Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
Last time on Under Your Spell…
"First, I want you to help me convince Edward that we need a divorce. Second, I want you to get me and my family some place where Edward, or any of your family, could find us. And third… I don't ever want to see you, or hear from you ever again."
I waited for his response but he just stared at me, his mouth slightly opened.
"Take it or leave it." I said.
He got up and started walking towards the door. "Fine." I hear him mutter before he slammed the door.
Chapter 10: No More Hiding
[California; Cullen Mansion] 9:00am
3rd POV
"So, Seth," Jasper said trying to lighten the tension in the dinning room. "Is this your first time in California?"
"It's my first time out of Washington period." Seth answered truthfully.
"Really?" Esme asked shocked.
"Yeah. My dad doesn't really like to travel. And my mom, well she just likes making my dad happy. And she really doesn't have a reason to travel; all of my family, on her side, live on La Push, so…" He shrugged eating his breakfast.
"What's La Push?" Jasper asked.
"Indian reservation."
"Oh. So you and Bella are part Native American?"
"Yeah."
"Oh. You can't really tell on Bella…" Carlisle thought out loud.
"Yeah, I know. It's because she's part Albino." Seth laughed, then looked up to see Esme's surprised face. "Oh, I was kidding. That's what me and Bella used to tell people when we were younger."
Emmett chuckled while trying to stuff more food into his mouth.
"That's funny. Well if you want, one of these days, Alice and I can give you a tour of the city. Maybe we can head down to San Francisco or something." Jasper mused.
"Oh, with Edward and Bella!" Alice pitched in excitedly. "Oh my God, let's go today!"
Jasper chuckled at his wife's excitement. "I don't know about that. I have to go to the office, get some papers that Edward needs. And not to mention that Edward is still hurt, Alice; I don't know if he'll be up for a road trip."
"If I know Edward, and I do, I know he'll be up for it." Alice said confidently.
"Well, as much as I would like to sit here and talk about this trip, in which me and Rose were unmentioned," Emmett said rising from his seat. "We must be going."
"Emmett if you really wanted to go, you coulda just said so." Jasper said jokingly.
"A trip to San Francisco does sound fun, it's been a while since we've been there, but since you're going I doubt it'll be any fun." Emmett retorted.
Jasper chuckled as he rolled his eyes.
"No, really. We do need to start heading out." Rosalie said seriously.
"Yeah. We don't wanna be late for our appointment with Dr. Denali."
"Tell Eleazar, that we need to have him and Carmen over for dinner sometime soon." Esme told her son as he kissed her goodbye.
"Will do." Emmett nodded.
"I hope everything works out." Esme told Rosalie as they hugged.
"Thank you, Esme." Rosalie whispered.
After Emmett and Rosalie left, Seth coughed in an attempt to gain everyone's attention. It worked, and everyone's eyes were on him. "I was wondering if I could try to call my dad again. Last time I tried, the call didn't go through. And we haven't spoken to him since we arrived…"
"Oh of course." Esme responded.
"Whenever you want to use the phone Seth, go ahead. You and you're sister are part of the family now." Carlisle said with a smile.
XOXOX
[California; Cullen Mansion] 9:45am
BPOV
I'm not quite sure that I should be trusting James. I mean he is the one that got me into this mess in the first place. But he's the only person that can help me in this situation… the only person.
When the idea of going outside first occurred to me, I thought getting some fresh air would help me clear my head but it's actually having the opposite effect, if that's even possible. But the constant reminder that everything I say, that everything I do, - that all of this - is a lie, is everywhere. The house, the cars, the yard- that goes on forever, I might add. I swear if it wasn't for this freaking pond (which is diagonal to the house) I would have no idea where on the property I walked off to. I mean really - a pond? Who the hell has a freaking pond a few yards away from their house?
I hear the sound of a car pulling into the exaggerated driveway and park directly in front of the house. I lean on one of the many trees surrounding the pond and watch as the strawberry blond parks her pink convertible and climbs the steps leading towards the house. What was her name again? Terry? Tara?… Sonya?…
With the news that Edward's alive, I'm not surprised people are just dropping in like this.
"That's Tanya." I turn around to find James standing a couple of feet away from me.
Ah, so that was her name… "I know. I met her at the funeral." I said in a tone that would hopefully hint that I don't want to speak to him.
"That's one of Edward's… um, lover. And I'm using that word loosely. Really, loosely." He said looking at her.
I watch as she reaches the final step. She did look like they type of girl that would be with Edward. Blond, pretty, and the body of a model.
Now I get it. The look she gave me when we first met. I can't imagine how she must have felt. This whole time, she's been having a relation with a man, who outta-nowhere, got married- with a complete stranger, I might add. "She thought Edward was playing her the whole time…" I muttered in understanding to myself.
"Playing her?" James questioned. "Nobody played anyone here, Bella. She knew exactly what she was getting into. And believe me both of 'em have had other fuck buddies before they 'found' each other."
I look at him, not sure how to react.
"Bella, you actually thought that I meant lover?" He laughed in disbelief. "I just didn't wanna put her business out there, not that you wouldn't have found out for yourself… But why else do you think she's here, huh? Rosalie's not here and, believe me, she's not here to visit Alice. She's here to help Edward feel better." He finished with a smirk.
"Good for him." I said walking towards the pond (or in other words, away from him).
"What are you doing here anyways?" He said following me.
Way to take a hint James. "I'm waiting for Seth."
"Seth?"
"Yeah, Seth, my brother."
"Why are you waiting for Seth?" He clarified with a hint of annoyance.
"Because."
"Because?"
"Yeah, because." I threw a small rock into the pond.
"Why, because?"
