I adopted this plot bunny a year or so ago. It really intrigued me. I posted a poll in my group asking which story I should work on next, and this was the winner. It's definitely a WIP. I've only got a rough outline figured out and I'm going back to my roots with this … writing with a vague plan. I hope that I can do this justice.
None of this is mine … I wish it was. Sigh …
So, we heard Bella's story. I didn't want to be overly graphic. Imagine what she went through, times ten. She just pulls at my heart strings. Also, what do you think about Alice? Do you trust her motives?
Anyhow, up next will be the meeting with Aro and moving forward with the movie. We're also going to have some romantic moments between Edward and Bella. Again, this will be an extremely slow burn. Unfortunately, I will have to separate them soon. She is a mom, and her kiddo is important to her. We're going to have some Seth and Bella bonding over the phone. I miss that kid!
Chapter Fourteen
Bella
The day was spent with Alice and Edward, carefully cultivating our plan of attack with Summit. Despite their close relationship with Aro Volturi, the actions of his employee, who was an obvious extension of his company, needed to be addressed. Paul had been summarily fired by the studio. Alice even went so far as to send Paul a copy of his non-disclosure agreement stating that if he bad-mouthed Summit, Edward, me, or the movie, he'd be subjected to hefty monetary consequences. He'd signed the NDA when he was hired by Summit and if he broke that agreement it would result in him being completely blacklisted within the industry with the possibility of jail time since he'd slandered and defamed my name.
However, Edward had waved his hand and Paul had been barred to apply for any position within Los Angeles. Through word of mouth, his faux pas was being spread around the entire entertainment industry.
After Alice left late in the afternoon, I asked for some time on my own. I needed to call Seth. I needed to see his face. Ideally, I'd prefer to hug my child, but he was a state away in San Francisco. I wasn't sure when I'd be flying home with this fuck up with Paul. So, a phone call would have to suffice. Edward, with all the patience in the world, told me that the wireless network extended to the beach. I hugged him so tightly, holding back tears before I went upstairs to get my laptop. Carrying it down to the beach, I settled on one of the chaise lounges near Edward's home.
Turning on my computer, I logged onto the wireless network and opened up FaceTime. I sent a text to Rose, who had responded almost immediately after I'd asked for her to set up her laptop. I dialed up Rose's number and Seth's face filled the computer screen. "Hey, baby," I breathed, tears welling in my eyes.
"Mom! Are you okay? Uncle Jasper flew out of here, all upset. He said that he needed to get to you," Seth asked.
"I'm okay," I answered. "Well, I'm okay, now. A couple days ago, Edward and I went out to eat with a studio executive. The executive … he was from La Push."
"Asshole," Seth snarled.
"Language, Seth Charles," I admonished.
"It's true. Everyone from La Push are assholes," Seth argued. "Do you think he knew my sperm donor?"
"I'm pretty certain he did. He said that your sperm donor was his cousin," I answered. "Anyway, he said some things. Things I didn't want Edward to know, at least not right away."
"He found out how I was conceived," Seth said.
I didn't lie to my son. I told him over and over again, that regardless of how he was conceived, I loved him to the moon and the stars. My child was my world and now that I was able, I could give him the world, every opportunity and shower him with love and adoration, like my father did for me. He vaguely remembered his father, his sperm donor. I was his primary care giver. Jacob rarely watched him, and Billy's influence had not infected my son's mind. I tried my hardest to not let that monster poison my sweet son's mind with his backwards thinking during the rare moments when Billy had watched him.
"Mom, you shouldn't be ashamed," Seth interrupted my ruminations. "You are the strongest person I know. Stronger than Uncle Emmett, that's for sure. And, he was in the NFL."
I sighed, "I may be strong, but what Paul said, no matter how twisted it was, wasn't the truth and it hurt," I snarled. "It also wasn't his information to share."
"I'm sorry, Mom," Seth murmured. "I hate that monster. They're assholes. Total assholes … who only think they can control by making people feel small. Why else would they … do what they do if they didn't … I don't know."
