House Of Cards

August 2011

I set my keys down on the kitchen bench, the house was dark so I knew Edward was probably working late. He's done it quite often this last week, I tried to shrug it off. There was a lot to sort out before the move. I had my hands full at work myself trying to get everything ready since I had decided I was going to take a few years off, or perhaps indefinitely to focus on the baby.

I had had my first ultrasound today though, he had said he'd be there. I guess he forgot. I had thought he'd be home at least to see the pictures. Not that there was much to see. Just a blurry image, that almost resembled a baby. But it was our baby and I thought he might have wanted to see.

I hesitated to pick up the house phone, I didn't want bug him at work, it was only eight though and if tonight was anything like the previous week he wouldn't be home for another five hours. I had already waited nine hours to have the chance to show it to him though and I didn't want to fall asleep without him seeing them.

I picked up the phone and dialled his cell first and when I was immediately put through to his voice mail I tried his work number, only having to wait a small moment before his secretary, Heidi answered the phone.

"Mr. Cullen's office. How can I help you?" Her voice was pleasant enough as she answered my call, I knew that would change once she realised it was me.

"Hi, it's Bella. Could you put me through to, Edward. I tried his cell, but couldn't get through."

"I'm sorry," she didn't sound sorry, she sounded smug. "Mr. Cullen hasn't been in this past week." I tried not to let her sickeningly sweet get to me, but I really just wanted to hit her. "Can I take a message?"

"No." I hung up before she could say any more and threw the phone down onto the counter. I went over to the cupboard and yanked a wine bottle down. I just stared at it for a minute before my hand fell to my stomach. I took a deep breath and set the bottle back down. Reminding myself it wouldn't be good for the baby.

I don't know how long I just stood there staring at the bottle and rubbing my tummy absent mindedly when heard the door open. It must have been a while though. He walked in staring down at his phone with a small smile, not noticing me at first, but then he glanced up and looked a little started to see me standing there, quickly slipping his phone into his back pocket.

"What are you doing up so late?" He questioned taking a step around the kitchen island, closer to me, but I took one back in response and he stopped, a small frown gracing his lips, "is everything okay, Bella?"

"Where were you, Edward?" I asked in a small voice.

"Work, I'm sorry it's been so hectic. With sorting out the move and everything it's-" I held my hand up to stop him and shook my head, willing the tears not to fall.

"I called Hiedi, she said you hadn't been in all week." His went up to pull his hair and I almost laughed at the tell tail sign that he was about to lie to me. So I spoke again without giving him a chance to say anything. "Or where were you on Monday? You know when you got a text from Tanya saying it'd be okay to go around to the house, as well as telling you she loved you and you suddenly had to work late?" His eyes widened at that and he shook his head.

"I did go around to her house, okay?" He admitted with a grimace. "Nothing happened though, she kissed me and I pushed her away. I swear, Bella. I just needed to pick up some paperwork I left in my office. I don't even know why she wrote that she loved me. It was probably just a force of habit."

"So, why didn't you just tell me, instead of lying about it?" I demanded angrily. He went to step towards me again. But I stepped back quickly, keeping the island between us.

"I didn't want you to worry over nothing," he rubbed his hand on his forehead with a heavy sigh.

"You could cheat with me, what's to stop you from cheating on me?" he shook his head in frustration and I flinched when he slammed his fist against the island.

"I'd never do that to you, Bella." He argued.

"I need to be alone right now." I grabbed my keys of the table and went to go towards the door.

"Please, just let me explain thin-" he stepped in front of me and went to take me in his arms, but I pushed him away.

"I can't do this right now." I stepped around him, but he moved to block my path again.

"Bella, I just." He froze when I looked up at him and he caught sight of the tears I had tried so hard not to let fall. I wiped them away angrily.

"I can't be around you right. I need to get out of here." His eyes dimmed and he nodded, but stepped in my way again when I tried to leave.

"I'll go." He said with a sigh, "I don't want you out so late, something could happen." I went to argue with him, but he held up his hand to stop me, "if you can't stay for me, then think about the baby. It's cold out there and late. Please, Bella." I found myself nodding and he sighed in relief. "I'll give you tonight. I'll be home tomorrow night and we talk about this when we're both more calm."

I nodded again and didn't move as he placed a kiss on my forehead, "If you don't believe anything else tonight, just believe this, Bella. I do love you, more than I've ever loved anything and I'll prove that to you. No matter what it takes."

He turned away from me then and walked out the room, a minute later I heard the door close and closed into a sopping mess on the floor. Why did feel like I literally just let my heart walk out the front door?

So, I know I haven't updated in a while. My grandfather passed away on Thursday, so I've been in a pretty depressed mood and not felt like writing, but I'm back! Next chapter will be in Edward's POV. And thanks for reading :)