Chapter Twelve – The Confrontation
Edward didn't hint where they were going, but only said to pack enough for a two night stay. He rescheduled his Monday meetings, and then called Alice to report that Bella wouldn't be there. Alice giggled and gave her approval as if she had that power ranking.
She realized soon enough where they were heading to Port Angeles at a beach house.
"I didn't pack any bathing suits."
"It's alright. There's a small boutique that my friend owns in Port Angeles. We'll stop there first before heading towards the beach house."
"I could have saved money and brought mine."
"Don't worry. I dragged you out here, so let me treat."
He grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips and kissed her hand.
"Well, at least let me pay for the rental."
He gave a small chuckle, "It's not a rental."
"Oh." Of course it wasn't, it was a house owned by Edward. He could afford such extravagant expenses like a beach house.
Mrs. Cullen and Sue had joined them as well, and Bella was delighted to have company especially for such a long drive. She had such interesting conversations with Mrs. Cullen because she was so eager to share Edward's life.
Edward evidently was a curious kid growing up who almost burned the house down. As he entered high school, he was the quarterback jock who always got himself into trouble though it was for defending the kids who were bullied. His college years were partying excessively, yet he still managed to remain an honors student. Still the popular kid after college, he was the one that women flocked to be with.
Mrs. Cullen's eyes lit up when she talked about Edward's women, "Handsome son of mine, but his head was never smart with the ladies."
Bella tried hard not to laugh out loud and Edward was embarrassed at his mom's honesty.
"Mom, can we please not talk about this in front of Bella. I've learned my lesson."
"You better have or else I'm going to will off the business to this smart girl right here."
Edward couldn't believe it. His mom was already emotionally invested with Bella. He was trying hard not to laugh in front of his mom. She seemed serious about it.
He looked at Bella and whispered, "She'll forget it by tomorrow, so don't think you've inherited the company."
After an eventful rest of the drive, they finally arrived at the boutique located at an outside strip mall. It was a small store that housed mostly beach clothing.
Mrs. Cullen and Sue stepped next door to the frozen yogurt store and would wait for Edward and Bella to purchase her bathing suit.
As they opened the door into the boutique, the bell chimed and Bella stepped towards the women's clothing while Edward headed to the restroom.
She looked through the bathing suits and saw the prices. Her eyes widen at the prices. It was worth her month's rent. She would never spend this amount on such a small piece of clothing material. She decided to look for a clearance rack, but instead noticed a tall blonde woman talking with Edward. She was attractive and her skin glowed from the sun kissed tan. She placed her hand on his biceps and was extremely friendly with him. He smiled at her and responded to her flirtatious touches.
He finally saw Bella and smiled at her and waved his hand for her to go over there. Bella didn't know if she should ignore him or walk over there. She decided to continue looking through the bathing suits. She grabbed two bathing suits, a white and a black, off the rack and walked towards them. The blonde beauty still had her hands on him.
Bella felt a sudden hint of jealousy. She didn't want to because she trusted Edward, but still it got under her skin.
"Bella, come here. This is Victoria. She's my friend who owns this boutique."
Bella smiled at Victoria and saw the radiant smile that Victoria returned. She didn't seem phased at all by Bella's presence.
He placed his arms around Bella's waist as Victoria's hand fell off his arm.
"Victoria, this is Bella, my girlfriend." Edward had the biggest smile she had ever seen.
Bella and Victoria both stopped smiling. It was the first time Edward called Bella his girlfriend. They never spoke about what they were to each other. Sure, she loved him and he loved her, but it was never discussed.
"Your girlfriend? I didn't know you were that type, Edward. Soon you're going to be tied down. Whatever about your lifestyle?"
"Don't be foolish, Victoria. I can't be a bachelor my whole life. No. Bella changed all that."
He looked down at Bella and winked at her. Bella didn't know if that meant she should play along or if he was being serious?
"Victoria, your boutique is lovely."
"Thank you." She gave Bella the most piercing look that could shoot out daggers.
"Well, I'd like to purchase these two."
Bella handed Victoria the bathing suits. They walked to the register and Bella took out her credit card. Edward grabbed the card from Bella, but she pushed with all her strength and handed it to Victoria.
"Bella, I said I would take care of this."
She gave him the death stare, and he gave a look of disappointment.
"That will be $1,584.00."
"Victoria, put that on my account. End of discussion."
Holy shit. Why would anyone pay that much? Bella had never spent that much on herself for two items alone.