"Seth, I want you to answer this question honestly," I sighed, holding my hair back and looked at my son's sweet face. "Are you okay? Truly okay? Do you resent me?"
"Am I okay? Sometimes," he answered. "There are times when I feel so angry that I want to punch a wall because I couldn't do more to help you."
"Baby …"
"Mom, let me finish," Seth said. "I know I was a little boy, but I hated that you were always hurt for trying to protect me by people who were bigger than you. Mommy, you're tiny. So little … seeing those bruises and what those animals did to you … I hated it. I hated that I couldn't fix it. I know it's not my job as a kid, but it didn't stop me from hating it. I hated seeing those bruises and injuries. I hated hearing you cry out in pain or scream out in fear. I hate them. All of them."
I closed my eyes, tears falling down my cheeks. "I'm sorry, Seth. I'm sorry that we had to live through that," I whispered. "I should have done something sooner."
"How?" he asked. "Up until we got to San Francisco, we couldn't do much of anything because of our traveling."
"No, now," I said. "When I get home, I think I'm going to find someone for us to talk to."
"Like a shrink?"
"Yes," I nodded. "We both need it, baby." I looked up and saw Edward. He was holding a couple of cans of soda. I wiped my tears, smiling at him. "Do you want to meet Mr. Cullen? He's going to direct the movie."
"Can I?" Seth asked.
I nodded. I smiled at Edward, who walked over and put the soda on the table next to me. He crouched down as I angled the computer. "Seth, this is Mr. Cullen," I introduced.
"It's nice to meet you, Seth," Edward said kindly. "You look just like your mom."
"It's nice to meet you, too," Seth replied, a determined look spreading over his face. "Mom, can I talk to Mr. Cullen? Alone?"
"Seth …" I warned.
"No, I just want to talk to him. Man to man," Seth argued, arching a brow, and giving me a glower.
"We'll be okay," Edward said soothingly. "I was going to bring you something to eat, but I don't have enough arms. There's a snack for both of us on the kitchen counter."
"I'm not going to win, am I?" I sighed.
Both Edward and Seth replied with a resounding no.
With a shake of my head, I handed the computer to Edward and walked back up to the house. What did my son have in mind?
xx Blockbuster xx
Edward
I took the computer from Bella, watching her briefly as she went inside. I sat down, balancing the computer on my knees. "Seth, I really mean it when I said that it was nice to meet you. I hope, in time, we'll get to meet, face-to-face," I said sincerely, giving him a small smile. "Your mom has become someone very important to me."
"You must be. You're the first guy she's ever showed any interest in," Seth said. "Uncle Emmett and Aunt Rose tried to get her to date Uncle Jasper, but they're too different. They're more like brother/sister."
"I can see that," I snickered. "Now, what can I do for you, Seth?"
Seth looked at me. His eyes were fierce and in that moment, I didn't see a little boy, but a young man who was going to protect his mother. He'd seen all she'd endured, and he didn't want her to hurt any more. He would do anything for her. "My mom would probably kick my ass for saying this, but you hurt her, I hurt you," he sneered. "She's had too many people betray her trust … I don't want my mom to be sad, to be hurt anymore. She thinks she hides it, but she doesn't. I see her. I've witnessed her getting hurt, injured. I was too little to help, but now I have a say. I can help her now and I will!"
"Seth, I can promise you, on my soul, that I'd never hurt your mom, in any way. It would destroy me to hurt her," I vowed, holding my hand above my heart. "Like I said, she's become very important to me."
"Do you love her?" Seth asked, a child-like innocence on his expression on his face and within his question. "She needs someone to love her. Really love her. And, I'm not talking about the kind of love that my aunt and uncles give her. Uncle Em and Aunt Rose, they give her support and friendship. What did she call it? A soft place to land. We have no other family and they're it for us. She needs … I don't know what I'm trying to say. She's empty, Mr. Cullen. She goes through the motions of life, but isn't living."
