Chapter 8: Just a Bit of Gas

Chapter 8
BPOV
"Oh lord, I'm dying." I moaned to my brother, as we sat outside on patio of his apartment. It was Wednesday and I was spending the day with my brother. We took a nice long walk and headed back to his place, where I was spending the rest of my day, at least until Edward got home.
My back was killing me and my stomach was bothering me like crazy. I swear the sounds my stomach were making could be heard from the complexes above and below us. The sensation itself was odd.
"Rub my back please?" I asked and Liam looked at me like I was crazy.
"You want me to do what?" he gasped. Oh, my brother the ever persistent drama queen. He was beside me lounging on a lawn chair, sunglasses perched on the top of his head, his blonde locks all over the place, as he looked at me with mischievous brown eyes that so mirrored one of mine.
"Rub my back please Li? You'll be the best big brother in the world if you do this for me." I begged.
There was this one spot on my back that was just painful. It seemed like every time I moved it moved; from the top of my back to bottom, and then the middle to the side. It was like I had a huge dance party going on in my back and I was uninvited. Liam let out a huge gust of air. Again, there goes my brother being dramatic.
"You're so lucky you're my sister. Hell, even Seth has to work for it. If he wants a back rub, he usually has to bi…"Liam started, but I cut him off with the wave of my hand.
"Please Li, my stomach's already upset. Unless you want me to puke all over your shiny new Prius below us, I suggest you shut up and rub my back." I huffed, as he settled behind me on one of the sun chairs he had out here.
"Geez, booger calm down. And please don't puke on the car, I just got it waxed." Liam pleaded, as he began kneading the tense muscles of my back. His hands felt like heaven and I thanked the heavens it was my brother who was rubbing my back and not someone else because what happened next, I knew I would never live down.
As soon as Liam hit the spot down by my lower back, I let out the loudest fart I ever had in my whole entire life. I know that sounds like I'm exaggerating, but sadly I'm not. I even think the sound alone lasted about 6 seconds. I immediately felt my face flush. I turned to look at Liam who was looking at me with shocked eyes.
"Booger! You…you...you just farted on me." He screamed, getting up from behind me. "That's so effin gross!" he bellowed loudly, that I swore the old bag next door even heard us.
"Sorry?" I answered half apologetic and relieved. Apologetic; because I passed gas on my brother and then relieved; because not only had all the pain in my back ceased, but so did the fluttering sensation in my stomach. This brought about a round of thought.
It was just gas. Mental note to self: back pain equals gas and back rub equals instant relief…and a traumatized Liam.
I was still watching my brother freak out when Seth came through the door a few bags in tote. After dropping a few bags on the counter, Liam then proceeded to throw himself at Seth.
"Seth, babe, Bella just farted on me." He cried dramatically, and I rolled my eyes, as I struggled to get to my feet. Seth seeing my struggle quickly released Liam and helped me up to my feet.
"Now Bella, explain to me why you decided to fart on my man?" Seth grinned, pressing a kiss to my temple. I let out a small huff.
"Well, it wasn't like it was intentional. My back was hurting and I asked him to rub it for me. How was I supposed to know it was gas?" I grumbled, when the nauseating scent of something fishy invaded my senses. I felt myself go green.
"What's that smell?" I asked, as I felt my stomach begin to gurgle once more. That was definitely not a good sign.
"Oh, I picked up some fried fish on the way home. Want some?" Seth asked, waving the bag in front of my face.
"No!" I moaned, as I ran towards the bathroom, where I promptly revisited my breakfast. I finally understood the truths people said about morning sickness, afternoon sickness, and everyday sickness. Breakfast was good the first time around, but definitely not the second.
This went on for a couple of minutes, and once I was through, I felt extremely exhausted. My stomach felt like it was heading for a round two when I felt a hand rub up and down my back soothingly. I looked up into the concerned eyes of my brother. I gave him a sheepish smile.
"I thought this kind of stuff grossed you out." I mumbled as the nausea subsided. He helped me up to my feet and shrugged.
"Oh it does…. But like I said booger, you're lucky you're my sister and that I love you because I'll always be there for you…." He drew off, before giving me his signature mischievous smile.
"Even if you do fart on me."
…..
EPOV
"Mr. Cullen?" my assistant Mrs. Cope, called over the intercom in my office.
"Yes, Mrs. Cope?" I asked, shuffling a few papers off to the side of my desk.
"Your wife's on line 2." She stated, and I felt a smile stretch across my face. Thanking her, I quickly ended the line before switching over.
"Hey Love." I beamed.
"Hey." She breathed. "I miss you." She whispered.
"I miss you too, but I'll be home in a little bit. What have you been up to?" I asked, relaxing back in my seat, casually laying my legs across my desk, in the process knocking over a few files. Oh well, work could wait.
"Well, I visited with Liam and Seth for a while, until I got sick from the smell of fried fish." Bella grumbled.
"I'm sorry to hear that love." I answered. It was rare for her to get sick, but I knew when she did, it often took a lot of energy out of her.
