Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of the characters they belong to Stephenie Meyer; I just like to use the characters for my own twisted amusement.
Thank you for all the reviews, story alerts and favourite stories, I hope I can keep you happy and interested with the rest of the story. I am overwhelmed with the response I have had to the last chapter. Thank you very much for reading this story and I am pleased you are enjoying it.
Also sorry it is so late being posted, but I went away last week and there was no internet connection.
Fool Me Twice Chapter 11 – August Part 1
I sat down at a table a steaming hot mug of coffee cupped in my hands. Despite the warm drink and the warm night, I could not stop shivering. His voice kept filtering through my mind, his face twisted in hate. I could still hear his voice as clear as day as he told me how thick and stupid I was. Or how no one else would ever want me because of how fat and ugly I was.
I hugged my mug tighter to my body, bending my head over it. As it sloshed over the rim and seeped through my blouse to my skin, I didn't feel the hot liquid. I felt cold and alone.
"Are you alright hon?" I heard Meg say.
"Fine," I nodded, not looking up from staring at my coffee mug.
"Well you don't sound fine."
"Honest I'm Ok."
"Can I get you anything to eat?"
"No just keep the coffee coming."
"Will do."
I heard her footsteps as she moved away from me. As I lost myself in previous memories, of a life I tried to bury forever. Of all the people in the world why did James have to be Edward's old College buddy? I had enough of James to last me a lifetime or two, but to have him come back into my life now it felt like a cruel fucking joke. I laughed darkly to myself.
God must really hate me? Am I never going to be allowed happiness? Shit how did my life get so fucked up?
I don't know how long I spent in the diner but when I finally decided it was time to go. The sun was just starting to peek through the night sky. I slowly made my way back to my apartment. My shoulders felt heavy like they had the worries of the world on them. What am I saying at the moment I have got the worries of the world on them. What had me most concerned was did James recognise me, if he did would he tell Edward and would he try to make my life a living hell once more? I really don't think I was strong enough to put up with his shit anymore.
I never really took any notice of the walk back to the apartment, I was in a daze. What did surprise me were the three anxious faces that stood up the moment I walked through the door.
"Hi," I greeted them weakly as I stood staring blankly at the floor, waiting for them to start their verbal assaults, but nothing came.
I looked up at them totally bewildered.
"What happened?" Alice asked as she moved forward to comfort me.
"Nothing," I replied stepping backwards away from her comforting touch.
"Bella you stormed out of the club like your ass was on fire," Jasper interjected.
"I was just tired."
"So where have you been?" Jasper asked sarcastically. "You must have been so tired to stop out till four in the morning."
"You aren't my dad." I snarled back at him.
"So cut the shit and tell us what the hell is going on?"
"Fuck off Jasper," I spat out then turned my now angry gaze on Edward, "What the fuck are you doing here?"
"I was worried about you," he replied stepping towards me holding his hand out.
"Worried about me?" I snorted, "do me a favour and don't."
"Bella?" Edward asked the hurt evident in his voice.
"I CANNOT TAKE ANY MORE OF YOUR SHIT SO LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE AND STAY OUT OF MY LIFE!" I screamed at him and stormed off into my bedroom slammed the door behind me and flung myself onto the bed and eventually cried myself to sleep.
When I finally awoke and rejoined the land of the living. The sun was high in the sky and seeped through my curtains, which made my room look like an old fashioned ballroom with one of those giant disco balls sending spears of light all around the room.
I knew I had to get up but I really didn't want to face anyone. I really made a fool of myself last night, shouting my mouth off. Even if a certain green eyed bastard did deserve it and more besides.
I quickly went to the bathroom then made my way into the lounge, Alice sat on one end of the couch her legs curled up under her, I smiled as I realised she was wearing her pj's.
"I thought we could have a pj day," she said as I sat down next to her. "I made you a coffee."
"Thanks." I replied as I reached out and took the steaming mug off the coffee table.
We sat in silence as I slowly drank my coffee, not daring to glance her way. Once I had finished I popped it back on to the table then sunk into the couch, feeling totally drained from last night's emotional rollercoaster.
"So?" Alice said softly.
"So," I sighed.
"What happened Bella?"
I finally looked at her and really wished I hadn't. Her brows were furrowed in concern and she was frowning, her head cocked to the left waiting for me to answer.
I sighed heavily before I finally stuttered out, "It...Was...Him..."
"Who's him?"
"JAMES!" I shouted in agony as I threw my arms around her and sobbed uncontrollably.
"Shush Bella," Alice whispered as she gently stroked my hair as I hiccupped and sobbed against her chest. Finally, once I was all cried out, I pulled away and unceremoniously wiped my snotty nose with the back of my hand, then rubbed it dry against my leg.
"I'm sorry." I said hoarsely, my throat sore and dry from all the crying I had done.
"For the love of god Bella tell me what's been going on?"
"Did Jasper ever tell you about my boyfriend before I ever met him?
"Not really." She replied but she looked anywhere but at me.
"Did he tell you about James?" I asked again.
"Ok. Yes he did," she sighed in defeat. "He told me what a scumbag he was and how timid you were when he first met you."
"Well Edward's friend was my James."
"YOU ARE FUCKING KIDDING ME!" She screeched.
I just shook my head sadly as tears started falling from my eyes again, I angrily swiped at them.
"But..." She said shaking her head.
"I had to get away from him I don't even know whether he recognised me."
