Complicated
By BetterInTexas
Chapter 20:
BPOV
“Hey Mom, how’s it going?”
“Baby I didn’t expect to hear from you. You never call anymore. Getting too old to talk to your mother I suppose.”
“I called you two weeks ago Mom.”
“You used to call me every day. And then it was every other day. Then once a week…”
“I get it Mom okay?”
“So what do I owe this pleasure, sweetie?”
Best to just get this out there. At least she is on the other side of the country.
“Well I got some news…”
“Did you make the Dean’s list again?”
“No, uh, school is going fine but that’s not why I called. I’m uh…”
“Spit it out Bella.”
“I’m pregnant and getting married.” I said as quickly as I could.
“Mom? You there?”
“I don’t think I am. I must be having a waking nightmare.”
“Mom, it’s not that bad. I mean I’m happy…”
“What did Matt say?”
Oh shit I never got around to telling her.
“Uh Matt’s not the father. We haven’t been together since June.”
“Mom? You still with me?”
“Who… who is the father Bella?”
“Paul LaHote. I don’t think you know him…”
“No I don’t sweetie. Can I ask you a question?”
“I suppose.”
“HOW THE FUCK COULD YOU BE SO STUPID!?”
Ouch. That hurt my ears.
“Uh…”
“Did you not take your birth control pills?”
“I kinda forgot for a little while.”
“How long Bella?”
“A couple of months…”
“A couple of months? Are you that stupid? What the hell Bella?”
“Hey I made it a few years longer than you did!”
“Are you going to get an abortion?”
“Mom!”
“What? You don’t have to get married Bella. There are other options.”
“Did you think about having an abortion when you found out you were pregnant with me?”
“No but I had your father. And look how that turned out.”
“And I have Paul. And he won’t leave me. And I won’t leave him.”
“Sure Bella. I’m sure you are madly in love with a guy you’ve known since, when? June, July? Did you meet him at school?”
“We’ve been seeing each other since June.”
“Right after you and Matt broke up? Damn you didn’t waste time did you?”
“Not funny Mom.”
“Not meant to be Bella. Okay you are not getting married. You are coming to live with me. I can help with the baby and you can finish school down here.”
“No I’m not Mom.”
“Yes you are.”
“Since when do you tell me what to do? I have been taking care of the both of us my whole life! You don’t get to tell me what to do! I’m having this baby and I am going to keep going to school and I am marrying Paul.”
“Bella please think about this. Where is Paul from anyway? Is he going to continue to go to school? Are you going to support him and take care of the baby?”
“Paul is from La Push…”
“La Push! What the hell Bella?”
“What the hell is wrong with La Push?”
“They are going to expect you to stay there. Tribal shit and all that. I won’t let that happen…”
“It’s not your choice Mom! Look I just called you as a courtesy to let you know. I wasn’t asking your permission for anything. Take care.”
“Wait! Does Charlie know?”
I took a deep breath.
“Yes Mom, he knows.”
“And what did he say?”
“He forbid me from being pregnant and sent me to my room until I wasn’t anymore.”
“Funny Bella. I’m glad you can tell jokes.”
“He didn’t say anything. He understands that I am an adult and can take care of myself.”
“No he doesn’t. There is no way Charlie was that calm.”
“Charlie has come to see things in a different way lately Mom.” Especially after Matt beat the shit out of him but she didn’t need to know that.
“I’m flying down to see you.”
“Oh God no Mother. Please not that. So not necessary.”
“What, I can’t see you now? I am going to meet this guy who knocked up my daughter. Does he even have a job?”
“Yes, he works construction and goes to college.”
“Construction? Wow, sounds like a bright future.”
“MOM!”
“I’ll see you tomorrow Bella.”
I was about to scream no when I heard the dial tone. I tried calling her back but she didn’t answer. This was not good.
“Hey baby, what’s up?”
“Uh Paul we are going to have a guest tomorrow.”
“Who is that?” He asked concerned. Paul hates guests.
“My mom.”
“Oh.”
Leah POV
“So baby how is Matt taking the news?” Mom asked.
