly change much for this yesterday or this morning for that matter.
“Well then” she took the toilet paper away from him. “You. Are. Disqualified.”
“Good,” He wrapped his arms back around me.
“Why are you here to poop on my party Nahuel?” She whined at him.
“Well here I thought that this was my party?” I countered.
“Partially.” She laughed, but she was serious, Ren didn’t put this much effort into something unless she was getting something out of it. I couldn’t understand what she could possibly be getting out of hosting the baby shower, maybe it was the spotlight that came with being game master, Ren was unlike Bella in that way, she loved the spotlight.
“Okay, okay times up!” Ren said, “Who wants to go first?” Maria got up and put her stretch of toilet paper around my waist, she had went three sheets over.
“Sorry Leah you’re a little smaller than I thought” She smiled; I was slightly perturbed maybe I was seeing myself through tunnel vision because I didn’t think I was that big. Emmett got up next and knew whatever he did was not going to be good for my ego.
“Seriously Emmett the whole roll.” I rolled my eyes at him.
“Well Leah you’re pretty fat I had to be sure I had enough.” He went to wrap the toilet paper around me, he was laughing so hard that he could barely complete the task.
“Guess what you’re disqualified!” I snatched the roll from him.
“On what grounds.” He tried to look innocent, he failed horribly I thought vampires were supposed to be better lairs.
“On the grounds that you get on my nerves, that’s what grounds.” I pushed him in the shoulder.
“No fair I can’t hit a pregnant chick!” He laughed.
“You wouldn’t hit me regardless,” I pinched both his cheeks, “cause you love me too much!” I laughed at his facial expression.
“Love may be slightly extreme.” He murmured the ruffled my hair, “but I would miss you annoying me if you were gone.” He face grew serious for a moment I had a good feeling I knew what he was thinking. Ren brought the party back to the jovial mood by mentioning the gifts. The closest guess with out going over was my other that was rewarded with a Louis Vuitton purse.
“I did know that gift’s were like that, I guess I should have known, but now that I do,” Shelly rolled up her sleeves, “lets do this thing.”
“That’s the spirit Shells!” Ren beamed that Shelly and a few others now had a vested interest in the day’s events. The object of the next game was to make the best diaper you could for you partner using toilet paper. Emily had partnered with my mom, Shelly with Maria, Alice with Bella, and Rose with Emmett; Esme sat this one out and instead filled the room with appetizers from the kitchen. Ren and I were to judge the even, Ren took pictures for the memories book she was putting together for me.
“Well Leah I pick . . . Shelly.” Ren whispered we both looked at Shelly who was dancing around in the diaper that Maria had created. It was sad that Marisol had decided that she took no interest in joining us or even acknowledging the fact that she was going to be an aunt, potentially my child could look up to her, idolize her even if she would just embrace all this.
“I like Emmett’s diaper, it at least deserves and honorable mention.” Emmett stood with Nahuel it seemed like they were deep in conversation, which made his diaper look even more ridiculous.
“Okay people we have reached a stalemate, which means we must have a tie breaker.” She brought out a cooler and sat in front of the four winners.
“In each jar there is baby food . . .” Ren started.
“Pass, I’m out.” Emmett said walking away from the challenge.
“I haven’t even finished the rules Uncle Emmett.” Ren said pulling Emmett’s arm, he easily maneuvered out of her grasp.
“It doesn’t matter, I still pass!” Rose rolled her eyes at him.
“I’ll stand in for Emmett,” Nahuel stood by Rose, “at least I can digest the food naturally.”
“How do you know we’re supposed to eat it?” Rose nose wrinkled.
“Yeah Nahuel way to take the element out of the game!” Ren huffed; she still pulled the blindfolds out a bag.
“What else could we possibly do with it? From the way the stuff smells Leah could possibly use it for paint.” Nahuel countered.
“That’s why I passed good old common sense,” Emmett laughed, “Nahuel is just a glutton for punishment, just look who he ended up with.” I glared at Emmett he was truly using today as a day to get under my skin.
“Well for what it’s worth Nahuel was right you will have to taste it and guess what you think it is, there are two decent ones, and one that I would think would taste . . . well you’ll tell me how it tastes.” She laughed, “Of course the one who guesses the most right is the winner!”
Nahuel and Maria decided to be the taste testers, so that they would be on fair playing grounds. Ren blindfolded them both, “okay,” she handed me the first jar. “Jar one,” Ren fed Maria and I dipped the spoon in the jar and pulled out the golden substance I looked at Nahuel standing in front of me blinded and helpless. The site was too tempting, I kissed his lips adding only the slightest bit of passion to the kiss, not wanting to completely frustrate myself. When I pulled away he stumbled forward slightly.