"I don't know what to say," she said shaking her head as she pulled me closer to her in a tight hug. We rocked to and fro for lord knows how long. Until finally she pulled away her face full of concern, "Please don't mention it to Edward or Jasper."
"I don't have any intention of telling Jasper." I muttered.
"Please I am begging you don't tell Edward either." She pleaded.
"Why would I tell Edward?"
"He was so concerned when you ran out on him last night."
"Don't worry Alice I would not want to ruin his wonderful friendship with a fellow scumbag."
"Do you really think he would put James before you?" She asked in astonishment.
"Are you fucking real?" I could not believe what I was hearing.
"Bella, I know my brother is a total sleaze but he is not in the same league as James,"
"That's a matter of opinion."
"He does care."
"Then why does he continue to build me up with his words and his gestures letting me feel that there is something between us only to go and fuck my stepsister right in front of my face?"
"One name Jacob Black."
"What's Jake got to do with Edward fucking Leah?"
"He had been drinking saw you with Jake, then when you didn't turn up he did what he does best."
"Fuck some random bitch."
"I know it's no excuse but him and Jacob have got some hidden vendetta with each other."
"But what's that got to do with Leah?"
"You mean no one told you, Jake and Leah were living together as a couple."
I sat there stunned. Why the fuck hadn't anyone told me?
"You really didn't know?"
I shook my head stunned.
"Someone should have told you"
"I understand why but it still stings."
"Will you tell me about your relationship with James?"
"As long as you give me something to drink/"
So that afternoon Alice and I sat pouring our hearts out to each other. I told her about James and how badly he treated me. Then I finished with how I found him in bed with this woman named Victoria.
"He married her, the bitch." Alice slurred taking another swig of wine.
"Well they do deserve each other," I replied on a hiccup. Then covered my mouth with my hand and giggled.
"She really is a vile woman; she is always coming onto Edward or Jasper."
"I bet she still thinks she is better than everyone else." I muttered.
"That she does."
"Alice, can I ask you something?"
"What?" She hiccupped back.
"Why is Edward such a Manwhore?"
"That is a very good question." She said with a thoughtful face and an index finger resting on her lower lip as she tried to think.
"But will you answer?"
"I suppose."
"Good."
She took a swig of wine from the bottle and swallowed as I patiently waited for her to answer.
"When we first moved to Forks Edward hated it then he met Jake and they got on like a house on fire."
My eyes widened in surprise, No way!
"They were almost inseparable, then school started and he met Jane," she sighed sadly.
"Jane Volturri?" I croaked out.
"The one and only," she laughed bitterly. "Edward never stood a chance, she wanted him and she always got what she wanted."
"How did he survive that man eating bitch?"
"He lost his pride and his best friend not to mention his bitch of a girlfriend."
"His best friend?"
"Jacob and Edward were inseparable at one point until he slept with Jane and helped break Edward's heart."
"Jake slept with Jane?" I managed to choke out.
"Yeah."
"Why? He hated her, because of what she did to me."
I noticed Alice's eyes narrow as she looked at me. "He always said it was nothing personal to Edward, he just wanted revenge."
"Shit!" I said, as I shook my head in disgust before finally hiding my face with my hands. What a total fucked up mess, "I know why he wanted revenge."
"Why?"
"I was seeing Alec, Jane's step-brother." I gulped and tried to rein the tears back in, "I caught them in his car, fucking the shit out of each other at junior prom."
"Holy fuck!" Alice said her mouth gapping as she looked at me in shock.
"Why can't anything in my life ever be simple?"
"There's no fun in that."
"I am so fed up of fun." I picked up the wine bottle to take a drink but it was empty, "I need more drink."
"I think we might have one more bottle."
We stumbled into the kitchen together and fell on the floor laughing when we tripped up over each others' feet. "Why is the room spinning?" Alice asked from on top of me.
"I don't know, but stop it."
"Do you think we have had enough to drink?"
I went to look at my watch but started laughing again when I realised I wasn't wearing it. My giggling set Alice off and we just rolled about on the kitchen floor in hysterics.
What finally stops us was someone clearing their throat in the lounge. We scrambled up as quickly as a drunken woman could, both of us slipping a couple of times, which meant more giggles.
"Are you two coming in here or what?" Jasper's annoyed voice carried through into the kitchen.
We put our hands to our mouths to try and stop ourselves giggling anymore.
We both walked into the lounge looking down at the floor, both of us feeling slightly guilty.
"How much have you had to drink?" He asked us, his hands on his hips glaring at us.
"Just the odd glass or two." Alice slurred.
"Plus we had something to eat." I piped up.
Alice turned to me in confusion. "We did?" She asked loudly.
"You mean you have been drinking without food?" Jasper bellowed at us. Making us both cringe.
"Sorry," we muttered.
"I think you should both go to bed." Jasper sounded really annoyed.
"Jazz, baby please," Alice crooned at him and tried to stroke his face with her finger. Instead she slapped him.
"Oops." I said before I could stop myself, earning me a glare from Jasper.
"I'm going to bed," I muttered then staggered towards my room, using the walls as my guide.
I didn't even bother to close my door I flopped onto my bed, hiding my face into the pillow hoping the sudden bout of nausea would disappear. I could hear Jasper shouting at Alice but I could not understand what was being said. Then a door slammed and finally Alice staggered into my room and flopped down next to me.
"Jasper is a bit pissed." Alice stated.
"So are we." I replied setting us off into another fit of giggles.