"No I'm fine, but that wasn't even the worst part. I accidently farted on Liam." She whispered so quietly, that you would have thought she had said nothing at all.
"Can you repeat that for me?" I asked, and she let out a huff.
"I accidently farted on Liam." She screeched. I felt the laughter rush out my chest before I could stop it.
"You did what?" I laughed, slapping my hand hard against my pant leg. I saw Mrs. Cope peek at me through the door, but I just waved her off.
"Shut up! It's embarrassing enough, without you laughing at me." She grumbled. I smiled to myself.
"Well you have been a little gassy lately baby."
"I know, but lately it just feels weird you know? It's like a fluttering sensation, or almost like a goldfish swimming-…." She began, but I cut her off as Mrs. Cope peered through the door once more.
"Your 2:30 is here." She mouthed. Shit, I had forgotten all about that meeting and it was with a really important client too. I hated to cut it short with Bella, but I just had to go.
"Love, my next client is here. I have to call you back." I answered apologetic.
"Don't worry about it. I'll see you when I get home. What do you want for dinner? I'm going to head to the store in a little bit." She asked and I felt my stomach grumble in response. My baby's food was better than any chef or mother's cooking out there. Yeah, even better than mom's cooking.
"Mmm, lasagna with homemade garlic bread." I replied, my mouth instantly watering. I heard her sweet chuckle on the other line.
"Okay baby, I'll see you soon. I love you." Bella said and I could just imagine the smile on her face.
"Love you too." I closed, as I waved my 2:30 appointment in.
…
BPOV
"Milk, eggs, cheese, bread, butter…." I rambled as I wrote down my shopping list. Our refrigerator was nearing empty and knew it was time to stock it back up. I also had to pick up my prescription of neonatal vitamins.
Carefully heading down the stairs, I headed towards my car, Jerry trailing behind me. He had gotten extremely clingy lately, and I knew he was feeling a little neglected. I was surprised he even felt that way and the babies weren't even here yet. I just this car ride seemed to ease is worries. Helping him into the passenger seat, I headed towards the driver's side of the car.
Here came the struggle. Again.
You wanna what that struggle is huh? Let me lay it all out for you. The seat in the car only goes back so far, and I would love to see someone try and maneuver a belly the size of a large beach ball inside the car without hitting the steering wheel. Yeah you catch my drift.
I knew I should get a bigger car, and the doctors gave me the okay to drive at least into the early stages of my 6 month of pregnancy and I would be dammed if I didn't try to enjoy it before I became confined to staying at home, because get real; I really would have gone crazy then. After fifteen minutes of huffing and puffing I was finally inside the car and pulled out of the driveway.
As soon as I got into the Wal-Mart parking lot, I had the intense urge to use the bathroom and prayed to the heavens that they had a bathroom. Quickly rolling the window down for Jerry and locking the door behind me, I rushed inside and headed towards the nearest bathroom, but not before passing a blonde and a raven haired girl who eyed my belly with disapproving and speculative looks. I rolled my eyes at the two of them. The two of them couldn't be no older than 19 and were dressed from head to toe in overly revealing clothing. I wondered if they really thought that was attractive. Seriously, what was the generation coming to?
After finishing my business, I was about to head out the door when I could hear the two girls speaking in hushed tones.
"Omg, did you see her, she looks like a whale." One of them snickered.
"And did you see those eyes, hello…freak!" Another giggled.
"I know right, she seriously needs some Jenny Craig or that Slim fast crap to get rid of all that fat. It's disgusting." They both giggled.
I felt my face flush, but for once not in embarrassment, but out of pure anger and agitation. You could talk about me all you wanted, but not my babies. I straightened out my posture and shrugged my shoulders back, as I stormed out of the bathroom. The two women were right outside the bathroom leaning against the wall. Their banter immediately ceased, once I approached the two of them.
"You know if you're going to do all that cackling, there's a place for that. It's called the jungle or the wild as it's commonly known as, seeing as the both of you are looking like a bunch of hyenas right now." I grinned, as I watched the both of them open and close their mouths like a bunch of fish. I turned away from them, but stopped in my tracks, before continuing.
"By the way, I'm not fat, just pregnant, You now when a man loves a woman and all that…but then again maybe not, seeing that you two need to find someone of your own species for that to happen. And pull down your skirt; no one wants to see your nasty tampon string. Good day ladies." I grinned, as I heard one of them let out a frustrated scream, before running into the bathroom. Hah! Serves them right. Never mess with an angry mama, because guess what... you'll always lose.
Grabbing a basket, I felt the fluttering sensation once more and prayed that it wasn't gas. No need to embarrass myself in the middle of Wal-Mart. After getting the necessities and preparations for dinner tonight, I was just about to go checkout when I saw my safe haven. The only two things that tasted good, no matter what time of day.
