A/N : These wonderful characters belong to Stephenie Meyer. The story is something I've been thinking about for a while. Bella doesn't always have to be the tiny delicate person, as she is portrayed in so many stories.
I've re-posted this chapter after being introduced to Project Team Beta. They are wonderful! A big thanks to Kitchmill, AngelaLovsFanfic and Alicekinsno1for editing this chapter. It took three betas to edit this.
The Spa
Chapter One
Who am I? That is a question that I ask myself frequently these days. Well, it's a rhetorical question; I know who I am. The real question is, who have I become? What happened to the Bella Swan who had guys breaking their necks to get a look at her when she walked by? Where is she? Is that girl still inside me?
You know what they say, inside every fat person, there is a skinny one trying to get out. I feel her punching and jabbing, but it seems that she gets weaker by the day. I have never been one who looks at herself in the mirror and sees beauty. I never even considered myself attractive…that is until I look at myself now. It's true that hindsight is 20/20.
Who would have ever thought that I would be a forty-something divorcee with fifty extra pounds that just kind of snuck up on me? I wish I'd seen it coming, well, maybe all the midnight snacks had something to do with it. Don't get me wrong, my life is not all bad. I have some very supportive people in my life, and I have two wonderful children, whom I love very much. My daughter, Tiffany, is fifteen and is a sophomore in high school, and is always busy doing the typical high school stuff. She's on the volleyball team, dance team and she meets up with friends for study groups and class projects. She certainly keeps me busy driving her from place to place. She is also a very good student and, like her mother, loves to read. I think she's got just the right balance; she's smart, but not a nerd, and above all, she is a sweet and respectful young lady.
My son, Alexander, or Alex, as he likes to be called, is seventeen years old and is a senior in high school. Alex is applying to colleges and doing the other things that seniors do, like planning for the prom and graduation. He's on the football team and also plays baseball. Alex is also a good kid and a cutie pie—like his dad, which is why he's got these fast girls sniffing behind him. However, unlike his dad, he hasn't let it go to his head, although, I did over-hear a bit of a conversation he had with his best friend Seth on the phone last night. When I heard the word "laid," my antenna shot up and I conveniently found a reason to stick around and listen, but only so many sheets and towels will fit in a linen closet. He realized what I was up to and the conversation became hushed. I don't even want to think about where that conversation was heading.
My sister, Leah, tells me that I'm over protective. She says that he's growing up and that I should give him his space, but as a precaution, I should put condoms on my grocery list. What can I tell you? Being a single mother raising a son is hard.
Jacob—my ex—does spend time with the kids, which is a good thing, but it's so different now that we're not living together as a family. It's really a stressful time right now, and for me, where there's stress, there's the urge to eat. It takes all the willpower I have to stay away from In–N-Out Burger. What I wouldn't give for a Double Double right now—with mustard, grilled onion and extra pickle—but instead of thinking about what a hamburger's all about, I'm heading to the gym.
When I initially made my self-improvement list, I wrote the word gym and pondered on the significance of the three letters G Y M. What immediately popped into my mind was "Got Your Man," which was ironic because that's where Jacob met his new fling, at the gym. I decided right then and there that I would refer to it as the S P A, where there'd be "Special People Around". Now that's much better. So, here I am at the Spa with a visitor's pass for a week of aerobics classes. I didn't even have the proper attire, but with friends like Alice, that excuse was just unacceptable! Alice is my best friend and she could talk a prostitute into selling Girl Scout Cookies. Anyway, when I told her about my resolution to get healthy and happy, she insisted on buying me a lifetime membership to the new spa in town and a supply of workout clothes. I opted out of the lifetime membership and the clothes, but agreed to a one week pass to see if I'd like it.
At one point in my life, I was a workout junkie. I would take two aerobics classes back to back without breathing hard, and then take a turn on the Stairmaster (do they still call it that?). Anyway, these days, I walk a few times a month on average. I just want to make sure that I am able to commit to this before I let my friend invest money in it. So, with my towel, water bottle and iron-clad work out bra, I'm here to get my workout on.
