Chapter 20: You are NOT the Father!

Chapter 20

BPOV

10 months old…

“Ethan, I said no.” I huffed, grabbing my little crawler away from the stove. Although it wasn’t on, I didn’t want to take any chances. It was amazing to see how fast these little rascals could move once they had gotten the hang of crawling. One minute I had left him, lying on his stomach with his brothers watching the television while I made a quick run to the kitchen to get a wet rag.

I should have expected it really. Since they all learned to crawl, the babies all followed Edward and I wherever we went.

I found it incredibly endearing, but also frustrating considering I almost stepped on my poor babies with every step I made. It was only a matter of time before they started walking, since they could sit up and then I would really have to baby proof the house.

“Bluggh.” Ethan gurgled as I steered him back towards he living room. He just kept babbling as if nothing was wrong.

“Squoosh guh!!” “Auden babbled. Huh. I had forgotten she was on my hip. I pressed a kiss to her little fuzzy head and followed in Ethan’s steps back into the living room. I sat Auden down on the floor where she crawled over to her brothers who were playing with the mass of toys on the floor. I flopped down on the couch and closed my eyes.

I was exhausted. Both physically and mentally.

My back ached, my breasts were leaking, and the house was a mess. I was slowly but surely beginning to lose my mind. As much as I loved my children and I will forever will, I needed a few moments from them.

I felt myself relaxing against the back of the couch and thought that I could finally get a bit peace when I was broken from my trance to the sound of my babies fighting over a stuffed Elmo toy.` After breaking them all apart and two and a half hours of play time, I settled them down for a nap. Once I was finished, I fell down ungracefully onto the couch. I closed my eyes again.

I really just wanted a moment to myself. Edward was at work again, no surprise there and everyone was busy handling off their own lives.

I felt something furry scurry by my feet. I look down into the warm brown eyes of Jerry; my poor neglected little dog. With the babies around and their grabby little hands he often stayed behind the gate, meaning I hardly paid any attention to him. Edward usually took him out, walked him, you name it.

I leaned forward and scooped him onto my lap where he greeted me with his slobbery kisses. Guess he had no hard feelings after all.

“Hey Buddy.” I cooed, planting a kiss to his head. He was after all my first “baby”, he deserved that much. I began rubbing behind his ears where he grunted and barked in response. That’s when I got a whiff of him. “Geeze Jerry, you stink!” He barked back at me in offense

“Shh Jer, you have to be quiet.” I chastised. “Go.” I pointed to the stairs. He hopped around happily knowing I was going to give him a bath.  Jerry quickly scurried up the stairs towards the bathroom. At least someone was getting clean. I grudgingly pulled myself off the couch and headed towards the stairs picking up miscellaneous things along the way.  I clipped the baby monitor to my hip and sighed. My house was just so crowded. You couldn’t take a step without stepping on something. Toys were everywhere, the dishes were piled in the sink, and I smelled like dried breast milk and baby barf, not appealing at all.

Where was my help when I needed it? Oh at work. Jerry barked impatiently from upstairs.

“Shh!” I breathed harshly. As much as I love Jerry, he was going to spend the night outside if he woke up the six infants downstairs that I so ever patiently settled down for a nap. By the time I got to the top of the stairs I was winded. I definitely needed to get into shape.

I walked into the bathroom where Jerry was waiting in the bathroom.

“Someone’s eager to take a… Ahh!” I screeched as I caught my reflection in the bathroom mirror.

I looked absolutely horrific. My hair was a tangled mess in a bun, looking sweaty and grimy. I had dark circles under my eyes that made my already pale skin look even paler. I was dressed in one of my nursing tanks that flaunted my mush pouch of a stomach and a pair of Edward’s shorts, revealing my slightly hairy legs and chipped finger and toenails.

No wonder Edward seemed to work a lot. I wouldn’t want to come home to me either.

I braced myself against the sink. I had let myself go, but wouldn’t you if you barely had time to treat yourself without the demands of your friends and family?

I closed the toilet seat down and flopped down on it. Jerry looked at me with curious brown eyes.

“Jerry, mommy needs a much needed break. And a bath. And a nap. And a shave.” I grimaced fingering the soft hairs on my leg. I could only imagine what was going on down under. Jerry barked in agreement.

“I need some reinforcements, eh?” he barked again. I started advising my plan and got off the toilet to go get my phone. Jerry barked nosily and scurried about my feet.