There were no words. Even you should know by now what I was talking about…
…
EPOV
"Baby, I'm home." I grinned, dropping my coat and suitcase on the counter. I didn't hear a response, but could smell the delicious scent of Italian seasoning and garlic coming from the kitchen. I decided to head that way.
Bella was leaning against the counter, dressed in a pair of jeans and turquoise sweater that proudly revealed her ever growing baby bump. Her hair was in soft waves down her back and she had never looked so beautiful. She was hunched over against the counter and I wondered what she was doing, when she suddenly turned around; pickle and peanut butter in hand.
"Ahh!" she screeched. I let out a small chuckle.
"Sorry, love. I didn't mean to frighten you." I grinned, walking up to her. Bella just rolled her eyes at me.
Resting my hands on both of her hips, I pulled her close up against me until my lips finally reached hers. I didn't even care that she had the vile peanut butter slathered pickle in hand or that she was in the midst of cooking. I tangled my hands in her long tresses, and smiled against her lips as she let out a small moan. We grudgingly pulled apart and I rested my forehead against hers.
"Mmm, I've missed that today." She grinned.
"Well you got it now, and then some." I laughed pressing another earth shattering kiss to her lips. She sighed as we separated.
"How long before dinner's ready?" I asked as we both headed towards the living room. I kicked off my shoes and put on my glasses as I slouched back against the chase in the corner of the room. I closed my eyes and felt her lay down beside me. I wrapped my arms around her.
"Well I just put the lasagna and bread in so not for another hour or so." She answered, laying her head against my shoulder. I rested a hand against her swollen baby. We laid there in contented silence before Bella spoke.
"So I've been thinking, and I think it's time to trade in my car." She breathed.
"Really?" I asked. I knew how much she loved her car; a black Equinox. In fact she told me that was the very first thing she saved up for.
"Yeah, well obviously since I'm already huge and the belly's getting in the way of things, I thought it was best and we both know that neither of our cars can fit the babies." She reasoned.
"So, you're going to get one of those old soccer mom cars?" I teased.
"Eww, no. I want a car that'll be safe for the babies and still not look like the typical soccer mom car. Heck, I might not even be a soccer mom. With our luck our kids would be blessed with my clumsiness and be out of the running for sports." Bella grinned, her warm breath tickling my neck, sending goose bumps along my skin.
"I think you seem to forget, I was on my high school football team." I pouted. Well let's be honest. I wasn't the best of players, but at least I looked good in my uniform. That counts for something right?
"Yeah, well let's just hope for their sake there's an even distribution of genes or our kids will be in for one hell of a trip to the hospital." She laughed. We both fell silent once more and I felt my mind begin to wander. I had so many thoughts flowing through my head, that I didn't even know where to begin.
"What's going on in that head of yours? Bella asked, her warm brown and blue eyes looking at me concernedly.
"I've been thinking as well. There's just so much more left to do. We need to come up with names, toys, clothes, a nursery; hell a house!" I rambled.
"A house?" She mumbled. looking at me confusedly.
"Well yeah. As much as I love this house, it's definitely not the place to raise a family of eight." I answered. She seemed to ponder that for a moment, before looking back up at me.
"You're right." She sighed. "So what does that mean? We need to start looking for a house?" she asked.
"Yeah, I'm afraid so and soon if we want the house to be ready in time." I replied, rubbing my hand up and down her back. She let out a small sigh.
"I guess I need to look for a relator?" Bella stated.
"No we don't. One of my clients today, the one I had a meeting with; his wife's a realtor and offered to show us a few places. We just got to give her a call." I said.
"I guess you have been doing a lot of thinking lately. Now I'm starting to feel invalid, like I'm not doing enough." She whispered softly. I looked down at her.
"Baby, you are doing enough and you're definitely not invalid. You're doing your job just the way you're supposed to. You're full of life, love, and you're healthy. That's all you ever need to be." I answered truthfully and smiled when I saw the soft twinkle in her beautiful eyes.
"Thank you." She whispered, kissing my cheek.
"And how are my babies today?" I asked rubbing her stomach.
"They're good, except they're making me gassy. I still can't believe I farted on Liam. I swear he'll never let me live it down. I just know he won't." She huffed, her face flushing a soft crimson. I let out a small snort.
"Edward Anthony, what did I tell you about laughing at me? It's not funny; it's embarrassing. My stomach's been all over the place lately. Sometimes, it's not even gas, just a weird tingling sensation. In fact my stomach's making that fluttering sensation right now. See, feel that?" she said, laying my hand against her stomach.
I felt a soft thump against my hand and felt my eyes widen in wonder and amazement.
"And you said it's been happening for how long now?" I asked, my mind instantly going into doctor mode. Just because I wasn't a doctor didn't mean I didn't know my stuff.
"About a week and a half or so. Why?" she asked.
"Baby, I don't think those sensations you're feeling is gas." I breathed. She looked at me confused for a moment.
"Well if it's not gas then what is it then?" she asked, realization dawning on her face as we both felt the thumping again.
"That love, I think…" my voice cracking on the end, "is our babies kicking."