The spa is really nice. It is on the fifteenth floor of an office building, a large open space with huge windows around the entire floor. You can enjoy the view of the skyline as you work out. I walk up to the counter and am greeted by a very nice woman. I tell her that I have a week pass and she says that a trainer will be with me in a minute. I tell her that I'm not interested in a trainer; I just want to go to aerobics classes. She tells me that it is procedure for a trainer to take me on a tour of the facility (and I'm sure he'll try to make a sale while he's at it).
As she pages the trainer, I stand there taking in my surroundings. I notice that there is a nursery on the premises where the members can drop off their children and go work out. I find myself thinking that instead of staying home with Tiff and Alex, I could have brought them here while I worked out. I'd certainly be in better shape right now if I had—and so would my life.
As soon as that thought enters my mind, I think of Alice and Leah and what they'd say if they heard me right now. Alice would urge me not to think that way. She'd tell me that I've spent too much time at my own pity party and that I need to let it go and concentrate on living my life. Leah, on the other hand, would just slap me and tell me to snap the hell out of it! She's not one to mince words and she's never been a fan of Jacob.
I notice that posted on the wall behind the counter is a list of classes offered here. There is Low Impact, Step, Boot Camp, Spinning and Zumba. I get excited at the possibilities. As I stand there, several people pass by. There is a group of women who look like they belong on that show Housewives of Beverly Hills, the show with the very rich glamorous women who have too much time on their hands, so they sit around talking about one another. Watching them with their hair done up, long nails, jewelry and designer workout gear, I start to feel self-conscious about my choice of workout attire. Maybe I should have listened to Alice and allowed her to buy me a workout wardrobe. Well, anyway, I guess my sweats and T-shirt aren't to their liking because they give me a "you're beneath me" look as they pass by. This certainly is not the way I wanted this endeavor to start.
After the tour, which takes forever (oh, and I was right, he did try to talk me into buying a membership…free pass, yeah, right.)John, the trainer, escorts me back to the aerobics room, or the Aerobics Studio as he calls it. By the time I walk into the studio, the room is practically full. This must be a pretty popular class because everyone is trying to get to the front of the room. I, on the other hand, am right where I want to be, the back row. As I stand there waiting for class to start, who enters but the Housewives of BH in all their glamorous glory. All that preparation just to work out? Who does that? It is obvious that sweating is the furthest thing from their minds. There are also men in the class, which makes it even worse. It's bad enough that I have to shake, rattle, and roll with women around, but men? That makes for a whole new level of uncomfortable.
The Housewives are complaining about how crowded the room is and stare down anyone who enters. I guess they are pissed because they won't be able to admire themselves in the mirror up front. They end up joining me in the back row. Lucky me!
This is the low impact class, which I figure is right up my alley. The class starts and the music is amazing. The instructor is amped up yelling, "Come on people, let's do this!" She certainly gets me pumped. I think, yeah! This is going to be good! The instructor starts the warm up and surprisingly, I am able to keep up with her. It feels good as I move to the music, just like old times. However, my good feeling is fleeting because as the class progresses, unfortunately I don't. I guess I need more than amazing music and an energetic instructor to keep me going, because I only make it through the first fifteen minutes of class before I have to take a little walk…a very slow walk at that. I can hear the Housewives snickering as I leave the room. Once I am able to breathe again, I gather my things from the locker room and get the hell outta there.
No, I didn't shower!
When I get home, Alice is waiting on my front porch ready to pounce...she's relentless! She wanted to come to the spa with me, but I wouldn't let her. The last thing I needed was Alice jumping up and down in my aerobics class putting me to shame. It was bad enough that I only lasted fifteen minutes before needing oxygen. Alice would have made the instructor look like a rookie.
"How was it? Did you have fun? Did you get a good workout? Did you break a sweat? Were there cute guys there?" She rattles off all five questions before I have a chance to answer one. I get even more tired just looking at her.
