AN: I don't own Twilight or the characters :)
I'm back from the writing grave! Hello my friends, first I have to say that I am extremely sorry for not updating sooner and for taking this long but I've been through tough times for the past months. I haven't had time to even take a breather but I'm back to give you a brand new chapter of this exciting story. Thank you for being there to support this journey, it is always my mission to bring you great and complete chapters for all of you to enjoy and I also would like to welcome and thank everyone who has added the story or myself to their favorites and alerts.
Don't forget to check out all the pictures of this chapter at the official blog which is posted on my profile.
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Chapter 29
Who is this?
Bella Pov
"Ahhhhhh Georgie is going to catch me daddy!" What a beautiful day to wake up to the same noise I've been waking up to for the past two days, animated screams from children who have seen the many Disney wonders from Epcot and Animal Kingdom.
I have to admit that I was worried about this vacation ever since my mom had first mentioned it to me but seeing it come together and how we were all having fun really did scratch my apprehensive disposition of being with a large and loud group of people. And it wasn't like we were on top of each other each day because some family members decided not to go to some of the parks, taking their Orlando plans to some other activities. Today was a whole family occasion since we were going to…drum roll…Magic Kingdom. And this was the park I was most excited about, for many of us this was our dream to see the castle and just experience being in the happiest place on earth.
"Good Morning" I walked downstairs and to the dining room where some family members were enjoying their breakfast and some others had already finished. I was in full Disney gear with my flowy red blouse, classic blue jeans and my sport Nike shoes that were the single most important clothing item for walking around the park. For accessories I had my Michael Kors watch, heart shaped earrings, my silver Cinderella's carriage necklace, my white sunglasses and last but not least my classic Minnie ears that matched my blouse and makeup that was a simple cat eye and red lips. I also had my Canon DSLR camera to take lots of pictures with my amateur knowledge in photography and my new Disney tote that I bought at Epcot.
"Look at the real life Minnie mouse" Alice commented as she sat next to Claire who was swallowing her breakfast to hurry up father time to leave. "We're all like clones. The same ears"
"But with different THEMES…" She emphasized, pointing to her very appropriate Alice and wonderland queen of hearts Minnie ears. "And this pretty princess's colored Minnie ears that has a veil" taking her famous accusing finger to her daughters accessory.
"You always look adorable cuddles" I bent down and put my hands on my knees to be on her level. "I luuuve it!" she responded with her face full of blueberry pancakes.
"Okay young lady, chew your food and go and brush your teeth" Alice asked while cleaning her face. Claire in all her fairy like height jumps off chair and runs out the room like a match lit firework.
After breakfast the whole family met up at the foyer so we could leave. Mothers checking their baby bags and snacks for the kids, teens checking their social media for the last time before handing them to their respective parents so they could enjoy the park and the rest of us just waiting patiently knowing what it was like being in a big family and having to wake up early to be ready at 8 am on the dot.
"You are the cutest thing that I have ever laid eyes on!" I shrieked on seeing my goddaughter dressed up as Belle from beauty and the beast in a little baby outfit completed with a rose hairband. In that moment I was fortunate enough to receive one of her first baby smiles and it was a big one.
"My mommy is crazy for Disney. I won't even remember this…" Jacob moves her little hand in an animated way while in his arms. "Daddy should be thankful to be escorting the most beautiful Disney princess to her carriage" Sarah approached us in her pink Minnie ears and sundress assemble with Lucy's purple Strokke stroller. One of many strollers that were in the foyer, including Rosalie's for Joshua, Angela's for Daniel's and Alice's for Claire. It can get pretty tiring walking up and down the park, and a lot more if you have to walk in a grown up pace.
"Okay I have slathered her skin in sunscreen so my little lovey won't get her cute skin burnt" Sarah kisses her bare feet.
"It's going to be incredibly hot today so we all need to be filled with it" Rosalie walks past us in her fantastic maleficent ears with a bottle filled with water that I think is for Joshua but Emmett takes it from her hands and drinks. I always laugh at how Emmett could be such a kid at heart.
"A very pleasant 76 degrees that could go up 93" My uncle skip says jokingly. Good thing I had my sunscreen on for my almost Nordic pale skin.
"Okay! Is everybody ready? Because the cars are here and we won't be turning back just in case somebody leaves something!" Right when Esme says that everyone starts rummaging in their possessions. Double checking was done and we were all packed into the cars with my Aunts counting magic bands in each car to make sure no one was left behind.
