Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Thanks to my wonderful beta(s). I couldn't do the things I do without them: dannibags, piesmom
This chapter we will find out what the girls are doing for their Wednesday week one activities, and things heat up around the houses. Can Bella resisted Edward's charm, does she go through with getting the waxing she was against in the first couple of chapters. How does Kate fare going to La Push with the children? Will Leah have to kick her ass soon? Adding the boy's thoughts will be a bonus, I don't know if I will in this chapter.
Happy Reading!
Exchanging Companions
Chapter 7
Wednesday, Week 1
BPOV
I woke up on Wednesday dreading the day ahead of me. I wasn't worried about the massage or getting my nails done, that I could handle. The problem was that I started to think about getting waxed, and I wasn't thinking about my eyebrows either. I knew that some men enjoyed the fact that women were bare down below, but I was never a fan. I kept things neat and clean, otherwise wearing bikinis like I did the day before would have been impossible. The question that plagued me all night long was … was Edward Cullen one of those men? Did he like his women bare? When I thought about this, I got mad at myself. Yes, I was attracted to him more than I should have been. Nevertheless, there was something about him, and I don't know what part that was, that made my girl bits tingle with anticipation.
Jake hadn't touched me in months sexually, and I was beginning to get a little worked up over the situation. I mean, I handled things myself, but it wasn't the same. Maybe that was one of the reasons why Edward appealed to me. I would shake that thought away and conclude that he was just pure sex on legs and even if I were getting it twice a week, I would still want him.
He was paying for my spa day too, which meant that when he got the bill he would see that I had my crotch waxed at his expense. That sent a new wave of emotions through me … would he be mad? Would he want to see the work the Esthetician did in the area? I was being utterly ridiculous about the whole thing.
I put on my big girl pants and walked down to the kitchen to find some coffee. I walked into the kitchen to find the usual site, but I didn't have to wait this morning. I don't know who made it, but Vlad was standing in the kitchen with his own cup. Edward was pouring his and whispering to Vlad. I cleared my throat just in case they were talking about something I shouldn't overhear.
"Good morning," Vlad said in his thick Russian accent. It was the first time I had ever really heard him talk and it was kind of creepy.
Edward spun around and looked all rosy this morning. Odd, was he blushing? What had Vlad and he really been talking about in the kitchen?
"Good morning," Edward said taking a sip of his coffee and quickly scurrying from the kitchen.
"Morning," I whispered as he left.
Walking into the dining room this morning was a little uncomfortable. I noticed that Vlad had indeed only made the minimal amount of food, which pleased and bothered me. I didn't want them altering their routine because of me. I let it go because when it was my turn to rule the house, I was planning to give Vlad the week off. I loved to cook, and I could manage just fine with the things here.
Everyone was quite this morning and Vlad didn't stand in the dining room. I ate a blueberry muffin and drank my coffee. I was getting up to leave when Edward grabbed my hand as I walked past.
"You're going to the spa today?" he asked.
"Yes … I wanted to talk to you about that. Uhm, you don't have to pay for my services. I would be more than happy to cover the cost of what I get done."
I had decided that in order to keep it private from him, I would just pay for the waxing myself … if I choose to get it done.
"No, it is my treat," he stated.
"But, you don't have too. I wouldn't expect you to pay for me getting my nails done or even getting my hair cut."
"Don't get your hair cut … well you can trim the ends, but please don't get your hair cut short. Your hair is beautiful," Edward's thumb rubbed circles on my hand that was still in his.
"I'm only getting a trim, I like my hair long," I replied looking down at our hands.
He stood from his seat, but didn't let go of my hand. He raised his other hand and let it skim down the length of my hair.
"You're so beautiful Bella," he said; leaning down to kiss my forehead before pulling away. I watched stunned, as he walked from the dining room. To me he was getting bolder in his touches, and last night while at the ice cream shop, he didn't mind touching me casually. Now, things were getting a little more intimate. Touching casually like friends, not that big of a deal … a slap on the shoulder. A push, a little holding on when you are about to fall … is okay for friends. Comforting moves like rubbing my hands, touching my hair, and kissing me on the forehead. A little more than just friends in my opinion, but I wasn't complaining, it was more than Jake had shown me.
I shook off the feelings that rose in the pit of my stomach and retreated to my room. Getting ready for the day ahead and the pure fact that I would once again be exposed to the witch bitches Mrs. Cullen called friends. If those girls were her friends, I would hate to see who her enemies were.
