Chapter 5: Expectations

The Goth family welcomed home little Cassandra a couple days later.  Cornelia got to work submitting the birth announcement to the paper and scheduling the newborn photo shoot with the family photographer.  Bella was happy to let Cornelia worry about the details so she could spend her time cuddling her baby girl.  Bella's parent's had been waiting at the hospital while the baby was being born.  Then, Jocasta was visiting the manor everyday.  Bella appreciated the company, but if Cassandra wasn't being held Bella she was being held by either of her grandmothers.  Bella wanted very much to establish a schedule for Cassandra; with Cornelia and Jocasta helping out Cassandra was going to be spoiled.

Mortimer started working on the baby's room while they were still in the hospital.  Now that he actual knew they had a baby girl, he was eager to fix up the room.  Mortimer and Bella went a couple rounds trying to decide on the appropriate decor for a Goth baby.  Bella wanted Cassandra's room to be bright and cheery; Mortimer wanted to keep with tradition, especially so it wouldn't upset his parents.  In the end, they both got what they wanted.  The room was finished by the time Cassandra was big enough to be moved from her cradle to her crib.  Bella had decided to use the heirloom crib and freshened up the look with new sheets.  It was going to be hard to let Cassandra sleep in her own room but she couldn't stay in Mortimer and Bella's bedroom anymore.

Bella was worried about the transition though she should have known that Cassandra was still going to get spoiled.  She didn't have to cry for long before one of her grandparents came into the room to whisk her out of bed.  Mortimer was surprised that his father had bonded so well with Cassandra.  At times it would seem that Cornelia and Jocasta would race to Cassandra's room only to find Gunther with the baby already in his arms.  When he was home Gunther would make his way to Cassandra.  He held her and talked to her about being World Leader, shared the recent stock exchange news, and told her stories about the family.  He knew that she just a baby but as he spoke she just looked at him innocently and without judgement.

Before they knew it Cassandra was six months old.  Bella had returned to work full-time since Cornelia and Gunther were around the house.  Bella was having a difficult time losing the weight she put on during her pregancy.  She heard that some women were able to fit in their pre-pregnancy pants after a couple of months but she wasn't one of the lucky women.  Bella felt calmed walking through the park when she was pregnant so she thought that jogging the the park would be a good place to start.

On her third lap around the park Bella was greeted by Nancy Landgraab.  Ever since her teen years, and especially after she married Mortimer, she had tried to stay away from the Landgraab family.  She wanted to stay away from the family feud as much as she could but with Nancy standing right there she couldn't just run the other way.
"Why hello Bella," Nancy greeted in a saccharin sweet voice.
"Hello Nancy, it's a nice day isn't it?" Bella replied, trying to keep the conversation simple and short.
"Yes, a nice day for the park and a jog I see.  I imagine it must be difficult to keep the weight down while working at the restaurant."
"Oh, the restaurant isn't too bad.  I'm just working on losing some of the baby weight."
"Isn't your sweet Cassandra six months old now?  I've heard that if don't lose baby weight in the first three months you don't really have a chance at losing the weight at all, such a shame.  You, know I was able to get back into my normal clothes after four weeks."
"I'll manage even if it takes some extra work."
"That's nice Bella.  Have a good day now....and tell Gunther I said hello."  Nancy headed to her limo.  Bella stood, rooted in her spot trying to work up the energy to do another lap around the park.  Instead she called it a day and headed home.

Bella took the short-cut through the cemetery to get back to the manor.  She found it somewhat odd the Goths found it so peaceful among the dead, though she came to understand the knowing silence, which permeated the grounds.  Bella's blood was boiling after her encounter with Nancy.  She couldn't go home just yet because she would explode about what a mean, nasty viper Nancy was.  Last thing she wanted to do was stir up old wounds especially since she considered Cornelia to be her mother, too.  On a whim Bella detoured to the Mausoleum on the way home and decided to explore the catacombs.  She hadn't known about the malevolent spirits held captive by the damp darkness below.  They ripped at her clothes and tore out her hair.  They tried to burn her alive.  Bella barely 

 escaped with her life.

Bella quickly cleaned herself up and straightened up her hair.  It was significantly shorter and noticeable.  She supposed she was going to have to tell Mortimer that she went into the catacombs at some point.  That, of course, is going to lead to her encounter with Nancy in the park and the family will be out of sorts about it.  There was nothing she could do about it now.  Studying her reflection in the mirror Bella hoped that her hair would grow back quickly.  She felt that her long hair had overshadowed her weight gain, but with the shorter hair she felt bigger than ever.