Victoria wasn't impressed with Edward's tactic. He was splurging on Bella and she didn't agree with it.
Once Victoria bagged the items, they left the store but not before Victoria could call out to Edward, "It's always great seeing you back here. Those late nights will be missed."
Bella didn't even turn around to hear Victoria thank her. If anything, Bella wanted to thank Victoria for opening her eyes to Edward's playmates.
They walked over to the yogurt shop and Bella kept looking straight ahead and walked towards Mrs. Cullen and Sue.
"Bella, come on. What is this about? Please don't say Victoria. She is no one but a friend."
Mrs. Cullen smiled at them, "That Victoria is still a bitch, huh?"
Bella stopped in her tracks. She couldn't believe what she just heard from Mrs. Cullen.
"Mom, please. You're not helping the situation. That was a long time ago and means nothing, plus it was all a misunderstanding."
"Son, just cause your mom forgets things doesn't mean she forgets everything. That crazy blonde girl. It's no wonder I'll never step into that store of hers."
Bella was left speechless. She didn't know what to say to Edward. Who was Victoria to Edward?
Edward stepped in front of Bella and held her shoulders so she couldn't move anymore. He looked directly at her eyes, "Bella, please. I'll tell you everything later, but please don't be mad at me. It happened a long time ago and we've all moved on."
Bella didn't know what to think. She had no right to judge his past. She knew he had one, but she never thought she would cross paths with one of them.
"I'd like some frozen yogurt please." That's all the words that came out of her mouth. She didn't want to be so haste about this, but whatever happened left a bad impression with Mrs. Cullen. What if one day Bella would have that effect on Mrs. Cullen? No, she thought. Bella was not self-absorbed like Victoria.
After the yogurt store, they finally made it to the beach house. Bella had been to the Outer Banks before, but never to the area where there was limited access. It was only by four-wheel drive that you were allowed here. When they first drove up to the property, Bella couldn't close her mouth. The oceanfront home was beyond beautiful. The light colors with the serene accent colors calmed you the moment you walked up the stairs.
The property was owned by Edward, and it was a home specifically built for Mrs. Cullen. A private retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.
Sue took Mrs. Cullen into her room for her afternoon nap. Bella thought this would be the perfect opportunity to step out to the beach as Edward was unloading the truck.
The salty air Bella inhaled was like a breath of fresh air. The ocean waves crashing the shore looked like lovers intertwined for the first time. She looked down at her bare feet as her toes dug into the soft sand. Why didn't she visit the ocean more often?
"Daydreaming much?"
She heard the camera shutter clicking away, and turned away with a smile. Edward came behind her and wrapped his arms around Bella's waist and placed a kiss behind her ear.
"Thank you, Edward. Usually when I'm at the beach, I'm surrounded by hundreds. But here, it's so isolated and serene. I can actually hear my thoughts out loud."
"And what are your thoughts saying out loud?"
"That everything was too perfect. You, me. I knew it had been too easy."
"Why do you say it in a past tense?"
Bella shook her head. "Life hasn't always been kind to me, and now I realized I need to be more cautious."
"You never have to worry about me, Bella. I'll never hurt you."
"For some odd reason, I believe you, Edward."
"Bella, about Victoria."
"I don't need to hear it, Edward. What happened in the past is just that. The past. I don't want to dwell on what happened because whatever did happen between you and her doesn't reflect how I feel about you now in the present."
Edward felt a sense of relief but he didn't ever want Bella to question his faith. "Bella, if anything, I was vulnerable and learned from my mistakes. I forgive people because it's what I know to do."
"I know, Edward. I know you're selfless. I've witnessed it between you and your mother. I don't need to see it anywhere else and I don't need you to defend yourself. That would be questioning my trust, and I trust you, Edward."
He believed her but he also felt she was still holding something.
"We almost got married. Victoria and I. She claimed she was pregnant and I was the father. However, when I learned she faked her pregnancy, I didn't see the need to get married anymore. She was hurt. She thought I loved her, but I was only trying to be righteous."
"Edward, I'm so sorry."
"What are you sorry for?"
"Because she was conniving and you could have been trapped. How did you know she wasn't pregnant?"
"It was her mom who found out the truth. Victoria was still on her menstrual cycle, so her mom forced her to take a test. It came back negative. Her mom called my mom and they talked it out. My mom told me to stay away from Victoria, but I didn't want to. I still cared for her and honestly thought at that time it was love. But it wasn't. It was some teenage kid who was infatuated with summer love."
"I'm assuming she's not over you?"
