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BELLA WAS GROWING WEAKER BY THE DAY. She looked like a shadow of herself almost lifeless, pale, and frail. It hurt me to watch her like this. She was only two weeks home, yet her body looked as if she were ready to give birth. The baby was growing faster than anything I had ever seen.
I leaned against Jasper's chest, letting him support me as he pressed lightly against the wall behind him. His arms wrapped protectively around me, grounding me when the anxiety threatened to overwhelm. Alice sat on the sofa, eyes distant, still scanning her visions, while Zane sat protectively by her side.
Carlisle and Emmett were buried in research, desperate to find anything that could help Bella. Meanwhile, Esme and Rosalie stayed by her side, making sure she was as comfortable as possible during the pregnancy.
Edward's expression was heavy with sorrow as he watched his wife fade before his eyes. He could do nothing, and finally, for the first time since she'd returned, Bella slept peacefully, her fragile form resting quietly.
The sudden roar of a motorcycle pulling into the driveway made everyone tense. We all knew Jacob would have questions, and his temper wasn't something to underestimate.
When he entered, the wet dog smell hit me immediately, making me wrinkle my nose.
"Is it true?" Jacob demanded as he stepped inside.
"Hello, Jacob. How are you?" Carlisle asked, calm but wary.
"Just give it to me straight," he said, impatient.
From upstairs, Bella's weak voice called, "Jake, is that you?"
"She's here?" Jacob asked, confused. "Why isn't she still on her honeymoon?"
"They came home two weeks ago," Carlisle said quietly. Heavy footsteps followed as Jacob approached. Rosalie blocked his path. He tried to push past, but she stood firm.
"I'm glad you came," Bella said, offering a faint smile.
Jacob glared at Rosalie.
"Close enough, dog," Rosalie said roughly.
"What's your problem?" he snapped.
"Rose, it's okay," Bella said gently, pushing Rosalie aside as she carefully moved toward him.
"You look terrible," Jacob said, eyes widening as he took in her fragile appearance.
"Yeah... nice to see you too," Bella replied, trying to maintain her composure.
"So... are you going to tell me what's wrong with you?" he asked.
Bella chuckled weakly and looked at Rosalie.
"Rose, wanna help me up?" she asked. Rosalie assisted, and as Bella stood, the blanket covering her stomach fell to the floor. Her shirt rode up, revealing her bruised and swollen belly.
I couldn't look. I couldn't watch my best friend suffer like this, it was unbearable. Jasper rubbed my lower back, silently offering comfort as my hands clenched into fists.
Edward's expression twisted with shame and helplessness.
"You did this!" Jacob shouted, storming toward Edward.
Emmett placed a hand on Jacob's shoulder, trying to restrain him, but Jacob pushed it away and spun to face Carlisle.
"What is it?" Jacob demanded.
"We don't know," Carlisle said quietly. "Ultrasounds and tests won't penetrate the amniotic sac."
"I can't see it either... I can't see Bella's future anymore," Alice added.
"When we first discovered this... my powers said, 'Bella... Edward... baby... sickness... war...'" I added, voice trembling. "But since then... nothing. My powers... they're silent. Like they're afraid." I stated
Carlisle spoke again, tension in his voice. "We've researched every legend, every story, but there's little information. All we know is that it's strong... and growing fast."
"Why haven't you done anything? Take it out of her!" Jacob demanded.
"This is none of your business, dog," Rosalie snapped, irritated.
"Rose! Fighting won't help Bella!" Esme warned.
"This... fetus isn't good for her," Alice said sharply.
Rosalie softened slightly. "Say the word, Alice, baby," she said, hesitating.
"It's just a little baby," Rosalie added cautiously.
I remained silent, watching everything unfold.
"Possibly," Zane muttered, moving closer to Alice in protective instinct.
"Carlisle," Jacob pressed. "You have to do something!"
"No," Bella warned weakly. "It's not his decision... it's not any of yours."
"Jacob, can I talk to you outside?" Edward asked, leading him away. Jacob followed reluctantly.
I turned to Jasper, needing to escape the tension. "Let's go to our room," I whispered. My body felt drained, the stress clawing at me.
I collapsed onto the bed, burying my face in the pillows. Jasper followed, lying beside me and pulling me close against his chest.
"Everything will be alright, darlin'," he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the top of my head. "Bella can pull through." I nodded, letting his warmth steady me.
"Can we... listen to music?" I asked quietly, looking up at him.
"Sure," he said. Moments later, he turned on the vinyl record player. Roslyn by Bon Iver and St. Vincent filled the room, soft and melancholic.
Jasper extended his hand. I shook my head with a small smile, but allowed him to pull me up. He held me close, and we began to sway slowly, our bodies moving in sync with the music.
I looked up at him; he looked down at me. Our smiles met, and then our lips touched, gentle yet passionate, as though it were our first kiss again, the night of Bella's birthday party.
We moved together, perfectly in sync, letting the music carry us. When we finally pulled away, our eyes met.
Jasper's gaze smoldered, full of warmth and promise. My heart fluttered uncontrollably.
I smiled, knowing that whatever the world threw at us... we would be okay as long as we had each other.
GABBY SPEAKING— Ugh the ending of this chapter makes me melt