 Though she told no one, Cornelia felt as if her life were fully complete.  She raised her boy into a man, watched him as he married the love of his life, and welcomed her grandchild into the world.  She was thankful that she was able to experience and witness so much before the end came.  Late one night, Cornelia crept into Cassandra's room to watch the baby as she slept only to find Cassandra looking up at her with dark innocent eyes.  Cornelia decided to let Mortimer and Bella get some much needed sleep and prepared a bottle.  She quietly fed her sweet granddaughter, gave her a snuggle, and laid her back in the crib.  Cornelia ran her finger along Cassandra's soft cheek and kissed her forehead.  Then she went to draw herself a bath.

Cornelia soaked in the warm water.  She felt warm but somewhat faded.  This new feeling should have worried her but she felt serene instead.  As she stepped from the tub she felt herself float above floor; her body changed from solid to spectral as a warm breeze seemed to grow from her core and spread to the tips of her fingers and toes.  Cornelia met her end with calm closure.  She grew up with her best friend and sister Agnes.  Her marriage was not the love story she had dreamed about as a girl, but the union gave her a son and some fond memories.  She could pass knowing her son and his family was strong.

Cornelia did not have to wait long before Death came to claim her.  Many people begged, others left with indifference.  Cornelia stared at the cloaked figure before her.  She didn't feel the need to beg for her life nor was she indifferent in leaving.  She relished the opportunity for something new without the guilt of leaving her loved ones behind.  Now was the time.

Death reached out for her.  Cornelia took his hand and smiled.  Despite his sinister appearance she felt as if she was being welcomed by an old friend.  His skeleton hand felt smooth like polished stone, but warm instead of deathly cold.  All was final.  Cornelia became fully enveloped by the breeze she felt emanating from her before.  She was lifted higher off the ground and in a swirl she crossed over to the afterlife.

Mortimer found his mother's urn the next morning.  He hadn't expected his mother to die so soon.  She wasn't even sick or frail.  A distraught Mortimer found his way to his wife.  Bella had been his constant all these years and he knew he could count on her as his grief took control.  It was difficult for Bella to watch Mortimer cry.  She had only seen him cry three times in their life; she held his hand as he fumed when he found out about his sister, she wiped a tear from his cheek during a private moment during their wedding reception, and they shared tears of joy when they gazed upon their daughter for the first time.  Now she held him while he felt the loss of his mother.  Words failed Bella she only held him hoping her presence would be enough to comfort him.

Mortimer had spent the day making all the funeral arrangements.  Since his mother urn was to be placed in the family graveyard it was only necessary to plan a small wake at the house.  By the end of the day he was absolutely exhausted.  Six hours of phone calls felt like two weeks of strain from work.  His father had wanted to help, but Mortimer didn't feel it was necessary for him to help since their relationship had been anything but loving in the end.  Mortimer headed up to Cassandra's room because Bella was still preparing dishes for the funeral.  He snuggled his baby girl close, breathing in her soft baby smell.  He felt the weight of his mothers death lift slowly as Cassandra cooed at him.

Late in the night Gunther could not sleep.  Mortimer was shutting him out and it was pissing him off.  Cornelia was his wife and he was responsible for getting her final affairs in order.  Who was Mortimer to judge that it wasn't his job?  He didn't hate or loathe Cornelia.  Gunther hefted himself out of bed and took a walk out to the graveyard.  Earlier, Mortimer had a small gravestone delivered to the house.  Gunther would have chosen something much large, as befitting a Goth matriarch, but he supposed Mortimer knew her tastes better than he did.  Gunther suddenly became overwhelmed with guilt and sadness.  Cornelia had deserved so much more, yet he had loved her in a way.  He wanted to believe that he would have loved her fully if he had known her first.  That wasn't the way of it though and he was truly sorry that he had hurt her so much over the years.  He would take that to his grave.

The day of the funeral came before they knew it.  Mortimer wasn't ready to say his final good-bye.  Again, he felt the need to see Cassandra.  He was spending more and more time with her.  Her sweetness had a way of overcoming sadness.  She didn't know that her grandmother was gone.  She wouldn't grow up with her either.  Mortimer would have to make sure to tell her all about her grandmother.  Cornelia's passion had been the garden.  Mortimer had learned that from her.  He decided to explore other career options after spending time in his mother's garden and he was truly thankful for that.  Mortimer hoped that one day he would be able to pass that love to Cassandra.