Fuck, this kid is breaking my heart. And, he's wise beyond his years.
I looked at Seth, witnessing his raw emotion and the unbreakable bond between mother and son, their undeniable love for each other. They'd fought for every moment, finding a new life, and some semblance of happiness, but even this boy saw how lost and broken his mother was. He wanted nothing more than for her to be happy, protected and loved. I answered him honestly, "Seth, I'm falling for her, but speaking to you, man to man, if I said something to her now, she'd panic."
"Why?"
"I don't know if she told you exactly what happened a couple days ago, but she told me everything about her past," I said. "She's trying to come to grips with me knowing her history. With me spouting out that I'd loved her? She'd run." She already tried and I'd found her. I held her as she cried, with her shame becoming a living entity in the hotel room where I'd found her.
"But, could you love her, even knowing what you know now?" Seth asked.
"I could, Seth," I breathed. To be honest, kid, I already do. I blinked up, watching as Bella came walking back. "She's coming back outside. I promise you that I won't hurt her. I couldn't. To hurt her would hurt me," I assured solemnly.
Seth eyed me, trying to understand my intentions. "I'll have to take your word for it," he clipped.
"Look, Seth, I know that you're like your mom in your hesitancy to trust. I wouldn't blame you," I said quickly. "I'm a stranger and you have no reason to trust me."
"If my mom trusts you, you have to be a good guy. She's pretty closed off except with me, Aunt Rose and Uncles Emmett and Jasper. But, the fact that you know what happened to her, to us, says a lot," Seth murmured.
"I know, Seth," I breathed. "We'll talk more. I promise."
Bella balanced the snacks on a tray, putting them on the edge of the chaise lounge. "Are you done with your guy talk?" she asked, sitting down next to me.
"We were just displaying burping techniques and sharing our predictions over who will win the World Series," I snickered.
"Who's playing?" Bella quipped, arching a brow at me.
"Uh …" I floundered. "The Chicago Cubs?"
"Nice try, Mr. Cullen. For a former actor, you can't lie to save your life," Seth teased over the computer.
"That's why now I'm a director," I snorted. "I'll stick with being behind the camera. I don't have to fake any emotions or whatever."
"So, you weren't talking about burping or sports," Bella smiled, angling the computer to look at her son.
"It's between me and Mr. Cullen. Us guys are allowed to have our secrets," Seth said. "Did I tell you about my science test?"
Bella gave me an arched look, but grinned at her son. "What about your science test?"
We spent an hour on the FaceTime call until Bella's computer battery began to fade. I got a chance to get to know Seth, who was smart, conscientious, and funny. Despite his rough childhood, he was an amazing kid. His relationship with his mom was something special. I stepped away to give them a chance to say their goodbyes without an outsider hovering.
I sat down at the edge of the water, watching as the sun continued to dip in the horizon. I idly tossed some shells back into the surf. Bella came down, sitting down next to me. "Thank you for giving me some time to say goodbye to Seth," she murmured. "I really miss him. I think he's grown since I've left."
"I'd do anything for you, gorgeous," I answered honestly. "I'm sorry that you're away from him. As soon as we finish up with Aro, we can finish planning using FaceTime and I could fly up to San Francisco. You need to be with him."
She sighed, moving to sit between my legs. I held her tightly, pressing a kiss to her neck. She snuggled closer. My heart clenched, knowing what she'd survived, and she was still so loving, so willing to accept my affection. I'd gladly give it to her. I wanted to erase the scars from her past and have my hands and my kisses be what she craved. I wanted to be the one who protected her.
Loved her.
No, not loved. I want to love her.
"I need to be with him, but I'm not someone who half-asses a job," she said, threading her fingers with mine. "I've never been able to do that. It was my downfall, really."
"Being a hard worker is not a bad thing," I argued. "I've worked with actors and crew members who are entitled pieces of shit. They did not want to lift a finger and complained if things were too difficult. Their work ethic is just nonexistent, to be honest."