The car wheeled up right on time, and Stefan greeted me. He opened the door and helped me in. Once seated, I noticed both Heidi and Jane took up the backseat. I didn't even acknowledge them there. I didn't mind not being in the back with the biddies, it was a blessing to sit in front of them. I didn't try to encourage them into conversation. I gave up yesterday and decided I didn't need any more friends. Plus, the way they were whispering in the back made me think they were talking about me anyways.
We pulled up to a Salon and Day Spa down town and I quickly noticed the sign on the door 'The Wonderland'. I chuckled at the name of the place and briefly wondered if I would get sucked down the rabbit hole. It wasn't until I walked inside that I truly leaned how much I could have done here today.
Once completely inside the doors, I was astonished by the way things looked in here. It didn't look that big on the outside, but in here, it looked like it housed everything under the sun. I stood looking around as Heidi and Jane rushed around me and approached the receptionist desk.
"Hey girls," the receptionist replied.
I could vaguely make out what they were saying to her. I watched them point over their shoulders at me, and then scurried away like the good little vermin they were. When I approached the receptionist desk, she gave me a narrowed look. I hadn't done anything to her yet, but she was judging me because of the Double Mint twins. Great!
"Bella," a woman said behind me. I looked over my shoulder to see the shortest woman I had ever seen. She had short black hair that stuck out everywhere, and she was bouncing in place.
"My name is Alice, and this is my shop. I will take care of you today."
She reached down and grabbed my hand dragging me to one of the salon chairs.
"So, what are you looking at having done today?"
"Maybe just a trim?" I asked.
"A trim would be exactly what I would do too. Your hair is beautiful and in good condition," she stated; while running her fingers through my locks.
She reached over into a couple of drawers and pulled out everything she would need.
"So, tell me about yourself?" she said while she got be ready and led me over to wash my hair.
I spent the next couple of minutes tell her all about myself, and how I found myself in Portland. She asked all kinds of questions while she worked. Sometimes just watching her work would make me dizzy. She moved so fast and she was so sure of herself as she worked. I was amazed by her.
"Okay, your cut is done. Are you getting your nails done today too?" she asked.
"I don't want fake nails, maybe if you could just trim them; put some clear polish on them that should be fine with me."
"Anything you want," she replied grabbing my hand again and leading me to another area of the salon.
She quickly placed my hands and feet into some kind of soapy water, and the massage she did on both my hands and feet were relaxing. I opted out of the massage being that the hand and foot massage relaxed me enough to tackle the next task.
"So, wax next?" she asked as a question and quirked her well manicured eyebrow at me.
"Could we speak privately about that?" I whispered.
"Of course," she said once again grabbing my hand and leading me to the back of the salon.
"Okay, spill," she said and I didn't hesitate, Alice had been just the person I needed during my stay here. I felt like I could tell her anything and everything.
"I don't know if I want one … I've never had one before," I said looking down at the ground. I knew this was nothing to be embarrassed about, but I was sure all these uppity girls around here did this kind of thing all the time.
"First time, well that's interesting, but what made you decided to try it?"
"I don't know … well … yeah I do. I told you about the show right. Well, this was one of the things that Mrs. Cullen has on her list to have done today, but I didn't want one until I thought about whether or not Mr. Cullen would like to see one."
I quickly slapped my hands over my mouth and my eyes grew about three sizes in pure horror. Why did I tell her that? She giggled; pulling my hand from my mouth.
"You're fine and just for the record. I think Mr. Cullen wouldn't mind seeing something like that. He hasn't seen one in years."
"How do you know?" I asked.
"Well, first of all, I am his sister. It's nice to meet you finally. Second, he hasn't been with his wife in years. I've heard her talk in here, and I have accidently overheard him talk about not getting laid."
"Oh my God!"
"Don't worry about it, trust me. I have heard it all in here, and this doesn't bother me one bit. Now, back to the waxing and let me tell you the looks we have.
"Okay you can get the bikini line done which is just the area that could potentially show while wearing a swimsuit. The full bikini is only a small amount of hair left on the top. We have the European, which is the removal of everything except for a small patch. It's more than the full bikini. The moustache is everything except a wide, rectangular patch right above your clit. The heart, which I don't recommend unless it Valentine's Day. Nevertheless, we cut the hair into the shape of a heart and dye it pink. The Landing Strip, everything is removed and just a small line is left. The Playboy Strip, everything is removed except a long narrow rectangle. Then the last is the Brazilian, where everything is removed."