As the funeral was underway Mortimer met his Aunt Agnes.  She, too, was devastated by the loss of her older sister.  Cornelia always ragged on her for not remarrying, but now that she was gone Agnes felt the loss since her sister would not be there if she chose to marry Christopher.  Agnes' daughter Aileen talked to Bella about Cornelia's garden.  She shared that most people in town loved the garden because it brought life to the seemingly dead manor.

After the services Agnes went to Cornelia's gravestone to say her final good-bye to her older sister.  Cornelia's death reminded Agnes that she wasn't going to live forever.  She too would pass into the afterlife someday.  At that moment Agnes promised the air around her, speaking to Cornelia, that she would marry her long time love Christopher.  She was going to give their childhood home to her daughter and live out the rest of her life feeling loved and complete.

Daily life didn't return back to normal right away.  Everyone went through their daily routines just fine, but they all felt Cornelia's non-presence.  It was only upon Cassandra becoming a toddler that some sense of happy normalcy seemed possible.  The family wasn't ready for a large birthday celebration so they decided to just have a quiet, special evening for the birthday girl.  Gunther had become Cassandra's caregiver when Mortimer and Bella's schedule overlapped.  It was obvious that she had become very attached to him.  In hopes that it would help make him happy, Mortimer offered to let his father help Cassandra blow out her birthday candles.

Bella could not believe how quickly the time went by.  Her baby was now a toddler.  They had gone all out for her birthday and bought her, a xylophone, peg box, an activity table, and teddy bear.  Bella had wanted to buy a new high chair as well, but Mortimer insisted on cleaning up the old one.  Bella looked into Cassandra's eyes and felt like she was looking right at her husband.  Cassandra had inherited the Goth eyes.  Bella was pleased, though, that she could see some of her own features in her daughter.  She was the perfect blend of Mortimer and Bella.  It was too often that children resembled one parent or the other, but not both.

Bella found herself having more time with Cassandra since she was home during the day and Mortimer was at work.  At first it was such a joy to be spending so much time with Cassandra but after awhile Bella felt as if she was working two full-time jobs instead of one.  So many parents talk about their joy of teaching their toddlers to walk, talk, and potty train.  All of the magazines and books only had positive examples of the experiences.  Bella hated it.  Cassandra was the most deviant and stubborn child.  She didn't want to learn to walk, she wasn't saying a word, and when Bella tried to put her on her potty she just screamed that she didn't have to go.  Then, not ten minutes later, Bella would find her off in a corner somewhere with a messy diaper.

Feeding Cassandra wasn't easy either.  She threw her food off the tray several times and giggled hysterically as Bella fought to keep her patience.  When Cassandra was finally tired of tossing her food everywhere she threw a temper tantrum because she didn't like the food that she was given.  Bella was one the the best cooks, yet she couldn't get her own toddler to eat anything she made.  Cassandra wanted hotdogs and mac & cheese all the time.  Bella didn't mind making it once or twice a week, but she felt that Cassandra needed more nutritious options as well and Cassandra wasn't cooperating.

Bella's patience was growing thin.  Cassandra was giving her trouble every moment she could.  Bella was, at least, thankful that she could go to work in the evenings and get a break from the day at home.  Some days it was just easier to hold Cassandra and give her what ever she wanted.  Bella was tired.  Mortimer was starting to hint at trying for another baby to have a sibling for Cassandra.  Bella definitely did not think it was such a good idea.  She remembered how awful she felt during the pregnancy.  Bella also felt overwhelmed with Cassandra in her toddler stage.  She was behind when it came to talking, walking, and potty training and Bella knew it wasn't anything wrong with Cassandra.  Cassandra was just being difficult.

Cassandra's saving grace was that she slept through the night.  Bella probably would have snapped ages ago if Cassandra was one of those toddlers that still woke up two or three times a night.  Bella would often sneak into Cassandra's room when she got home from the diner.  Watching her daughter sleep so peacefully reminded Bella that Cassandra was just a toddler and toddlers were challenging.  Sometimes Bella felt awful about being frustrated with Cassandra.  She decided to ask Mortimer if he would be willing to teach Cassandra the basics in the evenings and during the day she would just relax, play, and take Cassandra to different parks around town.  Bella hoped that would help Cassandra calm down a bit.