“He says he is happy. I hope he is happy. But now I feel like a burden to him. I’m supposed to take care of him, not the other way around.”
“You’re supposed to take care of each other. And you’re not a burden. That man loves you”
“Yeah I suppose so. I just. He had so much going for him when he met me. And now…”
“Dammit Leah, stop it. You feel sorry for yourself way too much.”
“I do not! I feel sorry for him.”
“He is going to be fine. I can see it in his eyes. He’s happy. I’m not saying it will be easy. It won’t be. But it will work.”
“You know Debbie wants us to move to Texas. Live out on the ranch. Says Matt can go to UT San Antonio since he won’t be playing.”
“What does Matt say?”
“He says he wants to go back to UW for one more season to be eligible for the NFL and then leave school.”
“That’s not going to happen! Why would he want to do that?”
“Guess?”
“Money.”
“Yep.”
“That boy has more going for him than he realizes. You know his dad told me he is amazing at training horses. Really loves it too.”
“Not many horses to train around here Mom.”
“There could be.”
“Yeah… but…”
“You want to move to Texas? Don’t you?”
“It’s not like I can phase anymore. No point in sticking around here. It’s just putting Matt in more danger than normal being here.”
Mom sighed. I sighed. I didn’t know what I wanted to do. A big part of me wants to run from here while I have the chance. Another part of me wants to stay because I have a responsibility. Even if I am temporarily sidelined.
“Mom if I stay here Matt is going to play football again. Not even his mom or dad would be able to stop him. You know he is invited to New York next week for that Heisman award ceremony. Word on television is he is going to win it hands down.”
“Are you going?”
“He asked me too. I want to.”
“Then go.”
“Okay. I don’t know what to wear. I mean New York?”
“Leah has Matt ever been to New York?”
“No.”
“Then he will be just as lost as you are. He is going to need you there. So take care of him. Now as far as moving to Texas, that’s between you and him.”
“You don’t mind?”
“I don’t like it but it may be what’s best for you. Get away from vampires. Fight the urge to phase. Not that you can phase but still.”
“Mom why did this happen now? I mean I have never… I mean…”
“Maybe it’s just the right time with the right man. Don’t look too hard at gifts. Take them and run. Even if it means running to Texas. I’ll love you and be there when you need me no matter where you are.”
“Thanks Mom.”
Matt POV
Why did I do this? The first local rodeo I have seen around these parts and I bring these idiots. Paul isn’t so bad but Quil? I must have brain damage.
We were in the holding pin area. The bull riding event was scheduled for tomorrow night. I made friends with the livestock manager and he let us come back to check out the livestock.
“So whats the big deal? You get on a bull and ride the thing for what? A few seconds? And then you’re done. It jumps a few times and it’s over. I still don’t get it.” Quil said gifting us with his rodeo insight.
“Quil its 8 seconds and you wouldn’t last 2 seconds on this bull. Or any other here.”
“Matt you have taken one hit too many. I could ride this cow into downtown La Push if I wanted too.”
Leah came up and wrapped her arms around me. I saw Bella walk up behind Paul holding her nose. The girl never could stand the smell of nature.
“Matt, you are not riding one of these things.”
“I know baby.”
“Yeah Matt. Just because you wear a cowboy hat doesn’t mean you can ride this beast. It takes a wolf to do this and not get hurt.” Quil smiled at me.
“Matt no.” Leah said glaring at me.
“Paul can we leave? It stinks here. The smell is making me nauseous.” Bella whispered.
“Not yet baby. I feel a bet coming on. Let’s just watch.”
“$100 bucks says you can’t last 8 seconds on this bull Quil.”
“I would love to take your money Matt, but I doubt the nice gentleman who let us back here would appreciate me taming his cow.”
“I’ll let you. Arrogant little sonofabitch. Call my Bull a cow will you?”
I saw him walking up behind Quil but didn’t say anything. He said just what I thought he would.
“Uh that’s all right sir. I’ve never ridden one and I would hate to hurt him.”
“Matthew there is some rigging in the trailer behind my truck. Why don’t you get your friend here set up.”