"Just because." I shrugged knowing it would make it angry.
"Bella." He said through clenched teeth.
"Ed- Oh wait,"-I faced him- "James. 'cause that's your real name."
"For fuck's sake Bella, get over it."
"Get over it?" I questioned him in disbelief.
"Yes. Get over it. We have other things to worry about."
"Really? What else do we have to worry about? You know, besides the fact that you told me your name was Edward Cullen and that I'm married to man who doesn't know me."
"That, right there. That's what we have to worry about."
I shook my head. "You are…" I can't even find words to describe him.
"I may be whatever you think I am, but I'm still the only person in this house that can help you."
I hate you.
I hate you so much.
"So if you want me to help, Bella. You have to tell me what's going on." He continued. "Why are you waiting for Seth?"
Let out a long breath and faced the pond again. "He was talking to dad. I was going to talk to dad, seeing as it's my fault we're in this mess, but through the yelling that I could hear coming from the phone, I figured I was the last person he wanted to talk to." I glared at him as I talked.
"Bella, I needed to fill him in on our plan; he could have blown our cover if the media decided to talk to him, otherwise. He's a cop so I know he'd have some problems with it; I needed to persuade him."
"Our? Our plan? Excuse me, but I didn't know anything about your plan until a couple of days ago. What kind of sick, demented person plans the death of their cousin," –I began counting on my fingers– "makes a girl fall in love with him, lies about his name… then threatens to put her family in jail?"
He walks closer to me, staring into my eyes. "It's nice to finally hear you admit that you're in love with me."
After everything I said that's the only thing he caught? "Was." I responded.
"Was?" He repeats confused.
"Was in love with you."
XOXOX
[California; Cullen Mansion] 9:50am
EPOV
"Tanya." I greeted as I descended the stairs. She wasn't the girl I was looking for but I made sure not show my disappointment in my voice.
"Edward." She smiled as she walked towards me. Her blond hair bouncing with every step she took.
She pulled me into a hug and I winced a little. We pulled apart and she gave me a questioning look. "Broken rib; it's on its way to healing, though." I said as I lead her into the side room.
"Oh." Was all she said as she sat down on the maroon sofa.
"Do you want anything to drink?"
"No I'm good. Thanks." She patted the cushion besides her, inviting me to sit down next to her.
I smiled at her, cautiously, and sat next to her, leaning to the edge of the sofa –away from Tanya's side.
"So you're married?" She said her eyes bulging out with curiously.
I smirked at her. Typical Tanya: blunt and to the point. "Yeah, that's right." I said nonchalantly. I know that I didn't marry Bella, and I know she's hiding something… but I'm not going to let everyone else know that. I have to find out why she's lying to me then decide what to do from there.
"And you say it so calmly?"
"Well, how else do you want me to say it?"
"Um, Edward… What about me?"
"What about you?" I hope she's not going where I think she's going.
"Me and you." She pointed at us for more emphasis. Yeah, she definitely went where I thought she was going to go. "We-"
"Tanya," I interrupted. "you knew the type of relationship we had."
"I know." She rolled her eyes and got up. "But I just figured that me and you would eventually end up together. I mean, we've known each other our whole lives, our parents know each other… I just figured…"
"Tanya… I didn't…" I rose from my seat slowly shaking my head. "Did I ever say anything to you? Anything at all… that led you to believe that?" I asked seriously. I don't remember telling Tanya that what we had was serious. I never even took her out on a date. As far as I understood, I wasn't her only… hook-up buddy. Besides we haven't hooked up in like 6 months… right? Maybe I really did lose my memory and I said something to her…
"No, no, you never said anything…" She twirled around so she was facing me. A seductive look covered her face. "But actions speak louder than words."
I laughed and looked at the ground. "Tanya, if that was the case… you'd already be married… You would have been married a long time ago and not with me." She raised her eyebrows at me. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you, I was just trying to prove a point. I'm sorry."
"What's so great about her anyways?" She challenged putting her hand on her hips.
"You've met her?" I asked surprised. I can't imagine a girl like Bella and a girl like Tanya hanging out.
"I was introduced to her." She looked at her nails.
"Don't you think she's pretty?" Bella's is, by far, the prettiest girl that I've ever seen. Even Tanya has to recognize that.
She rolled her eyes. "And aren't I pretty?"
"Tanya…" I rubbed my temples with my hand. I knew I shouldn't have gotten outta bed today…
"Do you love her Edward?" She challenged.
"Isn't that why people get married?"
"Not in our circle." She smiled, and I rolled my eyes at her. "When did you even meet her?"
"Sometime before we got married." I smiled at her. What? Technically, if this whole story about me being married to Bella was true, then I wouldn't be lying.
"Edward." She complained.
"Tanya."
"Edward, I'm being serious."
"And so am I."
She sighed deeply. "Why did you even get married like that, anyways? Why all the secrecy? Where you ashamed of her?"
"Tanya." I warned.
"Is that why you kept her secret? Where you trying to classy her up? Make her decent enough to be in our crowd?" She continued.
"That's enough! I understand that you don't like Bella, but that doesn't give you the right to come into my house and insult her."
"Are you kicking me out?" She gasped.
"No, not at all. You are free to come and go as you please. But just remember that Bella is my wife, and she will be treated like so."
She smiled, that fake smile of hers that she's been doing since high school. "Fine."
I'm not quite sure why I reacted like that. It just infuriates me that Tanya, or anyone else for that matter, could even begin to question why I would be with a girl like Bella. What is so wrong about a guy like me being with a girl like Bella? Tanya makes it sound like I would never be with a girl like Bella. I would… or I am? Whatever.
