Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Complicated

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 22:

Jasper POV

I was far enough away from Edward that he couldn’t hear me make the call. I know he went to Oregon to see if anyone would show up. What an idiot. How stupid does he think I am? I will admit though that he is doing this out of love. I would never let anything happen to her. But he wouldn’t trust me and I can’t actually blame him. He really does love her. If it was Alice, I wouldn’t do it. Selfish? Yep. And Alice would kill me too if she knew what was going on.

This had to go down right, or everybody was going to get hurt. Physically or emotionally. It didn’t matter.

“How’s it going brother?” I asked him hearing him pick up the phone.

“Things are quiet here. I don’t like taking this long.”

“I know Peter but if we try to rush her she will suspect something.”

“Why don’t we just ask the girl for help?”

“She’s pregnant with a wolf’s baby. You think he would let her come anywhere near us, much less help us?”

“The bitch could be torturing her for all we know.”

“Do you think she is?”

“No. But if she can’t escape she must be surrounded Jasper. You know how Maria is. It was a miracle the three of us escaped the first time.”

“And we will do it again. And this time we will do what we should have done back then. We are going to kill the bitch.”

“You know Charlotte will hate me if the girl gets killed because of her. Any girl, much less a pregnant one.”

“Then we will just have to make sure she doesn’t get hurt.”

“You know your family may not ever forgive you for this right? Even if everything goes right. You sure you want to be involved? Maybe I should just go to her and promise to fight for her if she doesn’t hurt Char.”

“She doesn’t want you Peter. Char is a means to get you. You are a means to get me. And I am a means to control her newborns and the wolf army she wants to breed. The stupid bitch thinks she can control wolves. She is really insane this time.”

“Jasper this is taking too long.”

“I know. But you know Char is alive. You would feel it if she were gone. Maria isn’t going to do anything to any of us until she gets what she wants. Until she gets Bella Swan’s baby. Trust me Peter. This will work out. I don’t care about the family. I mean I do but you and Char are my family first. We take care of each other.”

“Does Eddie suspect anything?”

“Always. He doesn’t trust me on a good day. He knows I am hiding my thoughts. But he doesn’t know why. I’m trying to use this time that Maria is using to wait out the birth to throw him off the trail but I may have to leave soon.”

“How has Alice not figured this out?”

“My plan revolves around wolves becoming involved. As long as that stays the same, she won’t know a thing. But I do think she is getting suspicious.”

“Why don’t we just find out where Maria is hiding and go in and get Char. Wouldn’t the Cullens help?”

“We have no way of knowing how many vampires she has. We have to separate her. She will listen to me. I can convince her to fall into our trap. You need to trust me Peter. Now is Bella there?”

“I don’t know. I’ve heard some people in town talking about the Matt kid moving back with an Indian girl. But if I go to the ranch and the Indian girl is there or Bella’s mate then they are going to pick up my scent and take off again.”

“If Matt is there Bella is there. Keep your ears open around town and cover your scent as much as possible. Peter we will get Charlotte back. Unharmed. You have to trust me.”

“I do brother. With my life.”

Paul POV

“What do you mean? I need horse feed. I need a lot of it. 26 bags according to this list.”

“What kind of horse feed? There are several kinds.”

“I don’t know. Horse feed. Won’t they eat anything? I mean how many different brands do you have?”

“42.”

“Oh.”

“Baby why don’t you just call Ben and ask?”

I didn’t want to do that. He gave me one job. Get horse feed. It shouldn’t be this hard.

“You say Ben little lady? Ben Barker?”

“Yes, you know him?” Bella asked in her sweetest tone. Thank God she rode with me. I don’t think this guy liked me very much.

“Hell sweetie. Everybody knows everybody around here. Except you two. Now who might you be?”

“What’s it to…”

“I’m Bella and this is my fiancé Paul.”

“Ya’ll working for Ben?”

“Yes we are.”

Damn Bella tell him everything.

“I tell you what Ms. Bell. You go have a seat in my office and take your boy here with you and I’ll get the guys to load up the truck.” He told her winking at her.

Boy?

Boy?

“I’d be glad too sir. I didn’t catch your name.”

“Hell cutey you can call me Fred.” He said smiling at her. Crusty old fuck.

“Thanks Fred.” I gritted out.