"It is when it takes you away from your son, but I had to be. I had nothing, Edward. I had very little money, losing it all when my father died and trying to survive. I had to be both father and mother, working for our future … I hated what I lived through. I hated it all," she muttered, her voice cracking.
"You didn't deserve it, gorgeous. No one deserves it. I wish I could take it all away," I whispered. "I'm just in awe of you. That you'd accept my affection when your choice was taken from you."
"Your touch makes me feel safe. Most male attention definitely made me uncomfortable. I was more at ease with older men who reminded me of my father," Bella explained. "Emmett terrified me at first, but he was a lot like my dad despite his size."
"Will you tell me about your dad?" I asked.
"I will, but not now," she said. "I just want to enjoy the sunset."
"That we can do," I murmured, pressing a tender kiss to her temple. "Thank you for trusting me with your story."
"Thank you for not … throwing me away," she whispered. "To everyone in my life from before, I was trash. I was tossed away like garbage. For a while, I felt like I was garbage. There are still moments where I feel like I'm still garbage, unworthy of what I've accomplished. I was systematically abused and broken for years … it's hard to not think that."
"Bella, love, you're the farthest thing from that," I murmured, holding her tighter against my chest. "You deserve the whole world … everything." And, I'll do everything in my power to give it to you and to your son.
I just prayed that she would let me.
xx Blockbuster xx
Bella
The next morning, I was getting ready for the meeting with Aro Volturi. I wore a pair of black dress pants with an elegant black blouse, grey jacket, and red heels. My makeup was simple with a bold lip, matching my shoes. I wanted to look powerful, even when I wasn't. I was terrified that Aro Volturi would be another sleazeball like Paul.
Shaking my head, I focused on yesterday. More specifically, last night.
Edward and I sat on the beach the night before until the sun slid beneath the horizon. After that, we went inside and ate some dinner. As we shared our meal, I told him about my father and our lives in Forks. From his expression, Edward was enraptured with my stories about my dad and my childhood. Despite my rough start to adulthood, I had a great childhood. My dad doted on me, loved me unconditionally and talking about him made my heart ache.
In a moment of weakness, I asked Edward to stay with me when I went to sleep. It was his bed, after all. He gave me the sweetest look, kissing me gently before agreeing. I changed into my pajamas, a pair of capri sleep pants and a t-shirt. Edward came into his room, wearing a pair of baggy pants and white tank top.
Holy crap. DirectorWard has a tattoo!
All along his right bicep, there was black and grey ink swirling along his tanned skin, looking like armor along his muscles. He blushed when he saw where I was staring. "I never could have any tattoos or body artwork when I was an actor. Well, I could, but it's a pain in the ass to cover with makeup. Despite the technology to cover the ink, it looked fake. So, after my first film that I directed premiered, I got this. It's my family crest, obviously enhanced. I have more, but they're hidden."
"Hidden?" I asked, arching a brow.
"Some are under the shirt, but I have a few others that are lower," Edward explained, his ears turning even more red. "I've turned into a body art collector, but for the most part, they're hidden."
"Can I see?" I whispered. "This one?" He sat down, nodding with a crooked smile. I sat down next to him, idly running my fingers over the black whirls of ink. "This is so intricate. Did it hurt?"
"At first, but after a while it became a pleasant buzz against my skin," he answered. "But, completely addictive. Even before this one was done, I had my next one planned and the appointment booked."
"I always wanted a tattoo, but money was an issue, and my fear of needles was another," I sighed, tracing over his last name printed along his bicep.
"Well, money isn't an issue anymore and I'll hold your hand, protect you from those big, bad needles," he whispered. "Come on, love. Despite sleeping the day away yesterday, you look exhausted. I'm eager to hold you in my arms all night."
And, he did. It was the best night's sleep I'd ever had. I don't honestly know how I was going to sleep without him when I left Los Angeles, returning to San Francisco.
"Knock, knock," came the deep voice of Jasper.
"It's open," I smiled, turning around, and flipping my hair over my shoulders. My best friend came into the bedroom, pulling me into a tight hug. "I'm okay, Jasper."