Once we had calmed down Alice looked at me I think she was going for a serious look but her eyes were half closed, "Give him time and he will come around."
"I know Jasper's bark is worse than his bite."
"No I mean Edward."
"Look Alice I don't want to go there anymore."
"I don't believe you."
"He has hurt me enough already and we're not even a couple."
"He was almost married once."
"He was?"
"He met her at University. He actually met her through James's wife Victoria."
"I bet that was a match made in heaven."
"She really did seem nice. She charmed the whole family my father included."
"What happened?"
"She wanted a doctor with more potential."
"What?" I could not believe what I was hearing.
"One minute she tells Edward she is pregnant with his baby, he was so excited about the prospects of becoming a father. Then she rang him from Vegas saying she had married a fellow University friend, had been seeing him as long as she was seeing Edward."
"Why did she do it?"
"He was going to be a plastic surgeon in L.A. of all places and she just saw dollar signs."
"She sounds nice."
"She broke him in so many ways."
"I bet she did."
"Something you should know though."
"What?" I said sleepily.
"He never looked at either of them the way he looks at you."
"Yeah Ok." I muttered not really listening as my eyes closed and I drifted off to sleep.
When I woke the following morning my face was literally stuck to the pillow, how embarrassing was that I had drooled in the night. What really surprised, Alice was still laying next to me. I heard her groan in agony.
"Alice are you Ok?"
"I am never drinking again," she groaned again turning her head further into the pillow.
"We always say that."
"I mean it this time."
"We always say that also."
"Bella shut up."
"We have to go to work."
"No way, I am dying here."
She had a point and I lay back down and closed my eyes.
"Bella wake up." I could hear Alice's voice but it seemed miles away. I tried to turn over but then I felt like I was being rocked, which was not helping my weakened status.
"Bella we are going to be late."
"What?" I asked groggily.
"It's quarter to nine. If we don't hurry we are going to be late."
"I'm not going, I am dying."
"Bella come on please."
Finally I begrudging got up and dressed for work. We finally poled in at about nine thirty, luckily my boss was off, but working with a hangover was a real bitch! A few times during the day I rested my head against the cool surface of my desk and closed my eyes. But some evil pixie kept coming by and banging something down on my desk to wake me.
I still felt like crap after dinner, my stomach churned, my head throbbed and to make matters worse someone kept ring me. Every time I answered it the evil shit, whoever it was kept hanging up. I had just put my head down on the desk once more, just too easy my aching head. When I heard someone cough annoyingly behind me. I ignored it but they did it again. I slowly raised my head and came face to face with a beautiful bouquet of Pink roses. Suddenly a man's head popped up from behind the bouquet. "Are you Isabella Swan?"
"Err...Yeah." I stammered, these flowers could not possibly be for me.
"These are yours." He shoved the bouquet into my hands and smiled. "Enjoy."
To say I was stunned was an understatement, I was absolutely flabbergasted. I just sat there open mouthed staring at the beautiful flowers, the smell was breath taking.
"What the fuck?" Alice stated.
"I know." I beamed.
"Who are they from?"
"I don't know."
"Well is there a card?" She asked as if she was talking to a simpleton.
"That was going to be my next task."
Alice beat me to it as she pulled out a little white envelope from the middle of the bouquet. She opened it and turned away from me to read it. I put the flowers on my desk and jumped up out of my seat trying to snatch it out of her hand, but she was predicting this and moved out of my reach with a laugh.
"What does it say?" I asked. I suddenly noticed that there seemed to be an awful lot of people hanging around my desk for some reason.
"To my Bella, I will have you in my bed again but this time it will be permanently."
"Who are they from?"
"There is no name other than yours on the card."
A sudden creepy feeling came over me it felt like a thousand spiders crawling over my skin as the panic slowly started to take over my train of thought. James knew it was me and sent them just to prove a point. He knew that he still had power over me.
I took a deep breath and reached for my handbag, looking for the number Alice had given me for the Therapist. Once I had found the number I fingered the paper before I finally picked my phone up and dialled the number. I managed to arrange an appointment for Friday.
This would mean I would have to change my Friday night Training Session, which I wasn't sure how Felix would react to this. I had not seen him since our disaster date and I was really dreading my session tonight.
I needn't have thought because when I turned up I was now with a woman named Martha, well I think she was a woman. She seemed a wonderful instructor and she gave me a lot of advice about what I needed to do to get myself ready for the beginning of November. She was even nice about my wanting to change my training session from Friday to Saturday.
I was in wonderful spirits by the time I got back to the apartment. Until I found Alice in the foetal position on the couch sobbing her socks off. I rushed over to her and hugged her tightly.
"Alice what's wrong?"
"Jasper!" She managed to hiccup out.
"What about him?"
"We had a big row and he stormed off."
"What about?"
"About you," she sobbed then hugged herself to me and cried uncontrollably.
"Oh, honey, you shouldn't have."
"He wanted to know why you ran off the over night."
"Did he go home?"
"Yes." She said.
"Right!" I said in an authoritive voice as I stood up and made my way to the door.
"Bella no," Alice cried running after me. "He could be there."
"Fine, I won't go." I said getting my cell out and dialling his number. Of course, it went straight to voicemail. So I plucked up courage and dialled Edward's number. While I was doing this our door opened and an extremely sheepish looking Jasper walked in. I quickly disconnected and switched my cell off.