We looked like a circus act in several Mercedes Sprinter Vans that were lined up together on the streets of Orlando. Today was more obvious since we were all going to the same park plus our security detail who kept us safe. At arrival to the park we split up into groups of 10 to make it easier our way around the parks and it was the maximum number for us to have a designated VIP tour guide to show us around. All of the teens were in one group but the rest of us didn't really care about being in a specific group. I actually ended up with Sarah, Alice, my cousins Emily and Elizabeth and some other family members that had small children which was perfect for me because I just wanted to have a relaxed time and it was the perfect excuse to ride the kid friendly attractions.
The first 2 hours were nice and chill, we rode on some outdoor attractions like Dumbo and the Jungle cruise but by 10 o clock the heat was unbearable with a very welcoming sun with no clouds.
"Babe, can you put the baby fan on the stroller?" Sarah didn't want to take a chance on Lucy's well-being, she was already comfortable in her stroller that had a big protective canopy but it was best for her to get more air into her delicate skin and same for the smaller children.
She coos as the wind starts circulating. "Aunty Bella can't stand urgh she just loves you so much" I decide to take a picture of her in all of her contentment.
"Why don't we go and meet mickey so you can get out of this sun for a while?" our guide proposes to which we thank him for the single greatest idea ever on a hot day.
"Yay Mickey!" The kids jump around with their Disney signing books in hand.
We went into a ventilated room on Main Street and meet the mouse who started it all. It was expected to see the children excited out of their minds to meet him but it was surprising how excited the grown-ups were to get a glance of him. I of course took a picture with him and gave him a kiss. It was the first time during the trip that I really was stress-free and just enjoying this precious time with my family who even though did very unforgivable things to me in some people's eyes, they were still humans and people I know love me very much and would do anything for me. I can't lie that it was also nice that from the beginning of the trip no one had asked me about Edward and knowing how gossipy my family was by nature, I really valued that simple act on its own.
Lunch at the Crystal Palace was another god send because the majority of the Disney characters were there to greet guests, which was perfect for the kids. Cinderella, Aurora, Tiana, Ariel, Merida and Belle who took the timeless picture with baby belle Lucy and Sarah was crying her eyes out on Jacob's shoulders. I love kids and hopefully I will get to bring my own children here someday, at least when I remarry or do it by invitro. But I wasn't going to tell my mother yet about her daughter using a stranger's sperm that will grow and ultimately be her future grandchild.
The day was just hot as hell and even though we were having fun, our group decided to go back at around 3 pm to rest at the house and freshen up for the nighttime fireworks to which none of us wanted to miss. In other words if you were tired or with a child you were likely to follow our actions and come back later, it was logical to think that some of the guys decided to stay and all of the teens were not going to leave to lay at home. I did get to sleep for quite a while and you couldn't hear a peep from outside and trust me tonight was going to be the same situation in the cars coming back.
"I feel like a refreshed flower and I took a second shower" Angela placed back on her white sequined Minnie ears.
"It was so damn hot in that park!" Emily Scoffed and fixed her daughters Priscilla's ponytails. "At least the sun is setting. Now we don't have to worry, it'll be perfect weather for fireworks." Esme came around and joined us to leave.
We headed back to the park and did all of the attractions that were missing like peter pans flight, the Winnie the pooh ride and voyage to the little mermaid where I saw my niece Claire eyes light up at seeing her favorite princess and her under the sea friends. We went on the rides to have some time to walk around the park and ride the train, at one point the whole family was together to see all of the guys do the turkey leg challenge and that was an event all to itself. Our dinner was great at Be Our Guest and the junk never failed as we all pigged out in popcorn, mickey pretzel with cheese, churros, chocolate covered bananas and strawberry and whipped cream waffles.
For the fireworks we had a reserved spot that was perfect for watching the show, continuing with my type 2 diabetes journey I had gone to the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street and bought myself an All-American Sundae that consisted in some Old-fashioned Vanilla and Chocolate Ice Cream with Hot Fudge, Peanut Butter Drizzle, Whipped Cream, and a Cherry. I sat next to my cousins at our viewing nook and started to dig into the gooey deliciousness with no shame. You know that you're eating something good when the only thing you can compare it to is when your husband finds your sweet spot and gives you a body bending orgasm that in your mind lasts for minutes on end. It was so good that I had tempted everyone else to get one.