“Be glad too Jerry.” I said smiling at Quil who suddenly didn’t look so sure of himself.
“Matt I’ve never done this before.”
“You said it yourself. Piece of cake right? Sit down, hop a few times and hop off. Easy enough.”
“You ever done this?” Leah whispered to me.
“Sure baby. I was the Jr Amateur bull riding champion when I was 14 at the Bexar County Fair.”
“County fair? Impressive.” Paul snorted.
“The county has 2 million people in it dumbass. It’s the county around San Antonio and the third biggest in Texas. Which means it’s a hundred times larger than anything you boys got up here.”
“Easy there Cowboy. Didn’t mean to piss you off.” He said smiling.
Asshole.
I got Quil strapped in. He looked very scared. If I didn’t know he could heal I wouldn’t do this. But he can so fuck it.
Bella puked.
Leah saw it and she puked.
Quil looked like he wanted to puke.
“Okay Quil. Hold on with the hand that is wrapped. Don’t let the other one touch the bull. Keep your legs tight and try to anticipate his movements and go with it. If you somehow make it to the buzzer use your free hand to unwrap your gripping hand and jump off and run for the gate. Got it?”
“Yeah. I guess.”
“And Quil, when you get over the gate have my money ready.”
“Whatever. Piece of cake. Hey what’s this cow’s name anyway?”
“Death Eater. Have fun.” I winked at him and got ready to pull the chute.
Quil sat there while I held on to the gate.
“Anytime.”
Quil looked at me and then nodded his head.
“I guess I’m…
I opened the chute and Death Eater blasted out of the stall into a full turn in the air. Impressive If Quil leans into this he could get a good… Who the fuck am I kidding? I heard Quil yell for one second, two seconds… , yep there he goes. Ouch right into the fence. Head first. That had to hurt. The clowns tried to help him out but ole Death Eater stomped him one more time for good measure. Quil was lying on the ground not moving. I looked at Paul in the stands. He shrugged his shoulders. Jerry the livestock manager walked up to Quil.
“Hey boy. Boy? You alive?”
Quil moaned. I guess he was alive.
“How you like my cow now son?”
“Uhhh I don’t like it?”
“I can’t believe you didn’t use a helmet and a protective vest. Are you just stupid or you got a death wish?”
“Helmets? Vests?” Quil asked looking at me.
I winked at him. “Real cowboys don’t need that crap, do we Quil?”
“I fucking hate you Matt. I think some ribs are broke. And my shoulder is probably pulled out of it’s socket. And my head is killing me.”
“And you owe me a hundred bucks. Don’t forget that.”
“I fucking hate you Matt.”
“Ahh don’t be like that Quil. Maybe we can go to the beach and see the girls in their bikinis. You remember that don’t you Quil? When you invited Bella and me to the beach knowing Paul and Leah imprinted on us. Make sure she wears the blue bikini right Quil?”
“I really, really fucking hate you Matt.”
Paul POV
I can’t believe I am nervous about this. Renee called and told Bella she had landed and rented a car. Bella gave her the address to our house. Now I have to meet this crazy ass woman. She was due any sec… oh shit I hear a car coming.
Bella looked a little worried. She looked scared. Why would she be scared?
“Bella you are an adult. From everything you have told me she is a child. You can handle this.”
She took a deep breath, nodded and went to the door.
“Hell Mom.”
“Hi Bella. Are you packed?”
“I’m not going anywhere Mom.” Bella said rolling her eyes.
“Well you aren’t staying here. I mean this house is too small for a baby and a husband.”
“Not going anywhere Mom.”
“We’ll see.”
I was already pissed and she hadn’t even introduced herself.
“Mom this is Paul.”
“Oh my. That explains a lot.”
“Explains what Mom?”
“I would tie him up too.” She said smiling at me.
“I’m Renee, Paul. A pleasure to meet you.” She was smiling. This was good.
“So I’m guessing you didn’t know that Bella “Forgot” her birth control pills did you?”
“Uh no ma’am. But I can’t say I’m not happy about it. Because I am. Very happy.”