“I don’t believe that comes in a jar.” He smirked.
“No I can’t say that it does.” I laughed, “But seriously are you ready?” He nodded, and opened his mouth, I doused my finger in the baby food and then stuck it in his mouth, he arched his eyebrow and tighten his lips around my finger. Once my finger left his mouth, he was left with nothing but the taste of the baby food and he immediately cringed. Both Maria and Nahuel returned to their respective partner and delivered their guesses, and then returned for more punishment. This game as innocent as it was supposed to be caused frustration on my end, watching is his lips wrap around my finger each time, and the seductive feel of his tongue.
“So Maria got all three correct and Nahuel got only two correct. Dirt is not typically a baby food selection, not one you can buy in stores anyway.” Ren frowned.
“That’s what it tasted like,” he murmured, “what was that third thing anyway?”
“Spaghetti and meatballs,” Ren read the jar.
“We are not feeding her that!” He said to me, he took the jar of food from Ren and threw it away. He spread his look of revulsion to the trash can as if the trash can now needed to be burned because of its contents.
“Yeah it did taste like straight bosta!” Maria said, “Sooo . . . about that gift!” She squealed.
“Oh right.” Ren handed both Maria and Shelly Versace bags that they gushed over.
“Well now, I’m glad I didn’t win, that bag wouldn’t have worked with anything I wear!” Nahuel said snatching his sister’s bag.
“What are you talking about you would have rocked that purse and called it a satchel.” Maria said I burst out with laughter.
The party continued, those that could enjoyed the snacks and conversation. I stepped away from the party, an action that was only supposed to be momentary, I just felt a little claustrophobic with all the gushing. I went to the living room to breathe. That’s when reality started to stir in my brain, once the baby was born things in my life would change so dramatically if I survived the bone breaking experience (and everyone had assured me that it would be bone breaking). I sighed and touched my stomach, the most evident part of me that proved my child’s existence.
“Sweet, sweet baby you were meant to be I know that deep in my core,” I just hoped I would be able to watch her grow. I grabbed the memories box that Ren had given me to highlight the epic moment in my life. I needed a distraction from Nahuel’s previous logic that now held my mind captive. I opened the light pink box, it contained a bunch of letters all addressed to me. I opened the first one that was written in my mother’s handwriting.
Leah,
The cliché’ thing to do in this type of letter would be for me to tell you how one of the proudest moments in my life were the births of you and your brother. I could also mention how honored I felt being able to watch you grow into who you are now, but you know all that so I won’t (insert my laughter here). Seriously, I am going to tell you that loving and raising your baby will be one of the hardest, scariest things you will do in your life, because her life is in your hands and you will not want to see her hurt, sad, or heartbroken. The hardest thing for me to do was to watch life happen to you Leah, and to know that there was nothing I could do. You know I am only a call away if you need my help. However, I have never raised a vampire so your own there. I love you I hope everything goes as planned.
Good luck my daughter.
“That didn’t help much.” I said into the emptiness. The letter had actually heightened my fears and worries and reminded me of all the people I could potentially be leaving behind. That heavy feeling hit my chest, that feeling that comes before tears start to flow. I quickly reached into the box to find another letter that was hopefully lighter hearted. I found Maria’s letter, I figured it would be safe since she hadn’t known me for very long.
Leah,
A beautiful baby, you are so lucky. I have lived many years and hoped to find a proper mate for that purpose. When I was younger I thought of an infant as a creation that was meant to be studied. I now view them as gifts from the heavens that certain people are blessed with. They are a slice of innocence. I want you to know that I see this baby as that, I see her as family, and I will do whatever I can, whatever is needed of me to help this baby. I wish you and my brother all the best.
What was with all the well wishes? Maybe I was interpreting them wrong, part of me wanted to believe they wished me good luck in raising my daughter, but the better part of me knew that they were wishing for my survival during labor. They were wishing as I was that I would live through child birth to see my baby’s face. I wanted to see her, I could imagine her little face. I could see myself touching her little fingers and toes. I couldn’t be deprived of that. I read two more letters, Hulien and Esme, both beautifully written with the same concerns. My worries grew stronger, on some level I felt I had made a mistake. I had put my life on the line, and now poor Nahuel would have to suffer at the impulsiveness of my decision.
