Chapter Eight: Burning Bridges

Our trip down to the living room almost felt like some kind of walk of shame. Even Carlisle and Edward were taking normal human time getting there. Another wave of nausea hit me and I thought how this would probably be a new constant feeling in my life. How many upsetting conversations would I have to go through?

Esme was sitting on the loveseat, patting the empty side to her right, for Carlisle to take his place. Alice was sitting on the floor in Jasper’s lap while he hugged her tightly. Rosalie and Emmett were glued together on the couch, leaving enough space for myself and Edward to sit at. I gulped in relief; at least I would not have to look Rose directly in the eye during this.

“What the hell is going on,” Emmett demanded exhaustedly.

Carlisle told them I was pregnant, and tried to explain his theories on the situation. After all, no answer was concrete, and that I clearly had not slept with anyone else.

“How do you know,” Once again Rosalie chimed in.

“We do,” Edward growled his reply.

“Calm down,” Jasper pleaded with his brother. “There’s too much dark emotion here. Please don’t add all that extra anger. You did ask the same thing.”

“Yes I did ask her, but I clearly already knew the answer.” Edward spun to give a hard look at every single one of them.

“I know my Bella. I know that even if I’m not sure why most of the time, that she loves me. We have a devotion to each other. We married each other. You cannot break those vows so easily. But, I had to ask her of course.

When I left, I unknowingly place Jacob in charge of her. What happened between them happened. I know how hard it was for her to stay with me at first, maybe she slipped up, she is human. I wouldn’t be happy of course, but if that’s what she wanted . . . and besides, if it was true, I think it’s important to know the whole truth.

Part truths, lies, whatever, they’re all bullshit. The truth is the truth, and if you try and lie it always come back to bite you. I’d rather know that she was pregnant by Jacob then think it’s mine. If she wanted to stay with me I’d be there and raise the child. If she didn’t . . . well that’s why I needed to ask her; for her happiness and mine.”