Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight. No copyright infringement is intended, but Aiden and the plot are ours. ©2021
Big THANKS to our team, Liz Vesper, our Editor and Connie Sanders, our pre-reader. They make our words pretty and readable.
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Bella
Chapter 18: Just Friends?
4 months later…
"I just closed on this beautiful property near the Loop, four bedroom, four and a half bathrooms, and the kitchen was to die for, I nearly bought it for myself." Alice said as she grated cheese.
"The Loop." Ivey said. "That's a pretty pricey area." She said as she rolled the dough for the pizza.
"Yeah, it is." Angela nodded her head as she worked on the filling for the cannolis.
"That commission must have looked nice." Demetri said as he sifted through flour and sugar.
Alice laughed.
"Congrats on the sale, Alice." I said as I sliced the pepperoni.
"Yeah, congrats Ali." Rose said as she cut the tomatoes.
"Thank you." Alice smiled.
We continued to work on our individual tasks in silence.
We got together a few times since the dinner party, but it had been a while since our last outing at the movies.
Rosalie had found this place called Chicago Dine Around. It was a place where we got to make our own food or, as the hosts said: we were having an interactive culinary experience that would bring us together, through teamwork and creativity, in a fun way.
We were competing in teams: Alice, Rosalie, Angela, Ivey, Demetri, and I against, Edward, Emmett, Jasper, Jacob, Benjamin; Angela's boyfriend, and Avery—Ivey's friend and just recently Demetri's boyfriend—against the other groups of people who were also here.
The team who comes up with the best tasting pizza wins. There was no real prize at the end. Well, except we got to eat the pizza and dessert we made, but it would still be fun.
Emmett suggested that the losing team should buy everyone drinks afterward. We were fine with it, but a few of his teammates felt like we were cheating because we had Rose.
"So." Alice paused. "What's going on with you and Edward?"
I frowned. "Huh?" My hand froze mid cut.
Were we not just talking about her business?
Demetri snickered.
"Come on, Bella, spill." Rose said.
I set my knife down and looked up at them.
I didn't know where this change of conversation came from. Rose told us about how her business had gotten a lot of new customers and catering opportunities since Emmett had taken over her marketing. Demetri gushed about Avery. Ivey was furthering her education. Angela and Ben were thinking about marriage and babies. Finally, Alice and Jasper were considering living together.
So why would Edward and I be a topic?
I think it's safe to say I was confused.
Alice, Rosalie, and Demetri stared at me as if I was clueless, while Angela and Ivey continued working on the dough and filling, as if they didn't want to get involved.
"What are you talking about?" I chuckled.
"You know what we're talking about." Demetri smirked.
"No." I drawled. "I don't."
"Come on, Bell." Alice rolled her eyes. "You and Edward have been spending a lot of time together."
I glanced over to the other side of the room, where he and the rest of the group were working.
Jacob said something, and they all erupted in laughter.
I looked back at Alice. "Okay, so what?" I shrugged my shoulders. "We're friends and so are our kids."
And in truth, we were.
We were friends, and we spent time together.
And it had been fun.
It was good. Great, even.
But then again, so was the rest of my life.
Things were stable.
Work was amazing. We had so many new fresh ideas and concepts that I couldn't wait to get started on, we just hired three amazing new writers and two photographers.
And we were looking into moving more into the digital realm, a big step for us that could take Phases of the Moon to new heights. I even started sketching again, and hopefully I could bring one of the pieces in my head to life soon.
Now the one area that I'd say was a work in progress, but would still classify as good, was Alec and Aiden's relationship. It wasn't an easy conversation to have with Aiden, but after we talked about how he had been feeling; I knew my dad was right. Boundaries had to be set.
Surprisingly, Alec handled that conversation much better than what I thought he would, and all in all it was a good talk. And by that, I mean it didn't end in an argument.
Flashback:
"What do you mean I can only come over when Aiden wants?" Alec frowned.
I sighed. We had met at a coffee shop, and as I looked around at the other customers, I wished in that moment I was one of them. I told Alec what Aiden told my Dad and I, and he still didn't get it.
I sipped of my coffee. "I mean just what I said Alec." I set the cup down.
"But I'm his father." He narrowed his eyes at me.
I nodded my head. "I know, but this is a lot for Aiden to take right now and I think it would be best if we reevaluate some things."
"That's easy for you to say, I'm not trying to kick you out of his life."
"Alec." I put one hand on the table. "I'm not kicking you out of his life, and I'm not saying you'll never see him, it just won't be like it used to be. You can still come around, but when Aiden wants you to."
I wasn't sure about this plan. Not too long ago he wasn't showing up on his own, and now I was putting nonexistent faith into Alec; hoping that he would show up whenever Aiden wanted him to. It felt a little risky.
"And this is coming from Aiden and not you?"
I was tired of talking in circles.
I rubbed my hands over my face before I placed my elbows on the table. "Is it so hard for you to believe that your own actions caused this?"
"But I've been around more." He stabbed his pointer finger on the table. "I told you I turned over a new leaf, that has to count for something."
"That's great Alec, but it doesn't change what you did, or how he feels."
His nostrils flared, and he looked away from me.
We sat quietly as I sipped my coffee.
"I don't like this." He finally looked back at me.
He didn't like anything he couldn't control.
"I know." I leaned back in my chair. "But it's what he needs right now."
He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "I guess I don't really have a choice."
I bit my lip and shook my head.
End of flashback.
Like I said, better than I expected, and so far, that arrangement was working. Alec came over at least once a week for dinner, and he even joined Aiden and I on a few outings.