“You can call me Mr. Vickers.”

“Pleasure Mr. Vickers.” I glared at him. Bella pulled my arm and I let her lead me to his office.

“That guys an asshole.”

“He’s nice Paul.”

“He needs to mind his own business.”

“Haven’t you figured out that everybody knows everybody’s business around here? Is La Push any different?

“I guess not. But we are supposed to be lying low.”

“Yeah I’m sure we will get tracked to Gruene General feed store. I bet a lot of vampires come here.”

“They’re everywhere Bella.”

“Paranoid much? You sound like me when I had my little nervous breakdown. Besides I feel safer out here than I did at Forks.”

“You like it here don’t you?”

“It’s growing on me. I mean you have been more relaxed than I have ever seen you except after sex of course. I mean when is the last time you phased?”

“I phased a few days ago to check in with Sam.”

“Other than that? Have you felt the urge to phase?”

I let out a deep breath. “No, I suppose I haven’t. I will admit this place is peaceful.”

“Don’t you like the campus in San Antonio?”

“Yes…”

“And don’t you enjoy working around the ranch? Especially now that you have learned to ride a horse?”

“Yes okay. Yes I like it here. But Bella you know Leah and I belong in La Push. We are protectors.”

“La Push seems to be getting along without you just fine right now. Besides Leah isn’t going back. Why should you have to?”

“What do you mean Leah isn’t coming back? She told you that?”

“No, I can tell by the look in her eyes. The house Ben is building. The business Matt and if you admit it, you are building with Ben. She loves it here. She never liked La Push. And not Billy Black or Sam or anyone else is going to make her come back. Hell I bet she never phases again after she has the baby.”

“Alright Ms. Bell. We got your feed all loaded up.” Fred said walking in. “And if you ever need anything, you come by and see us here, alright?”

“Thank you for your help Fred.”

“And we will always load for you Ms. Bell. So if you have to come alone, you know don’t worry about it. It’s taken care of.” The old bastard said glaring at me.

On the way out several of the “boys” in their fucking John Deere caps were checking out Bella as she walked by. She wasn’t showing yet. I wish she would hurry up. She will probably still have guys leering at her. The girl has no idea how hot she is. Thank God.

“I don’t think Fred liked me.”

‘Maybe if you tried smiling at others the way you smile at me people may like you a little more. And I mean smile, not that cocky little smile you usually give people.”

“Babe, that’s my look.”

“Find a new one.”

Leah POV

I am never leaving here. Ever. I’ve already told Matt. He asked if I was sure but he is very happy. He’s home. And I am going to make this place home. The house was almost done. Bella and I were four months along. And if I had to bet money, she is never leaving here either. As much as I hated to admit it, I hoped not. Little miss sunshine was growing on me. Thanks to her example of smiling and blushing at everybody and talking to them like she has known them forever I have kinda become an accepted part of the community. I was Mrs. Matt Barker after all, after the little yard wedding we had at the camping spot where I first marked Matt. My Mom and Seth snuck down. Charlie came with them and saw Bella and Paul get married right after we did. It was simple. No fanfare. Just our family. And being Mrs. Matt Barker had its prestige. There was no money associated with the title but apparently it went a long way being a local Heisman trophy winner’s wife. At least until the next team around here won a State Championship. Debbie still had the damn Heisman trophy on the kitchen table cause she couldn’t figure out what to do with it. It was a good life here. I didn’t even mind so much that people around here still thought I was Mexican. I don’t even look Mexican! Although I have to say with the Tex Mex food we have here I may not mind. Bella, Debbie and I were currently finishing up a Yoga session. Debbie has had us doing prenatal Yoga for the past month and I have to admit it felt great. Even Bella is getting better as clumsy as she is.

“So what are you girls going to do today?” Debbie asked us.

“I really hadn’t thought about it. Maybe take the truck to watch the boys work with the horses today. Since you won’t let Matt work with the bulls I think Paul is going to give it a try. Should be entertaining.”

“I don’t know. I think Paul will be alright. He sure has taken to Ranch life. What about you Bella?”

“We aren’t going back.”

That was a surprise.

“Does Paul know this?”

“I haven’t told him for sure yet but he likes it here. I don’t think he wants to go back. And I’m not going back. So that means we are staying. Besides Sam can’t alpha order Matt or me. And you have to be near your imprints. So…”

“I thought you let him make the decisions princess?”