“Paul you are a good looking guy. I bet you don’t want to be tied down anymore that Bella needs to be. Don’t you think it would be better if Bella came with me to Florida?”
“I think… No I know, I would kill anyone or anything that tried to take her and my baby from me.” I told her looking in her eyes. May as well lay the cards on the table.
“Uh…” Yeah choke on that.
“Mom what Paul means to say is…”
“What Bella? What does Paul mean?” Renee looked worried. Good.
“Uh well he tends to say what he means. So I guess he is saying he would kill anyone that tried to take me or the baby from him?”
“So you won’t let my daughter go. Is that it? I mean if I was going to be held hostage by someone I would hope he is as good looking as you but you do realize that her father is a cop? The chief of fucking police?”
“Yes we have met. And Bella is free to do as she pleases. I never said she couldn’t leave. Just that I would kill anyone who wanted to take her, without her consent of course.” I smiled at her. May as well back off the death threats for my baby’s grandmother.
“Why don’t you have a seat Mom? Can I get you anything to drink?”
“Uh do you have any tequila? Or maybe Scotch?”
“No, we have Tea, Coke and water. Neither of us drink much alcohol so we really don’t keep it around.”
“So cut the shit Renee. What do you hope to accomplish by coming up here?” I shouldn’t be rude but after Charlie I wasn’t really in the mood for anybody else’s shit.
“I want to know the man who is going to marry my daughter.”
“Then ask questions. I like straight questions. I’m sure you think I’m not good enough for your daughter and you would be right. But no one will love her more. And I will kill myself making sure she has everything she needs. And this includes going to school and having the baby. So ask away, Renee. I’m an open book.”
BPOV
The visit with my mother went better than anticipated considering the rough start it had. To my everlasting joy she decided to stay a few days. She wanted to… I don’t what the hell she wanted to do. Ogle my boyfriend? Annoy the crap out of me? Have somebody cook for her? Who the hell knows with her? She decided to stay at Charlie’s thank God. I guess she didn’t like our house. He was over at Sue’s all the time anyway. I thought I was making a lot of headway with it. It wasn’t huge but I didn’t like being away from Paul anyway and it made me feel good to know he was close when we were home together. And I was slowly decorating it. Trying to make it a home for Paul. Something he never really had with his parents and couldn’t or wouldn’t enjoy with his grandmother.
Against my better judgment I was back in Port Angeles at the Rodeo Arena. These things should be outlawed. They are so cruel to animals. Matt looked like I just cursed his ancestors when I mentioned that. Plus if the wind picked up anymore I would vomit again when the stench of cow shit hit me. Oh that stuff is nasty.
“Leah where is Matt? We came to this damn animal cruelty circus to make him happy.”
“I don’t know Swan. He told me he was going to get some popcorn and nachos. That was twenty minutes ago.”
“I wonder if he met some real cowgirls Leah.” Paul said raising his eyebrows. I hit him in the ribs.
“Shut up Paul.” I told him.
“Yes, shut up Paul. My man knows who he belongs to. He probably just stopped to talk to someone. You know how friendly he is with people in hats. Even if they are wannabe’s in Washington.
We heard the announcer. We all looked up. Strangely enough it sounded like he said Matt Barker was riding some bull named Hammer Head. That… but… his head.
Leah was staring at the arena with a look of disbelief. I followed her gaze and saw Matt on a bull. I think it was Matt. He had a helmet thing on his head and a thick vest on. But…
“I’m going to fucking kill him.” she said quietly.
Matt made it to the buzzer. He sort of jumped and sort of fell off the bull after that. He landed on his back and the bulls legs came down right betw…
“Holy Shit! He just about got his nuts stomped off! Did you see that Leah? That bull barely missed!” Paul said laughing. Leah wasn’t laughing. She had her cell phone pointed at Matt the whole time.
5 minutes later Matt walked up to where we were seated.
“So, did you see me baby?”
“I told your mom Matt. She wants you to call her. Now.” Leah was looking straight ahead.
“But… but… Leah you gotta call her back and tell her you were kidding baby.”