Chapter 4: A Growing Family

  Bella and Mortimer were a couple of years into their marriage and they still hadn't been able to conceive a baby.  Bella believed that they were going to have a honeymoon baby but her period showed up a couple of weeks later.  At first she wasn't concerned.  Then month after month there was nothing.  She tried not to worry but each year she asked Dr. Jolina if there was something she could do.  Unfortunately, Bella was told to wait it out.  She was young and had plenty of time to start a family.  Dr. Jolina had told her that if she didn't conceive by her 5^th wedding anniversary then they would start the process of fertility treatments.  Now, with their anniversary coming up Bella was worried that they would have to endure all the tests and treatments to have a baby.  She tried to keep most of the worry to herself.  Bella helped in the garden.  She was proud of the dinners she was able to create out of the harvest, though her job at the diner wasn't going as well as she hoped.  Many of her co-workers were also competing for promotions into more esteemed positions.  Bella considered quitting work at the diner to stay home, if it would help her chances to become a mother.  Actually quitting never worked out though.  Bella's drive to become a five-star chef always nagged at her and committed her to working another night.

  

  Mortimer was equally as stressed as Bella about not having a baby yet.  He wanted children as much as Bella did, if not more.  Luckily for him work was going well and he received several promotions over the years.  He became quite adept at fixing things at work, which applied to the household as well.  Mortimer couldn't remember the last time someone in his family had attempted to fix something; they just called a repairman instead.  He'd rather do it himself though.  There wasn't a point in hiring someone to do the work if it could just be done right by him.  Mortimer let loose a string of curses when the dishwasher broke.  It was one of the newest items in the kitchen.  He hadn't worked on the dishwasher before but he pulled out the manual and went to it.
 

Before he could even realize what had happened Mortimer crossed the red and the green wire, sending electricity coursing through his body.  He could smell his own singed flesh and he felt his muscles go limp before he could pull himself free of the current.  With his vision blurred he stumbled toward the door.

“Beya,” he mumbled. “Hep me, Beya.”  Mortimer fell to his knees as his legs gave out under him.

 Bella heard the commotion coming from the kitchen.  She expected the dishwasher job wasn't going to go as planned.  It was when she heard the muffled shouting that a panic risen inside her belly and she took off running for the house.  Bella saw Mortimer trying to steady himself on the kitchen floor and fell to his side immediately.  She was able to get her shoulder under his arm and lifted him off the ground.

“What happened?” Bella questioned hardly able to hide the concern and panic in her voice.  Mortimer tried to form words to comfort his wife but his tongue lay limp in his mouth and his eyes couldn't focus.

“Oh, never mind,” Bella said as she gathered him up in a hug.  “Let's get you upstairs while you can still help me get you there.  What were you trying to do anyway?  You can't die on me.  The graveyard is full and they don't want you.”  Bella's nervous laughter filled the hallway as they made their way to their room.  Later that night Mortimer woke up with most of his muscles functioning again.  Bella kissed him softly and they gently woohooed, thankful that Mortimer's close call didn't kill him.
 

A month later Bella started getting sick after breakfast.  She figured it was the stomach flu, but when the nausea wouldn’t subside she resigned herself to having juice for breakfast.  After a couple of weeks she wasn’t getting sick anymore.  She felt out of sorts.  She felt like she needed a nap all of the time and her body felt uncomfortable.  It was when she was promoted to spice runner that the sickness came back full force.  Bella could hardly stand the smell.  Cinnamon was one of the worst.  If she caught a whiff she needed to run straight to the bathroom.  Curry was the absolute worst; she couldn’t even make it to the bathroom if she smelled it.  She just lost her stomach where she stood.  Bella was sick and tired of being sick and tired.  She needed a break.

Mortimer surprised Bella with a day trip to the spa.  He noticed that she was feeling off and figured a spa package would help her relax.  Bella was grateful for Mortimer’s kindness and sympathy.  In the middle of her mud bath she reached for the closest magazine.  Bump Magazine, figures.  The world can just rub it in my face some more that I’m not pregnant.  Bella read it anyway even though she felt like ripping it into pieces and throwing it across the room.  It was when she came to the article The Not So Subtle Signs of the First Trimester that she sat up with a jolt.  Her eyes scanned the page; nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weight gain…No, it can’t be…The words practically jumped off of the page at her.  Bella hurried out of the bathing room.  She still had a mani/pedi before her day was over, but those were forgotten as she rushed for her car.  A couple of years back she bought the book Totally Preggers thinking she would get pregnant right away.  It was the one book that could confirm the magazine’s article and she had to dig it out of the trunk.  Bella flipped through the pages in shock.  I need to buy a pregnancy test now!