“Oh little one,” I whispered and heart wrenched tears now covered my cheeks. I sat in silence choking back tears cradling my stomach, I felt like I was trying to protect the both of us from the future that everybody, in the back of the minds at least, thought was going to occur. “I may die.” Tears came quicker and I buried my head in my hands, I saw my child’s face once more, she was smiling I envisioned her giggle, I wanted to hear that sound.
“Leah?” Nahuel found me, “I thought you had went to the powder room . . . I didn’t know you were upset. Are you in pain? What has upset you this way?” He scooped me up into his arms and held me in his lap.
“I can’t bring myself to tell you, it would only cause you pain.” I placed my head on his shoulder.
“But you have to tell me, I must know.” He forced me to look into his eyes, causing me to lose all logic and awareness of any hurt.
“I guess I’m just getting scared.” I laughed awkwardly, “Bella was pregnant for about a month I have been pregnant for about two.” I looked down at my massive stomach, “Time is winding down.”
“That is true.” He said solemnly, slowly rubbing my back. After hours of relentless baby talk I had been left with peace, silence, and Nahuel, all three things beneficial to my health. He was slowly erasing my concerns.
“I can’t believe you crashed the baby shower,” I laughed. I hadn’t even wanted to be there and he had forced himself in, and of course I was grateful for his presence.
“Believe me it wasn’t mediated plan I assure you.” He laughed. We still sat in the living room in a completely abandoned I was surprised that Ren hadn’t released a search party for me. “But I must say seeing Emmett in a diaper was worth it.” He laughed.
“Yeah Ren got a good picture of that one,” I sighed and repositioned myself. I looked at his face him seemed content but his eyes seemed empty, my mood had affected him which now I deeply regretted. “What’s wrong?” I asked even though I already knew.
“Nothing,” he smiled reassuringly, he tightened his grip around me.
“You know how I feel about lying.” I crossed my arms.
“Honestly, the baby thing still worries me too. I’m not only worry about your life but now the life of our child especially since . . .” he stopped himself and sighed, “it’s not worth discussing really.”
“Since what?” I shoved him. I was already blubbering like Bella I wasn’t gonna look much worse than I did at the moment.
“Since I can hear her heartbeat it’s so strong. It makes her real to me; I didn’t expect to feel so connected. I still fear sometimes that somehow she will be the death of you and now I feel I can’t live without you both . . .it’s stressful.” He let out a stressed laugh.
“I am sorry to put you through this, but I just couldn’t live with myself if I had gotten rid of her. To me it would have been like killing a part of you and I could never do that.” We sat in silence and felt his eyes glued to the side of my face.
“There is something else that has been bothering me but I must say it is rather selfish.” He smirked.
“Oh God I’m afraid to ask . . . but I have to know, so tell me” I scooted closer to him.
“I miss you Leah . . .” He whispered with his head down.
“What am I missing something because last time I checked I was right here beside you!” I put my head on his shoulder.
“No, no I believe you are missing my point.” He used his pointer finger to guide my lips to his. He hadn’t kissed me with the intent to be seductive since I became pregnant, I had almost forgotten how delicious his tongue was, and how deeply he could penetrate my mouth, I couldn’t help but sigh with the satisfaction. We were both eager and are kiss became very passionate, very quickly. He went to wrapped his arms around me but he bumped into my stomach. “The extra heartbeat in the room makes me feel guilty for behaving this way . . . what if she can hear us?” He whispered.
“Nahuel it’s a baby even if it can hear us, she wouldn’t know what’s going on.” I laughed.
“Still I can’t wait until she is out of there, sleeping peacefully in the nursery, and we can be left to our own devices.” He whispered seductively in my ear rubbing his nose against my earlobe.
“Look if you don’t stop I am going to force myself on you, my hormones are all crazy remember?” I was only half-serious about this statement but why was he trying to torment his poor pregnant wife?
“I am sorry I don’t mean to . . .” He stared into my eyes, we both became lost in each other, “I don’t mean to . . .” He smoothed my hair behind my ear.
“Yes, yes you do,” I kissed him again the passion in me was unbearable I tried press my body against his to the best of my ability. “I want you so bad” I was barely able to breathe.
“Our union . . .will be great.” He smiled breathlessly, “After the baby is born.”
“After? You know there is a saying . . . there’s no time like the present.” I said undoing the buttons of his shirt.
“They also say that patience is a virtue.” He placed his hands over mind.
“Yeah, yeah being virtuous doesn’t seem that appealing right now.” I sighed now frustrated. He laughed at my demeanor.
“Trust me I agree with you!”
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