“Oh no Cowboy. I didn’t want her to miss your ride so I recorded it and sent it to her. She wants to congratulate you on being so brave to ride a bull a week after you got a massive concussion.” Leah was still looking straight ahead.
“Paul why don’t we give these two a little time.”
I walked off with Paul while Leah was still staring in front of her and Matt was still apologizing and explaining how he had everything under control. What a fucking idiot.
“I think I would like to give that a try.” Speaking of fucking idiots.
“I like your testicles right where they are thank you.”
“Baby you trust me right? You know I will take care of us right?”
I knew my mother coming was going to make him feel insecure.
“I trust you with our lives Paul.” I told him placing his hand on my belly. My flat belly that was going to get very, very large. Dammit. A year? It took Debbie a year? Shit. So much for Blue Bikinis this summer.
Paul POV
“What am I doing out here Sam? I want to be home with Bella. If she wakes up and I’m not home in bed she is going to freak.”
“We have been asked to attend a meeting.” We were in the middle of the goddamn Forks forest.
“A meeting with who?”
“Me.”
I damn near phased when I heard his voice.
“Paul calm down. Edward asked to speak to the two of us.”
“Alone? Are you crazy? His vampire buddies are probably right behind him!”
“Jake and Jarrod are not far away. Besides Edward means no harm, right Edward?”
“Right Sam.”
“All right. You called this meeting. What the hell do you want?” I asked frustrated already.
“That’s not good.”
“What’s not good?” I asked him.
“Bella and Leah are pregnant.”
“Didn’t take you long to get into our heads did it?” I asked glaring at Sam.
“I can’t exactly turn it off Paul. Congratulations though.”
“Didn’t you just say it wasn’t good?”
“Paul would you let him talk?” Sam said no really asking me.
“Sam while Bella was at school she was nearly kidnapped three times.”
“Bullshit! She would have told me!”
“She didn’t know.”
“And how is this possible Edward?” Sam asked.
“Because I killed the three vampires before they could get to her.”
“And why would you do that?”
“I said I would have no contact with her. I have kept up my end. I fully plan to never contact or see her again. You have won her Paul. But you can’t stop me from loving her.”
“She was protected.”
“Sometimes. Other times the wolves weren’t here yet. Even when a wolf was there I didn’t want her anymore traumatized. Would it be better to let the vampire in her apartment so your wolf could phase in front of her in a very small apartment and put her in danger and fear or would you rather have me kill it before it gets that far?”
“I don’t like you following her.” I said coldly.
“I don’t blame you and I don’t follow her when she is with one of the wolves. But she must be protected at all times. There is a reason that vampires are trying to get her. I think it has to do with Maria. But I’m not sure why yet. I can’t talk about it at home.”
“Why?”
“Jasper. Jasper used to be a part of Maria’s coven. She is his sire. He commanded her armies. He left her. But… somebody is giving these vampires information on Bella. Her past. Her whereabouts. I can’t get anything from his head. But he is hiding something from me. I don’t know what. He is good at hiding his thoughts.”
“So why come to us?”
“Because you needed to know. This isn’t a simple territory grab. And it makes no sense that these vampires who knew I could read minds would try to kidnap Bella. Not kill her. Just kidnap her.”
“We only have your word they did try to kidnap her.” I pointed out. Sam stood there and said nothing.
“Yes you do. I am not going to waste time convincing you. You either believe me or not. I want Bella safe. And now she is pregnant. She will be particularly vunerable. And if Leah is pregnant I am guessing you are down a wolf as well.”
Cullen looked concerned. I hated to say it but either he was sincere or a very good liar. Probably a very good liar.
“So why do you think Maria is after Bella and Jasper is helping her?” Sam asked.
“I don’t know but I have a theory. No vampires were after Bella after she left me. No vampires were after her her entire first year of college. Vampires didn’t start coming after her until…”
“Until she started living with me.”
“Yes.”
“And the two of us saw Jasper.” Oh shit.
“Yes.”
“So what does this mean?”
“From what I understand of Maria she makes newborn armies to take over territories. Jasper used to help her. If Jasper saw Bella with you and told Maria, then she would only waste time on Bella if Bella had something that could give her an advantage. Power.”