“Fine, fine. I’ll give you your bath first.”

…………………

“So you called in the big guns huh booger?” Liam asked kissing my cheek.

“God yes. Li, I love my babies to death, but I need a break. I admit, I suffered a little separation anxiety at first and probably still do just a bit, but I need a couple of hours to myself. Take a bath, a nap, maybe even do a little grocery shopping by myself.”

“Oh I understand. You’re just lucky you caught me before I went home and did my facial cleansing.” he chirped.

“Oh the irony, that my brother can get a facial but I can’t.” I snarled. He laughed and picked up Danny off the floor.

“Trust me booger, skin like this doesn’t come easily.” Liam cheered, planting sloppy kisses to his cheek, to which he squealed in delight.

“My skin is soft, huh Danster?” My little man just babbled in response. “Uh huh, I’m your favorite uncle aren’t I?” I rolled my eyes.

“Li, you’re his only uncle.” I replied, hearing the slam of a car door outside.

“Who else did you get to help you?” he asked.

“Bella?” Esme’s voice called out. Liam looked at me.

“You actually invited her over? I’m surprised.”

“Well she is their grandmother after all. We may have our differences but I really need her help right now.” I answered. I walked into the living room where Esme was standing by the door. Esme and I had a little talk, a couple of weeks ago, about her butting in on my parenting skills.  She apologized for her antics but still affirmed that she knew better than I did when it came to my kids. We agreed to disagree and came to impasse of sorts.

I let her see and play her grandkids and she keeps her mouth shut about my parenting.

“You needed my help?” she asks.

“Yeah I do. I need a couple of hours to myself; run a couple of errands. You, Liam, and another friend of mine are going to watch the tuplets for a couple of hours or at least until Edward gets home.”

“Okay, I don’t mind, but who’s the other friend? Don’t want them bringing in germs or anything.” She prodded intrusively. I gave her a look.

“Esme, who invite to see my kids is my business. But if you must know, its Edward’s investor mother, Dora Volt.” I huffed. Esme muttered to herself and I heard another car door outside.

“That must be her right now.” I walked over to the door to let her in, where she was being dropped off by a taxi.

‘’Dora! So nice to see you again.” I gave her a hug and kiss to her cheek.

“Likewise, but dear you look like my bingo buddy Bertha on one of her good nights and that’s saying something.” She laughed. I put her purse and coat away and gestured her into the living room where Esme and Liam were playing with my six squirming nuggets on the floor.

“Esme, Li, this Mrs. Dora Volt. Dora, this is my mother in law Esme Cullen and my brother Liam Swan.” I introduced.

“Nice to meet you all. And who are these sweet little angels?” She cooed, slowly sitting down on the floor beside Liam.

“These are my babies; Ethan, Auden, Noah, Daniel, Gavin, and the one crawling over to you is Brayden.”

“Well aren’t you the cutest little thing.” She pressed a kiss to his cheek.

“Well I see that you guys are all settled. I’m going to go upstairs and shower before I go. Baby bibs, spit up and clothes are in that bin over there, baby food and puffs are in the kitchen. Formula is in the fridge and make sure Daniel gets his special blend with my breast milk, since he still can’t really stomach baby food yet. Toys are pretty much everywhere. If Auden or Gavin need a diaper change, make sure you put that cream on their behinds since they both have a little redness there. Jerry is in the back, and you can let him out if you want. He’s not a danger to the babies, although they alike to tug on his ears so watch out for him. His food is on the bottom shelf, just add some water.” I rambled out in one breath. They all blinked at me.

“Uh okay…” Liam said.

“Li…”I started. “ Chill booger, we have it under control. Go take a bath young lady and shave those legs, they’re hairier than mine.” He laughed.

“No they are not.” He raised his pant leg revealing his light haired leg.

“Jerk.” I muttered running up the stairs.

I quickly headed into the bathroom and filled the bath tub with the hottest water I could handle. I slipped in a few bath oils and stripped off my clothes before getting it in.

 As soon as I got in, I could feel all my bones sighing in relief, as the hot water eased over them. I closed my eyes and relaxed a bit. This was just so peaceful. I washed and cleaned my hair thoroughly, softly rubbing some conditioner in my hair. I thought about cutting it to save myself the trouble, but changed my mind, considering my babies loved my hair as it was. Rinsing my hair out, I scrubbed and cleaned myself, saving my hairy bits for last. I used one of my disposable razors to shave my legs until there wasn’t a hair in sight. I then grabbed another razor for my other “lady bit”.  I quickly trimmed myself up, before draining the tub.