"You sure do ask a lot of questions for such a small person," I tell her as I wobble into the house with her on my tail. "Let me put it this way," I tell her as I plop down on the sofa, "I'm glad I didn't let you to buy me a lifetime membership or the clothes. I'm not setting one foot back in that place!"
"But why, didn't you enjoy it a little bit?" she asks in a defeated tone.
"Hell no! Maybe I was a little too ambitious about the whole spa thing. Maybe I should start off with something slow, like walking. Maybe I'll give it another try later when I build up my stamina."
"Bella, that doesn't make sense. I know how much you love aerobics. I remember in college how you were totally into it. I couldn't even keep up with you. When the music started, it was as if you were transformed into this Ginsu workout master!"
"First of all, Alice, what the hell is a Ginsu? Second of all, today I felt like a fool. I couldn't even finish the class, and on top of that, those skinny skanks with their designer workout gear made me feel like I didn't belong. They were arrogant and rude. To put it mildly, they weren't very welcoming and when I pooped out after fifteen minutes, they laughed at me, especially the skinny blond they call Sam."
"Sam? She's probably a man in drag," Alice said, as she went into defend Bella mode.
"Alice, it's probably short for Samantha or Samra or something like that," I said.
"Well, first of all, I think you're being too hard on yourself. It's going to take some time for you to get back in the swing of things, but you will if you don't give up. Secondly, who the hell do they think they are, treating you that way? Bunch of inconsiderate witches! They have no clue of how difficult it is for someone to make a life changing decision like you've made, and do something about it. It's easier for them to be that way; otherwise, they'd have to think of someone other than themselves.
"Don't let them get to you, Bella. You are a beautiful woman inside and out. So what? You have a few extra pounds on you. The way I see it, you've got two options. You can stay the way you are, and there'll just be a little more of you to love, or you can make some minor adjustments and lose some weight. Either way, you've got it better than those skanks. They're in need of a major overhaul, from head to toe, inside and out. And you know what they say, if ya ugly on the inside, ya ugly on the outside."
"Alice, who says that?" I ask at her profound statement.
She dismisses my question with a wave of her hand and continues, "B, You can't give up! I look at you and see my best friend who has a heart of gold. You're considerate and caring and you do so much for everybody else. It's time for you to be selfish for a change and do something for yourself!" she pokes her puny finger into my arm, making me wince. As Alice goes on about me being selfish for a change, I remember when I had this revelation to make a change in my life.
Jake and I had been separated for a while and he was out there sowing his wild oats and on his second girlfriend, while I was all alone, still trying to deal with the fact that I was single again. He was the only man that I'd ever been with and I found myself wondering if he'd be the last. Would I ever love again or find someone who would love me? The prospect of dating did not appeal to me and I had pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I'd be alone for the rest of my life.
I had taken the blame for my failed marriage on my shoulders because when I looked back, I had to admit that I had become complacent. When I had the kids, things changed drastically, and the things that I had done to keep myself up, like the manicures, pedicures, and all the other pampering, got cut out. My life revolved around my family and I didn't have a lot of extra time for myself, my friends and apparently Jake…although I thought things were okay between us. I don't regret the time I shared with my children because they deserved all that I gave them and more, but maybe I could have done more to keep Jake happy or maybe I could have tried harder to make our marriage work.
These thoughts consumed me to the point of depression. My belief in God and my kids were what kept me going. I couldn't just stop living; I had to work, and I had to take care of the kids, which at least took my mind off my worries, but it was so hard.
Then one day it hit me. I spent so much time taking care of the kids because I had to do it all by myself. I had no choice in the matter. Jake worked, came home and that was it for him. I worked all day, then came home to start my second job as housewife. I cooked dinner every night, helped with homework, kept the house clean, and made sure everyone had clean clothes to wear.
I made life easy for everyone else while giving myself the bare minimum. One day I looked at myself in the mirror and said, "You're a good person and you deserve better than this." I realized that there was enough blame to share…and that Jake was not free and clear of it. Maybe I could have been better, but so could he. So, I decided that we needed to talk, to put it all out there.
