AN: Chapter by AnImaginary Mann.
Thank you to SunflowerFran3759 for betaing this chapter.
Unmitigated agony descends over me; this is it: the final straw.
Whatever tender feelings he still nurtures for me are bound to disappear after he hears this. But the time to hide is over.
"Alice turned eight this past September. She was conceived on the night you proposed. She is your daughter, Edward."
I hold his gaze. I am determined not to cower from his wrath.
I want it.
I deserve it.
If he needs to smack me around to vent his temper, I will take it. In his place I would do the same. But it isn't anger that encounters my revelation, it's something a lot more gut wrenching.
Sadness.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Fear, idiocy ... I can't justify my actions, the best I can do is explain my mindset back then.
"You see, I had just learned about the cancer. Jacob was there, holding my hand. When he heard about the pregnancy ... that's when I told him everything. He simply stood there, taking it all in. The second I stopped talking, he turned on his heels and left. I was frightened beyond measure. I had a child to raise, another one coming, a disease, and no one but my flighty mother to help me.
"He came back much later and his anger was gone. He said he understood why I had gone to you. He promised to stand by my side and to raise Alice as his own. In return, he made me promise that I would never contact you ... that you would never know that Alice is yours.
"I've known Jacob all my life, and I know that he doesn't make empty promises. There was so much bitterness between you and me . You said you never wanted to see me again ... You see ... "
"You said you wouldn't try to justify your actions, Bella, so you should stop right now." The cutting remark is delivered with a voice of steel. He won't make this easy on me, but I didn't expect him to.
"Why now, Bella? Why are you telling me this now? Is it because of our chance meeting? Why Bella?"
"Jacob gave me permission."
The sound of glass breaking startles me. He is throwing all the pretty vases against the wall, his face contorted in pain. It doesn't take him long to unleash the verbal assault I had been dreading.
"You kept my daughter from me! How dare you assume that I wouldn't care for her? Do you know how many nights I spent yearning for a little girl who reminded me of you? And all this time she existed! How dare you make such a choice for me?"
"I was stupid and afraid, but I should have known better."
"Yes, you should. Don't think for a second that you will keep Alice from me any longer. I want to be her father. I'll see you and your husband in court!"
"Edward, that's not necessary, we can work something out. I realize how wrong I was ... "
"Empty words, Bella. I'll destroy the two of you ... I'll sue for damages or whatever. I'll ... "
"Please, Edward, don't do this. I love you, don't you see?"
"You chose your husband over me, not once, but twice. How is that love Bella?"
I have no answer for that, no way to assuage the desperation I see growing in him.
For long minutes, he stares out the window, crying quietly. I don't want to intrude on his private moment, but I also don't want to leave. So, I wonder to the backyard, the very place where he proposed to me.
Eventually, he comes and sits by my side. He is much calmer now, but I'm afraid that it's all a façade.
"Bella, did you ever really love me?"
"Edward, my feelings were real ... are real."
"As hard as I try to hate you, I simply can't. I see why you made the choices you did, but I can't forgive them, at least, not yet. But the thing is ... Oh, Bella, despite everything I still love you. My dreams remain unchanged, though they have readjusted to include Alice.
"The past few years have been purgatory; denied heaven and threatened with hell, I haven't been able to move on. I can't live like that anymore. No matter what, I will still want to be a part of Alice's life. Don't worry I won't take you to court, but I'm going to make sure that she knows who her father is.
"But I need you to make a choice, and this time, I'm not above pleading. I want you to choose me. Divorce your husband and let's start the life that you should have been living for the past eight years. Come to me wholeheartedly. We will find a way to heal our love and find happiness.
"This is our last chance Bella. Make us or break us, it's your choice.
What is your answer?"
The woman I used to be would have cowered under the intensity of his gaze and the weight of his question. But now I'm strong enough to face the consequences of my thoughtless actions. I've hurt Edward, Jacob, myself ... It's time to stop.
It's time to be honest, no matter what.
Two men.
Two equally good choices ...
IMPORTANT AN: The ending of "Two" will be decided by you - the readers. Who would you choose? In order to vote follow the link:
Voting is already opened, and will be closing on December 22, 10 p.m. (GMT -0300 Time) - The final chapter will be posted immediatly after the results are known.
myownbrandofidiocy . blogspot . com. br / 2012 / 12 / time - to - vote _ 19 . html
Meanwhile, enjoy two Outtakes - one in Jacob's POV and the other in Alice's POV.
Don't forget to vote!
