I lost track of time in the meadow. The tears continued to flow, and my heart ached deeply. Was this the moment I had to face alone? Was it time to start making my own decisions without my Grams guiding my every move? One day, she wouldn't be here to help me, and I'd have to make these choices on my own.

I heard footsteps approaching from behind and didn't need to turn around to know who it was. His large hands settled on my shoulders, providing a sense of relief. Without hesitation, I spun around and lunged into him, burying my face in the crook of his neck as the tears began to flow once more.

We didn't exchange words. Emmett just held me, and I felt safe in his embrace. He gently lowered us both onto the small patch of grass as I clung to him, pressing my head deeper into the crook of his neck. Not wanting to lift myself up from him.

I sat in his embrace, tears streaming down my cheeks, overwhelmed by everything. Bella's pregnancy and its implications weighed heavily on my mind. My Grams' refusal to help me in my time of need added to my sorrow. Despite my Grams' refusal to assist, my determination to help Bella remained steadfast. I knew I couldn't rely on her approval anymore, even though her reluctance pained me deeply.

After what felt like hours, Emmett guided me back to the house, his comforting presence a lifeline as I held onto him tightly. Everything was a blur, every one a distant presence. Emmett took me straight to Edward's room and gently tucked me into the bed. Tomorrow was a new day, and the day Bella returned. I just hope she was fine...

....................

Two more excruciating weeks crawled past. Bella returned home the following day, her appearance initially reassuring, but everyone hovered around her, attentive to her every need. The household united in their efforts to uncover more about the life growing inside her. Within just fourteen days, her belly had swelled noticeably, taut and unyielding, resembling that of a woman eight months along. The baby's rapid growth perplexed even Carlisle, nothing could penetrate the sac, so we couldn't see inside.

I felt utterly helpless, my Grimoire offering no solutions. The family Grimoire, which could hold answers, was out of reach, and returning home for it was out of the question. Despite my Grams' repeated calls to the Cullens, I avoided answering, allowing others to provide brief updates on my behalf. Confronting her was daunting; I couldn't bring myself to speak, uncertain of what words would suffice. Because her betrayal still lingered.

Bella and I sat together on the couch, surrounded by the scattered Cullens, who kept close by in case she needed anything.

"Still not talking to your Grams?" Bella asked, arching an eyebrow at me. I had already filled her in on what had transpired between us the day she returned.

"I just can't face her," I replied softly, my voice tinged with hurt. "Not yet." I shook my head, still grappling with the sting of her betrayal.

"She's looking out for you like grandmothers do," Bella pointed out, giving me a knowing look.

"I don't need my grandmother right now; I need an experienced witch," I replied firmly, emphasising the urgency of my need for a wise and knowledgeable practitioner with generations of knowledge stored in a book I can't access yet. "If only I had access to-"

"I can do this, Charlotte," Bella interrupted, her voice strained but determined, as she placed a trembling hand on mine. Her once vibrant features now appeared gaunt and weathered, marked by the toll of her pregnancy. Her cheeks, once rosy, were now hollowed, and her eyes, once bright, were now sunken and tired. Each movement seemed an effort, her frame fragile and delicate beneath my touch.

Over the past weeks, the toll on her body had become evident. What was once a normal body had turned into a struggle for survival. Her skin stretched tight over protruding bones, spoke of the strain within. Yet, despite her physical decline, her determination shone through, unwavering in the face of uncertainty.

"Have some faith in me," she chuckled softly, and I couldn't help but join in briefly, sharing her moment of lightness amidst our worries. Deep down, I did have faith in her—faith that she would overcome this, and be turned at the last minute.

Faith is all I had.

"I do," I replied softly after a moment of silence, squeezing her hand gently with my other one, offering a reassuring touch.

Before Bella could respond, Jacob's echoing footsteps reverberated through the house, announcing his arrival. "Jake, is that you?" Bella called out, her voice carrying easily to him with his heightened werewolf senses. Rosalie swiftly moved into position nearby, standing protectively in front of Bella, shielding her from view.

Jacob bounded up the stairs with his usual agility, crossing the floor swiftly until he came to a stop, peering past Rosalie to catch a glimpse of Bella. His shoes squeaked with each step as he moved closer, eager to get a full view of Bella.

"I'm glad you came," Bella greeted him warmly, acknowledging the deeper connection she shared with Jacob that surpassed my own. Jacob took a few more steps forward, prompting Rosalie to step closer, blocking him from advancing further.

"Close enough," Rosalie warned sharply, her tone laced with a threat.

"What's your problem?" Jacob retorted bitterly, his frustration evident in his voice.

"Rose, it's ok," Bella reassured, knowing Jacob wasn't aware of the pregnancy and unsure of how he might react once he found out. Reluctantly, Rosalie stayed still but granted Jacob to walk around her and sit on the edge of the coffee table, which gave him a full view of Bella seated on the couch.

