A/N – I changed the rating from T to M due to some upcoming scenes. I just wanted to play it safe with the ratings..
I spent most of my afternoon busing myself with housework. I was doing laundry, dishes, vacuuming and whatever else I could do to take my mind off of the scene in Edwards bedroom. Mike was out with Eric somewhere. He didn't bother explaining just said he was going to be with Eric. That left me some time to be alone.
I was such a fool. Why did I think Edward would want to talk about anything with me? He had a super model for… for… was she his girlfriend? Maybe they were some kind of friends with benefits. Whatever she was to him, he had her. Why would he want me? Even as a friend? What was I thinking going over there? Such an idiot…
My cell phone rang, distracting me from my thoughts. I saw that it was James. Could my life be any more confusing at the moment..
"Hi James." I answered.
"Hey Bell. How are you doing today?" he asked.
"You don't want to know the answer to that one." I wasn't sure if I wanted to talk about the incident at Edward's house with him.
"Why? What happened?" he asked urgently. He was worried about me. I figured it was best to just tell him everything. Except for the almost kissing Edward part. I wasn't sure why I kept that from him. Probably because you know he has feelings for you and it would hurt him... or maybe you feel guilty because a part of you has feeling for him too.. and Edward... but not Mike.. Oh jeez, my life was a mess.
He just listened to me and tried to make sense of what happened. "It doesn't sound like this Tanya was a welcomed guest. Maybe it's not what it seems like after all." he suggested. He seemed to think Edward was a good guy. It sounded like he was sticking up for him or at least trying to see his side. Before I hung up with him I invited him to Jake's party. He knew Jake, not well thought. They had met a few times when James and I had dinner after work. I didn't think Jake would mind.
I checked my watch and saw that it was almost 5pm. Angela would be here soon to pick me up for Jacob's party. I was going to invite Edward to go but I am sure he would be busy with his Tanya. Just then my phone rang. A small part of me hoped it was Edward even though he did not have my number. I looked and it was actually Jacob.
"Happy Birthday!" I greeted him.
"Thank You. Did you get my texts?" he asked.
"Yeah, where was the fire?" I teased.
"I needed to tell you about Edward."
"Ugh, what about him?" I groaned
"What's wrong? You don't sound too happy with him."
"Um, its nothing. I just... I don't know." I sighed "He and Mike got into an argument yesterday - " I began and he cut me off.
"Yeah I know."
"You know?" How would Jake of all people know? I had not talked to him.
"Yeah, he came to the bar last night. I saw him and we sat and chatted. That was until his old girlfriend showed up".
"Let me guess, perfect and blonde?" I could hear the venom in my own voice.
"So you've met her?" he chuckled.
"Not officially… I saw her once in Chicago and once this morning as she jumped Edward. Literally… while naked." I said bitterly.
"Bella, there's nothing going on between them. He spent most of the night avoiding her. I actually drove him home because he was way too drunk. His car is still at the bar actually."
"Huh. Then why was she there this morning? She seemed pretty cozy in his shirt" I knew I sounded bitter but I was bitter.
"I don't know what went on this morning. When I got back to the bar she was gone. Embry said she left right after I did in a BMW. Maybe she followed me to his house?"
"Maybe" I wasn't convinced. I knew Jake was trying to make me feel better.
"I invited him to the party tonight. We can sort this out then."
Edward, James and Mike all in once place… this should be interesting.
I heard a horn honking from my driveway.
"Oh Angela is here to pick me up! I will see you in a few minutes!"
We hung up and I ran in the house to get Jake's gift. Then I jumped in the car and relayed my day to Angela.
It was 8pm and Jake's bar was packed. It felt like the whole town had come for his 28th birthday. He loved the new tool box and tool set I bought him. I spent most of the night with Angela and Ben. Leah kept coming by us but she had to mingle with her husband and everyone that was there. I saw Mike arrive with Eric and Trevor but I ignored him.
James arrived around 8:20p. He spotted me right away. Angela kept giving me looks behind his back as we chatted. Our conversation revolved around work mostly. He did tell me more about his sister who had just left town. Apparently they were twins. No wonder he was so close to her. It's sweet that he loves his sister so much… reminds me of someone else I know. Someone managed to get a slow song to play on the juke box and James dragged me onto the small dance floor. Luckily we were not the only ones out there.
"James!" I whined. "I seriously can't dance." I objected and he took me by the hand.