Tanya's smile grew and she walked closer to me. She ran her hand through my hair seductively. What the fuck? I give her a confused look and remove her hand from my hair (which she held onto). Did she not get what I just told her? "Whatever you say Edward. I'll do whatever you say…"
Um, what? Why is she- I hear footsteps.
I turn and look at the front door. "Bella." I greet her. So that's why Tanya was acting all weird… Wait, was Bella standing there the whole time? "Come." I tell her since she just stood there looking at the floor.
She does as ordered and walks to me. I put my hand in the small of her back. "You remember Tanya."
"Yeah, of course I do." Bella attempted to smile at Tanya, though she failed miserably.
Tanya looked Bella up and down before her signature fake smile creped on her face. "I'd love to stay and chat but since Rosalie's not here…" She shrugged putting on her bug like sunglasses.
"It was nice of you stop by." I tell her.
"Aren't you going to walk me out?" She raises and eyebrow.
I smirked at her knowingly. "I'm sure you already know where the door is."
She smiled back. "Indeed I do; but a good host walks their guest out."
I hesitate, glancing at Bella. She keeps running away from me and when I finally have her… "Fine." I say reluctantly.
Tanya flashes her teeth at Bella before walking towards the main door. I glance back at Bella as I walk behind Tanya, there's a look on Bella's face that I just can't place…
"You know, you should probably buy your wife better clothes." Tanya says as we stepped through the main door. I looked at her questioningly. "I'm just saying if you want people to treat her like you said…" She clarified. "C'mon, you don't think people are going to take her seriously with those shoes of hers."
I like Bella's chucks. I like the way she dresses, it's very… laid back, relaxed.
I let out a long sigh. "Thanks for looking out Tanya." There's no point in arguing with her.
"Anytime" She smiled.
She quickly pecked me straight on the lips and smiled at me. "Chao Edward." She strutted away confidently.
Typical Tanya. It's going to be a mission to get her to understand that what we had, whatever that was, is over, and has been over for some time now. I couldn't help the smirk that appeared on my face just thinking about it.
"Whoa, there Edward." I turned around to see Sam on the other side of the patio.
"Sam." I greeted still with a smirk.
"Tanya's having trouble accepting that you're married, I see." He said knowingly.
"She's not exactly fond of Bella."
"I can understand why."
I raised my eyebrows at him.
"I mean, Bella is pretty and I'm not talking about the 'pretty' that Tanya is used to, either. I'm not trying to over step my boundary or anything," –He raised his hands in mock defense making me laugh at him– "but Bella is realistically pretty. And that's something that Tanya's not use too. It makes sense that she would feel threatened. But I do think that the bigger issue here is: why is Tanya threatened more by Bella's physic than the actual fact that you're married?" He laughed.
I laughed. "Tanya is a very… um, physical person. Come one Sam, me and you both know that." I reminded him.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Edward… that was uncalled for." He joked. I laugh along with him. Sam and Tanya hooked up throughout high school once; I'm the only person he told.
"So, I just wanted to tell you that I saw Bella earlier by the pond." He said in between laughs.
"Alone?"
"Um… no..." He wasn't laughing anymore. In fact, he looked a bit hesitant.
"Was she with her brother?" I asked confused.
"No... She… She was with James. And… and, and it kinda looked like they were arguing or… something…"
"Oh." I nodded, and walked back in the house. There is something definitely going on between those two. I glance into the side room but I don't see Bella anywhere. I march up the stairs and knock on Bella's room door (where else could she be?).
*Knock* *Knock*
No answer.
*Knock* Knock*
No answer again.
I open the door and walk into the room. I don't get it, if she's not here where else could she be?
If I would have glanced in quickly I think I would have missed her. She was lying on the bed hugging her knees to her chest with her back turned toward the door.
"Why do you hide in here?" I asked her and she immediately sits up. She must have been so deep in thought that she didn't hear me knock.
She quickly wipes her cheek (Was she was crying? Why would she be crying?...), and slides over to the edge of the bed, giving me her back. I walk over to the bed and sit next to her. I look at her and my eyes immediately look into her watery deep brown eyes and sigh deeply. "You're really strange Bella, really strange…" I lean into her and feel her tense. "Why are you acting so strange?" I whisper into Bella's bare neck. I breathe in trying to figure out what she smells like, but I don't smell anything. She smells like nothing? Wha-Who smells like nothing? How is that even possible? And here I thought Bella would have a specific scent to her…
Scent? What the fuck. What am I, a fucking animal? What did I expect her to smell like? Rainbows and butterflies? Get your shit together, Edward.
"You're not going to try to tell that you're not acting strange?" I whispered softly in into her neck, after she didn't respond. I immediately saw goose bumps rise in her skin. "I'm your husband Bella, but you're not treating me like it. Why?"
Her mouth opened slightly and she let out a shaky breath.
"Huh?" I questioned.
"I told you, I want a divorce." She said so softly that if I wasn't this close to her, I'm not sure I would have heard her.
"I know that…" I whispered into her neck. I placed my hand on her chin and turned her head, forcing her to look at me. "But you didn't tell me why? We haven't even been married a week, and you already want to get a divorce?... Did I do something to you? Did I hurt you? Did I do something that offended your or anything of that sort?"
Her eyes met mine and I mentally gasped. I knew her eyes were brown, but I never realized how enchanting they were. They have depth; they're so fucking deep. If you look close enough, right towards the center, you can spot random gold. Gold, that has to stand for something right? Maybe it means she has a heart made of gold…
Edward, stop yourself! You are here on a mission, and it's not a mission of love. Stay focus! Don't get sidetracked by this goddess sitting a couple of inches away… Her soft looking hair… Her hot breath on your lips… NO. EDWARD. Stop. FOCUS!