I never knew there were these many different ways to decorate your muff. I didn't know which one to choose.
"If I was you, with it being the first time and all … I would go for the Landing Strip or the Playboy Strip. Then you don't have to take everything off."
"Just give me the Landing Strip." I swallowed my pride and followed all of Alice's instructions. I felt so uncomfortable being laid out in front of another woman, but most of all in front of a woman who was the sister of the man I fantasized about.
She explained to me how to use different lotions, and that I still needed to refrain from sexual activities after being waxed. She also promised to discreetly bill Edward so he wouldn't know what I had done. But, also insisted that he knowing might not be a bad thing.
When I was finally tortured enough, I called Stefan and had him take me back home. I was thankful that the only thing the filming crew caught on camera was the nails and the haircut. I would have died if they had been present for my other haircut.
~EC~
Kate's POV
Banging on my door had become my wake up call. Like Tuesday morning. I walked into the kitchen, found the first box of cereal, grabbed the milk from the fridge, and sat it down on the table.
"Happy breakfast!" fuckers .
I laid back down trying to get a couple of more hours. Didn't they know I needed my beauty rest in order to look as good as I did? I was looking forward to this day a little more because I would be able to sit on the beach and soak up the sun. Leah would probably tag along and take care of the children; so I wouldn't have to worry about them.
At eleven, I climbed out of the bed and got myself together enough to head out. I didn't even holler for the ankle biters because I assumed Leah was here to take care of them.
I called James to get a ride to the beach and when he informed me that he wasn't driving me today, I got pissed. Why wouldn't he be driving me? I need him to get food and different things I had to provide for the little shitheads.
I screamed at him for a good ten minutes before he called me a bitch and told me to walk.
I guess I had lost James' help. I needed to find another one quickly. I walked out the door and looked around. I headed down the driveway and then remembered I had asshole's number in my phone. I quickly dialed his number.
"What?"
It's amazing; after a couple of days, he sounded like Edward answering the phone. Like his time was so precious he couldn't even answer a simple question.
"Hello, asshole! Tell me how to get to the beach. I don't know anyone to call to come and get me. My driver refuses to take me today," I said.
"Your driver doesn't have to drive you to the beach, you stupid brat. You can walk to the beach from our backyard, which is what Bella does every Wednesday."
"Yes, well I am not this Bella person and my Wednesday's are usually spent in a salon getting massaged and pampered like the princess I should be treated like. Not like the slave which you seem to treat your wife like."
I wasn't going to hold back any longer … from now on I was going to show the people of this shitty little puke hole who was boss.
"I am not a slave driver … Bella enjoys being a mother figure for the children and she loves doing things for herself instead of depending on people to do it for her."
"Independent huh … I see where that has gotten her. Maybe she should have played the damsel in distress more. Maybe she would have married better. Must I remind you that I have you by the balls and you should make my life easier so I give you the precious money for your shitty little garage," I cooed at the end trying to soften the blow of my words. However, I meant every word I said … if he wasn't going to help me out here. I wouldn't give him what he wanted.
I walked around the house and through the woods behind, listening to the silence on the phone.
"Look Jake, I don't want to be a bitch, but I have been spoiled all my life. I expect a certain amount of things done for me, and I never do anything for myself. Simple as that. I am not going to change because of this crappy little show, and anyone who thinks I will be coming home with a different attitude, obviously doesn't know me all that well."
I looked up seeing the ocean right in front of me.
"I will talk to you later," I said hanging up on the idiot.
Once on the beach, I found a spot to my liking and placed my beach towel on the sand, disappointed they didn't have something for people to sit on besides the ground.
I finally had gotten comfortable and had positioned myself to get the best possible amount of sun on my body. When someone stood in the way of my sun, I raised my hands over my eyes to see who was standing there.
"Well, how is the princess bitch today?"
"I was good until a sea urchin stepped into the suns way," I replied.
"Do you even realize you left the girls home alone when you decided to go to the beach?" Leah asked.
"I thought you had them. What are you doing falling down the on the job? Jake will be disappointed that you couldn't keep up with his wonderful wife." I pouted out my lips as I said the last lines. I wondered if I would hit a nerve.
"Don't you dare … first of all Bella could run circles around your lazy ass. Jake won't be the only one who has seen the error of your ways. If you think people watching this little show will be impressed by your behavior or attitude, you are going to be shocked."
"I don't give a shit," I replied; because technically, I didn't care what people thought about me, but I knew they would side with me. Who would want to be in my shoes right now?