He put one hand on waist and pulled me close while he held my other hand in between our chests. It was a rather intimate position. Usually I would not let someone hold me that close, but James knew me well and I was comfortable with him.. I just did not want to lead him on.
"You'll do fine, I'll lead" He smiled down at me.
"But I've had a few drinks... which is not helping. Normally you would not have gotten me out here." Should I have admitted to being buzzed? Oh well it's too late now.
"I won't let anything happen to you. It's just one dance, Bella." He teased as he attempted to twirl me and I almost tripped.
"Just one dance." I repeated.
"Yeah well I figure with Edward in town this may be my only chance to ever feel you in my arms. I gotta take what I can get." He teased, but I knew he meant what he said. For an instant I wished I wasn't married and that I wasn't still in love with Edward.
Are you in love still? After all this time? Or is it the idea of being in love with him?
"You Ok in there?" he asked me noticing that I was in my own little world.
"Hmmm. oh I was just thinking… he waited for me to continue as he swayed me around the dance floor. "… about what I may or may not feel for certain people. I'm pretty confused about a few things at the moment."
We danced in silence for a moment and then I asked "What did you mean when you were talking about Edward just now."
He leaned in so he was whispering in my ear. "Bella, it's so obvious how you feel about him. I could see it in your eyes yesterday when you talked about him and then again when he was at your office. If he cannot see how you love him then he's a blind fool."
He twirled me around and leaned into my ear again "Your husband is glaring at me. If looks could kill I'd be dead." he chuckled "I haven't been in a good fight since I've been here..."
"Leave Mike alone, please. He's not pleasant when he drinks a lot." I politely warned him. The last thing I needed was for the two of them to go at it.
The song ended and we walked back over to my friends. Angela had this smug look on her face. She enjoyed watching us on the dance floor. I shook my head at her and ordered another drink.
I was on my 3rd rum and coke when Edward walked him looking very uncomfortable. Part of me wanted to rush over to him and hug him. I wanted to tell him everything I had been thinking over the past few days. I could thank the alcohol for that. Mike was watching me to see what I would do. Jerk. I shot him a dirty look and turned to greet Edward. He was on the other side of the bar. Before I took my first step I saw Tanya walk in behind him. She came up next to him and looped her arm around his. Everyone eyes were on them, well mostly her actually. She was probably the best looking woman to walk through Forks since Rosalie Hale back in high school. Rosalie was now married to Emmett, Edwards's older brother.
Edward shook her off of him and walked over to Jacob. They talked for a moment. Jake shook his head about something and Edward didn't look happy. Then his eyes met mine from across the room. I was frozen in place. I wanted to go to him so badly but I was so confused. I just stayed by Angela.
"Go talk to him." James whispered in my ear as he walked off to talk with some other people who knew.
Mike walked up behind me and put his arm around my waist. Edward looked away briefly and then looked back. In that moment I had pulled from Mike's embrace.
"Cut it out!" I told my husband.
"Oh so I can't hold you anymore?" He slurred out. Great, he was drunk.
"Go back by Trevor and drink some more. And leave me alone." I spat at him. I hated drunk Mike. He was an idiot when he was drunk. Well, more of an idiot than normal. Then because I was irritated with his behavior I added "I saw Jessica here, why don't you go put your arms on her."
"Fine. M-may… maybe I will." he barley slurred the sentence out. "But first..." then he grabbed my face and kissed me. I could not pull away. He caught me off guard. I tried pulling his arms away from me. He was kissing me hard and I was trying to fight him off. I pounded my fists on his chest and even stomped on his foot. When that didn't work I bit his lip. I bit so hard I could taste his blood in my mouth.
"OW! You dumb bitch!" he hollered.
I slapped him. Then my so called husband swung at me. He stumbled and managed to punch me in my stomach instead. I landed on the floor and hit my head on a chair on the way down. There was ringing in my ears and my vision was blurry. I tried to sit up but someone held me down.
"Just lay still Bella. It'll be okay." a voice soothed. "Are you okay? Can you hear me?"
"Yes" I whispered as I felt tears of pain come. "My head hurts... and my stomach.."
"I won't let him hurt you again." the voice whispered in my ear. Then a little louder and away from my ear the voice said "Angela, stay with Bella please."
I felt Angela's hands on my arm and forehead. "Don't do anything stupid Edward. Mike's not worth it. Jacob will take of this." She said.