Bella was in shock when she saw the digital readout change from the hourglass to 'pregnant'.  Her shout of joy and surprise was automatic and Mortimer came running.  He burst through the door and Bella was standing there with the biggest grin he had ever seen.  Bella hadn't told Mortimer her suspicions because they had been let down before.  She couldn't deny it now.  After Bella showed the test to Mortimer there was a bunch of dancing, laughing, shouting, kissing, and hugging in the bathroom.  It wasn't long before Cornelia came to see what the commotion was all about.  Bella then called her mom and dad.  Soon the whole town knew that the Goth family had a new heir on the way.

Bella had her official pregnancy test at the hospital labs.  She was indeed pregnant and her numbers were excellent.  Bella didn't really need the second test to confirm because she was still getting sick all of the time.  Morning sickness turned into afternoon, evening, and everywhere sickness.  She had her first appointment with Dr. Jolina at 12 weeks.  Bella was concerned that the sickness wasn't letting up.  Dr. Jolina noticed a little weight loss, but reassured Bella that the weight loss is normal for women who have moderate morning sickness.  She offered vitamins to Bella and told her to drink breakfast shakes if she could.  Dr. Jolina told Bella to get some B6 tablets from the store and get some rest.  She did offer B6 injections if the sickness didn't subside in the next couple of weeks or if she lost more weight.

At week 16 Bella was still getting sick.  She had wanted a baby so bad, but throwing up all the time made her think twice about ever doing this again.  Bella felt like her body was punishing her for being pregnant, which was very unfair.  So many other women look like they are glowing at this point and Bella just felt like she had toilet hair and a hangover.  Dr. Jolina decided that Bella should come to the office every three days for a B6 injection and she needed to take some time off from work.  The vast amount of culinary smells was not helping Bella recover from morning sickness.  They hurt like a beast, but once the B6 injections started taking effect Bella started to feel normal again.  She felt like she was starting to get her pregnancy glow.

Bella spent most days around the house while Mortimer was at work.  She occasionally went out into the town to grocery shop, visit the book store, or view new pieces at the Art Institute.  However, she was most content to stay at the manor and read pregnancy and baby books or learning new recipes.  Cornelia liked to pamper Bella, but she let her have her space for the most part.
 

Mortimer and Bella enjoyed his days off together.  She would quietly work in the garden and he would paint.  At 22 weeks Bella was feeling restless.  They had done their ultra sound a couple weeks before, and everything looked perfect, but they chose not to find out if the baby was a boy or girl.  Now Bella wasn't so sure that was a good idea.  She wanted to start getting a room ready for the baby.  Bella stopped gardening and walked over to her husband, "I think we should start buying things for the baby, don't you?"

"Sure Bells.  What do you have in mind?" Mortimer asked.

"Well, I was thinking we could start remodeling one of the bedrooms."

"Remodel?  What is wrong with the bedrooms"

"Well they are so dark.  Not really for children, you know?"

"I never had a problem with those rooms Bella and we don't even know what colors we should be painting the walls."

Bella felt dejected, "I want to do something to feel like we are getting ready.  I hate waiting"

Mortimer reached over to rub Bella's tummy.  It was amazing that she was able to grow a little life.  She was so beautiful, he may want her to be pregnant all the time.  Bella certainly wouldn't agree after how sick she was but Mortimer loved looking at her in all her maternal glory.  She was his goddess.
"I love you Bella.  You are more beautiful every day," Mortimer told her.
"Mort, don't get distracted," she replied with a laugh.  "I want to do something for the baby."

Mortimer went digging in the attic for some baby things after his mother had told them that his old baby crib was still up there.  Bella's excitement quickly faded when she saw how dingy and old the crib, toys, and highchair looked.  She would need to get new sheets, but without know if the baby was a boy or a girl the crib would have to sit bare.  She did her best to clean up the furniture, but in the end it was back to waiting.  Bella visited Dr. Jolina at the hospital for another prenatal appointment at 28 weeks.  So far she had only been visiting monthly, but now she was going to be visiting every other week.  Bella felt a little silly, but she was excited at the change.  She was getting closer.  She was also glad that Dr. Jolina's office was at the hospital and that Dr. Jolina was the only OB/GYN.  Even though the town was old it was still small and Bella was glad she wouldn't have to have an on-call doctor like they did in big cities.