"No, no… You didn't do anything…" She whispers looking at me directly in the eyes. I didn't? If I didn't then… who did? "Just please," –is she begging?– "please, just give it to me."
I needed my lips tightly toghether, as I rested my forehead against her skin, to stop me from saying 'I'll give you whatever you want.' Because I would. If she asked for things like that… then I really would give anything she asked for. Except a divorce of course.
"Edward," She continued. She said my name... Is this the first time she's said my name? I believe so. I never knew hearing a girl say my name could turn me on… "Please just…" She sighed and separated herself from me while looked away. "I thought you were someone else… I don't know you... I feel like I don't know you. You hid so many things from me… you're a completely different person…"
"I know, Bella." I tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. "I don't know why I hid so many things from you, or why I hid you from my family… But if you tell me, maybe I can figure it out."
"Tell you what?" She was making eye contact with me again.
"Everything. Tell me everything, Bella. Tell me." Come on, Bella. This is your opportunity to come clean. Tell me. Please tell me. "Tell me what you're so afraid of, tell me what you're feeling, tell me everything that you're thinking."
She's going to tell me. She's going to fucking tell me. Finally! I can see it. I can see it in her eyes. She looks away from me and closes her eyes tightly and shakes her head.
She's not going to tell me.
So fucking close.
I can't help the feeling of disappointment that washes over me. She continues to shake her head– to herself it seems. Then I notice a tear escape her closed eyes. I wipe the tear away with my thumb slowly, so that my fingers can linger on her skin. Fuck me; her skin is so soft… I can't help but lean in and kiss her neck softly. Even on my lips her skin feels baby smooth. "I know why I married you Bella." I say against her neck.
"Because you're beautiful..." I continued, my eyes closing in on her pink lips. "Because your skin is so soft…"
The bed shakes and it takes me awhile to realize that Bella got up from the bed. She's standing a couple of feet away from me, with her back to me. Don't fight me, Bella. Don't fight me…
I rise slowly and place my hand on her shoulder. I run my hand through her smooth mahogany hair and lean into her ear from behind. "Because every time I look into your eyes," I continued. "I feel like I can see your soul… Because every time I look at you I feel like I'm being put under a spell." With my hand I turn her head so she's facing me. I slowly lean forward until my nose is against hers. I can't help myself as I run the tip of my nose along hers. Fuck… How is it possible for her skin to be so smooth?
The tip of nose is only a couple of millimeters away from her top lip. I close my eyes and let out a breath that I didn't realize I was holding. As soon as my eyes open they instantly find her lips; her mouth is slightly open. Fuck, her lips are so close. So fucking close. All I have to do is just lean in… a tiny bit… almost there…
Bella turns her head, pulling away lightly. Crap.
Come on Bella. Don't fight this. Don't fight me. You want this. You want this too… You want it as bad as I do. Don't fight me Bella, don't fight me… please.
With my hand under her chin I turn her head, once again. I lean in, just like before, only a little bit slower this time... You need to realize that you want this too. That I'm not the only one who feels... this. Whatever this is… You feel it, Bella. I know you do, you just have to accept it…
I lean in more… again. I'm as close as I was seconds ago, but Bella doesn't pull away this time… I do.
I pull back just a little bit, so that I can look into her eyes… she realized. She's realized she wants me to kiss her. She wants me to kiss her, I can see it in her deep chocolate eyes… She's not rejecting me. She wants me to kiss her. Well, Bella, your wish is my command.
I close in on her mouth and press my lips against her soft ones. As soon as our lips make contact I feel this soft electric current run through my lips; starting from our connected lips ending all the way down to my toes. It was a soft but strong, just like our kiss.
That's bound to mean something right? I mean I've kissed plenty of girls, I'm not trying to say I'm a player or anything like that –because I'm not– but I've had my fair share of kisses. But nothing like this one.
None of them compare to this one.
Bella's soft pink lips seem to be completely compatible with mine; like two pieces to a puzzle. I part my mouth lightly, and run the tip of my tongue across her lips.
Cherries. Her lips taste like fucking cherries.
"Oh God…" I hear Bella say before she pulls away from me and returns back to her place on the bed. "Oh my God. What am I doing? Oh my God."
My head drops down in disappointment. That kiss ended too quickly for my liking. And what does she mean 'Oh my God'? I know I wasn't the only enjoying that kiss. " 'Oh my God' what Bella?" I follow her to the edge of the bed. "It's okay. We're married, remembere? That was just a kiss; we're supposed to be doing a lot more than that."
I lean in again, not giving her the opportunity to reject me, and pressed my lips against hers. Not softly like before, but urgently. I opened my lips lightly again and licked her lips, again; the taste of cherries intoxicating my mouth again.
Bella's lip parted just slightly and I took this opportunity to slip my tongue into her mouth. My tongue went on a search for Bella's, as I slowly started pressing my body on hers making her lay down on the bed with my body hovering over her.
My tongue ran along hers; exploring her mouth. Bella's tongue danced with mine, as she tried to explore my mouth.
I knew she wanted this, I knew it.
"EDWARD." A voice says.
A voice? Who else is in the room? I break away from Bella, and look around the room until my eyes land on him. Why am I not surprised?
"Is there a special reason why you walk into my wife's room without knocking?" I questing him irritated getting off the bed… or Bella, I should say.
"Sorry to interrupt." James spat out sarcastically. " But Jasper's looking for you."
"And that answers my question? That gives you permission to walk into wife's room?"
"He has information about that guy you gave a lift to. It seemed important." It was so clear that he was furious.