“What, she wants to Bella to be a newborn vampire?” Sam asked suspiciously.
“No. She can make vampires anytime. My theory is she wants Bella for something Bella can give her.”
“Like what?” I was getting irritated here.
“Like a wolf?”
“Bella wouldn’t give her a wolf.”
“If she was sleeping with you, it’s possible that she would become pregnant. And if she got Bella she would get you. You know you would come to her and do anything she wanted to save Bella.”
“So?”
“What if Maria wants a wolf baby? What if she wants to breed wolves? She is viscious Paul. With Jasper’s help she controlled newborns. The most volatile of our kind.”
Holy shit. Sam and I were speechless.
“And if she finds out or Jasper finds out that Leah is pregnant, then she will be in danger as well. All of your mates could potentially be in danger.”
“So what do we do Sam? If he is right then Emily and Kim could be in danger of being kidnapped. And Bella and Leah are at the top of the target list. Wait, Jasper doesn’t know Bella is pregnant right?”
“Right. And it will stay that way. I won’t tell anyone in the family. But she and Leah have to leave. You have to get them out of here Sam. With wolves of course. Once they start showing, it won’t be long until Maria figures it out.”
“What do you think Sam?” I asked. As much as I hate to say it, this fucking leech made sense. I still wasn’t convinced he was on our side but I knew he loved Bella and telling us his plan would do him no good.
“We are stretched thin without Leah. I f I lose you, and then another wolf… the reservation would be…”
“I will help you Sam.”
“Excuse me?”
“I will help you. I trust Carlisle. He and Esme will patrol the borders of La Push on our side of the line of course. You can call us. With Bella and Leah in hiding I doubt you will be faced with many more attacks if they can’t smell her near.”
“Sam are you considering this? Working with him?”
“I want our imprints and our reservation safe. And our imprints’ babies. Of course I am considering it.”
“You trust him?” I can’t believe this. But… I guess I did kind of believe him.
“Any ideas on where they should hide Cullen?”
“No. And I don’t want to know. I don’t want anyone to know. You have to sneak the two of them out before they start to show. I would suggest that I mention to Carlisle in Jasper’s hearing that Bella is leaving to go with Paul on a vacation. I am going to mention a resort in Oregon. I am going to tell the family that I am upset about this because apparently you two are getting married. I am then going to the resort. If anyone comes looking for Bella there I will know that Jasper is behind it.”
“Sounds like you have this thought out Edward.” I said to him. I still didn’t completely trust him but something was telling me I should. And I hated that something.
“Do we have a plan? Will you allow us to work together? Once Maria is dead and gone and anyone with her you and Bella can have your lives free of threats. And if we play our cards right we could get rid of the vampires in this area for good.”
“We have a deal Edward. I won’t tell you where they are going. And I won’t think about it while you are around.”
“Good. Here is Carlisle, Esme’s and my cell numbers. Don’t talk to anyone else. Alice can’t see the future of the wolves or anyone around them. She won’t be able to tell Jasper where you really are going. I trust Alice but I can’t expect her to be suspicious of her mate. He would know it quickly. Paul, I know you don’t care about me or my feelings or my life. I can’t really say I care about your’s either. But you are protecting and loving my heart. Keep her safe.”
And he was gone.
I looked at Sam.
“Did that just fucking happen?”
“Yep.”
“So what are we going to do?”
“You and Bella and Matt and Leah and Quil are going to Texas. You are going to Ben’s ranch. And you are going to do it quickly and quietly. And you are going to stay there until this is solved.”
“Why Quil Sam?”
“You will need help if you are attacked.”
“Why Quil Sam?”
Sam smirked at me.
“Because his family knows the secret. He can go away somewhere no questions asked for an indeterminate amount of time without his family asking questions or becoming suspicious.”
“Jake could too.”
“I need Jake here.”
“Fuck you Sam.”
“Oh and Paul? You can’t use a plane. No trail.”
“You mean…”
“Yep. Road trip. With Quil. Across half the damn country.”
“I hate you Sam.”
Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction 
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