Bella got home from her appointment and Mortimer could tell by the look on her face that something was wrong.
"Is everything okay?  I knew I should have gone with you," he said as he gathered her in his arms.
"No, everything is not okay.  Why did I even think this was a good idea?  It's just so unfair, " Bella sobbed.
"Don't cry honey.  Everything is going to be alright.  We'll go to another hospital and get a second opinion.  I've heard good things about Riverview General.  No matter what Bella we will always love this baby, whatever is wrong."  Mortimer tried to sound strong for his wife.
Bella looked at him like a grew a second head, "What are you talking about Mortimer?  They baby is fine."
"You said something was wrong..."
"No I didn't!  Weren't you listening to me?  I said everything wasn't okay.  I've gained 60 lbs and I still have twelve weeks to go.  Jeez, you are being so insensitive.  Don't you even care?"
"Of course I care.  Bella I just thought.  Well you said...and I was worried something...don't cry.  You are gorgeous."  Mortimer held her close.  He kissed her on the mouth and gently wiped the tears from her cheeks.  "I was just scared Bella.  I'm sorry.  You are beautiful and you are growing our baby.  Nothing else matters to me."

Bella spent the next month getting out of the house more.  She would take walks through the park and then stop by the grocery store for some fresh ingredients.  Bella decided to start experimenting in creating new, healthy dishes that would appeal to pregnant women.  She thought about writing a cookbook but always go too caught up in the kitchen.  Even though she was on maternity leave she started visiting the diner more often, especially while Mortimer was at work.  She talked with her co-workers and told her boss about the new recipes she was working on.  He was interested in adding some new items to the menu and asked Bella to bring by some samples for the customers to try.

The final weeks of the pregnancy flew by and the work she was doing for the diner kept her mind off the waiting.  Her new recipes were a hit with the customers.  Her dishes were so popular she made up instructions so the chefs could duplicate them.  Bella still created more though.  Everyone was enjoying her take on healthy eating.  The diner became a popular place for other pregnant women to visit.  Sales were climbing.  Bella was thrilled that everything was working out so well and looked forward to getting back into the diner kitchen.

Bella became so busy in the kitchen she fell into bed every night and was sleeping almost the second her head touched the pillow.  Mortimer wanted to be worried but Bella was so happy with her creations that he couldn't help but to be happy and proud of her.  Bella had gone past her due date and, even though she was busy, the waiting was becoming unbearable again.  A lot of that had to do with the swelling and constant uncomfortable tight skin.  Bella was so ready to have the baby, but Dr. Jolina only induced if it was medically necessary.  Bella and the baby were both the epitome of healthy.  She would just have to wait until the baby was ready.

One night, after a particularly busy and productive day, Bella went to bed thinking her tummy felt tight inside.  As Mortimer rubbed some tummy butter on he noticed how hard her belly felt.
"Are feeling alright Bells?"
"Uncomfortable a little, but I'm fine."  She kissed him lightly, curled into him, and drifted off to sleep.  A couple of hours later Bella awoke with a start.  Her sheets were wet and pain rippled through her belly.  She quickly got out of bed and jostled Mortimer awake.  At first he didn't seem to realize why Bella was trying to drag him out of bed.  She held her belly and groaned through her teeth and him and Mortimer jumped into action.

Gretle, the ghost of Mortimer's great-grandmother, was haunting that night and made her way to the bedroom.  The ghost weren't particularly active with the living members of the family, but this night Gretle felt a connection to the living.  Bella had hardly noticed the flash of white translucent arms waving at her.  It was comforting, nonetheless.

Mortimer threw his clothes on and left Bella in the care of his great-grandmother.  He ran out to the car as fast as he could go.  Mortimer had read that the first labor was long, that they had time to get to the hospital, but he was worried she would have the baby at the house or, worse, in the car.  Mortimer helped Bella into her clothes and ushered her down to the car.  Gunther and Cornelia rushed into the hallway to see the two out of the house.  Cornelia promised to call Bella's parents and that they wouldn't be far behind.

Bella and Mortimer arrived at the hospital.  They walked into the hospital as two, excited that in a couple of hours they would be three.