“You’re right Leah. I LET him make the decisions. Doesn’t mean I don’t step up and make the important ones.”

“Well I’m glad to hear that. Ben is going to make Paul an equal partner with Matt. He was just waiting word that you two were staying here.”

“Paul has too many bad memories in his house and La Push as a whole. I’ve never seen him more relaxed than he is here.”

“Yeah I heard he is starting to fit in pretty well. They know what he eats at the diner and Fred Vickers finally let him call him Fred.” Debbie said smiling.

“Just one thing you are forgetting about Swan.”

“What is that Leah?”

‘What do we do if leeches show up at our doorstep?”

“Don’t you think if they were they would have by now?”

“I don’t know.” I admitted. It seemed like things were too good.

“Besides we have Quil here somewhere. What the hell has Quil been doing lately?”

“He’s been Ben’s assistant. Ben figured out he couldn’t really do anything around here without breaking something or making it worse than before. So he lets him hand him tools and such.”

“Ben is hanging out with Quil all day?”

“Yeah, I think it’s doing the boy some good.” Debbie said. She was being serious.

“Well Quil is definitely going back.” I said. Please make sure Quil goes back.

“Yes he is, that boy by ain’t quite cut out for Texas. If he didn’t have that wolf thing going on he would probably be dead ten times over by now. Got bit by rattlesnake the other day. Picked the damn thing up like an idiot. Thought the snake’s fangs wouldn’t puncture him. He got bit in the hand and then it got his face. Came running to me crying with his face all puffed up. I told him he was an idiot but I think reminding him is doing no good. Wasn’t much to do except wait for it to go down. I jumped Ben’s ass for letting him get hurt. Not that it was Ben’s fault. He’s like a kid or a bad puppy. You take your eye off of him for one second… “

I wonder how much longer before we can send him back?

BPOV

Life is pretty good down here. The last time I was this happy was living in Arizona. I had to learn to wear sunscreen again. And Paul bought me a straw hat. So that helped. And I got to wear shorts. Sort of. I was beginning to show quite a bit. It has been 5 months. I am over half way through my pregnancy. I started school. Paul started school. Even Leah and Matt started school. All our classes were in the afternoon or evenings so we could get work done in the morning and schoolwork at night. Leah was hardly showing at all. It kind of pissed me off. It’s like she stayed the same but somebody put a basketball under her stomach. And of course her breasts got larger. What the hell? Like she needed it! I however felt like a whale. Bitch.

Paul didn’t seem to mind. He couldn’t get enough of me. He was so happy. There was no way…

“We aren’t going back.”

He sighed. “I know.”

“You know?”

“Yeah Sam picked it up from my head the last time we talked. He wasn’t happy about it. None of the elders are happy about it. Hell they aren’t happy about Leah not coming back. Except her mom and brother. I think they expected it. Problem is they know we have to do what the imprints want and can’t order us away. Sam wanted to call you but I told him no.”

“I don’t mind talking to Sam, Paul. He’s not going to change my mind. I hope this is okay with you.”

“It is. Would it matter?” He asked smiling at me.

“Of course it would baby. It would let me know how hard I am going to have to convince you.”

“Thanks.” He smiled at me.

“Baby I wouldn’t say this if it wasn’t for both of us. But you are happy here whether you want to admit it or not. I’ve never seen you so relaxed.”

“It is nice out here. A little too nice. It seems like I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

“Relax cowboy. Let me buy you a hat. Maybe that will help.”

“I’m not wearing a hat Bella.”

“Then I’m not letting you tie me up tonight Paul.”

“Why the hell not? What does a hat have to do with it?”

“You give I give. You don’t give… I don’t give. Maybe I’m getting tired of hiding rope burns around my wrists. Maybe you should buy some softer rope. Maybe I will forget to bitch about these things if you wear a hat that I buy you.”

“Maybe. Or maybe you’ll do what I tell you to do.” He said grinning. Dammit he knows me too well.

“That’s always a possibility. But do you want to take that chance?”

“I think I might.” He started reaching for the top button of my shirt and I stopped him.

“We have to go.”

“It’s a hundred yards that way. And besides you know you will be cooking tonight anyway. No way Leah gets this right.”