"I know, but it doesn't mean that I'm not pissed at the asshat," Jasper growled, tightening his hold on me.
"You're pissed at Edward?" I asked.
"No, at Paul," Jasper snickered, kissing my cheek. "But, we're going to make him pay for what he said. I promise."
"How did you get here?"
"By plane," he snickered, looping my arm through his.
"Don't make me impale your foot with my stiletto," I deadpanned. "How did you get to Edward's house?"
"He had Liam pick me up from the hotel and drive me here. I stayed at a hotel last night because I got in so late, well after midnight thanks to flight delays. However, I'm staying in the guest house until everything settles down. We'll fly home together." He stopped in front of me, taking my hands. "I should have come down with you. I'm sorry that you had to deal with that all by yourself."
"I wasn't alone. Edward was there," I argued.
"Yeah, after he called me in a panic when you bolted after dinner," Jasper argued. "He was a mess, sweet girl."
"I was a mess after that bullshit that Paul spewed," I sighed. "But, we talked about everything. He knows it all."
"I'm glad you told him, but I hate that it wasn't on your timeline," Jasper grumbled.
"I'd planned on telling him while I was down here, but in a more controlled environment. Not in a hotel room at the Marriott near LAX. I wanted to be in a better head space, not an emotional wreck who'd gotten no sleep because the nightmares invaded my subconscious." I blew out a breath. I hugged him again. "Thank you for being here."
"Anything for you," he said, kissing my hair.
"How will you be with Alice?" I asked.
"It'll be tough, but she tried to hurt you and it'll take a lot of ass-kissing for her to get in my good graces," Jasper snorted humorlessly. "Come on, let's get the show on the road."
We walked downstairs. Edward was in the kitchen, sipping some coffee. He was in a suit without a tie, but it was poking out of the pocket of his coat. "Happy reunion?" he asked, grinning crookedly, snickering.
"Very much so," I replied. "Thank you for sending Liam to get him."
"Alec was supposed to pick him up, but he had a midterm or something that he couldn't miss," Edward explained.
"Who's Alec?" Jasper asked.
"My personal assistant," Edward answered. "He's finishing up film school." He checked his watch, frowning. "We need to get going. Aro may be a close personal friend, but he's a stickler for punctuality."
Jasper, Edward, and I got into Edward's Range Rover. After he backed out of the garage, Edward twined his fingers with mine. I heard Jasper shift in the back seat. I shot him a look as he waggled his brows suggestively. Rolling my eyes, I focused my gaze back through the windshield. We listened to some music as we drove along the freeway. Arriving at the studio, Edward parked the SUV next to a bright yellow Porsche. "Alice is here," Edward said. "You ready?"
"I hope so," I murmured.
"No matter what, I'm here for you, Bella," Edward said.
"We both are, sweet girl," Jasper grinned. "We're going to kick ass and take names."
Edward reached across the console, caressing my cheek. He leaned over, kissing me gently, his lips soft and tender. "You can do this, gorgeous." He pressed his forehead to mine. I held his wrist, breathing him in. I don't know how long we sat there, but we eventually got out of the SUV. Jasper must have gotten out of the car and walked into the sleek office building that held Summit's corporate offices. "Let me get the door for you."
He pressed his lips to mine once more, sliding out of the SUV. I picked up my computer bag and got out of the car after Edward opened the door. He threaded his fingers with mine, walking into the lobby. Jasper was just inside, talking to the receptionist and actively avoiding Alice, who was giving him puppy dog eyes.
Edward spoke with the receptionist, who gave us directions to a conference room where we'd be meeting with Aro Volturi. We rode up to the top floor of the office building and another receptionist pointed to a glass-enclosed conference room. An older gentleman was sitting inside with a young man, typing on a computer.
"Marcus is here," Alice said. She opened the door. "Uncle Aro!"
"Ahhh, my Mary Alice," Aro beamed, standing up and hugging her close. "You are looking more and more beautiful each time I see you, sweetheart."