We agreed to meet at his apartment one evening when the kids were visiting their grandparents. After he left, he didn't waste any time getting his own apartment. He answered the door wearing sweats and a tank, and no shoes. It was as if time stood still for him…he still looked so damn good. I tried not to make it so obvious that I was on the verge of drooling. He said hi and gave me one of those half hugs. I could feel the tension the moment I walked in, which immediately put an end to the hot and tingly feeling I got when I saw him.
After our awkward exchange, I began what turned out to be a one sided conversation by saying, "Jake, I first want to apologize to you for the mistakes I made in our relationship." I realized that it takes two to tango and I needed to clear the air and my conscience of any wrong doing on my part. I went on to say, "When you left, I was so hurt and confused. I had no idea where it came from. One day we were together and presumably happy and the next, you were gone. I blamed myself for all of it…not being enough for you, not giving you what you needed. But, Jake, after a lot of soul searching, I've come to realize that I was way too hard on myself. I also realize that you allowed me to be. Not once did you own up to the things that you did or didn't do to make our marriage fail. I spread myself thin with work, taking care of you, the kids and the house. No wonder I didn't have time for myself.
"But instead of helping and supporting me, or talking to me about it, you just gave up. You were my best friend and we talked about everything. How did we go from that to this—you letting me. us go so easily? How could you just walk away from someone that you claimed to love? Jake, although I loved being married to you, it wasn't always a day at the beach, but when I married you, I took our vows seriously and I gave you my whole heart. You just ripped it to pieces! I would have never done that to you. I would have tried anything and everything to make our marriage work, but you just threw it all away without even looking back."
I had to stop for a minute before I totally broke down. I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes and I tried so hard not to let them fall. I knew that I had to finish this soon or I wouldn't be able to.
After taking a few deep breaths, I continued, "Look Jake, it's obvious that you wanted out and I can't do anything about that. This whole situation has taken so much out of me, but I still have my pride…and I don't want to be with someone who doesn't want to be with me. I know that you love the kids and I know that we both want what's best for them, so you can spend as much time with them as you want, but from this point on, I'm done. I know this probably means nothing to you because you were done some time ago, but not me…I never gave up on you. It took me this long to realize that you didn't treat me the way I deserve to be treated…the way that I hope to one day be treated. I'm going to hold out for that."
I looked at Jake, waiting for a response but got nothing. I finally asked the question that I wanted to ask many times during this conversation. "Do you have anything to say? Is this that easy for you?" I asked, feeling totally frustrated by his lack of emotion, his lack of feeling and his lack of love for me.
He finally responded, "Bella, none of this is easy, but I, I…there's nothing to say." It seemed as though he was going to say something, but there was nothing. That's when I knew that it was officially over.
"Okay, Jake. I guess you're right…there's nothing else to say other than goodbye," I said quietly as I stood and walked to the door. I paused there for a minute hoping that he would say something, maybe give me something to hold on to, but again, there was nothing.
I opened the door and walked out of his apartment and his life. My heart was broken as I walked out, leaving a piece of it behind, but I was hopeful that one day it would mend.
"Bella! Are you even listening to me?" Alice asks when she realizes that I have spaced out.
"I'm sorry, Alice, I heard you, but I was just thinking about what you said," I respond.
"Well you'd better think about what I've said and think about going back to the spa...and I'm going with you!" she says. That's my friend. Talk about heart, this little woman's heart is twice her size. We have been friends for over twenty years and she knows everything about me. We've been there for each other through thick and thin. I met Alice in junior high school and we were roommates in college. She was my maid of honor at my wedding, and I was hers when she married Jasper. She's family and I'm so blessed to have her in my life. Here she is again, supporting and encouraging me.
As I wipe the tears from my eyes, I realize how loved I really am. I decide right then and there that I will not give up, and I also decide that I will not let a few bottom dwellers discourage me. I will go back to the spa with my head held high. Alice is right, I am patient with everybody else. I'm going to give myself the same courtesy. I deserve this. I'll take it one step at a time, and eventually I'll be able to make it through the class. Hell, maybe even two classes, like I used to. And if those skanks give me the stink eye again, I will literally wipe the makeup off their faces with my sweaty towel.