“She is cooking and you are going to act like you love it.” I told him looking him in the eye. Debbie was trying to show Leah how to make Chicken Fried Steak. The first couple times Leah nearly burned her kitchen down. Since then she has bought 4 fire extinguishers and a fan to blow smoke out the window. It was time for round three.

“Matt has to lie to her. Not me.”

“Paul?”

“Yes?”

“It would make me happy if you told her she was a good cook. At least for tonight.”

“Fine.”

---

We walked into the cabin and I heard Debbie on the phone. She did not sound happy. Sounded like she was talking to… Billy Black?

“I don’t give a damn what you say Black. My girls are not having their babies in some fucking clinic in La Push. They have doctors here and a real hospital and they are staying here.”

“Mrs. Barker if the babies are not born on tribal land they won’t be members of the tribe.”

“Oh really? Well that’s your loss isn’t it?”

“Yes it would be. That is why this is so important. To all of us.”

“Too damn bad. Why the hell do they have to be born on tribal land anyway? Who came up with that bullshit rule?”

“Our ancestors.”

“Maybe you ancestors didn’t know about hospitals. Ya think?”

“I’m afraid this is not up for debate Mrs. Barker.” Oh shit Billy is using his chief voice.

“You’re damn right it’s not. You don’t want them? I got some Cherokee friends around here who will take them in their tribe.”

“Those babies are not Cherokee! They are Quilieute!”

“Exactly. And they will be wherever they are born.”

“Mrs. Barker…”

“I’m sure the Cherokee would be glad to have some shifters. They probably have problems with goblins and I bet some shifters would be real helpful.”

“This isn’t a joke Mrs. Barker.”

“You are right Chief Black. It isn’t a joke. You just got on my shit list. I see you or any of your council besides Sue here and I’m blowing your ass away. What does Sue have to say about this? She hasn’t said a damn thing to me about it.”

“Sue doesn’t think Leah or Bella will come back anyway so she does not want to get involved.”

“Sounds to me like she either don’t give a shit or she is relieved her daughter isn’t gonna give birth at a fucking clinic.”

“Mrs. Barker…”

“Chief William Black. This is the last word from me on the subject and it is final. The girls are having their babies, in a HOSPITAL, here. If you want to stomp your feet and say they can’t be in your club then fine. But that’s the way its gonna be. Good day to you sir.”

Debbie slammed the phone down and looked at Bella who seemed to be in shock.

“Hey you two! You hungry? I think Leah has it down this time.”

Well I guess that put’s that little issue I was going to bring up to Bella to rest.

Matt POV

I was tired. I had been training one particular horse all goddamn day. And that was a stubborn bastard. I may name him Paul. I got under the covers and cuddled up next to my Indian princess.

“Matt?”

“Yeah?”

“My back hurts. Its been hurting off and on all day. You think they could be contractions?”

“Nah. I mean your water hasn’t broke. At least the sheets don’t feel like it.”

“Asshole. I’m serious. The doctor said this could be the beginning of contractions.”

“Ahh I doubt it baby. Let’s get some sleep. If you are still hurting in the morning we will take you in to get checked out.”

“Fine. If you think it’s okay. You want to…”

“Uh yeah. But I’m kinda tired baby.”

“Your too tired for me? That’s a first. Is it going to start being like that Matt? Am I no longer sexy to you?”

What the fuck?

“Leah of course you are. But that damn horse about killed me today.”

“He’s a bucking bronc. He’s supposed to be like that.”

“Okay darlin. You know I think you are sexy. No matter what.”

“No matter what? Are you saying there is something the matter now? Cause I happen to know Paul doesn’t have a problem with Bella. He can hardly keep his hands off of her.”

“And I’m different?”

“Apparently tonight you are. I’ve been waiting to feel you inside me all day and you come home and eat and want to go to sleep. Hell no.”

“Okay baby. Let’s make love.”

“No. I don’t want to now. I don’t want you too because you feel like you have too.”

“But…” that makes no fucking sense.

“Leah are you okay?”

She didn’t respond. I figured she was mad but then I heard snoring. What the fuck?

I woke up 4 hours later to Leah moaning. Leah usually only moans when we are having sex. This couldn’t be good.

“Baby? You okay?”