I wrapped a fluffy white towel around my body and headed into what used to be Edward and mine’s old bedroom.  I threw on a pair of old boyfriend jeans and one of Edward’s old sweatshirts. I pulled my damp hair into a ponytail and tied on my trainers. I looked over at the full length mirror, glad to see that I looked better.

I was still tired, but at least I was clean. I grabbed my purse and car keys where I could hear chatter coming from the living room.

“Well don’t you clean up nice? Doesn’t she buddy?” Liam cheered, letting Danny crawl over to me. I picked up my smallest little guy, who snuggled against my chest. Oh boy. He wasn’t going to let me go now. I kissed his now reddish color hair.

“I’m about to head to the store, I’ll be back in a couple of hours.” I stated, trying to hand Danny back to Liam. Just as I thought, Danny began screaming bloody murder. No matter who I passed him off to, he began wailing unless he was in my arms.

I should have known when I picked him up, that he wasn’t going to let me go. I really needed to go to the store and he wasn’t letting me out of his sight any time soon. I guess he was just going to come with me. I quickly changed his diaper and clothes into a cute blue shirt and jeans, with little baby converse on his feet. I grabbed his baby bag and headed outside. I quickly settled him in the backseat, making sure the baby mirror in the back gave me a clear look of him at all times. I took the truck this time knowing that I was going to make a lot of groceries to help feed and care for a family of eight.

We drove to Wal-Mart and I settled my little man in the top of the basket in his carrier. I shopped for about an hour and a half, getting various foods and miscellaneous things. By the time I had gotten out of there, with three baskets and four hundred and fifty dollars’ worth of groceries, I began my way home.

I was feeling hungry and decided to stop over at Taco Bell to get a snack. It wasn’t the healthiest choice by any means, but I was hungry and it was just something about those damn Mexican pizzas that had my mouth watering. I got one for myself and two tacos when I realized I would be passing by Edward’s office on the way back. I decided I would surprise him with some lunch. I bought another Mexican pizza and taco before heading his way.

The security guard let me in right away. I parked beside his car and grabbed our food and Danny’s baby bag. I decided I would just carry Danny in my arms since it was much easier that way. Once again he snuggled against my chest and I headed inside.

I didn’t even make it up to Edward’s floor yet, before I was stopped by his various coworkers oohing and awing over Daniel. At first it was sweet, but after the ninth or tenth person, I was ready to go.

I quickly made it up to Edward’s floor. I spoke a little bit with Gianna, his secretary who fawned over him just as everybody else had. She told me he was in his office with a few others and that I could just come in.

I pushed the door open with my foot and walked in.

“Well isn’t this a surprise. Hey love, what are you doing here?” Edward greeted kissing me on the lips.

“Did a little grocery shopping and figured I’d bring you some lunch. If I’d known you all were here, I would have brought you all something.” I apologized, they waved me off.

“And how is my little guy?” Edward asked. He took Daniel off my shoulder and brought him to his chest.  Daniel grabbed onto his tie and I saw the ladies in the room visibly swoon.

“Didn’t want to let me out of his sight. Now I doubt he’ll let you get out of his.”  I answered, lounging back in his vacant seat. I saw the others leave the room.”

“So who’s watching the kids?” he asked taking the seat beside me settling Danny on his lap.

“Liam, your mom, and Mrs. Volt. I needed all the help I can get. Took a nice relaxing bath and everything.” I began passing out our food.

“Well no wonder you smell good.” Edward grinned. I stuffed my face with a bite of the pizza.

“Jerk.” I muttered.

“Uh oh, Mommy said a bad word.” I fed him a bite of his taco.

“Oh coming from Daddy Potty mouth over here.”

“Touché.” He huffed. We kept eating and I could feel myself getting weary. Two to three hours of sleep would do that to a person. I smiled lazily at Danny trying to grab a piece of his taco. Once he realized he couldn’t have any, he began whimpering signaling he was not pleased. I grabbed one of the bottles, and warmed it slightly in his microwave. I handed the bottle back over to Edward and sat back down in my seat. He quickly latched on and began suckling quietly making a few grunting noises ever so often.  

I felt my eyes begin to drift downward.

“You look tired.” Edward stated. “You should take a nap, I got him.”