"You should because Jake left the kids in your care and you walked away from the home, leaving them unsupervised. You have blatantly left them to someone else to care for while they are your responsibility while filming this show. Jake has enough footage to potentially get you for endangerment of minors."
"Let's see how that works out," I said growing tired of hearing her talk.
"You're lucky this is for Jake, otherwise I would have already kicked your ass."
"Don't hold yourself back," I said hatefully; I wanted her to hit me. I would make her pay dearly if she did.
"Don't worry princess today is your lucky day," she said walking off. That's what I thought, she knew who was boss.
I caught the glimpse of a handsome man down the beach. It was Royce King … I headed his direction. When he saw me coming, he smiled and motioned his head toward the forest. I didn't hesitate and quickly picked up my pace to catch up with him.
Once alone in the forest, I quickly made him mine, and allowed him to fuck me up against one of the big trees there. Another fuck you to this useless town and the dumbass people in it. I still hadn't figured out this Royce character yet, and if he was worth something, I would gladly give him a run for his money.
Walking back to the beach, I wore a smile on my face. I had yet to do anything Mrs. Black wanted me too, and I was pleased as punch to be getting by. A couple of more days and I would turn this family and this town on its head.
Soaking up the sun paid off to my advantage; it lifted my spirits. I took Jake his lunch like I was instructed by Leah, and I let Rose know that I had seen Royce today on the beach. She didn't look all that happy about it, but I couldn't help to knock her down a peg or two.
When I got home or to the shack I was being held captive, I quickly showered and got ready to go out to dinner. For once, we were doing something normal. I walked out of the room and heard hushed voices in the living room. I creped down the hall and stood listening to Jake and Leah talking.
"I don't want to leave her with the children ever again," Leah stated.
They were obviously talking about me.
"Is there some way you could take the girls while I am at work?" Jake asked.
"You know I would do anything for you and the girls, I love you guys," Leah said.
"I love you, too," Jake replied.
"We have to tell Bella soon … I can't keep doing this Jake," Leah said.
Bingo! I now knew a secret about the wonderful Black family. It appeared that Jake was getting his buns buttered by the next-door neighbor behind the little wife's back.
I could let this little tidbit of information slip and have both Leah and Jake eating out of my hands in a matter of minutes. I was going to sit on the information just a little while longer or at least until later tonight.
~EC~
EPOV
I called Alice right after Bella left with the girls heading toward the salon. I never understood why Kate insisted on using Alice's place, but that was her preference. It worked out easy for me, Alice would always bill me for Kate's procedures or whatever in the hell she did there. Alice would also give me a discount, which I hoped Kate didn't know about. She mainly did it for me and not her.
"The Wonderland, Alice speaking," she answered.
"How did I get so lucky to speak directly to you?"
"I knew you would be calling. I talked to Dad yesterday. He said something about your new companion coming to the salon. Figured you would call to make arrangements for payment," she said giggling.
"What are you laughing about, pixie?"
"Oh, Dad said you had it bad. Is he right? Do you have it bad?" she asked.
"I don't know what I have to be quite honest with you. She's married, but they don't have a regular relationship."
"And what my dear brother is a regular relationship? Because I haven't the first idea what you mean."
"Well, their more like friends, but not with benefits anymore."
"Wasn't that what you and Kate were for a while … friends with benefits and then friends without benefits, and the present bitch with attitude."
"Something like that … uhm … I don't know what Kate had signed up for today. I get a wild feeling that Bella hasn't done stuff like this before. She's not the doll up type, but I don't want her to be overwhelmed. Would you take care of her? Don't let her cut her hair."
"Edward I can't tell her not to cut her hair, and why does it matter to you? I will take care of her. If Dad is right, she is going to be very important to us soon."
"Okay, thanks."
I went on to work and talked to Emmett about selling the company to Garrett. He quickly agreed with my plans. Emmett wasn't an owner or even a share holder, but he would take care of that once Garrett purchased the company from me. We had devised a plan that Garrett and Emmett would purchase the company from me. Emmett would be a silent partner and have the majority of the control so in the event Kate wanted to try to take Garrett for more money, she wouldn't be able too.
I just needed to figure out a concrete way to make sure that Garrett would get the kids. I could get Carmen and the rest of the house staff to talk about Kate's lack of interest and the times she has put the kids in harm's way. I would have to make sure her parents were on board with the plans and wouldn't give her money to fight Garrett. I knew if I was still with her … she would use my money, but that was something else I had to work out.