"So you barge into my wife's bedroom?" I repeated my question through clenched teeth. "Beside, since when do you care what Jasper has to tell me?"
"I told you. It seemed important. I went to your room first and when I saw that you weren't there I just figured you'd be here."
"Yeah, of course you would." I nodded sarcastically. I glance at Bella whose sitting on the edge of the bed looking scared shitless. Scared? Why is she scared? What the fuck was she scared of? She wasn't like that a couple of seconds ago. I turn back towards James. "Get out." I motion towards the door.
"What?" He questions, clearly surprised. Why are you so fucking surprised? This is my wife's room, no other male should be in this room besides me.
"I said get out! And I forbid you from ever walking into Bella's room again."
"Oh please, Edward. It's not that serious."
"It is. It is because she's my wife." I glared at him. "You can do whatever you want with your, but Bella's mine. And this is her private space, which makes it my private space. So I repeat: this is the last time you walk into my Bella's room."
"Oh please," He crossed his arms. "This is my fucking house too Edward. I can go anywhere I fucking please."
"Yes, you can. You can go anywhere you please, anywhere at all. Except here. Except this room. Except any room in which Bella decides to sleep in, whether it be this fucking room, or my bedroom, where she belongs. And you wanna know why you can't go in her room? Because she's married to me."
His nostrils flared and he gritted his teeth as he started walking backwards towards the door. He turned towards Bell and glared at her, making her flinch away, before he marched towards the door. He shuts the door behind him making the wall shake.
I turned towards Bella, who still looks scared shit less, her body is shaking lightly. "Why did he just walking into your room like that?" I question her.
She doesn't say anything, she just looks at the ground.
"Why are you scared?" I stand in front of her.
Nothing.
"I don't know what's going on, Bella. I really don't. But what just happened, that… is not normal…. Just like your behavior."
She flinched a little. I really wish I could help you Bella, I really do. But you won't tell me what's going. I don't know how to help you.
"This conversation isn't over yet." I walk towards the door and exit her room.
XOXOX
[California; Cullen Mansion- Edward's studio] 10:45am
EPOV
"You okay there?" Jasper asked cautiously.
"No." I said through clenched teeth as I looked down at the papers that Jasper brought from the office. Why is this font so fucking blurry? I can't read shit.
"Well, I kinda knew that Edward. That was just my way of asking you why you're so… mad, tense, whatever you wanna call it…"
I looked up at my best friend sitting on the other side my desk. I can't even focus on these papers right now.
"I don't get it." I told him leaning back on my seat.
"You don't get what?"
"This. This whole situation with Bella." I let my pen drop on top of the small stack of papers. "I come back from an accident, from which I supposedly loose some of my memory, but yet I remember everything and everyone before the accident. Everyone… except my wife. My wife and her brother, I might add."
"I just don't get it." I say standing up in frustration. "Let's just pretend that I did lose my memory in that accident. Okay. But aren't I supposed to know Bella from before? How long did we supposedly date before we got married; years, months, weeks even? I don't matter, what matters is that I'm supposed to know who she is… but I don't."
Jasper remained in his seat nodding.
"And why did I hide so much from her? I practically hid her from my whole life. I didn't tell her anything… I even hid her from you, and Jasper I don't hid anything from you. I really don't. That's why I'm telling you all of this, okay. You can't tell anyone what I'm telling you. I need to know what's going on here… and until I know, I need for everyone to think that I believe this whole thing about forgetting who Bella is."
"What are you saying? You don't think you lost your memory?"
"Of course not. You can't really believe that, can you? I mean, I remembered the fucking house number. I remember the house number but I don't remember 'the love of my life'. No." I shake my head. "That makes no sense. Please don't tell me you actually think I suffer from amnesia?"
"Well no not really, but… what other explanation can to there be to Bella and her brother? And I mean there is documentation that proves that you and Bella are married…"
"No, there has to be a logical explanation for this… But like I told you earlier, until I figure it out I don't want anybody else finding out about my doubts, okay. Not a word to anyone. Specially Alice."
"What? What makes you think I'm going to tell her? I didn't say I was going to her?" He asked defensively.
I gave him a look that said 'Really?'
"Okay, okay." He raised his hands in defeat, laughing a little. "I get it, shit... Not like it matters anyways…" He rolled his eyes.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Alice has a way of finding out things before everyone else. Come one, you know this. It's like she from the fucking future or something, she wasn't even surprised when I asked her to marry me… I promise you that I won't tell her anything, but take my word on it, she's going to figure it out."
"Yeah, well until that moment comes…" I looked down at the stack of papers and let out a sigh while running my hand through my hair. "Fuck… I can't even concentrate long enough to read those fucking papers…"
"Well, you don't have to worry about most of 'em them. There's no hurry for you to sign them or anything... I informed a few big publishing companies of your well-being. And we also found some information about a man that was reported missing in a nearby town to where the accident happen… And there is also a statement, in there somewhere, of a man who claims he saw the accident."
"My accident?"
"Yeah. What he says is actually… pretty, um, interesting?"
"More interesting than being married to someone you've never seen before?" I challenged.
"Um… no, not that interesting, well… maybe… He says… he says that you were rammed of the road." He said slowly.
"Rammed of the road? Wha-" Wait. I was. I was forced off the road. I remember. I was rammed off the road. Well I mean, I drove the car off the road but… but that's because there was nowhere else to go. I-I had no choice… "There were two black hummers… all the windows were tinted… they pulled up to the side of the road… forcing me on the wrong lane… then there was a car coming… they wouldn't let me back in… I even slowed down… We were going to crash… I-I had to…" The sound of car honking filled my mind.
"Yeah, that's what the man said." Japer nodded.