“I’m having contractions. It hurts. Bad.” She moaned out.

“Okay, lets go.” I helped her up and got her dressed.

“Call Bella. I want Bella with me and your Mom.”

“Okay darlin. Let’s get you to the truck and then I will call your girls okay?”

We were driving out of the ranch and I already saw the headlights following us. We got into the ER and the nurse checked her out.

“Oh shit.”

Oh shit? That can’t be good.

“We have to get her up now. She’s about to have this baby.”

“Uh her water hasn’t even broke.”

“Sweetie did you take a bath last night?”

“Yeah, but… oh.

“When did the contractions start?”

“I had back pains last night but I was told it was no big deal.” Leah said glaring at me.

“Well come on darlin. We have to get you to an OB room.”

“Are they going to put the epidural in when we get there? Will it hurt? I heard it hurts.”

Holy shit Leah was scared. That was making me scared. Leah isn’t scared of anything. Ever.

“Actually darlin you are to far along for an epidural. You are having this baby in the next hour. Maybe if you had come in last night…”

Why did she have to say that? Why?

Leah glared at me.

“Matt you are so fucking dead.”

“I… but… you didn’t tell me your water broke…”

“Cause I didn’t know!”

“And that’s my fault?”

“Matt don’t get that tone with her!”

“Yes ma’am. But she is blami…”

“Matt shut the hell up. There ain’t no reasoning with a mad bull or a pregnant woman. You would have a better chance with the bull.” Dad always did know what to say.

“Bella? Come with me Bella.”

“I’m here Leah.”

“Come in the room. I want you and Debbie to be there. Ben, Paul no offense bu…”

“No! We are good! I think Paul and I are going to get some coffee while you ladies and Matt take care of business.”

I helped Leah get on the bed where our child was about to be born. This seemed kinda surreal. I was about to be a dad. If Leah didn’t kill me first.

BPOV

This was scaring the hell out of me. I mean Leah Clearwater is almost in tears. She is in pain. This is the toughest bitch I have even known in my life. And she is in serious pain. The doctor is here. I have been holding on of Leah’s hands since we walked in here and lost feeling in that hand. Debbie has been holding her other hand. She looked like she was in the same shape I was in. Matt was running his fingers through Leah’s hair. This usually made her sort of purr but she was having none of it today.

“Can’t we just stop this and come back tommorrow? Isn’t there some drug you can give me?” Leah moaned out. Holy shit this must hurt. Neither of us had wanted to know the sex of our babies. So we had no idea what was coming out.

“Leah I am going to need you to bear down and push when I say to push.” I heard the doctor say.

“The baby is crowning. Bella do you want to see this? You’ll be doing it soon as well.” the doctor asked me. Leah let go of my hand and Matt grabbed her hand. She nodded at me to look. I walked around and saw.

“Oh sweet God what is that?!”

“Thats the baby’s head Bella.”

“But… but it’s so big.”

“Yep, babies usually are. What did you expect? A smurf to pop out?” This doctor apparently thought he was funny. Leah screamed. I looked up at her raising my head from what was going on… there… and saw her. She was in so much pain. I mean a lot of pain. Oh God the baby was coming. Ewww what is that? Oh damn. Oh hell no.

I felt a little dizzy. “Swan if you pass out on me now I will tear you to pieces.” Leah gritted out between her teeth.

“I’m… I’m good.”

“Bella don’t lie to me. How bad is it down there?”

“It’s bad Leah. It’s real bad. We should seriously consider becoming lesbians after these kids are born.”

“Push!”

“Matt I love you.”

“I love you too baby.” I heard him respond. Sort of.

I looked down and there was the baby. I heard the doctor say they had a girl. Paige Nicole Barker. I couldn’t tear my head away from what was still going on. What is that? Matt just cut something on Leah with scissors oh gross. I knew everything that was happening here. But reading about it from a book and actually seeing it in person is a little bit different.

Paul and Ben walked in. Paul wrapped his arms around me. I suddenly didn’t want him to touch me so much.

“Whats wrong Bella?”

I ignored him.

“Doctor? Why couldn’t Leah have an epidural?”

“She was to far in her delivery Bella. It could have hurt the baby.”

“Can I be admitted now?”

‘Are you having contractions?”

“No but I really don’t want to take the chance of not getting here on time.”