I glared at Jasper as I muttered to Alice I would leave them alone. I gave Alice a quick hug and then gave Jasper the evil eye as I walked passed him.
Later that night I was woken up by their amorous make-up sex. I threw a pillow over my head and hoped it would drown the noises they were making out. Two hours later they were still at it. Didn't these two need sleep? Fuck this. I got up and made my way to the lounge where I switched the TV on loud enough to drown them out.
I suddenly felt a jabbing pain in my arm I moved it to stop the pain only for it to move to my shoulder. I swatted at the area I was in pain and came into contact with something hard. I grunted indignantly as I tried to swat it away again. What confused me is the hard object started to laugh.
"Are you ever going to wake up Bella?"
"Alice?" I asked as the fog started to clear and the bright sunlight warmed my face and I clenched my eyes shut tighter to stop it waking me any further. Then my nose smelt coffee and then it was a lost cause, I was awakened by my caffeine addiction.
"There are muffins too." Alice confirmed as I slowly opened my eyes, blinking a few times to adjust to the bright sunlight streaming through the windows.
"Guilty conscience?"
"You could say."
"I bet you don't feel that guilty."
"I know." She giggled happily.
"Maybe you should stay at Jasper's at the weekend." She suggested.
"I don't know." I really did not want Edward to be there.
"Edward is going to be elsewhere with James."
"I will think about it then."
The next few days were uneventful or should I say almost. How come whenever you are trying to avoid someone, they seem to be everywhere you happen go?
I had to go to the bank Tuesday lunchtime as I needed to sort some money out for my impending singles holiday to Miami that my boss had told me I must go on.
Anyway I was in the queue minding my own business when I took in my surroundings and who should be in the next line along. Yeah you guessed it Edward Fucking Cullen. What was even worse my eye caught his but I looked away instantly in disgust. I hated this man right? Or should I say I wish I hated this man.
But if this is the case why did I find myself looking back at him? As I took in his face, I noticed his frown and I instantly felt guilty for putting it there. I tried to berate myself but it didn't do any good. I still cared whether I wanted to or not. Once I had been served I quickly made my exit hoping I would not meet up with him.
I also got a grilling from Alice when I got home that night. Saying if I wanted to get revenge I was going about it the wrong way. She actually shocked me by giving me some advice.
"Look Bella, he cares about you, he wants you so why not play to that."
"What do you mean?" I asked feeling slightly confused.
"Show him what he is missing. Tease him, provoke him."
"I don't think I have got it in me." I admitted.
"You have got me and Rose to help you."
"I don't think I feel comfortable."
"Trust me Bella, with Rose and I guiding you Edward will be begging for his life by the time we are done."
"So you think I could get the better of him."
"Bella honey you already have."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Are you really that blind?"
"What do you mean?"
"My brother is so far gone on you he doesn't know whether he is coming or going."
"Yeah, right?"
"Bella my brother is in love with you."
"Ha, ha!" I laughed sarcastically, "I'm going to bed night."
I rushed out of the room before she could answer me; I really wasn't ready to hear about Edward's supposed feelings towards me. But that night I found that sleep came sparingly as I tossed and turned. My thoughts on a green eyed Adonis who had a heart of stone but a body to die for. Shame he didn't know how to pleasure a woman!
On my training session on Tuesday, Martha decided to have us jog around Central Park. We had just turned a corner and I noticed Edward jogging ahead of us but he wasn't alone he had James with him. I stumbled slightly when I noticed who he was with. Martha glared at me, so I tried to concentrate on what my feet were doing, but all I kept thinking was please don't turn around, please don't notice me.
Of course, it was me so something was bound to go against me. I did not notice the big Great Dane suddenly run in front of me. All I noticed was the sudden intense pain to the front of my legs and then I was suddenly flat on my back staring at the sky. My head suddenly throbbed where it made contact with the path. Despite all this I was hoping and praying that Edward had not noticed.
"Bella are you Ok?" Martha asked as she suddenly crouched next to me.
I just grunted in pain as I tried to sit up but decided not to as everything started to spin.
"Oh shit! I am so sorry. Are you Ok?" A breathless male voice suddenly sounded right next to me.
I tried open my eyes but they would not comply. The bright sunlight made my head hurt even more.
"Can you sit up?" The voice said, it sounded a little gruff but it was a nice gruff.
I managed to open my eyes this time and I gasped at what was before me. The man was kneeling before me with the sun shining behind him; he looked like an angel with a bright halo. Of course my verbal filter wasn't working.
"Am I in heaven?" I asked stupidly
"No you just banged your head." The guy laughed, he had a perfect laugh.
"Are you sure because you look like an angel."
"Why thank you." He was still laughing.
I instinctively rubbed the back of my head. I touched something hot and sticky, so I pulled my fingers back to the front of my eyes and noticed blood.
"Oh dear my dog really did cause some damage."
"Your dog?" I asked stupidly.
"Yeah Sam my Great Dane got away from me. I really am sorry."
"You should have him on a lead." Martha inputted angrily.
"He is on a lead but he still managed to get away. I really am sorry."
"Oh it's fine." I said.
"Bella you are bleeding he shouldn't let his dog run freely."
"He got away Martha." I reminded her.
"How are you can you stand?" The man interrupted our little disagreement.
"I think so." I replied trying to get up. The moment I tried to stand up my left leg gave way my ankle suddenly throbbing painfully.
"It looks like you may have sprained your ankle." The man stated.
"Are you a doctor?" Martha said sarcastically.
