Welcome to Chapter Thirty-eight – the aftermath!
As ever, all things Twilight belong to Stephanie Meyer. I'm merely messing with her delightful creations. No copyright infringement or offense is intended.
The Cullen Dilemma
Chapter Thirty-eight
I kept a low profile for the next few days.
As anticipated, the press were very interested in both Edward and I and we did find ourselves the subjects of plenty of newspaper speculation. Edward continued to work, choosing to stay in town in a hotel for a few nights.
Although I missed seeing him around, I understood his motive. A few journalists had caught him on the way into the office the day after the story broke and he told me that he didn't want to lead them to his home…or mine! We spoke on the phone several times each day.
Mark phoned from school and told me he'd had to call the Police when 2 photographers showed up at the gates, asking parents waiting for their children if they knew me. I was horrified but he told me not to worry, everything was going okay and my class sent lots of love and best wishes.
Rosalie was a star; she called in with Emily most days. Just spending time with the 2 of them raised my morale and I was becoming a dab-hand at looking after Em.
Alice and Emmet kept me in the loop as far as school was concerned and Jasper often dropped in to make sure I was okay. We were very fortunate living where we did – I'd heard from an old neighbour that there'd been a couple of journalists hanging around my flat. Happily, my new location didn't appear to be on their radar.
By Friday, I was beginning to go stir-crazy…I needed to get out. I called Tanya, who said she'd had a cancellation and would be able to see me after lunch. I called Edward.
"I think it's a good idea," he said. "Tell you what – why don't we meet up for a bite to eat beforehand? I've missed you."
"I'd love to, Edward, but what about the journalists?"
"What about them? I was chatting to dad last night and he reminded me that we've done nothing wrong. Nobody saw those pictures apart from us – they're only going on hearsay. We'll be chip wrappers by tomorrow."
I laughed.
"When was the last time you ate chips out of newsprint, Mister Cullen?"
"Okay, okay, I know. Health and Safety."
It felt good to laugh.
"Let's meet up at Daisy's Deli at 12.30," he suggested. "You know where it is, don't you?"
"Yep. I like it there. They do great rolls and paninis and it's only a short walk to Tanya's office."
"Looking forward to it already," said Edward.
"Me too. I'll see you in a while."
"Not if I see you first." He chuckled. "Bye, sweet Bella."
"Bye for now, Edward."
The thought of going out and seeing Edward raised my spirits significantly. I showered and dressed with more care than I had since the whole James episode. I drove into town, singing along to the radio.
I parked my car and walked to the Deli. I was muffled up against the chilly November weather, but I did keep looking around, somewhat nervous of being recognised.
I arrived at Daisy's before Edward and managed to find a table tucked away in a corner.
His smile was brilliant when he noticed me.
"Hi, Edward, I've missed seeing you," I said, rather breathlessly. "Were you followed?"
"Hello, Beautiful. You look wonderful. Nah, the journos seem to have lost interest – some other scandal to print, I expect." Edward bent over and kissed me full on the lips. The old, familiar spark was still there.
"How's work been this morning?" I asked.
"Busy," he replied. "It seems the publicity surrounding the Hunters has been good for business."
"How come?"
"We've added to our integrity factor. People can deal with us knowing we'll look after them and their investments."
"I'm glad there's some kind of silver lining in all this," I said.
"Just you wait until the hearing. It's really only a formality; they're bound to end up on trial with a whole raft of charges."
"Those poor, poor girls, Edward. Imagine being promised a modelling career, only to end up an escort, controlled by James."
"They'll be fine, my Bella. DC Stanley tells me they're all in safe houses, being protected and cared for. They don't think James and Victoria had any accomplices but they're not taking any risks."
The waitress taking our food order hesitated for a moment before scurrying back to the kitchen.
"Do you think she recognised us?" I asked.
"Nope. I think she was just overwhelmed by the sight of your handsome dining partner," Edward replied, running his hand through his hair, flicking it off his forehead.
I gave him a gentle kick under the table.
"My very modest, handsome dining partner."
We looked at each other and burst out laughing. Our sandwiches were duly delivered and we ate in between catching up.
"Oh, I have missed you, Bella. I'll be back home this evening, may I call over?"
"You don't even have to ask, Edward."
Edward insisted on walking me to Tanya's office, taking my hand as we strolled along. The electricity was still there, and I realised that being with Edward was as natural as breathing; I always felt so much calmer in his presence.
I had a very productive hour working things through with Tanya. I left her office feeling more positive.
T – C – D
I was walking back to my car, thinking happy thoughts of Edward and life getting back to normal, when a sudden clicking noise caught my attention.
"Bella. Bella. Miss Swan. Is it true that you and Edward Cullen are an item?"
I looked down at the pavement, pulled up my coat collar and sped up. The car was literally minutes away. My heart was pounding so hard I thought it might break out of my ribcage. I remembered Edward's words at lunchtime…we've done nothing wrong…I lifted my head to look where I was going but I made sure there was no eye contact with the journalist.
"Bella, did you know the Hunters are in court next week?"
I wanted to cry but I wasn't going to give in. I smiled and continued walking.
"Bella, do you have anything you want to say?"
I'd reached my car and unlocked the door using my remote.
