V a p o r ▶ J. HALE (COMPLETED.)

6.

(Warning: intense kinda hot make-out session.)

Sacrifice.

Cullen's House.

Friday 11:42 pm.

"Bella? Are you alright?" Dema muttered into her cellphone as she turned away from Jasper. He gave her a questioning glance, but she rushed out of his room and into the hallway before he even managed to utter a word in protest.

He was as concerned for his adoptive brother and sister-in-law as she was.

"I-" Bella started, but quickly stopped. "We're fine."

Dema's eyes widened ever so slightly, as she felt a sharp pang against her beating heart.

"We... as in you and Ed-"

"No, as in me and the baby," Bella replied with a tinge of content. "I know how it might sound, but I know I'm pregnant, D."

Dema sighed. "I know." She replied quietly. "I saw it, a few days ago."

"You did?"

"Yes, but it didn't become quite clear until a few hours ago," Dema said, giving a quick glance towards Jasper's closed door. "Everyone's freaking out over here, B."

"Yeah, I can imagine," Bella replied. "Edward said he'd get this 'thing' out of me."

"Oh." Dema frowned. "Of course, he did."

"He just needs some time to realize this might not be a bad thing. It's some kind of miracle, actually." Bella said, and Dema could've sworn she could hear Bella smile through the phone.

All the while, Dema was torn between what the Cullens had been telling her and Bella's deep desire for a family.

"I think you should get home first, and then we'll see what are your options, Bells," Dema replied as warmly as she could manage.

There was silence from the other line before Dema heard Bella sigh in slight annoyance.

"Not you, too," Bella said, almost pleading. "Please, Dema. I need you on my side."

"I am on your side, Bella. I'm always on your side." Dema said. "It's just that... if what they're saying is true, then-"

"Six months ago, you were going to sacrifice yourself for everyone you loved. I stood by you. I supported you. I might've not been able to understand it, but I knew that you loved each and everyone who stood on that battlefield." Bella said, clearly desperate. "I don't expect you to understand it. I just need you to stay by my side." Bella let out a shaky sigh. "I'm already losing Edward... I can't lose you, too."

"You won't. Never." Dema said. "You're absolutely right, I'm sorry. It's just confusing, B. The curse showed me horrible things, and I'm... afraid."

"I know," Bella replied. "Me too."

"I won't let anything happen to you, or that baby, if that's what you want," Dema said firmly.

"Good, because I need your help," Bella said. "Rosalie's too."

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"You're not as sneaky as you think you are," Dema said as she leaned on the doorway leading to Jasper's room. He glanced up from the opened book he was holding. "I could hear you shuffling behind the door."