"We're friends now and have moved pass our years as kids."
"Then what did she mean about those late nights will be missed?"
Edward took a deep breath in and hoped it wouldn't sound wrong, "She and I still remained together during my visits here, but there were no attachments. We both have an understanding for one another."
Bella raised her eyebrow out of curiosity.
"I assure you, Bella, there's only you now. I haven't been back here in over a year."
"I thought I was the complicated one, but I believe you've got me beat."
"Do you think any less of me now that you know?"
"I knew you had a history with the ladies, but I honestly thought I would never confront one who still has the emotional and physical attachment to you."
"There's nothing between Victoria and me, but a platonic relationship."
"But the last time you were here, it was sexual?"
"Yes, it was."
Bella tried not to let it get to her. She didn't know him then so she couldn't possibly be upset. There was no need to overreact.
She simply looked out to the ocean waves and let the water hit her feet.
"Bella, you're quiet. Please tell me what you're thinking."
He seemed nervous. How did she really feel? He didn't want her to push away not when everything that has happened was going so well.
"Nothing, really."
"So you're not mad?"
"No, why would I be mad?"
"You're not even slightly jealous?"
"Should I be?"
Edward was stunned. The women he had known were usually dramatic, yet she was so calm. He was a bit hurt; however, he was thankful because he didn't want the crazy drama.
"No, you shouldn't be. But okay, maybe my pride hurts a Jasper bit because you're not jealous."
"Maybe I am or maybe I'm not. I don't know. I've never been in a scenario where I was ever jealous of anyone."
"Then please don't be. If you ever want to ask me anything, just ask. I'll always give the honest answer."
She took his hand and held it tight, "Come on. Let's dive into the waters and wash away this entire somber mood."
They both went back into the house and he gave her a quick tour. The house was filled with oceanic themes throughout, and there were panoramic views of the ocean at every angle.
Bella finally slipped into her white bathing suit and headed out to the balcony. She watched as the waves were craving for her to jump through them.
Edward opened the balcony door and saw the back of Bella. She chose the most perfect one piece bathing suit. It hugged her curves and he didn't know if he wanted to go for a swim anymore. He had to remain steady.
"How do you expect me to focus on swimming when you're leaning against the balcony wearing that?"
She turned around and saw his gracious smile. She wasn't use to all the remarks.
"The bathing suit is compliments of an overpowering CEO who likes to have his ways."
"No, if this CEO could have his ways, it wouldn't be the beach as his first choice."
"Edward! Sue is in the house."
"She can't hear with the sound of the waves."
He walked towards her and leaned down to kiss her. It felt like an eternity since he last felt her lips. He could tell she missed his caresses too as she leaned in on him.
He leaned back and her eyes were still closed, "How soon do you think we'll be back?"
She opened her eyes and wanted to pinch him for his sexual advances.
For the rest of the afternoon, they dived into the ocean and enjoyed basking in the sun. It felt like a secluded island since no one was around except the wild horses gracing by.
Bella needed this escape. She had already forgotten the reason why she was feeling so somber earlier in the morning with Jerry. She was a people pleaser her whole life, and it was nice for a change that Edward had taken over and wanted her to breathe a little.
When they went back into the house, Sue had already prepared dinner. She was absolutely thoughtful, and Bella didn't know if she could get used to having someone prepare her meals for her.
Once they showered up, they sat for dinner. Bella learned more about Sue, and realized Sue wouldn't change anything about her role with the Cullens. Mrs. Cullen and Sue's relationship over time were more friends than anything else.
As Sue prepared the desserts, Mrs. Cullen continued her story about Victoria. Evidently, Mrs. Cullen wasn't too fond of Victoria and knew that girl had something brewing towards her son.
"I warned Edward about blondie, but he thought I was too harsh on her."
"Mom, please. Must we always talk about her when we come to the beach?"
Edward tried hard not to laugh because it was true. She gave him a hard look.
"She always finds her way here every time we come."
"Mom, again. I might have to force you to sleep early tonight. Can we please talk about something else? How about Bella? Isn't she lovely?"
Mrs. Cullen looked at Bella and smiled. "Please forgive my son for his promiscuous lifestyle. He thinks I don't know it but I'm his mother. I know everything." She gave Bella a wink and Bella literally spit out her wine.
"Mom! Do you really want me to be single for the rest of my life?"
Edward and Bella exchanged looks. He had a worried look on his face, but Bella released an infectious laughter that filled the room.
"Mrs. Cullen, thank you for the forewarning. I assure you; I'm a grown woman and can defend for myself."