"I do," I said, stepping into my car. "Goodbye!"
I drove away with a genuine smile on my face, leaving a bewildered journalist standing in the car park, his mouth open.
The feeling of glee soon wore off and I began to panic somewhat. What if they followed me home? What if I'd done the wrong thing? I needed to speak to Edward ASAP.
"Bella? Is everything okay? Where are you?"
I could hear the concern in his voice. He knew I wouldn't call him at work unless something had happened.
"I'm okay…well, mostly; maybe I'm a teeny bit shaky. I just wanted to hear your voice."
"Are you still driving? Are you safe?"
"I've pulled over and I'm using hands free, don't panic."
Hearing Edward's concern for me had the effect of calming me – I didn't need him to panic now!
"What's happened, love?"
I explained about the journalist, what I'd done and what I'd said.
"I'm bloody furious about it, but it sounds to me like you handled it amazingly well. I'm not sure I'd have been quite so composed in your situation. Just one thing…"
"What's that?"
"Why didn't you tell them we're together? Does this bother you?"
"Don't know, really. I suppose my first thought was that it was none of their business. My second was…"
I took a deep breath.
"Was what?" Edward asked.
"Well I know we've been on a date or two. And I know we've seen a lot of one another, but we've never, well…you know…"
"I don't know at all," said Edward. I thought I heard a chuckle in his voice.
"Are you honestly going to make me say it, Edward?"
"Say what, Bella?"
I growled into my phone. "Grrr, you know what, Edward. Stop playing games."
"Okay, okay. I'll have mercy on you. Bella Swan, would you please do me the honour of being my girlfriend?"
I didn't hesitate. "Yes, please."
"Excellent." I definitely heard a smile in his tone. "Now, I'd like my girlfriend to do me a massive favour."
"Hmm, what might that be then?"
"I'm going to give you a postcode and I want you to put it into your satnav and drive over there."
"I'll be fine, Edward. I'll just go home and see you there."
"You might be fine with that, but I won't. I don't want anyone following you or trying to get to you when you're on your own."
I sighed, but saw some sense in what he said.
"So where are you sending me?" I asked.
"Mum and dad's place," Edward replied. "I'll call mum and let her know you're on your way over."
"Oh, Edward, I don't want to bother your folks. I'm sure they'll have better things to do than babysit me."
"Dad will be working and mum will be thrilled to have you there. I told you, she loves you and she'll relish the opportunity to get to know you a bit better. Besides, she does love having another woman in the home – she can show you all her design ideas."
"Well, if you're sure?"
"Absolutely. I'll come over there straight from work. Mum will be in her element."
We said our goodbyes and rang off. Edward texted me his parent's address and I loaded it into my satnav and set off. It was a bit of a novelty, having someone to make me feel safe and cared for but I was getting used to it very quickly!
T – C – D
It took about half an hour to get to Esme and Carlisle's house and I'd barely had time to remove my keys from the ignition before Esme was hovering by my car door.
"Oh, Bella!" she cried, sweeping me up into a huge motherly hug before guiding me into the house. "Come on in, come on in…what a pickle this is turning out to be."
I couldn't help but smile at her choice of words.
She led me through to the kitchen and began filling the kettle. "Are you okay, my dear?"
"You know what, Esme? I think I am. It was a bit of a shock when the journalist appeared but, as Edward said, we've not actually done anything wrong."
"Good for you!"
"I'm not looking forward to the court date of course, and if it goes to trial, well…"
"Well, we'll cross those bridges when we come to them," Esme said. "Tea, coffee or something else?"
"Tea would be lovely, thanks."
Esme made the drinks suggested we go and sit in the snug, a cosy living room situated just off the kitchen. I confess, I'd been so preoccupied with everything that had happened, I'd barely noticed my surroundings.
"You have a lovely home, Esme," I told her.
"Thank you, Bella. The house has been a bit of a passion of mine – I daresay Edward mentioned it."
I nodded.
"I'll give you the twopenny tour later on if you'd like."
"I'd love that," I replied, genuinely pleased that Esme seemed to want to show me around. It made me feel welcome and wanted.
"So, how are you getting on with your leave of absence?"
"I'm missing the children at school, to tell the truth."
"Of course you are."
"But I'm not missing the paperwork. I don't think I'd be able to concentrate properly and do justice to everything. This whole horrid business with James seems to pop up, unbidden, any time of day or night."
"Forgive me, Bella dear, I don't want to pry, but do you have someone to talk to about all this? Your family? Friends?"
"My family…well, I think I told you about them. They're angry. Not for me, but about me and how my behaviour affects them. Dad disowned me the other day."
I knew my bottom lip was wobbling, but I took a deep breath and focused on my tea.
"I'm so sorry, dear."
"It's alright really. I've been to see my counsellor today and she's been really helpful as usual. I've got to let go and recognise that I'm not responsible for their opinions or choices. I've spent most of my life trying to live up to their – well, dad's really – unrealistic expectations."
"Give yourself time, lovely."
"I intend to. I may not want to, but I know it's the right thing to do."
"Well, any time you're at a loose end, you know where I am. You can come over, or we can meet for lunch; anything you like."
"Thanks, Esme."
"In fact, on a purely selfish note, I'm really looking forward to getting to know my future daughter-in-law."