"Okay, Ally, I'll go back," I say. "But I have to do this on my own. You can't fight my battles for me," I said.
"The hell I can't! You're going to need reinforcements. I'm calling Leah. She and I will handle this."
Oh, I know they will. When Alice and Leah get together, trouble follows.
Leah is my sister, so to speak. She is the daughter of my father's second wife, Sue, so technically that makes her my step-sister. Leah and I had a hard time getting along in the beginning. Charlie and Sue tried everything to bring us together, but my feeling was that I grew up an only child for sixteen years; I didn't need a sister at this late date, especially one who couldn't stand me. Plus, Alice was like a sister to me, so I didn't need another one.
It was obvious that Leah felt the same way. She made it crystal clear that she resented her mother and Charlie for getting married after her father passed away. It took a long time for us to even speak to one another.
It wasn't until one day—and I remember it like it was yesterday—Jessica Stanley and her motley crew were giving me a hard time at school. Jessica was jealous because her boyfriend, Mike Newton, asked me out. Actually, I couldn't believe that he asked me, shy Bella Swan, who couldn't look a boy in the eye until I was a junior in high school. Mike and I had the same science class and I'd hear him talking about his different conquests, even though Jessica was supposed to be his girlfriend, or so she thought. I thought he was a pig. Well, the seat next to me was empty and, as usual, I read my book until class began. I saw someone sit next to me in my peripheral view, but I didn't look.
"Hey, Bella, I was thinking that we could get together and go to a movie or something," he said, exuding confidence and cockiness. To say that I was shocked was an understatement. I found the courage to look at him and found him staring at me waiting for an answer. I was dumbfounded, and as I was thinking of a way to get out of this awkward situation, I was saved by Mr. Martinez.
"Okay, class, time to get started. Today we begin the exciting topic of osmosis. Newton, aren't you in the wrong seat?" Mr. Martinez asked.
Mike, looking somewhat embarrassed, got up and went back to his seat. I knew what I was going to do as soon as the bell rang. Bolt!
Later that afternoon, Jessica was standing with her cronies in the hallway near my locker. As I approached my locker, I heard her whiny voice.
"Bella, I hear that you tried to hit on Mike," she said as she pointed her scrawny finger in my face. "You try to play miss innocent, but everybody knows that you are a tramp. I'm telling you now that it won't work on my man, so you better back the hell off!"
I stood there totally confused, looking around for the person she was really talking to. My first thought was, she must have me confused with someone else. Then several other thoughts made their way through the confusion. Tramp? Who is she calling a tramp? I've never even kissed a boy.
Well, to my surprise, Leah came to my defense. "Look, Stanley, nobody wants that man-whore of yours. Instead of attacking Bella, you should be kicking Mike's ass. Everybody knows that he's the tramp." Then she got in Jessica's face and continued, "And if you ever…" she emphasized the last word, "Point your finger in her face again, I promise you…you will draw back a nub."
Needless to say, Jessica backed up, placing her hands in her pocket. Leah just stared her down until she and her puppets retreated back to the hell hole they came out of.
After that, Leah and I became friends. Our relationship has developed over the years and she has become a sister to me…and Alice, too. Her name, Leah Clearwater, fits her perfectly. Everything about her is crystal clear; no pretense or sugar coating. What you see is what you get, which is something I've come to love about her.
"Bella, I called Leah and she said that she will meet us at the gy…the spa tomorrow. She said not to worry about a thing," Alice says, drawing me out of deep thought. She has a habit of doing that.
The next day, Alice and I drive together and wait at the entrance for Leah to arrive. She arrives in true Leah form, ready to "'beat-a-sista-down." She storms in like a lioness looking for her prey. We walk into the Aerobics Studio and Leah all but yells, "Where are the douche bags that gave you a hard time yesterday, Bella?"