"Yeah," he said sounding sheepish. "Garratt Faulkner I have recently moved here."
"Well what do you suggest now?" Martha asked him.
"Well if you can give me, Bella was it? Address, I will carry her home."
"No I will be fine." I tried to insist.
"Bella you just tried to stand up so I think you need to be carried."
I suddenly really wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole. I tried to look around to make sure that Edward and the Master of Evil formally known as James wasn't in the now gathering crowd. I sighed in relief when there was no sign of either one of the.
I did not realise until it was too late that Garratt had put one arm behind my knees and the other one was behind my back as he lifted me up.
"But I am too heavy." I tried to protest as he started walking towards the exit I would have taken to get home.
"You hardly weigh a thing."
"God this is so embarrassing," I said as I hid my face against his chest.
"I am the one who should be embarrassed about my stupid dog."
"Where is he?"
"My sister took him."
"You were jogging with your sister?"
"Yeah," he replied. "I am new to New York and I am living with her until I can find my own place."
"Sorry I didn't me to pry."
"Well I suppose we need to make some sort of conversation while we walk to your apartment."
"I suppose." I said sheepishly.
"Look Bella I think we should leave the next session until next Wednesday."
"Ok. Sorry Martha."
"It wasn't your fault," Martha said as she glared at Garratt. Then she walked off leaving me alone in Garratt's arms.
We got back to my apartment in relative silence. I really wasn't sure what to say to this guy who I had just met. I mean he was very handsome with his dirty blond short wavy hair. His eyes were icy blue almost translucent. His lips were pink and puffy, almost kissable. But he was no Edward. God, why do I compare every man to him? I hated the fact that I was so hung up on him.
And here I was on this extremely hot doctor's arms and all I could think about was Edward. God Bella get over him!
When we reached my apartment door, he gently lowered me back on my feet, make that foot. I tried putting my left foot down but the pain shot straight up my leg causing my eyes to water. So I opted (pardon the pun) to rest on one leg. Once I opened the door, I hopped in and invited Garratt into the apartment. He seemed almost hesitant as he slowly walked in.
"I won't bite you know."
"I'm sorry," he shrugged his shoulders in apology.
"It's Ok." I said looking at him as I hopped into the lounge.
"Bella what the hell happened to you?" Alice asked. Then her eyes nearly bugged out when she noticed Garratt walk in behind me.
"Alice this is Garratt he carried me home," I could feel a blush creeping up my face.
"What did you do this time?" She said in a bored tone.
"Actually it was my dog." Garratt interjected. "He swept her off her feet."
"Oh wow!"
That's when noticed the fact that I was hopping rather than walking. She got off the couch and helped me onto it. Once I was sat comfortably, Garratt helped take my sock and shoe off. He then took a hold of my foot and gently moved it, but despite his gentleness I still winced in pain. "It's not broken, but it is swollen. I would put some ice on it and rest for a couple of days until the swelling goes down."
"Thank you." I said, smiling shyly.
"No problem Bella. I am just sorry my dog injured you."
"It's not your fault."
"I know but I should have had more control of him."
"Don't worry about it. If something is going to happen it usually happens to Bella." Alice piped up. Thank you Alice!
"Well it was nice to meet you both. Maybe I will see you around?"
"Oh, I am sure you will." Alice smiled.
"Maybe." I replied.
"Goodbye Bella." Garratt said taking a hold of my hand and kissed the back of it. My eyes widened in surprise.
"Goodbye Garratt." I managed to choke out.
Alice showed him out as I lay my head back against the arm of the couch trying to listen to what was being exchanged between them, but they were being too quiet.
When Alice walked back into the lounge she had a big smile on her face.
"What's a matter with you?" I asked suspiciously.
"I have been given some inspiration on how to get back at Edward."
"Oh yeah. What?"
"Well Garratt said he is a doctor and guess where he works?"
The way she said it and the look of pure glee in her face told me what I really did not want to know. "So he works at the same hospital as Edward."
"Not just the same hospital but the same department," Alice clapped her hands gleefully. "You want to know something else?"
"Go on then what?" I said with no enthusiasm.
"Jasper mentioned that a new guy was working with Edward. He also said that Edward was pissed off with this guy for some reason. It has to be Garratt. So I think in a few days time we go pay Garratt a visit to thank him and make sure that Edward sees."
"But that is forcing me on Garratt." I said horrified that she would even consider me doing this.
"Silly Bella," Alice replied dismissing my fears. "He was totally into you."
"Of course he was." I muttered.
Luckily she didn't hear me as she had already walked into our kitchen to get some frozen peas for my ankle.
When she came back into her lounge Alice was on her cell.
"Yes she is fine."
"Trust me Edward she doesn't need to go to ER."
"No there is no point. We have it elevated and on ice. And yes she is having a few days off work to rest it."
"Goodbye Edward," Alice said as she ended the call. Then she giggled. "I bet he will be here in the next hour."
She was wrong he didn't turn up at all. I wasn't surprised but Alice was slightly pissed off with it.
"Alice, James is still here or as I now like to call him the Master of Evil." I said.
"I hated him before you know, but now I hate him with a passion."
"I just want him gone." I admitted.
"Maybe you should tell Edward." She suddenly said.
I looked at her my eyes opened wide in surprise as my jaw dropped to the floor, "You said, it would be best not to say anything to him."
"I know but I just think."
"Alice you mentioned prison and do you think Edward wouldn't tell Jasper." I was horrified at what she was suggesting.