"Thank you, Uncle Aro," Alice replied.
"Edward, son, it's a pleasure to see you, my boy," Aro grinned. He shook Edward's hand with a warm grin. "I only wish it was on better circumstances." He turned to me. "Ms. Swan, I know that these words mean little, but I am truly sorry for what Paul Lahote did and his actions are not representative of this studio or its values." He took my hand into both of his.
"Thank you for saying that," I said, giving him a tight grin. "I don't appreciate lies being spread about my past."
"I agree with you there," Aro said, gesturing to a chair at the conference table. "Please, have a seat and we'll discuss our plans to deal with this situation."
"I hope you received the email I sent on behalf of my brother and Bella," Alice said, sitting next to the younger man. "Marcus, it's nice to see you."
"You, too, Ali," Marcus nodded.
"If you don't mind, but why are you here?" Alice asked, glowering at the younger man.
"Paul, technically, was under my employ when he acted as a representative of Summit. He's fighting his termination because my father fired him when he was my responsibility," Marcus explained. "I don't disagree with my father's decision. Paul had more than one letter in his file for harassment and shady business practices."
"Our attorneys are looking into that, but his termination will stand," Aro snarled. "We've also worked with our PR firm to head off any false claims that Paul will make about you, this movie or about Edward."
"Don't worry about me. I can handle it," Edward said, taking my hand. "It's Bella's reputation that's at stake. I refuse to let Paul defame her name, spreading any more slanderous lies. She's got a child … I don't want her son to see what Paul was trying to spread as the gospel truth."
"But, you shouldn't have to, Edward," Aro argued. "Nor should you, Bella."
"How is Summit going to prevent Paul from spreading those lies?" Edward asked.
"When he was hired, Paul signed a non-disclosure agreement," Marcus began.
"I sent him a copy of his NDA," Alice added.
"Right … Anyway, if he shares anything about our company, current projects or upcoming projects, the movie, or our talent, he'll be taken to court and have to pay back his entire salary, along with court costs," Marcus explained. "He would also have to pay damages to you, Ms. Swan."
"I'll believe that when I see it," I grumbled.
"Bella, what Paul did was awful, and we will do everything in our power to prevent him from sharing any of these lies," Aro said. "We're also hoping that we can assuage your fears with monetary compensation from me and Summit."
"Money cannot fix all problems, Uncle Aro," Alice chimed, arching a brow at her uncle.
"I agree with that," Jasper added. "Bella is a well-respected author, with a solid fanbase and a protective family. What happened with the initial executive who reached out to us? Laurent Schneider? Paul gave us some cock and bull story about Laurent, that he was sick, but I don't believe it. Paul Lahote doesn't exactly radiate trustworthy."
"Laurent did decide to step away from the industry," Aro explained. "He received some bad medical news and he decided to retire. He moved to Hawaii with his wife and grandkids. He wanted to see through this movie, but his medical prognosis was not very promising."
"What's wrong with Laurent?" I asked. "Is he okay?"
"Stage IV pancreatic cancer and it's only a matter of time," Aro frowned. "He … he won't make to the end of the year."
"So, Paul was telling the truth about Laurent being sick," Jasper muttered.
"He was, but how he handled the transfer of power was not appropriate. He barrel-rolled his way onto the project with no finesse," Aro said. "I also know that money is not the cure-all for the problems that Paul created. But, besides the money, we will do everything in our power to protect you."
"Why would you do that?" I whispered. "You don't know me."
"I don't know you, but I know Mary Alice and Edward," Aro said. "They wouldn't be fighting for someone who didn't deserve it."
Alice looked down, shame coloring her face. "Not so much me. Up until a couple days ago, I believed the bullshit that Paul was sharing. Edward believed in Bella from the moment they'd met. I let some unsubstantiated emails color my opinion of Bella, when in reality, she's nothing like what I believed."