"I can't make any promises." his voice trailed off.
The throbbing in the back of my head was bad but I did not think I was bleeding. I would probably have a nasty bump though. Slowly I began to sit up with Angela's help. James was at her side and he helped me sit up. He kneeled on the floor next to me and put his arm around my back to support me. I looked at Angela and asked "What just happened?" as I rubbed the back of my head. I winced from the pain.
"It all happened so fast." she began. "I was looking at Edward's, er, date as she strolled in. Then Mike was here being all touchy feely with you. Good job biting his lip! That was a nice move." she laughed. She continued "When he kissed you I tried to pull him away but he was glued to you. Edward must have seen you struggling against him because he was over her in a flash; a split second before he arrived you had bit Mike and slapped him. Then he punched you in your stomach. Edward tried to catch you but it happened too fast. It was like it was in slow motion. So he grabbed Mike and punched him instead. Sam grabbed Mike off the floor and Jacob held Edward back. I think they took Mike out front." She was out of breath from talking quickly. I saw her eyes dart around the room, probably looking for Ben.
"I didn't see what happened." James told me. "I saw Edward punch Mike, gotta admit I was a little jealous that I didn't get one in on him. Then I saw you on the ground. I got here as he ran outside."
Just then Charlie walked through the door. He ran to me "Bella! Honey, are you okay?" He was flashing a light in my eyes and checking my injuries.
"I'm fine Dad. Just a bump on the head and a sore stomach." I tried to smile but I couldn't. The wind had been knocked out of and I was exhausted.
"Mike will be spending the night in jail. We'll release him tomorrow morning." He said as he helped me to my feet. "I did not know Edward was back in town. Is that what this was all about?" I couldn't steady myself so I had to use the table for support.
"I don't know... yes and no." I started. He just looked at me. Then he looked at James who was still supporting me even though I had the table. He was waiting for an explanation and I knew I had to give one. I might as well just spit it all out.
"Long story short, Edward came her Thursday to tell me that Alice is getting married in a few weeks -"
"Really?" He always liked Alice, I think she was his favorite. Kind of like a second daughter for him.
"Yeah, but Mike had sent the response card back that we were not attending and he never told me about it." My dad made a face and I could tell he was trying to hide any emotions he may be feeling, including anger.
"Oh it gets better Dad. I also found out that he had been going in my email and deleting anything she sent along with having her number blocked from my phone so she could not call me."
"What an ass. Why would he do that, Alice has always been such a good friend."
"He didn't think it would be a good idea for me to be around Edward."
"Ironic that his intentions to stop you from being by him brought him here." He chuckled to himself. "Is there anything going on with you and Edward? You are still a married woman you know." His eyes flickered to James for a moment.
"Yes, Dad I know. And no there's not. I saw him in my office Thursday, I bumped into him at the store Friday morning and he and Mike had a confrontation in my office Friday afternoon." I left out this morning's episode. "Besides, I think he has a girlfriend and oh I'm married". I rolled my eyes at the last part. Just then my dad work walkie talkie chirped. He talked into and then looked at me.
"I have to get your drunk ass of a husband to the station. Will you be okay tonight? You can stay with me if you need to."
"I'll be fine but thank you." I was 29 years old and my dad still didn't think I should be home alone overnight.
We said our goodbyes and he left. Angela and Ben had walked off somewhere to give me privacy with my dad. Well, as much privacy as you could get in a crowded bar with James at my side.
"Thanks for helping me James. I think I'll be OK." I told him.
"You really should go to the hospital and get checked out." He insisted.
"Ugh, I hate hospitals. Trust me I'll be fine. You don't need to babysit me. Go and try to enjoy your night."
"OK, but if you need anything - call me." he ran his hand up and down my arm for a moment, smiled and walked away. I watched him to the bar where two women began to eye him and make their move.
I tried to let go of the table I was holding on to and stand on my own but I got dizzy and lost my balance. I would have fallen again but someone caught me.
"Easy there. You really should see a doctor." Edward whispered in my ear from behind me.
I turned around and faced him. He had his hands on my waist to steady me. Whatever buzz I had earlier was gone. "What happened outside with Mike?"
He looked away and then back at me. His shoulders shrugged. "Nothing really. Jacob wouldn't let me near him, even when I promised I wouldn't hurt him... much" He laughed at the last part. "I watched as your dad and another cop hauled him into the crusier. Then Jacob and I explained what happened and your Dad rushed in here.