"Alright, then I guess it truly is time for me to rest my eyes then. All this talking has gotten me tired."
That evening after Sue and Mrs. Cullen retreated to their room, Edward and Bella headed back out to the ocean and started a small bonfire.
Bella sat down and Edward stood beside her, "Is this spot taken?" He pointed down at her lap and smiled.
He sat himself down and rested his head on her lap. She loved running her fingers through his hair and teased it while gazing into the ocean.
"Bella."
"Yes."
"If I could, I'd freeze this moment forever. I've never felt more embarrassed and loved at the same time."
She giggled at his comment, "What are you embarrassed about?"
"Well for starters, my dear mother and her honesty."
"I love her for that, and you can truly see she loves you. Your relationship with her should be cherished."
"I do cherish it, and it's made me realize that I want even more moments with you. I want to be greedy and have you all to myself."
"Speaking of which, you called me your girlfriend today."
"I know, I did. But you're more than that."
"What are we, Edward? We've only just met and yet we know so little about each other."
"Does my past scare you?"
"No. It's made you who you are, but will it haunt me in the future? I think that's for me to fight with and me alone."
"I don't want you to do it alone. We have the rest of our future to learn about one another."
"Our future?"
"Yes, haven't you thought that far yet?"
"No, I live each day by day."
Edward seemed disappointed in her answer. Maybe they weren't on the same page in their relationship. Edward knew he wanted Bella forever, but he didn't want to scare her off especially knowing that she didn't see things the way he did.
Edward got up and looked at the empty wine bottle. "I'm going to head back into the house to grab some more wine."
As Edward left, Bella reflected on Edward's comment. She didn't care about the past, but she hadn't thought too much about their future either. She knew she was risking her heart, and she was still learning new things about him every minute. She didn't know if there was a bad bone in his body. Why couldn't she see herself with him?
After contemplating her thoughts, she realized he was taking longer than expected. She decided she needed to use the restroom anyhow, so she started walking towards the house. She had a clear vision into the house and saw the back of Edward's body. He was talking with someone, and the moment she reached the deck, she then realized who it was.
Victoria.
It all happened so quickly, he was holding her arms and next thing Bella saw, Victoria dropped to her knees and began to undo his pants. Bella turned herself around and didn't know where to run. She didn't want to be seen, but she ran into the patio furniture knocking down the umbrella. She hoped neither one of them heard, but as she started running down the steps, she heard the back door open.
Don't turn around, Bella. Just keep running.
"Bella!"
She heard him calling her name, but the tears clouded her thinking. The waves became louder and the ocean became darker. She didn't know it was so hard to run in the sand, but her feet carried her further away.
She thought she was far enough, but then she felt some warmth and weight around her arms. He had caught up to her and held her tight. She couldn't fight him off, but her legs kept kicking the air.
"Let me go!"
"Bella, please. Please stop running."
"Take your hands off of me!"
"No! You're being unfair and need to listen."
She finally stopped kicking and fell to her knees. He still wouldn't release her, and the only thing she knew to do was close her eyes to hide her tears. She was being weak and hated it. She was thankful the darkness hid her face.
"I've been fair to you, Edward. I've sat and listened to your past. I've confronted with your past head on, and now this. You talk about a future yet you're still the same. I will never be enough for you, and I will never allow myself to love someone like you. Ever."
Her tone was cold, and Edward didn't know how to perceive this side of Bella. She had always been soft spoken and full of warmth. But at this moment, she wasn't herself.
"You don't mean that, Bella. You are so quick to judge me. I knew you had already judged my past when you were out with Jasper. You haven't even given me a chance to explain."
"Jasper? Why does it always have to be about Jasper? Is that all you have against me? Even after I've expressed how I felt about you, you still don't trust me. Yet, here you are flaunting your sexual needs in front of me and with your mother and Sue upstairs for crying out loud!"
"Jesus, Bella! I'm not that stupid! Could you please stop and let me explain to you, please! I came back into the house to grab the wine, but Victoria showed up. I had forgotten that I had given her a key to the house. She's begging for me to forget about you. She tried to make an advance at me, but I held her back. She must have seen you through the glass on the deck because next thing I know she's on her knees and trying to undo my pants. I pulled her up and that's when I heard the ruckus in the patio and saw you running. I knew what her intentions were, and so I came as fast as I could to get to you."
He took a moment to catch his breath and looked at her.