"Do you see what this means Jasper? Someone… someone was trying to kill me." It makes complete sense.
"Kill you? What? I wouldn't take it that far–"
"No, come on think about it. That's how everything comes together. Someone gets rid of me, then the wife that no one knew about appears and–… the wife. The wife, Jazz. The fucking wife." I get it now. I fucking get it.
"What? What about Bella? I don't–"
"The way she acts around me. He whole fucking body language makes it clear that she doesn't know me. She doesn't know who hell I am; it's the first time she's ever met me. Which makes perfect sense."
"Perfect sense? That makes no sense to me."
"It's the perfect plan." I tell him. "I die a terrible accident, in comes the wife that no one knew about… she mourns her husband's death, then collects everything that rightfully belongs to her… But you see, the wife can only pretend to be sad for so long… she can't really be sad… Why? Because she don't know her husband. She has no idea who he is…"
"Wait, so you think this is all Bella's master plot to get your money?" He asked in disbelief.
"No, no, no." I shook my head at him. "I don't think its Bella's plan. She's… she's far too scared, for this to be her plan…" It makes sense now, though. It makes sense, right? Her behavior towards me… Everything actually makes sense.
"Edward. We went from not remembering you're wedding to someone planning you're death." Jasper commented.
"But it's not about not remembering my wedding. It's about not remembering her. I don't remember her at all. I don't remember when I first saw her… I don't remember how we met… I don't remember our first kiss, which actually I think just happened a couple of minutes ago. But do you see why I don't remember? Because, I didn't happened. Because there's nothing to remember. Because all of this, is a lie."
"Please tell me this makes sense to you too?" I continued. "This would explain everything. Someone wants everyone to think that I got married, and at this point I'm supposed to be dead, thus making my widower the rightful owner of everything that's mine."
"That is so fucking farfetched, Edward."
"Well as fucking farfetched as it sounds, it's the only explanation. Because I can assure, for the life of me, that this is the first time, in my fucking life, that I've met Seth and Bella Swan."
"Okay, fine. Let's just pretend that this plan of yours is real, okay. Let's go confront her. Let's go to the authorities. Let's do something." He (finally) rose from his seat as well. "And can you stop fucking pacing, its driving me crazy."
"No, no, no. I told you earlier, I don't think this is Bella's plan. Somebody else is in this, and until we find out who…" I trailed off.
"Some else… like her brother?"
"Her brother… Seth, right?" Hum, Seth is younger then Bella but he is bigger then her… I guess he could, I don't know, intimidate her but… "I don't know, I don't think…"
"Yeah, no. I get where you're going… Her parents, maybe?"
"I don't know, possibly. Have you talked to them?"
"No, no one in the family has. Well, except James."
"James?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, I believe he talked to her dad. Maybe, you should talk to him."
"No. No. No talking to James." I disagreed. "James has been acting fucking strange lately…"
"When doesn't James act strange?" Jazz added.
"Good point but… Have you noticed how awfully close to Bella?" I asked.
"James and Bella?"
"Yeah. Just yesterday I was talking to Sam and he told me that James had told him that Bella wasn't allowed to leave the house with anyone but himself…" I mussed.
"What the fuck? Really? That's… Well, that's just fucking weird."
"My point exactly." I nodded. It's nice to finally see we're on the same page Jazz. "Then today, Sam sees James and Bella in a heated conversation… then he marches into her room without knocking…" I trailed off.
"So, you think James is the mastermind behind this 'plan' of yours?" He concluded.
"One, it's not my plan. How would I benefit from my own death? And two… I don't fucking know." I ran my hand through my hair out of frustration. "I don't know if he's behind it, I don't know… but the way he acts around Bella… the way he looks about her…"
"Jealous much?" Jazz raised his eyebrows amused.
"Jealous? No. I'm not jealous… How can I be jealous of someone I've never met before…" I'm not jealous. I'm not. I can't be. I don't know her enough to be jealous… right? "I'm not jealous."
"Sure, sure. And the moon is made out of cheese, right?" He smiled while taking a sip of his coffee.
"I'm not."
"Ahuh."
"Jasper."
"Yes?"
I glared at him.
He laughed. "Oh come one, Edward. You reek of jealousy. Just accept it, man. Besides, not like it fucking matters. She's married to you, not him."
"She's married to me…" I repeated. Why is she married to me? Why, why, why… "And once again, I'm not jealous. It's just not normal, okay. It's not normal for him to… to look at her the way does… to talk to her like he's telling her a secret… It's… It's just not normal. You don't see me acting like that with Alice."
"Alice is your sister…"
"Okay, fine. Rosalie. You don't see me acting like that with your sister."
"Rose is married to your brother. And besides, you don't even like her that much… I still remember the first time you told me you thought she was annoying." He chuckled to himself. "Recess, 6th grade…"
"Okay, horrible examples. I get it. We're getting of topic… Either way, James behavior is not fucking normal."
"Which is why we can't ask James anything." I continued as I returned to my seat. "He has to remain in the dark."
"Not just James. Everyone. This whole talk of you thinking James is behind this is… is, well, it's just that, talk. But in reality it could be anyone." Jazz stuffed his hand into his dress pants.
I smiled. "You finally believe me?"
"I don't know what I believe. All I know is that you're my best friend and if you really think this 'plan' to kill you off, is real then…" He trailed off.
"Then you believe it." I finished with a smirk.
"No. Then I believe that you believe someone is trying to get rid of you." He smiles back erasing my smirk.
XOXOX
[California; Cullen Mansion- Bella's Bedroom] 10:45am (Same time Edward's talking to Jasper.)