"God I hate that man!" She shouted out loud.
"What man do you hate?" Jasper said as he walked into our lounge. Alice and I looked at each other in shock.
"We have just been watching a film on TV and he was a really nasty villain."
"Oh yeah what film was that?" Jasper said as he sat in the chair and smiled at us lazily.
"It was err..."
"Cape Fear." I shouted out with a smile.
"Was it the old version with Robert Mitchum as the baddie or was it the Robert De Niro one?"
"The first one?" I asked, thinking shit there is more than one version. I only said that because I could remember someone saying the baddie was quite sinister. Shit I had never seen the film.
"So did you like how it ended?" Jasper said his smile growing even wider.
"Fuck off Jasper." I shouted and threw a cushion at his head. He dodged it and laughed.
"You really are a crap liar Bella."
"Go fourth Jasper!" I spat at him.
"I bet neither of you are going to tell me who you were talking about are you?"
"NO!" We shouted together.
"So Bella, why do you have a bag of frozen peas on your ankle?" Jasper laughed.
"I got attacked by a dog."
"You're kidding right?" Jasper's voice was full of concern.
"Not exactly."
"Only you." He said shaking his head in bewilderment.
"Jasper did Edward ever mention the name of that new doctor?"
"No I don't think so why?"
"Because I think he was Bella's knight in shining armour."
"Really?" Jasper asked looking at me.
"Oh yeah," Alice said clapping her hands together excitedly. I just rolled my eyes at her towards Jasper.
"Alice has a plan," I finally said.
"God help us all," Jasper sighed.
"Where is Edward tonight?" Alice asked.
"James is going to Las Vegas tomorrow so he talked Edward into a night out. So I am planning on stopping here because I am sure it will be a mass orgy."
"Yeah I can imagine." I mutter as I sit up and tried to put a little pressure on my ankle, but it still hurt.
I excused myself and went into my bedroom, where I brooded over what Jasper had just told us. I could not stop myself from wondering who Edward would bring home tonight. I bet she would be blond, big boobs and no brain. I tried my hardest not to think about him. I really did.
The following morning when I rang my boss she was not very impressed but she also had some good news for me. My singles holiday to Miami was cancelled due to funds. I was never so happy in my life. Of course, she had other plans for me. She was sending me to dance classes, didn't she realise by now I had two left feet.
On Friday, my foot was still very tender but I could limp on it. Alice insisted that we go to ER just to have it checked over. She said that Garratt had told her to bring me if I was no better. I tried to argue that it was not as bad, but you cannot argue with Alice.
As we walked into the ER I was surprised how quiet it was. Alice walked to the reception, "Is Garratt Faulkner in today?"
"I do believe so." A big busted, grey haired and friendly nurse replied.
"Would it be possible to get him for us?" Alice asked.
"Of course no problem," the nurse replied. Then she picked the phone up and started talking to someone.
Five minutes later she turned to us, "He is a little tied up at the moment. Can I take a message for him?"
"No that's fine," Alice replied. "Out of a matter of curiosity is Edward Cullen in today?"
"I don't think he is in till tonight. Can I leave him a message?"
"No that's fine," Alice said laughing.
We decided to leave and I spent the rest of the afternoon sat on the couch trying not to think about my impending appointment with the Therapist.
I decided to catch a cab to the address as I really did not feel able to walk for too long at the moment.
The office was on the second floor of a four storey building. I made my way slowly up the stairs and opened a glass door with Kate Faulkner written in black pain on the window.
The reception area was beautiful and very calming as everything was either white or some kind of off white or cream. There were paintings on the wall, all calming scenes and flowers on every window sill and two vases on the reception desk. The receptionist smiled warmly at me as I approached the desk.
"Hello how may I help?" Her voice was sugary sweet.
"I have an appointment at five o'clock." I smiled back nervously.
"Isabella Swan?" She asked.
"That's me." I smiled tightly, my breath hitched in my throat nervously.
"Please take a seat Kate will be with you shortly."
I sat down and crossed my legs which was a mistake because I started swinging my top leg. I realised what I was doing and stopped.
A door opened and I looked up to see a teenage boy walk out followed by a stunning blond. She was dressed immaculately in a dark grey skirt suit, with button down white blouse. She looked around the room until her gaze met mine. I looked down at the floor as her sky blue coloured eyes met mine.
"Isabella Swan?" She asked me.
I just managed to nod dumbly.
"Would you like to follow me into my office?" She said gesturing with her hand towards the open door.
"Thank you." I said as I got up and followed her into the room.
Kate's office was dark, dark wooden furnishings, black leather seating, dark red walls but the flooring was light almost white with dark rugs. Despite how dark the room was the full floor to ceiling windows lightened the room and gave it an almost calming influence.
I noticed that the seating were big leather chairs, which surprised me I was expecting a couch to lie on.
"Please take a seat," Kate smiled warmly at me as she gestured with her hand towards one of the brown leather chairs.
"Thank you," I replied as I took a seat.
For the next five minutes I moved position about five hundred times. I crossed my feet then uncrossed them, then tried crossing them the other way around. Then I bent my knees one way then the other finally I crossed my ankles. Laughed nervously and smiled apologetically towards Kate.
"Please you have nothing to worry about, just relax."
"I have never done this before so I don't know what to do."
"Isabella I am here for you not the other way around. Just relax and think of this as two old friends meeting in a coffee bar and catching up with each other."