“I am tired, but I need to get back on the road.” I tried to get up but my body seemed to disagree with me. Edward grabbed my arm with his free hand and led me over to the couch in the corner of the room. He laid me down and rested his suit jacket over me.

“But…” I mumbled sleepily.

“Rest.” He voice drifted off as I fell asleep.

……………..

 Maury: “And today on the Maury show, I’m here with Isabella Cullen, who demands to prove the paternity of not one, not two, not even three, but six of her children!”

(Audience oohs in response)

Bella: “Yep it’s a shame really. After everything, it really came down to this. Look at my angels.” (Sniffles)(Cameras shoots to monitor where the image of six sleeping infants cover the screen. Audience awes in response)

Maury: “Six kids, really? That’s a lot to handle.”

Bella:  “Trust me I know. It’s a hassle every single day. I don’t even know why we’re here considering I know who my babies’ daddy is.”

Maury: “And who might that be?”

Bella: “That man right there. My husband Edward Cullen.” (Screen shoots to the monitor. Audience screams and shouts in response.)

Maury: “Your husband? He’s denying that he is the father of these kids?”

Bella: “No Maury. Edward is a great father and he loves his kids. I would never cheat on him. It’s his mother that’s the problem.” (She screams and the camera focuses back on the monitor where she is standing beside her son.

Esme: “Those are not his kids!!! They are freaky looking mother *bleep*. She’s a *bleep* whore.” (Audience protests)

Bella: “My babies, look just like him. Look at those eyes and hair. They damn sure didn’t get it from me!”

Esme: “He is not the father!! You open your legs to everybody!”

Bella: “Unless you been between my legs, I don’t think so, so back off Grandma and I mean GRANDMA!”

Maury: “His mother?”
Bella: Yeah, Edward is a mama’s boy and she loves to interfere with his business. But she needs to realize that he is a GROWN man!”

(Audience cheers)

Maury: “Let’s hear what Edward has to say about this. Edward come on out.” (Audience boos) (Edward takes the seat beside Bella and grabs her hand.)

“Welcome to the show Edward, how are you feeling?”
Edward: “I’m doing well. I want to prove to my mama, that these are my kids.”

Maury: Do you love Bella?”

Edward: “With all of my heart, she’s the mother of my children and my soul mate.” (Audience awes and Bella kisses his hand)

Maury: “So if that’s the case, why do you believe your mother doesn’t believe that these are her children?” (Edward shrugs his shoulders.)

Bella: “Because she has no life!” (Audience cheers)

Maury: “Well let’s see what she has to say, Esme come on out.” (Audience boos loudly. She takes the seat beside Edward.”

“So Esme, why do you believe that these are your grandchildren?”

Esme: “I just know. Besides, she’s nasty. I got people coming up to me stating that they saw her with different guys. I’m 1000 percent sure that these aren’t his kids.”

Bella: “What guys? You are so delusional. You need to mind your own business. I’m a million percent sure he’s the father.”

Esme: “He is my business.”

Maury: “Well we won’t have to wait any longer because the results are in!” (Audience cheers)

“In the case of ten month old sextuplets, Ethan, Auden, Noah, Gavin, Daniel, and Brayden, Edward you are…”

Bella: “the father!!”

Maury: “NOT THE FATHER!” (Audience breaks out into screams and profanities. Edward drops her hand)

Esme: *bleep* bleep* “I told you she was a *bleeppppppppppppppp*” (Edward cowers to his mother’s side as he walks off stage. Bella drops to the ground crying while Esme taunts her.)

Maury: “Do you know any of the other possibilities of the father?”

Bella: “There are no other possibilities. He’s the only guy I slept with.”

Esme: “Not the father, not the father, not the father!”

Bella: “He is the father.”

“He is the father.”

“He is the father.”  “Who’s the father?”

“He is the father.”  “Who’s the father? Bella wake up?”

“Not the father. He’s the father.” I mumble sleepily. I open my eyes to see Edward crouched in front of me with amused eyes.

“Where’s Danny?”

“Asleep. I settled him over on the other couch.”

“Kay.” I mumbled sleepily.

“Bella?”

“Hmmm…”

“Should I be worried?” he asked.

“Worried about what?”

“If I’m the father or not?” Edward asks and I shoot off the couch so quick that I nearly tackle Edward. I land on the carpet with a thud panicked when I see the amused look on his face.

“Not funny.” He barks out a laugh while I pick myself off the floor.

Stupid Taco bell and their Mexican Pizzas.