The first show was called Celebrate the Magic which was a projection show that showed all of the new and classic movies, it was beautiful and just hearing the intro for the lion king and seeing that sunrise upon the castle like in the movies gave me chills. And then the wishes fireworks show that had all of us singing along to Pinocchio's when you wish upon a Star. I wanted to cherish this moment right here right now, sharing this moment with my family and seeing everyone so happy, Every couple holding each other and their kids, my mom holding her sisters and just really appreciating these small little moments that we can get together out our hectic lives.
This was the moment that I really wished that my prince charming were here with me. The overwhelming feeling of being alone in space full of thousands of people really hit me. I didn't have a significant other to kiss and hug, I had no child to appreciate this show with and my life seemed to be in shambles.
I had the fairytale story with no happy ending. I couldn't help but start crying at the combination of melancholy and pure memories of what could have been if things hadn't gone the way they did. The tears didn't stop rolling and I wasn't the only one but my sister Alexa did perceive the reasoning behind my sobbing and came next to me to hold me.
"I wish I may, I wish I might,
have the wish I wish tonight.
Then make a wish and do as dreamers do…" we start singing in unison. "And all the wishes will come true…." The fireworks start bursting out all at once and applauses ensued.
"We are always going to be with you Belli. No matter what, okay?" she looks at me with those big supportive eyes and I knew that I was going to be okay. I was about to answer her when I felt my bag vibrate at an arriving text.
You are, not just the mother of our canine child Milo, but also the beat of my heart. You are, not just the queen of this family, but also the woman of my dreams. I love you.
E.
I calculated the hour in Italy and it was about 4:30 in the morning, an idyllic hour to send his crying wife a message of love and hope for our marriage to fight my thoughts of separation. The one thing I admired from Edward was the same thing that was giving me the most problems to forget about him, perseverance.
"Don't think about it Bells" she gives me a comforting smile. I just wipe the left over trails of tears. "I'm trying, thank you Lex. I love you" my voice was low and defenseless.
As expected the car ride back featured tired figures and the house fell silent for the rest of the night.
From start to end, this vacation came with a smile. I heavily enjoyed spending time with family and just finding in their company my inner child. Walt made a world of dreams and laughter and that's exactly what I got when I stood foot in Disney grounds. Now that my inner child was explored, I sent all of my Disney memorabilia from precious painting to even Christmas decorations and made my way towards Monaco for the Diamond Gala party.
When I landed in Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport in Nice, France, I felt that Parisian and elegant European flare. The weather was sunny and hot similar to Florida but totally different atmosphere. The car picked me up and took me straight to the hotel, for this trip I was going to stay at the Intercontinental Carlton hotel situated overlooking Cannes. I was asked if I wanted to stay at the famous Hotel de Paris but I immediately declined because I wanted to avoid the spectacle and I knew that the hotel would be at full capacity due to the impending event on Saturday.
"Welcome the Intercontinental Carlton Hotel" the porter man immediately opened my door and helped me out.
"Thank You" I responded back and walked into the beautiful hotel the same Monaco architecture as every other hotel in the city, a grand white building in the exterior with tall columns and marble floors when you walked into reception.
"Bonjour" I brought out my college level French out.
"Bonjour Mademoiselle"
"I'm Isabella Parker and I'm here to check in"
"There is no need to introduce yourself Mademoiselle Parker, we all know who you are and it is a pleasure for us to have you at our hotel" his thick accent and his smile feel very welcoming.
"Thank you, it is a very beautiful hotel" It was my first time staying in this hotel. Each time I travel I try to take the time to explore the different resort options.
"I hope it surpasses your standards Miss Parker. Miss Hadad has already arranged your hotel arrangements and our Porter will escort you to your room." I turn around and the bellhop extends his arm to follow him. "My name is Louis and I will be at your service Miss Parker"
"Thank you Louis" I fix my bag and follow the bellhop. You feel the luxury dripping from the walls when you walk on the expensive marble and into the gold elevator. When we get to the suite, he opens the door and moves to side so I could walk in first.
"You're here finally!" my eyes move towards the couch where my assistant Ana was apparently waiting for my arrival. I raise my eyebrow "I thought I was going to be the first one to see my room"
"Leila wanted to make sure that no crazy fans were here to kill you"
"So sweet of you guys, always looking out for my safety at a five star hotel that has high security. Speaking of Leila…Where is she?"