I took three deep breaths and looked her in the eye, "OK. I'm ready."
"Tell me a little about your life."
"Where do I start?" I asked.
"Where ever you feel comfortable starting."
So I started with my life in New York. How I went to University here and decided to stay in the city once I had graduated. I told her about living with Rosalie and my relationship with Jasper.
She asked me a few questions about Rose and Jasper. I noticed as we talked every now and then she would stop and write something down in the notepad she was holding.
Then we got on to Alice and Edward. Something must have alerted her when I mentioned Edward's name. I think I must have pulled a face or something because her next question was about Edward.
"So tell me about this Edward."
"What's to say, he is a complete asshole but I am completely in love with him and no matter how much I try I cannot get him out of my mind. I've tried, believe me but he's got under my skin. He's like a drug and I cannot get enough of him."
"How does he feel about you?"
"Well I used to think he cared but I don't see how he can."
"Why is that then?" She asked.
So then I told her about the wedding and how Edward slept with Leah to get back at Jake who was my best friend and then to top it all off how I drunkenly slept with Paul. Once I had finished I was laughing so hard, tears were pouring down my face and I was in danger of wetting myself.
"You felt betrayed by Edward?" She asked.
"He keeps giving me mixed signals and I am so desperately lonely that I fall for them hoping that he is the one. He keeps building me up then smashing me straight back down again."
"So do you think he is just playing with you?"
"I didn't think so until our last meeting."
"What changed?"
"James!"
"And who is James?" She asked and I noticed her look at her watch as I started pouring my heart out about James. Once I had finished talking about him I was sobbing uncontrollably. She passed me some tissues and let me cry it all out.
"I am sorry I really would like to carry on with this conversation but unfortunately my next appointment will be here soon."
"I understand." I hiccupped out.
"What I would like you to do is think about your good points."
"I don't think I have any."
"Isabella from just meeting you today I can see a lot of wonderful thinks about you. But you have had a lot of people in your life who have chipped away at your self esteem and I belief once you start seeing your own self worth then we are on our way to solving your problems."
"So I am not crazy?" I asked bluntly.
"No, you just have a lot of issues to work through that's all," she laughed.
"Thank you." I said standing up and shaking her hand.
"No problem," she took my hand in hers as she stood up. She walked me out into the reception area, obviously looking for her next appointment. As she walked back into her office I arranged an appointment with her receptionist for the following Friday.
When I put my hand on the door to push it open, I nearly ended up flat on my face as someone on the other side of the door had jerked it open with force.
"I'm sorry," Edward's velvety smooth voice hit my ears as his arms instinctively grabbed my arms to keep me upright. His hands instantly lost their grip on my arms as he realised it was me. I looked up at him in confusion. He just gave me a half smile and carried on into the building.
I stared after him, my mouth gapping in shock. I noticed as he took the stairs two at a time and he never looked back at me.
I really did not know what to think as I waited patiently for a cab. Thoughts of Edward over took any thoughts on my first session with Kate. How did he do that? Would he always have this stupid power over me?
Once I was back at the apartment Alice was waiting to pounce on me wanting to know exactly what had gone on. We then pondered over the fact that she was most probably the sister Garratt had mentioned.
I spent the whole weekend alone. Alice spent the weekend at Edward and Jasper's and seems that I was resting my ankle I just lounged on the couch feeling sorry for myself. I must have fallen asleep on the couch because one minute it was light and the next it was dark. I rubbed my eyes to try and wake myself, wondered why I am suddenly awake. Then I heard tapping from somewhere. I tried to ignore it but it wouldn't go away. I panicked when I realised it was someone at our door.
I slowly made my way towards the door stopping a couple of feet away from it. "Who is it?" I asked in a shaky voice.
"It's Edward let me in." He sounded pissed off.
"Are you going to shout at me?"
"I will if you don't let me in."
I quickly unlocked the door and opened it slowly. Edward looked totally worn out.
"Are you Ok?" I asked as he stepped in.
"Not really," he moaned. "I had just finished a twenty four hour shift to go home to them at it."
"Welcome to the club." I laughed.
"Just point me to Alice's room."
I pointed to the door at the end of the corridor and went back into the living room. I decided to watch a little TV seems that I had been woken up. After an hour I was still wide awake and I suddenly had an urge to go and check on him. I know it was very wrong but I really could not help myself.
Luckily he had left Alice's bedroom door ajar. I walked slowly towards her door, finding every creaky floorboard on the way. I reached my flat hand out and opened the door a little wider, of course it creaked slightly. The light from the hall shone into the room and I could make out his form on the bed. He was lay face down, with just his boxers on. I sighed as I looked at him; he was so perfect body wise.
"Bella!" He muttered loudly, making my heart leaped in my chest. Shit I had been caught out.
"Bella don't leave me. I need you," he muttered again and he turned to his side, his arm reached out. It looked like he tried to grab hold of something. "Please baby stay."
I walked closer to him. I gently sat on Alice's bed next to him. I reached out and stroked his damp hair out of his face and tried to sooth him. Suddenly his hand grabbed hold of my wrist and I found myself being pulled against him, my back against his chest, his arms wrapped tightly around me.
"I'm never letting you go now," he muttered in my ear. Sending shivers down my spine, then he was snoring loudly in my ear. I tried wriggling out of his grasp but his hold seemed to tighten, but he never once woke up.