Of course she says it loud enough for everyone to hear, especially the douche bags themselves. I feel like a five year old pointing out the class bully to my mother. I try to be inconspicuous as I point one out.
"That's the main one. Her name is Sam."
"Sam? What is she—a man in drag?" Leah responded.
Alice gasps. "That's what I said!"
"Yeah, if she so much as looks at you funny, I'll drag her ass alright…across this hard wood floor!" Leah says, intentionally getting Sam's attention.
"Leah, will you be good? I don't want to cause any trouble," I whisper to her in my failed attempt to detract attention.
"She started this, but I'm gonna finish it," Leah says before she finds a spot right next to Sam.
Alice giggles as she finds her spot on the other side of her. They have her surrounded, both of them giving her the stare of death. I almost feel sorry for her…almost. Anyway, the class goes well, other than the accidental elbows that Sam gets from Leah and the accidental kicks she gets from Alice. When I hear her yell "ouch" a couple times, I give them a look that says "back off!"My budget does not include funds to bail two crazy women out of jail. Apparently they get the message because the rest of the class goes by rather uneventfully. I even last half the class before I take a break to catch my breath. I'd say that's progress.
When the class ends, Sam is one of the first to leave. Leah and her half pint accomplice can be very intimidating. Several of the members gather in the center of the room with the instructor, giving each other high fives and hugs. They all speak to the instructor, a beautiful African American woman who seems to know everyone. They compliment her on the class and the music, which I must say was great. I watch her as she speaks with everyone who approaches her. She appears genuinely interested in what they are saying. I can only hear bits of the conversations, but she is very encouraging.
Watching people is a habit I developed when I was younger, and still do to this day. I find it so intriguing. When we were younger, Alice and I would sit and people-watch, as we called it. We would watch them inconspicuously; how they interacted with others, how they dressed. Alice paid particular attention to shoes and jewelry. She said that you could always tell if someone had a lot of money by their jewelry and their shoes. I guess she was always destined to be a designer. I paid more attention to their interactions with others and their facial expressions. I could always see the kindness in people, or lack thereof.
It is my impression that the instructor is a kind person. I also notice that she is naturally beautiful. She has a gorgeous figure, a beautiful smile, and she doesn't look like she has just visited the MAC counter before class. She is wearing a simple pair of workout pants, two layered tanks, and her hair is pulled back in a ponytail with a headband and no jewelry. You know, the way you're supposed to look when you work out. Just from watching her, I get the impression that she is real and down to earth. I like her right away.
Alice and Leah come over to me and startle me out of my people watching stupor. Of course, Alice knows what I was doing as she gives me a slight smile.
"So what did you think of the class? Did you have a good time?" she asks. I swear this woman should be a reporter with all the questions!
"I enjoyed it, definitely better than the last time," I reply. "It's going to take some time to get used to it, but I'm gonna hang in there. It's a fun class, and the instructor is amazing!"
"I know, huh," Leah comments. "The girl had me gasping for air and I work out regularly, if you know what I mean. I just may have to come back a few more times to let her whip me back into shape."
"Me too!" Alice squeals. "We'll make it a family affair! If the three of us join together, I'm sure I can get them to give us the reduced rate for families."
"Alice, you know I love you like a sister, but we are not actually related," I try to gently break the news to her.
"So, they don't have to know that!" she says, as she rolls her eyes. "I swear, B, you let the tiniest of details get in the way," she says, as she whisks past me toward the front desk. I bet you top dollar she'll come back with a family membership for us. We stand there in awe as Alice goes to take care of the "family business."
"You know what's next don't you?" Leah asks. "She'll have us at the mall buying workout clothes."
"Not me, I have to get home to start dinner. Besides, sweats and T-shirts are all I need and I've got plenty of those," I reply.
Leah looks at me and says while cracking up, "You must really be oxygen deprived if you think Alice is going to allow you to wear sweats and T-shirts to work out, especially when she's around. I want to be here when you tell her that."
"Tell me what?" Alice asks, getting in at the tail end of our conversation. She continues speaking before allowing us to answer her question. "Here, this is for you Bella, and this is for you Leah." She hands us both our temporary membership cards. "You both have to complete a few forms and take a picture, but Dem says that you can do that the next time you come."