"She went downstairs to look for you but I guess you beat her to it"
"I just hope she doesn't scream at concierge" I thank the bellhop and give him a generous tip for his service. "Merci" he shows me his appreciation and leaves.
"You really don't realize how men look at you?" Ana asks
"He was not looking at me in a weird way"
"The guy was trying not choking on his own saliva, accumulated just from staring at you. I got some looks when I was escorted to my room which I very much appreciated but it's like you don't even recognize it"
"I guess I'm distracted by this beautiful view" My room was facing right into the French Riviera with its beautiful blue oceans. A plush bed and crystal lamps gave me that French renaissance décor feel.
"Do you want one?" Ana ask me with a glass champagne in her hand.
"No thank you, is there any sparkling water?" I had just arrived from an eight hour flight from New York to Monaco. She walks to the mini bar set and hands me a glass of San Pellegrino Mineral water.
"I can't believe you made me go downstairs for you!" Leila walks in the room.
"I can find my own way up" I argue
"Sorry honey but I am the only person that can be on your ass 24/7" Ladies and Gentlemen I introduce to you my no holds bar and one the toughest publicists in the world, Miss Leila Hadid. My publicist since I started my career at the tender age of 18. "Consider me as the boyfriend you can't break up with" she was a tall curvaceous woman in her forties with Arabic roots that travel from her name to her exotic looks, black hair and enviable eyebrows.
"Oh my god what a nightmare" Ana laughs
"I can be a nightmare if you want me to. I can be mean"
"Meaner than what you already are…" I join Ana.
"You're lucky that I love Cannes, I would have let you come alone if it weren't for this event"
"I love you Leila" I pucker my lips in a kissing mode and took another sip of my water.
"I love your successful because it makes me look like the goddess of communication the I am…Wait…Why are you drinking water?" she abruptly interrupts her indulgent speech and points.
"I asked her if she wanted a glass and she told me no" Ana interjects
"Isabella…I don't need this right now…Are you pregnant?" she enquires the familiar serious tone in her voice.
"What?! NO!" I immediately refute her suspicion. "Oh okay but don't give me that look. Mama has had a busy year with lots of surprises coming from you"
"I think you need a drink" I suggested, maybe it will calm her stress.
"Here's your second champagne" Ana passes Leila a glass.
"Second?"
"I need the fuel" she sits down next to Ana on the couch. I decide to sit on the opposite side.
"How was Orlando?"
"I had a great time"
"I would have pulled my hair out. I fucking hate amusement parks, screaming children and the fucking humidity" At least we knew Leila's position.
"You have to meet the mouse someday Leila"
"Bella I am a grown ass woman. You will have to take me in a strait jacket"
"I will one day convince you"
"Sweetheart look at who you are talking to… I am the queen of persuasion" better yet she was the queen of communication.
"I thought it was the queen of manipulation" publicists hate that word but it doesn't faze her. "There is a difference, at least with persuasion I give you a choice and entice you to choose my way"
"Ohh…" I smile and give her the benefit of the doubt for her theory.
"Monaco is a melting pot right now and I have you already booked for several events during the week"
"Your outfits arrived this morning" Ana commented.
"I'm booked everyday but Friday"
"Yes, Friday is completely free" she affirmed. I had a different engagement for personal reasons I still didn't want many people to know.
For the next few days my time was occupied by interviews and appearances to different events around the city. Most interviews were fine, strictly talking about my movies, endorsement deals and how I always stay 'beautiful' but there were some that still didn't want to leave without asking me the press selling questions about my divorce. Leila was ready to kick their asses in French for even insisting. Everything was part of the deal of being famous, something I never really wished upon myself since I've seen what it has done in some occasions to my family when I was growing up. Now with my business part aside I was ready to relax.
It was Friday, the day before the gala and I was ready to get on what you would call a 'super yacht' to sail on the French Riviera. I had my black bikini on with a stripped blue long shirt on with a black belt wrapped around my waist and some white strap sandals on my feet. A simple black sun hat and bejeweled sunglasses to protect my face and Ana was nice enough to pack all of my essentials like sunscreen and sarong in my hobo bag.
"So what are you guys up to today?" I walked out of my room.