Before I knew it I was heading home to the girls, and things had been going great. I couldn't wait to see what was next. I walked into the house and it seemed quite. I was a little concerned at first, but didn't think anything of it.
I could just barely make out the girls laughing in the game room. I hurried to my room and changed my clothes. I wanted to get down there and see what they were doing that was so fun.
Walking in to the game room was a sight I had once hoped that would have been Kate. But, the woman in front of me pulled off being a parent better than Kate ever thought about being. I had always known that it didn't matter if the child was biologically yours or not, but I always thought when they were … people were different.
My mother wasn't much different than Kate. She too was a spoiled rich kid who when backed into a corner much like Kate, she slashed out. When my father was doing great, Elizabeth would stay and play the dutiful wife, but when his business went bankrupt, she left, leaving me with my father.
My father was trying to make it the best he could after losing his business and trying to take care of me. The stress of the situation must have been too much and caused him to have a massive heart attack and die.
The authorities tried to locate my mother, but she was nowhere to be found. So, I was placed in foster care. I was there for about a week when Esme and Carlisle came in and adopted me. They have been the only parents I ever claimed. It wasn't that I had something against my father because I didn't; he just didn't have any place or anything around here anymore.
I looked for my mother when I married Kate. I needed an escape while she was pregnant and used the time to look for her. When I finally found her, she was living with a new man, and had a new family. I knocked on the door only to be snubbed, and told me she wasn't my mother. I lost all respect I had for her and because of that Esme and Carlisle where my only parents that I would ever acknowledge again.
I was pulled from my thoughts by the laughter. I walked over to see what was going on. Apparently, they were all playing Pac Man, and the girls were kicking Bella's ass.
"Rematch," Bella said pouting.
"How is it that these two girls are beating you?"
"I don't have clue, but I figure it's because they had access to this arcade all the time."
I didn't want to burst her bubble, but the twins never played Pac Man. I joined in with the girls, and we had a blast. We played Twister once Pac Man got boring. It was the most fun I'd had in a family setting in a long time.
Once the twins were asleep, Bella and I sat on the couch in the living room.
"So, how was your salon day?" I asked; this was the first time we had been able to talk without the twins being present.
"It was … interesting," she replied.
"Did you get to met Alice?"
"Yes, she was very nice. I actually wish some of my days were spent with her instead of the Double Mint twins."
"Who?"
"Heidi and Jane … I coined them as the Double Mint twins because they act alike … talk alike … dress alike. You get the drift."
"Yes, well they are just like Kate, so you're not missing much."
"I thought so, but they are not really her friends. They talk about her behind her back."
"She does that too, so I guess they are perfect for each other."
We talked about everything under the sun, and I finally told her about being adopted. I opened up because of my earlier thoughts, and she was so easy to talk. I could tell her anything. I had been touching her more since Tuesday after the bikini show, and I couldn't help it.
I hadn't even noticed that there was barely any room between us, and we keep getting closer as the conversation continued.
"So, Alice said something and promise you won't get mad at her, but she said that you and Kate haven't been together in a while. Why? Don't you love her?" she asked.
"I don't think I was ever in love with Kate. Somewhere, we became friends with benefits for a while, but that ended right after the girls were born. I guess … I love a part of her as a person, but she's not the easiest person to get along with."
I shrugged.
"Do you love Jake?" I asked.
"Yes, well I love him more like a friend, but like you said the benefits ran out a couple of months back. I told you about him being more standoffish here recently."
"Yeah, you know you're beautiful right," I said; pushing her hair behind her ear.
She nodded.
"You deserve someone who would treat you like a lady. Who would respect you and love you for who you are," I said; taking my fingers and brushing them down her cheeks.
I watched as her eyes closed and a blush took up residence in her cheeks. She licked her lips, and I knew what I had to do. I couldn't hold it back any longer.
I leaned in and kissed her sweet plump lips. I didn't dare push things. I didn't know how she would respond after our kiss, but I didn't want her to pull away. I wanted her so bad, but I knew I had to tread lightly.
We pulled back from the kiss. She looked into my eyes before jumping up and running to her room.
I sat back on the couch with my eyes closed thinking about the kiss we shared, and how I would make things work one way or another.
A/N: All right, so we are three days into the filming of the show. Kate is showing her ass royally, but now she has leverage against Jake and Leah. How will she use this to her advantage? Bella is making progress and following the rules to the best of her ability. Edward is seeing potential in a relationship with Bella, and working towards getting away from Kate. As always be kind and review!