"Why would you believe Paul? Or some random asshole on an email?" Jasper asked, his voice quiet and angry. "Was your hatred of my best friend, my sister, so blind that you'd help perpetrate what he shared? That she'd do those things? You never gave her a chance! You just took one look at her, made a snap judgment about her based on her looks and some bullshit lies and making her life miserable, my life miserable, trying to fuck me to get her secrets. You made up your mind that she was trash when it's you who's trash, believing the lies …" He shot up, his hands in tight fists. "Excuse me. Is there a men's room?"
"Come on, man. I'll show you," Marcus said, standing up. "This way."
Jasper and Marcus left the conference room. The silence could be sliced like a knife. Aro was glowering at Alice, who was trying not to cry.
"Uncle Aro, Alice did believe what Paul had to say, but she realized that she made a mistake," Edward explained. "She's trying to atone for that mistake, but it's obviously going to take some time."
"Mistake or not, it hurt the building relationship with this studio," Aro snapped. "What were you thinking, Mary Alice?"
"I fucked up. I get it!" Alice snapped back. "I'm doing everything in my power to make it right, but apparently it's not enough."
"Stop!" I sighed. "Look, Alice made a mistake. If I can look past it, why can't everyone else?" I thrust my hands into my hair, twisting it over my shoulder. "Paul was the fuck up. He was the one who listened to my son's sperm donor, believing his fabrications about my life."
I spent the better part of an hour, explaining my past and how my book was semi-autobiographical. Jasper and Marcus came back, listening intently. When I was done, Aro was staring at me with shock and sadness in his eyes. He got up and moved to crouch in front of me. Carefully, he took my hands in his. It took everything in my power to not flinch when he approached me. "Bella, I'm so sorry that people who were supposed to love and protect you, betrayed you in that way and breaking your spirit. I can see why Edward is so taken with you."
"It's because she's beyond amazing," Edward murmured, kissing my temple.
"So, where do we go from here?" I asked.
"I know that Alice already put up some preliminary roadblocks to stop Paul sharing his nonsense," Aro explained. "I think we need to formalize that plan, going in front of a judge. Alice, if you go down a floor, the studio attorneys are heading over to the courthouse to …"
"I'll head there now," Alice nodded, standing up on shaky limbs. She looked at Jasper, who ignored her as he typed on his computer. "We'll make sure that Paul doesn't do anything else to tarnish this movie." She squared her shoulders, leaving the conference room.
"While they work on that, let's talk about the timeline for the film and move forward with this project," Aro said, with a smile on his face.
xx Blockbuster xx
"My eyes hurt," Jasper grumbled, rubbing his face. "Staring at the damned computer for so long gave me a migraine."
We were sitting on the beach, settled around a fire pit. I was snuggled next to Edward while Jasper was across the fire, drinking a beer. Edward texted Alice, asking her to join us, but she had left by the time we'd finished with Aro and Marcus. If I had to hazard a guess, Alice went home to nurse her pride since Jasper had really gone off on her.
I didn't blame Jasper. He had gotten screwed seven ways to Sunday because of Alice's betrayal.
I also didn't blame Alice for hiding her face. She fucked up. However, she had no one to blame except herself.
"I'm emotionally drained," I sighed, pressing my cheek against Edward's bicep.
"Understandably so," Edward murmured soothingly.
"I'm with you, Bells. I'm emotionally drained," Jasper grumbled. "But, for a different reason." He scowled at the fire, tossing a shell into the flames.
"Jasper, I know that you and Alice had a thing," Edward said.
"She was fucking me to get information about Bella," Jasper sighed. "Edward, she may be your sister, but I don't trust her. Period. End of story."
"I don't blame you," Edward shrugged. "She's got some major ground to cover in order to regain my trust. I've already spoken to another attorney, a friend of mine, when it comes to legal representation with my future endeavors. I love my sister, but she really lost sight of what was important. Her prejudices clouded her judgment."