Relief flooded his expression upon confirming it was indeed Bella who hadn't transformed into a vampire. A sigh of relief escaped his lips, and his eyes softened as they met hers. "You look terrible," he joked lightly, trying to inject some levity into the tense atmosphere.

"Yeah, it's nice to see you too," Bella replied with a faint smile, appreciating Jacob's attempt to lighten the mood.

"So, are you gonna tell me what's wrong with you?" Jacob's eyes were fixed on Bella, his concern evident. Bella took a deep breath and glanced over at Rosalie for support.

"Rose, you wanna help me up?" Bella asked, nodding towards Rosalie who came over to assist her. As Bella stood, she tossed the blanket to me, which I quickly spread over my lap, feeling uneasy about Jacob's reaction. Steeling myself, I looked at Jacob, and realisation dawned on his face. His eyes were fixed on her abdomen as she pulled down her top.

From my vantage point, I could hear his breathing quicken, his attempt to reign his anger was clear. His jaw clenched as his eyes darted to Edward who was near the windows.

Jacob strode forward, closing the distance to where Edward stood. "You did this!" His voice rose, but a firm hand pressed against his shoulder stopped him in his tracks—Emmett, intervening decisively.

"We didn't know it was even possible," Carlisle explained, diverting my attention to Jake, who shrugged off Emmett's hand and fixed a death glare on Edward.

"What is it?" Jake ground out through clenched teeth, turning half his body sharply to face Carlisle.

"I'm not sure," Carlisle admitted honestly. "Ultrasounds and needles won't penetrate the embryonic sac," he explained. Bella eased herself back onto the couch, and I guided her with care, ensuring she was comfortable before tucking the blanket around her again.

"I can't see it either," Alice's voice broke the brief silence, her words hanging heavy in the air. "And I can't see Bella's future anymore," she added solemnly.

"We've been researching legends, but there isn't much to go on," Carlisle explained, his voice tinged with frustration from weeks of fruitless effort. "What we do know is that it's strong and fast-growing."

Jacob turned his attention fully to Carlisle, his voice raised in anger. "Why haven't you done anything? Take it out of her!"

"This is none of your business, dog," Rosalie spat through clenched teeth.

"Rose!" Esme interjected firmly, her voice a calming contrast. "All this fighting isn't good for Bella," she added, her tone softening as she addressed the tense room.

"The fetus isn't good for Bella," Alice interjected, her voice rising with emotion.

"Say the word, Alice. 'Baby.' It's just a little baby," Rosalie countered, her voice rising to match the intensity in the room.

"Possibly," Jasper interjected, moving to stand beside Alice. But his voice remained smooth, yet carried a stern tone.

The tension was palpable, revealing a side of the Cullens I hadn't witnessed before. They were divided, uncertain about how to proceed with Bella and the baby.

"Carlisle, you've gotta do something," Jacob almost pleaded.

"No," Bella's voice rang out, firm and resolute. "It's not his decision. It's not any of yours." She held her ground, though she couldn't bring herself to meet Jacob's eyes as she spoke.

"Jacob, I need to talk to you," Edward announced, stepping away from the window and heading toward the stairs. His footsteps echoed against the wooden floor, soon followed by Jacob's.

"Do you need anything?" I asked after a few moments of still silence in the room. My eyes locked onto Bella's as she met my gaze and shook her head with a thin smile. But I knew her, she'd probably be stressed about it all.

"Papillo lux," I incanted, my voice steady and deliberate. As the words left my lips, I extended my hands, feeling a surge of energy. A bright golden light radiated from my skin, illuminating the room for a brief moment. From the heart of that light, a delicate golden butterfly emerged, its wings shimmering as it fluttered into the air. "A calming spell," I explained, watching the butterfly flutter above Bella. "I think everyone needs it." My eyes shifted between Rosalie and Alice, noting the gradual relaxation in their expressions as the spell took effect.

"Thank you," Esme's motherly voice resonated, drawing my eyes to her warm, smiling gaze. I returned her smile before glancing at the wall where Emmett stood, leaning against it with his arms crossed over his chest. With the weeks consumed by concerns for Bella and uncovering more about the baby, we've barely had any time alone together.

He flashed me one of his adorable smiles, instantly lifting my spirits. I made my way over to him, while the others focused their attention back on Bella and the butterfly fluttering around her.

"How are you holding up?" Emmett asked, unfolding his arms from his chest and gently running his hands down my arms as I reached him.

I knew he was referring to my Grams, but I couldn't find the words to respond. Instead, I shrugged and leaned my head against his solid chest. My arms barely wrapped around his broad frame as I hugged him tightly, seeking comfort in his embrace.

"I just want to make sure Bella is safe first before I do anything else," I said, my words muffled against his chest, but he heard them loud and clear. "I love you," I said effortlessly because it was the truth. I shifted my head and tilted back to meet his dim golden eyes.

"I love you," he murmured, leaning down to kiss me passionately. Our lips moved in perfect sync before gently parting. Emmett looked at me with a depth of love and admiration that warmed my heart, and I returned his gaze, lost in the tenderness of his eyes.

****************