It took me half an hour or more to get out of his arms. Yes I enjoyed the closeness but I really did not think he would appreciate it if he woke up with me next to him. Once I got out of his death grip I made my way back to the couch and tried sleeping, but my body was too highly strung for sleep. So I had to do a little manual labour, which did not seem to take as long as normal.
I finally fell asleep on the couch around three.
The smell of coffee aroused me from my slumber the following morning but I was not ready to open my eyes. Then the banging and clanking of pots was what made me give up on sleep. What was Alice doing clanking about in the Kitchen?
Then I heard the sizzling sound of something frying then the smell of bacon hit my nostrils and I knew that it was time to get up.
As I sat up I noticed a shirt flung over the back of the couch, but chose to ignore it. I looked down at my attire and I was wearing a white tank top and pink boys-shorts.
I stood up on shaky legs took a deep breath and walked towards the kitchen. As I turned into the kitchen, Edward had his back to me and was concentrating on cooking, his back to me. His top half was naked and I could see his muscles move as he cooked the bacon. I could not stop myself lick my lips as I watched him cook.
"Morning," I muttered.
"Morning sleepy head," he said without turning around to face me. "I hope you're hungry."
"Famished," I replied as I moved closer towards him. My sudden movements made him turn to face me. I noticed his eyes darken as he took in my attire and he swallowed nervously. I smiled to myself.
Then he turned back to the task of cooking the bacon. I had to hold in a giggle as he stared intently at the frying pan.
"Would you err...?" He stammered out then swallowed loudly, took a deep breath. "Would you get the mugs for the coffee, please?"
"It would be my pleasure," I purred deliberately, enjoying his discomfort.
What had got me so happy was the fact that I would have to lean over him to get the mugs as they were kept in the small cupboard next to the extractor above the oven.
As I leaned up I made sure that my body pressed lightly next to his. When I stretched up to get the mugs I exposed my skin in between my tank top and my boy shorts.
Edward's groan took me totally by surprise and as I turned to him and noticed him staring blatantly at my chest, I knew what he was looking at without looking down. My traitorous body decided to show him how much it appreciates his close proximately. My nipples were hard as pebbles and poked through my top.
I suddenly became aware of how bare I actually was and I could feel a sudden dampness in between my legs. Despite what I was wearing I felt hot and tingly all over. I could feel butterflies dancing in my stomach in anticipation. I took two deep breaths and placed the mugs next to the coffee maker.
I poured the coffee into the mugs trying my hardest to keep my mind on the task at hand. I took another deep breath before I asked in a husky voice. "Do you want milk or cream in your coffee?"
The next moment I am being spun around and pushed against the fridge, it wobbled slightly at the force I was pushed into it. Edward's mouth was on mine hot and demanding as his tongue delved into my mouth. I moaned in pleasure as my hands fisted into his hair and pulled our mouths closer together deepening the kiss. As our mouths pushed hard together our teeth scraped against each other, sending a shiver down my spine.
I felt his hands grip my ass pulling me closer to him, I gasped against his mouth as I felt his hard erection press into my stomach, shit he was bigger than I remembered.
He broke our kiss and moved his lips to my neck just below my ear where he started nuzzling the sensitive flesh. I shivered in pleasure as I bent my neck to give him better access. My hands moved from his hair and gently moved to his chest. I loved the silky feel of his hairs there as I ran my fingers through them.
He moved his mouth to my ear and whispered seductively. "Shall we get a little more comfortable?"
I could only nod as he pulled away from me and dragged me towards the couch. My mind was screaming stop! Don't do it!
As gently pushed me down on the couch he knelt in front of me. My eyes staring into his wide lust hazed gaze. I was totally at his mercy as he pulled my tank top up exposing my breasts.
"Beautiful." He whispered as he lent forward and captured my nipple in his mouth. He took the hardened nub between his teeth. Then he started poking it roughly with his tongue. My hips bucked upwards involuntary, my head suddenly thrashed uncontrollably as the pleasure from this one simple action took over. I was losing control and fast.
He released the nipple but ignored the other as his hands moved lower and took a hold of my shorts with his hands, at the same time he leaned towards me and kissed me hard.
He had just started to lower my shorts when his cell phone rang.
"Bastard!" Edward cursed as he pulled away from me and reached into the pocket of his sweatpants. He looked at me through hooded eyes. I could see the warning in them telling me not to move. As if I could.
"Hello?" He asked.
"Yo bro where are you?" I could feel myself stiffen as I recognised the voice.
"Look J I am busy now can we do this later?" Edward sounded pissed.
"You got lucky at work again?"
Edward looked at me through the corner of his eyes. "Something like that."
"Care to share?"
I couldn't take any more I quickly pulled my shorts up, covered my ears with my hands then made a swift exit towards the bathroom. I felt Edwards hand as he tried to grab my arm but I pulled it away quickly. I kept my eyes forwards too scared to look at him. Afraid he would see the fear in my eyes and want to ask questions. That I really was not ready to answer.
Once I had made it safely into the bathroom I locked the door and got into the shower ignoring the insistant banging and Edward's plea's to open the door and talk to him. I just wasn't brave enough. not yet anyway.
Authors Note: I apologise for August being in two parts but I have been doing this chapter every evening last week and I kept adding more and more. I am not going to promise when the next chapter will be up but hopefully it won't be three weeks again. Sorry.
Also I am sorry about all the spelling mistakes I am in the process of getting it Beta'd. Thank you for reading this story and I hope it is still enjoyable to read.