BPOV
Oh. My. God. What is wrong with me? What is fucking wrong with me? There is clearly something wrong with me.
Why did I let him kiss me?
Why, why, why?
Why didn't you stop it Bella? Why didn't you say something?
Now he's going to think I'm leading him on… Oh Lord. People who want to get a divorce don't kiss. They don't. It's a rule. But yet here I am, letting him stick his tongue down my throat and liking it.
Liking it? Wait, what? No, I didn't like it… It was different. The only other person that I've kissed is James. And Edward and James don't kiss the same… So it's safe to say that Edward's kiss was different... Yes. That's why my mind immediately went to 'like', because it was different… Meaning not James. Which is a good thing. I don't want anything to do with James. Romantically that is; he still needs to get me out of this mess.
He's not going to help me now, though. Why would he? He caught me kissing the enemy. He's not going to help me anymore. He was furious, beyond furious. Livid. He's not going to help me.
Wait. It's worse. Not only is he not going to help but… Oh my God. My head hurts just thinking about it.
He's going to go through with his threat. I know it. He's going to tell Edward some lie… that I'm a scam artist, or something. That I planned is death… That I was the one trying to kill him... That I wanted his money.
I'm going to go to Jail. Dad's going to go to Jail. Seth is going to go jail. It's all my fault. It's all my fault. You couldn't just go down on your own, Bella, could you? You had to bring your family down with you. You're so stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
And selfish I might add. What is mom going to do, huh? With everyone in jail... What is she supposed to do all by herself? And Dad. Dad is the one the one that puts the bad guys in that jail, and now you put him in there too? What is wrong with you? And don't even get me started with Seth. He's 18 for God's sake. 18. He has his whole life ahead of him, and you ruined it for him. Ruined it. You ruined you're whole family's life, because you're a stupid selfish person.
Really, how did I not realize James was lying to me? How didn't I not realize that his name wasn't Edward? How did I not realize his behavior was so strange? How did I become so blind?... How did I not realize that it was too good to be true?
I deserved this. I deserve this for catching all of his lies…
Yes, Bella. You do deserve this. You do. But not your family. They don't deserve this. Are you going to let them pay for your mistakes?
No, I'm not.
I'm going to tell him. I'm going to the Edward the truth. I'm going to tell him everything. I don't care if he throws me in jail, just as long as he leaves my family alone. They have nothing to do with this. It's my fault. It's all my fault.
I get off the bed and walk towards the door. I'm going to tell him.
"What the fuck was that?"
James screamed as he barged into my room. He had opened the door so fast that a split second it blurred before me.
"What the fuck were you doing with him?" He shut the door never breaking eye contact with me.
I could feel my hands begin to shake. "Get out."
"I swear to God Bella, if you don't answer my fucking question." I swear I saw his eyes turn red for just a second. "What. Were. You. Doing. On. The fucking. Bed." He asked again.
"Did you not hear him? He forbid you from coming into my room. Now, get out!" He scared me. That's the main reason I wanted him to leave.
"Bella." He warned stalking over to me; my breathing speed instantly. "Don't play games with me."
"I'm not playing anything." Is this what he thinks it is? A game? He thinks all of this is a game? "Unlike you, I have emotions. I have feelings. I can't just operate like a robot. I-"
"You have feelings, huh?" He interrupted. "Is that you're way of saying you like him? That's what it is, isn't it? You, like him don't you? That's what you were doing on the bed. You were gonna have sex with him."
I couldn't help but gasp at what he was saying. Really? I just met this man yesterday and he thinks I'm going to have sex with him? What the fuck…
"If you don't leave, right now," My voice sounded calm though I was everything but. "I'm going to scream. I'm going to scream so loud…"
"I told you to say away from him. I told you. I told you about his tricks. I fucking told you."
"It doesn't matter! It doesn't matter what you said. You can say whatever you want, JAMES." I emphasized his name. "But, EDWARD, you're cousin, thinks differently. So if he wants to come into my room, invade my personal space, he can. Because he's who I'm married to; not you."
I saw him flinch at my words. "It doesn't mean you have to kiss him." He whispered keeping his eyes low and away from me. "You talk about feelings… How do you think I felt when I walked in her and saw him all over you?"
I can't help but stare at him. He actually looks… hurt. Like he's being honest. If it wasn't for the fact that I know James is the master of deception then… I'd actually believe him. But I, out of all people, know what a great actor James can be. "Like you should have knocked." I replied after some time.
"This is the last time you come into my room." I said as I walked passed him.
XOXOX
[California; Cullen Mansion- Front yard] 11:00am
No, I didn't tell Edward anything. I didn't even attempt to look for him. My body just walked itself outside. It's really strange how a house so big can feel so small…
I shouldn't be throwing rocks into the pond again. I should be looking for Seth; find out what Dad told him. I don't even know where Seth is… I should go looking for him. There's no point in putting it off any longer…
"Oh my gosh, Bella." A giddy voice said behind me.
I sighed mentally. Really, I should have known. Who else would be so casual in a situation like this?
"Guess who just had breakfast in one of the most expensive restaurants in town." Jessica said as she walked closer to me. "With a cute guy, I might add."
"I'm going to take a wild guess here and say it was you." I said emotionless looking at the pond.
I wonder why I keep coming back to this place. It's probably because I'm just so shocked that someone has a pond on their property….
"Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner. And I'm not talking about you, though you are right, I'm talking about me. I just had breakfast with, Mike Newton. He's a close friend of the family, he runs in the circle, you know. But anyways, he asked me. It went so great. I think he likes me!" She squealed.
I nodded my head. What am I supposed to tell her? It's not that I'm not happy for her, I just have a lot on my mind right now. And if did say something, it would totally come out the wrong way.