"She seemed really upset," I whispered. "It's my fault …"
"No, gorgeous. It's not your fault. It's her fault for not seeing the bigger picture," Edward said. "But, she … she'll work her fingers to the bone to right this wrong. I know that it'll be a long road for her to dig herself out of this hole. She's betrayed my trust, Bella's trust and yours, Jasper. If anything, she fucked you over more than anyone, Jasper."
"She did. I really liked her. I was physically attracted to her, even though her actions were shady as fuck," Jasper sighed, finishing his beer, and picking up another one. "We truly just had hate sex, because I fucking hate her." He got up, throwing the cap into the fire. "I'm going to blow off some steam. Can I walk along the shore?"
"This is all private property, owned by the homeowner's association," Edward explained. "A lot of famous people live in the neighborhood, and they value their privacy. It's the only way we can keep the paparazzi away."
"Okay," he said. "Do you need to let me in if I don't come back before you go up?"
"Nope," Edward grinned. "The guest house has its own entrance and I'll make sure to leave it unlocked, Jasper."
"Thanks, Edward," Jasper nodded, sauntering away.
We watched him disappear around down the coastline. Edward sighed, kissing my forehead. "Why do you think that this is your fault? You didn't force Jasper and Alice to have sex," Edward snorted, cupping my cheek. "You also didn't encourage Alice's prejudiced take on you. It was her fault. Alice was the one who made that snap judgment. It's not you. It'll never be you."
"It's hard not to think that," I answered. "From the moment I found out I was pregnant, until I left Forks, and every step in between, everything was my fault. Even after that, I always spun things, so it was my fault. I'm used to the blame being squarely on my shoulders."
Edward moved, sitting in front of me and staring into my eyes. "They were wrong. All of them. Jacob, his asshole father, my sister, Paul, and anyone else who made you feel like you were less than anything. You are everything. You're smart, funny, kind, loving, generous and so beautiful. You're a college-educated mother who never let anything get in your way of your dreams. I'm in awe of you."
"Edward …" I huffed, shaking my head.
"I'll stop," he chuckled, leaning forward, and brushing his lips over mine. "I know that you're going to fly out of here the day after tomorrow. I hate that you're leaving, but I understand why."
"Seth needs me," I said wistfully. I'd spent an hour on the phone with him, just listening to him babble away about school, his plans to try out for the spring musical after Thanksgiving break and the silly antics of Rose and Emmett's children. "I miss him so much."
"That's why I'll fly up to you," Edward said. "The only time we'll need you is when we begin casting the movie and since Aro is so willing to make your life so much easier after the debacle with Paul, we can schedule that during Seth's school breaks. That way, he can come with you, and you won't have to be separated from him." He moved swiftly, picking me up and cradling me in his arms.
"Smooth move," I giggled, sliding my arms around his neck. "Thank you for being so …"
"I'd do it for anyone," he interrupted, kissing me tenderly. He brushed my hair back, trailing his fingers down my jaw and neck. His hand made me shiver, but not out of fear. His tender caresses and heated gazes were turning me on. "Will you spend the day with me tomorrow? No work. No unwelcomed trips down memory lane. Just you and me … spending the day together."
"I'd like that," I beamed. "Where are we going?"
"That's for me to know and for you to find out," Edward quipped.
"How am I supposed to know what to wear?" I teased, arching a brow.
"Casual, comfortable," he said. "I just want you to have some fun. For us to have some fun. Let me do this for you, love."
A/N: A bit of a roller coaster with this chapter. Edward and Seth 'met', and Seth got all protective with his mom. However, what do you think Seth thought of Edward? Does he trust him?
We also met Aro, discussing the fallout of from Paul's bullshit. Jasper also went off on Alice. Is she redeemable? Leave me your thoughts about that.
Pictures from this chapter are on my blog. You can access them from a link on my profile. I'm also on FB: Tufano79's Twilight Fanfiction Appreciation. Twitter, too: tufano79.
Up next will be Edward's date with Bella. Where do you think they'll go? Bella is also going to return to San Francisco. How soon do you think it'll be until Edward follows her? And what about those emails that were sent to Alice?
Thanks for reading!