Sweet Retribution
From the ashes, the phoenix rose.
Bella Swan wasn't one to stay down for long. Even when the odds were against her, she would stand up tall, and see it through. This time wasn't any different. She was a woman on a mission and she would strike when they least expect it.
Chelsea flung herself into Edward's arms, squealing as she glanced around the apartment. She hugged him tightly, inhaling deeply and breathing his scent in. "Hi," she whispered against his neck.
"Hey," he murmured, running his hand through her hair.
One week. One week since Bella had fucked him over sideways. One week since he trashed the apartment, and one week since he paid thousands of dollars in damages. One week since he broke down, and it was time to go back into the routine. She was so happy to see him, and he never felt more guiltier. It was all a lie. It was all bullshit.
"I missed you," he said softly.
She pulled back, smiling at him brightly. "I missed you, too," she grabbed his hand, leading him to the couch. "Come on. Tell me about your summer. Do anything fun?"
Edward stared at Chelsea as she sat him down, wanting to cry then. She still looked at him with admiration, with unbiased affection, but she wouldn't. She definitely wouldn't. "I did someone fun," he mumbled.
Chelsea's smile wavered slightly. "We said we weren't going to talk about it."
"I-I know. But you need to know, before she tells you."
She blinked rapidly, releasing his hand. Her chest hurt, physically hurt, and she tried to stop the stupid tears from welling in her eyes. "Oh my God..."
Edward swallowed hard. "We were on a break-"
"You lied to me. I asked you and you lied to me."
He shook his head, trying again. "Chelsea. We were on a break, and I was alone. I was alone and lonely. Bella was around and there was history and it just happened. It just happened, and the break was your idea-"
She laughed softly. "I...I know I said we should be friends and make it casual over the summer, but..."
Edward chuckled, the asshole slipping out before he could stop it. Jekyll and Hyde, courtesy of one Bella Swan. "What- are you telling me you didn't screw around?"
Chelsea stared at Edward blankly, her shoulders slouching as her mouth curved into a frown. "I kissed a guy. Once. Nothing more."
"You said we were-"
"I know what I said, and I'm trying to be the cool girlfriend, Edward...but it's her," Chelsea finally turned away from him, wiping at the tears that fell down her face. "Anyone but her. Anyone."
Edward sat there, watching Chelsea cry and unable to move, unable to stop her. He had to go for the lesser of two evils in his argument, now. "I-I still fucked around. It was just with Bella. What's the big difference?"
She turned, and there was anger in her eyes now. "The big difference is that you were in love with her, Edward! Probably still are! I would've accepted anyone else, but this? And then you LIE to me!"
Edward laughed bitterly, unable to believe that he was back here again. Same story, different girl. Maybe Chelsea wasn't so different after all. Maybe he underestimated her feelings for him. She was hurt. Genuinely hurt, and the look of anguish on Chelsea's face was the same as Bella's on that night, so many months ago.
"I didn't want to lie to you," he whispered.
Chelsea shook her head, wiping at her eyes. "I-I know I said...I thought I could be the best girlfriend ever and..." she trailed off, a sob hitching in her throat. "Did you tell her you loved her?" she suddenly looked nauseated, jumping to her feet. "On the couch. Did you..."
Edward stared up at Chelsea, unable to move. "Does it matter?" he asked dully.
Her face crumbled, and she quickly looked away. "That was where we- and you went...oh my God," she covered her face, inhaling deeply. "I keep seeing it..."
He wanted to get up and hold her, kiss her, calm her, but he couldn't move. Couldn't budge. "Chelsea, please. Let me explain-"
"No," she coughed, and rubbed at her eyes roughly. She was silent for a moment, her lips pressing together as she struggled not to cry. She waited, waiting for Edward to talk, to explain himself, to make it all better, but when he didn't, didn't say a word, she hated him just a little bit.
Chelsea pushed her hair behind her ears with shaking hands, turning on her heels and rushing for the door. "I'm going to go," she mumbled.
"Chelsea-"
"I can't do this right now. I need to think. I need to think."
Then, she was gone, and he was alone.