"But yeah, I decided to come by so we could have some girl talk, you know. Oh, and to see how things are going with you and your, um… husband, I guess. Anything new?"
Anything new? Oh yeah. "Things have definitely changed." I murmured because it's true. I'm all on my own now...
"Why do you say that; what happened?"
"Edward kissed me." I stated keeping my eye away from her.
"He kissed you? Oh my gosh, how was it? Did you like it? You liked it huh, that's why you're acting all… strange."
Wha-Why is everyone saying that? "What? No... No, I didn't like it." I looked at her. "James walked in and saw."
"He saw?" She gasped "What happened? Did they fight? Aw, how romantic."
"No. No, they didn't fight. Nothing happened, they just… Edward was mad he barged into my room… And James was mad I let him kiss me…"
"Oh… Well James can stick his anger where it fits. It's his fault you're in this situation anyways…" She concluded. "So… you really didn't like it?"
I rolled my eyes at her and gave her a look that said 'really?'.
"What she?" She raised her hands in defense. "Edward looks like he knows how to kiss."
"Jessica… I don't like him." Please get that through your big skull.
"And who says you have to like him to enjoy a kiss?" She retorted. "C'mon Bella… You need to stop living in your fantasy land."
"Besides," She continued. "He's your husband, Bella. Believe me, kissing should be the last thing you should be worried about…"
"I, um, I have to go look for Seth." I walked away from her, toward the patio, as fast as possible.
"Bella," She laughed. "you're literally walking away from the conversation." She followed me.
"No, it's not that… I just, I have to look for Seth. He, um, he was talking to my dad earlier and I… I have to find out what he said." I half lied. I do need to find out what Dad told Seth…
"Oh come on, Bella. It's not like he's ugly or something. It's the complete opposite; he's fucking sexy. He's rich. He's young. He's… whatever. Sleeping with him wouldn't be as horrible as you make it sound."
I didn't say anything. Just keep walking, Bella. Just keep walking, she'll get the hint soon enough… hopefully.
"And… not to mention that by sleeping with him," She grabbed me by the shoulders and spun me around to face her. "You'll clear up all his doubts. If you sleep with him, it'll prove that you guys did date; he'll buy the whole amnesia thing. You have to do it Bella. You have to."
"What does she have to do?" I turn around and see Edward leaning on the door way. Look at him, leaning on the door way… looking all model like… puh-leez… I mentally rolled my eyes.
Wait! Did he hear her? Oh God, he heard her.
"Nothing." Jessica tried to play it off.
"Nothing?" He questioned walking towards us. "It didn't seem like nothing. You were really pushing her to do… something."
"Yeah, its 'cause, um… Bella's to scare to talk to her dad. Yeah, that's it. She hasn't talked to him since she got here and, um, she's thinks her dad is mad. I'm trying to convince her to call him."
"Oh. Well, why would you're dad be mad?" He asked me.
"It's 'cause, um," Jessica answered for me. Which is actually a good thing, considering I didn't know how to answer that. "She told her parents that she was going to call as soon as she landed here for the, you know… the, um, funeral… but she didn't. And then, with the news about you being alive… she still hasn't called him so… She's being a weanie. I think she should just… DO. IT." She said the last two words looking at me. "What do you think Edward?" She faced him with lots of enthusiasm. Too much, enthusiasm.
"Um," He chuckled, at her enthusiasm no doubt. "I think, I agree with you. You should just do it, Bella. I'm pretty sure your parents will understand why you haven't called."
"Yeah, Bella. Do it." She smiled at me.
"You know what?" I looked at her as I spoke. "That sounds like a great idea. I think I will, call my parents. So if you guys will excuse me…" I stepped quickly into the house. Time to go hide in the room.
"Actually, Bella. You can call your parents from my room. I believe we have something to talk about." He followed me.
"Well, it was nice to see you both. I'll come later, Bella, maybe. And it's nice to see you again, Edward." Jessica remained outside."
"Same here." Edward told her before facing me again. "Come on." He guided me forward with a hand place on the small of my back.
"Actually…" I told him as we walked up the stairs. "I don't actually have to call home… Seth already called them yesterday so…"
"Really?" He continued to guide me to the second flight of stairs. "Well, I think you should still call. Just to make sure."
"No… Um, it's okay. Really. I'll just wait."
"Are you sure?" He looked at me as we stepped onto the third floor.
I nodded. That conversation was real smooth, Bella. Real smooth. Not.
"Okay… You know what though?" He opened the door to his bedroom and waited for me to walk in. Reluctantly, I stepped into his bedroom. I have a bad felling about this. "How 'bout if I call your parents? I mean, it must be some time since I've talk to them right?"
Fuck. "Um… You don't have to do that."
"It's okay. I want to." He smirked as he closed the door behind him.
He glanced at the phone. I saw him. He just glanced at the phone. Oh fuck. My parents would tell him everything. They don't know what story to follow… whether they tried to or not they'd show him the liar that I've become. Especially dad; no doubt about it.
I need to stop him. He can't call them. I need to stop him… but how?
AN: Okay, I know took too long (again) but it's 'cause this chapter is pretty long. My longest chapter yet– almost 10,000 words. I hope that makes up for the wait…
But anyways…
You guys wanted a kiss; you guys got a kiss! :]
You guys wanted to know what Edward thinks, you got it… Though it was kinda hard writing his POV considering I'm not a boy… But I hope it didn't completely suck…
Thank you so much for all the love– meaning alerts, favorites, and reviews. I love reading 'em, so much. The make my days, if not weeks.
Anything you guys would like to see happen? Let me know! ;]
Don't forget to Review! :]