"Bella, I meant every single word when I told you that I want you all to myself. When I think about the future, I only see myself with you. There's so much clarity when you're with me. Please believe me, Bella. I love you and hearing you say that you will never allow yourself to love me ever; it was as if a dagger had pierced my soul and I saw no purpose to live."
Bella felt foolish. He was right. She had judged him prior to all this and had trouble getting over his past. She didn't know how to deal with it. She thought she did, but when it hit her, she immediately rejected him without asking him.
They both were on their knees facing each other. He still had his arms around her and didn't let go. He was afraid she was going to run again. She then placed her arms around his waist and lifted her head up to kiss him. She kissed him hard and he reciprocated her advances. She pushed him hard and he fell on his back onto the sand. She was controlling their every move and he gave in to her.
He could still taste the sweet wine they were drinking and their tongues danced around each other as if they thirsted for more. He finally rolled her over to her back and kissed her jawline and neck. He rubbed his hands over breast and started to pull her shirt up. He knew he had to stop before they would get themselves in trouble. He pulled himself up as she propped herself with her elbows. Her heavy breathing brought her breasts to rise up and down. Her eyes were tantalizing and her lips bruised from their kissing. He couldn't believe he was going to end this moment of passion.
"I want you so badly right now, Bella. But we'll be in a lot of trouble if we don't stop now."
She agreed with him and nodded her head. She brushed her hair down as best as she could with her fingers. She then took his hand that he offered her.
They walked back to the house and she didn't realize how far she had ran. When they arrived at the deck, she saw the knocked down furniture. She felt horrid at the scene.
"It looks like a crime scene. I'm so sorry, I hope I didn't destroy anything."
"Just my heart was destroyed, but it healed pretty quickly."
She pinched him for his satirical remark, but she knew he meant well.
She stopped him before they entered the house.
"Edward, I'm sorry for ever doubting you. I'm not use to this sort of attention that comes with a relationship."
"Just promise to never walk out on me."
"I promise."
As they entered the house, Victoria stood up from the chair. She had been crying and her hair was tangled probably from crying while lying on the sofa. Bella couldn't believe this woman. Mrs. Cullen was right. This woman was a piece of work.
She came running towards Edward, but he stopped her in her tracks.
"Victoria. You need to leave, and you need to leave your keys. There's no reason for you to be here anymore."
Her face looked like it melted hearing those words from Edward.
"Edward, please don't do this. You don't know what you're talking about. This girl can't give you what I've always given to you. All those years and nights that we've made love, it meant something to you. I know because you always came back for more."
Bella couldn't believe the words coming out of her mouth. She was spitting out whatever she could to get to Bella. Bella knew her tactics. She finally stepped forward to face Victoria, but Edward used his arm to block Bella.
Bella moved Edward's arm out of the way. "Victoria, Edward's already told me everything about you. Your lies, secrets and games you've played to try and trap him. He no longer needs you because he has something real with me. It's love not some sex call during the nights."
Victoria wanted to claw out Bella's face but she tried to play the victim. "Edward, how could you let this cheap girl talk about me like that. I know you know me better than anyone else."
He looked at Victoria and felt sorry for her. It was his fault for leading her on, but tonight he saw how conniving she was.
"Victoria, I finally saw you for who you really are tonight. You knew Bella was on the deck and you purposely made it look like I wanted you. I don't want to ever see you again."
"No. No, Edward. You don't mean it. We have history. She'll never be half the woman I am. Look at her. She's short and plain to the eyes."
"Stop it, Victoria!" He shouted so loud, Bella thought he was going to wake up the whole house.
"What you see as short and plain, I see as beauty surpassing yours by a hundredfolds. Now leave before I throw you out!"
Victoria buried her cries into her hands and ran towards the door. Before she reached the door, Edward called out her name once more, "Victoria!"
She thought he changed his mind and smiled at him.
With the coldest tone she's ever heard from Edward, his last words to her were spoken, "Leave the key to the house."
She gasped and took the key off her keychains. She threw it onto the table and walked out the door slamming it.
Bella couldn't believe what unfolded in front of her. She's never had confrontations with anyone and her knees wanted to give in on her. She took a deep breath and looked up at Edward.
"Bella. I've never had a woman stand up for me. My God, I've never wanted you more now than before."
He picked her up and claimed her lips. She didn't have time to respond as he lifted her up and took her into their room. That evening, Bella solidified her entire feelings for Edward. She was his forever and wanted him to know, but for now she wanted to lose herself in his arms.
***
Thank you for reading! What did you think about Victoria? Crazy, right?
-KL