I had my hands on his chest, for support I told myself. He was so warm under my touch and my heart was racing so fast I thought it would jump out of chest. It had been so long since someone made me feel this way. "Did you really punch him like Angela said?"
"Oh yeah. Sorry about that. Don't be mad at me Bella… but he just forced himself on you, called you a bitch and punched you! I mean who hits his wife? That is uncalled for. Besides, you know I cannot stand to see you hurt." He tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear and I found myself holding my breath. " I wish I could have done more to him but Jacob held me back." His words rang in my ears. I cannot stand to see you hurt. He came to my rescue. He had to care about me in someway.
Then I remembered something and looked around. "Where's your girlfriend?" I asked. Then I spotted her dancing with some guys I didn't know by the juke box. I bet a girl like her never had to pay for her drinks.
"She's not my girlfriend." He held my eye contact and tightened his grip on my waist slightly. From a distance it probably looked like we were dancing with the way he held me. "I mean she was my girlfriend, briefly, years ago."
I broke his gaze and looked away "Yeah. I know." I mumbled.
"You know..?" he questioned me. Then he took one of his hands, put it under my chin and titled my head back towards him so I couldn't look away.
"Can we go somewhere to talk?" I asked. "I don't feel like this is the right place, in the middle of a dark and crowded bar." he smiled and nodded.
"What about your little, er, boyfriend over there. Would he mind if I stole you away?" he asked playfully as he looked in James' direction. James happened to be looking over at us.
"I don't have any boyfriends… just a husband. James and I work together. He's a good friend who cares about me." Edward was trying to read my face and figure out what I meant by the last part.
"Cares about you..." he trailed off in thought.
Finally he said "Where would you like to go? Want to go back to my house?" I didn't. There were too many memories and some were too fresh for me.
"Would you mind taking me home? Mike's going to be locked up until tomorrow." he thought about it and then agreed. "Let me just tell your friends I am taking you home." He helped me into a chair and walked off to find Angela.
I watched as Tanya danced with all these random guys. She was would look in my direction every once in awhile. When her song was over she strolled over by me. "So you must be Bella." she spat at me and I could smell the beer on her.
"I am." I stated. I didn't want to talk to her.
"You must think you are so great... what with having Edward rush to your side. But you really are not anything special. Actually, you are kind of plain. Just an average plain girl from a plain old town. Edward deserves so much better than. You're beneath him. It makes me sick." Who does this girl think she is? "You are such a waste of time for him." She was leaning over the table staring at me as she insulted me. I was speechless. No one had ever been so mean. After everything that had just taken place, my emotions were out of whack. It took all I had to not let her words cut me. My body wanted to tear up over her insults but I would not allow it.
"Enough Tanya!" Edward said as he pulled her off the table.
"Oh Edward." she smiled at him and ran her hand down his chest. "I'm sorry if the truth hurts baby, but just look at her. She is not worth it. You need to be with someone like me." She leaned in to kiss him and covered her mouth with his hand.
"Tanya, you're drunk as usual. And you are making a fool of yourself as usual. Why don't you find some poor soul to take you home tonight? Then tomorrow leave town. I do not want to see you in Forks again." He pushed her off of him and she stumbled some.
"Fine. But you can't stay here forever. I will be waiting when you come home to Chicago."
"Chicago is not my home." Then he took my hand and helped me up. We walked out of the bar together. He had his arm around my waist to steady me. I couldn't believe I was still weak... or maybe I wasn't that weak but I did enjoy his touch.
I made eye contact with James as I left. He smiled and nodded at me. It seemed that he approved of me leaving with Edward. I was still confused about him. He was a good guy and I did like him. But my feelings for Edward were so strong. That's because you love him!
Jacob was holding the passenger door of an old silver Volvo open for me. He helped me in and kissed my forehead. "I'm sorry you got hurt tonight Bella. I hope that aside from that you had a good time." I put my hand on his cheek and smiled. "Jake, I am having a great time." he understood my meaning and smiled. Then he looked at Edward who just strapped himself into the driver's seat. "Take care of her old friend. She can't afford to break anymore than she already has." he was looking intensely at Edward and Edward was returning the look. "I know. I won't let anything hurt her again." and with that Jake shut my door and walked away.
We drove to my house in silence, just listening to classical music on the way.