"You really think I have nothing to do Isabella?" Leila was a feisty lady to deal with. "I have to fix some things for the gala tomorrow. Ana and I have to call Versace to see if your gown has arrived and prepare myself for the madness that will be tomorrow and the day after"
"You're referring to…"
"Yes and it's very likely that the press will find out today. Paparazzi always swarm the Riviera waters"
"I've taken it slow Leila, it's still new and I don't want to rush myself into anything"
"I know and I just want you to be careful. Make sure you're not too exposed"
"I will" The hotel phone rings relentlessly and Ana speeds to answers it. "The car is here" she announces.
"Okay, I'll see you two later then."
"Have fun" they both wave.
It was a beautiful day in Monaco and I was really wondering if it was this pretty all year around, I made it to the yacht deck not even realizing the time that had passed because of the stunning scenario I had outside my car window. The yacht was already filled with people and it looked like I barely made it, the women already in their bikini and the men chatting with cold beers in hand.
"Can I help you with that Miss?" one of the stewards offered to take my bag and hat.
"Oh no, thank you" he nodded and lead me deep into the crowd. I walked around a bit, aware of the guest's stares and finally found the person I was looking for talking to some friends. One of his friends nudges him to turn around.
"Bella…"
"Sorry I'm late" I apologized for my tardiness.
"No no no…I'm sorry for not receiving you myself" He hugs me and we gave each other the famous European kiss.
"Don't worry about it. You are the host after all"
"This is my family's boat; I think we split the host duties"
"I don't want you to stop your conversation. I just wanted to say hi and get a drink"
"No. I'm done here. Let's get you a drink" He takes my hand and guides me to the bar. "You really didn't have to show me the way, you obviously have an unfinished conversation with yours" we saw his friends with their arms up as they were dumped on.
"They'll survive. You are better company anyway" he asks me for my preference and asks the bartender for a mimosa. "I'm very happy that you're here". He takes my hand and caresses it slowly.
"Ben…" I let him have my hand but I still wanted to let my thoughts known.
"I know but you can't punish me for being excited. I have the most beautiful woman on my boat and talking to me"
"You are very sweet Ben and I am happy that I met you but everything is very new. You know that I'm in the process of getting a divorce so things are hectic right now"
"I know. I am glad to be your friend but I also can't hide the feelings that I am having for you"
Benjamin Davis was a man that I met from a Hollywood event I was attending almost two months ago. His family was very affluent, coming from an oil empire.
"I just separated from my husband and I'm not ready" He repeated "I know. We haven't kissed but I do want to let you know that I will wait until you're ready. Let's just say that we are seeing each other"
"That's fine and it will probably be what my publicist will tell the press after the gala"
"I'm I still your date?" he asked with his perfect crest smile. Ben was a very handsome man at 6'0 feet tall with a lean muscular body that wasn't buff. I laugh at his question. "Nothing has changed in the last five minutes and I do remember that you asked me so I think it's the other way around".
"You are right and I am going to stay with my closing argument that we will save the environment by carpooling".
"Of course, I mean what a coincidence that we were going to the same event since you had told me about a week ago that you were going to be in Chicago" I raised my eyebrow.
"My priorities have change and I have found my presence to be essential at the event"
"Well I hope you brought your wallet because I want to see you giving some of that oil money to great causes"
"You really don't like that my family owns oil grounds" he chuckles. "I never told you that I liked it" I was a huge environmentalist and oil spills was something affecting our nature today.
"Then you don't have to worry milady, a lot of money will be off of my bank account by the end of the night. I just want you to be by my side when I give it away" He touches my hand and I don't try to retrieve it back, a simple act that makes him smile.
"One of the best times for figuring out who you are & what you really want out of life? Right after a break-up." Mandy Hale
Here is the introduction of our new man! Or maybe Bella's new man?
Too soon or soon enough?
What are your first impressions of Ben and how will he make an impact into Bella's life, and more importantly how will Edward react?
Next chapter will be the diamond Gala because the narrative is quite long and we will see if Edward is going to make an appearance after seeing his wife with this unknown man that showed up out of the blue.
Will Ben steal Bella's heart or just motivate Edward to hit the pedal to the medal with his plan of getting his wife back?
Many things are destined to happen in the next chapter which I will be uploading on Tuesday. Which means you guys don't have a too wait until next weekend to read and squeal about the possible confrontation between Ben and Edward. I know I've been out for months but it makes me so happy to see many of you still interested in the story. Reviews are super helpful for my writing creativity and I would like to know about your thoughts, ideas and questions that you would want answered in the for this chapter and future chapters.
I am very thankful for your support and I will see you in three days!
I love you all!
See you later :)