"Dem?" Leah asks, not at all surprised by the fact that Alice is already on a first name basis with the guy. "Girl, you should be on The Apprentice or some shit like that," she continues with a chuckle.
Leave it to Alice to not only be on a first name basis with this man, but to also have a nick name for him.
"What?" Alice says with mock surprise. "He told me that his name is Demetrius, but his friends call him Dem. I figured I'd be his BF if he did me a favor. Anyway hussies, it doesn't matter what I call him, the important thing is that he took care of us. He even gave us his employee discount!"
What are we going to do with her? As we continue our conversation, the aerobics instructor passes by as she is exiting the room. She smiles and says hello to us.
"We enjoyed your class," I say as she walks by.
She stops to respond, "Thank you. Was this your first time?" she asks, already knowing the answer to her question.
"Yes, was it that obvious?" I ask embarrassed.
"No, no! It's just that I remember the people who come to my class, especially the ones who are serious. Just hang in there and it will pay off," she says encouragingly. "I'm Rosalie, by the way, but most people call me Rose…like the flower, but only not spelled the same."
"Huh?" I say, wondering where that came from.
"Don't mind me…It's a strange habit of mine…quoting, or in this case, misquoting lines from movies. When I said that, I was reminded of the line from the Green Mile…you know when Michael Clark Duncan's character John Coffey says…"
Before Rosalie can finish the line, Alice interjects. "Yeah, John Coffey, like the drink, only not spelled the same," she says in a very deep southern accent. We all laugh.
Rose continues, "Yeah, that's right! I don't usually do it with people I don't know, it just slipped. After teaching three classes, I guess exhaustion is kicking in."
"Or maybe it's because you feel comfortable around us. It's okay, we're good people," Alice says.
"Maybe so…I don't mean maybe so that you're good people, I mean maybe I feel comfortable around you," Rose says.
"It's okay. Nice to meet you, Rose. I'm Alice, and these are my sisters, Bella and Leah."
"Really? I would have never known that the three of you are sisters," Rose says.
"Yeah, I bet 'Dem' said the same thing," Leah says, looking wide eyed at Alice.
She just giggles and continues giving Rose the third degree. "How long have you been teaching Aerobics? Where are you from? When are your classes?'
You can tell that Rose finds her amusing as she answers every question. We all fall into a comfortable conversation. I tell her that I came the day before by myself and was very discouraged when I only lasted fifteen minutes of the class, and that I was discouraged even more when the Housewives laughed at me when I staggered out of the class. I tell her that I had no intention of coming back until Alice talked some sense into me, and that Alice and Leah insisted on coming as reinforcements. When I'm done with my rambling session, I realize that I just shared a lot of personal information with someone that I barely know.
Rose chuckles at my use of the word "staggered," but says encouragingly, "Girl, don't you let these goofy women discourage you. They are here for one thing and we know what that is. Give me a break, if I worked out with that much make up on, my eyes would be as red as the vampires' in Twilight! Anyway, they're just trying to scare you off because they're threatened by you. You're competition and the less competition they have, the greater their chances of being noticed…and they don't care who they hurt in the process. Especially that damn Sam….she's a douche bag. I thought I saw her taking a beating back there. I just didn't know it was intentional. Next time, let me know and I will join you."
Leah chuckles and replies," Well, I would have had her ass rolling out of here on a stretcher, but Bella here gave me the stare of death. So, I decided to play nice, for now."
"We…decided to play nice," Alice corrects, knowing that she would have had a hand in it, too.
"Well, I'm sure she deserves whatever she gets, but I'm glad you decided to play nice. But don't worry…I'll keep an eye on her. If I see her getting a bug up her butt, I'll handle her. I've been waiting for a reason to kick her ass anyway. "
"I like her," Leah says jokingly about Rose.
Honestly, we all feel the same way. There is something about Rose that just clicks with us. Maybe we just found sister number four.