Aiden was still a bit hesitant, but so far, his and Alec's relationship seemed to move in the right direction.
On the other hand, other areas of my life were going great.
Demetri blew out a breath. "You see the man every day."
"That's not true."
"It is." Demetri's eyes widened. "You go on those little romantic walks." He wiggled his eyebrows up and down.
"It's not romantic. We take our kids' dog for a walk." I'm a co-owner of a dog, Egg Roll. Edward and I decided the easiest thing to do was trade off every week. During the weeks he has Renata, Egg Roll stays with him, then Aiden and I would get him the next week, and the rotation would continue.
The funny thing is that even on the weeks when Aiden and I didn't have Egg Roll we'd still go with Edward and Renata on his afternoon walks, when they get out of school. And when Aiden and I have him, Edward joined us.
I enjoyed those moments. Even when it was unpleasantly cold and when Egg Roll pooped everywhere, not that I picked it up or anything, that was Edward's job, but I still looked forward to those walks.
Flashback:
It was a windy day, but it was beautiful. The sky was blue, and the clouds were big and puffy, the air was fresh, and people were laughing. The harvest red and burnt orange leaves that fell from the trees covered the trail we were on.
"What's your favorite holiday?" I asked.
"If I had to pick one, it would be thanksgiving. What about you?" Edward asked.
"Technically Halloween, but I love the feel of Christmas, everyone just seems happier."
Aiden and Renata were a couple of steps ahead of us with Egg Roll in between them, but Edward held the leash.
He nodded. "I get what you mean. People can seem more relaxed, well maybe after they've finished Christmas shopping."
"That's true." I laughed. "Some people get really stressed about that."
I never completely understood it though. I get that people wanted to give and make their friends and family happy, but allowing something that's supposed to be fun to stress you out never made sense to me.
"What's your biggest pet peeve?" Edward asked.
I inhaled. "When clothes are folded incorrectly."
He chuckled. "There's a wrong way to fold clothes?
"Yes, absolutely, but specifically sheets." When Alec would attempt to fold our sheets, he would literally roll them into balls and stick them in the linen closet. It drove me crazy. "How about you, what's your biggest pet peeve?"
"Being late. I hate it, I don't like wasting time, whether it's mine or someone else's."
"That's not too surprising." And it wasn't, Edward seemed to be the type of person to have a schedule and stick to it, no matter what.
He shrugged his shoulder and smiled sheepishly.
"What is your least favorite place in the world?" I asked.
"The dentist's office. Don't get me wrong, I have a great dentist, but it's always uncomfortable, and he tries to have a conversation when he's elbow deep in my mouth, and by the time I leave I feel like I'm a drooling everywhere." He switched the leash from one hand to the other.
"The dentist doesn't bother me too much." I chuckled. "But for me, the place I wish I never had to go to again was DMV."
"I forgot about the DMV, that's a good one, I don't like going there either."
"I have to mentally prepare myself for that trip, the lines are always long, and you can't have anything else planned for the day."
The last time I had to go to the DMV was to renew my license. Let's just say the picture taken for the license reflects that I was there three hours too long.
"Can I hold the leash now, Daddy?" Renata asked as she stopped walking.
"Yeah, can we, Mommy?" Aiden asked with wide eyes.
Edward glanced at me, silently asking if I was okay with it.
I nodded. Egg Roll was a very mild-mannered and easygoing dog. We would be watching, but I wasn't concerned that he would pull them or do anything that could be harmful.
"You have to hold on to the leash, okay?"
Renata smiled. "Okay." Edward placed the leash in her hand, and she wrapped her tiny fingers around it and turned to Aiden. "You wanna hold it with me." She held it up as high as she could.
"Totally!" He put his hand under hers and we began walking again.
"Favorite food?" Edward asked.
"Mmm, I think I would have to say, Italian. What about you?" I turned my head to look at him.
The wind blew his hair in every direction and caused his face to redden. "I'm pretty simple, a meat and potatoes kind of guy."
I nodded my head. "Favorite singer?"
"Michael Jackson." He turned to me. "Who's yours."
"Prince." I sniffled and put my hands in my pockets.
"He had some great music too."
"He did." I said as a group of joggers passed us. "Favorite superhero?"
"Batman."
"Christian Bale made a cool Batman but, I'm more of a Marvel fan."
"That's unfortunate but, I won't judge you for it." He said, a playful grin on his face.
"Judge me?" I laughed. "Everyone knows Marvel is better."
"That is the furthest thing from the truth." He shook his head. "I see we'll be watching some movies in the near future." He sighed.
"I guess we will, but I hope you enjoy disappointment." I smirked.
"Not likely." He chuckled.
End flashback.
We still hadn't gotten around to watching the movies, but proving I was right would be something to look forward to.
But I could deal with him talking nonsense like that to see him look… be happy, or maybe, at least on that track, again.
The day of the field trip was an interesting one, to say the least.
I can't say I knew everything that happened between the two of them—not that it was my business and I figured if Edward ever wanted to tell me he would—but it wasn't too hard for me to piece together the gist of the situation.
Maybe it was like an internal radar, like I would always sense or notice the signs when someone cheated. But in my experience, not that I'm an expert or anything, when you find out new… well, old information, but new to you, it hits you really hard in the first few moments.
You try to process it as best as you can, but it's hard to be logical when emotionally you're all over the place. You're angry, hurt, sad, and you may even just question what you could have done differently or what that other person had that you didn't. Well, that's what it was like for me. I don't know if men go through the same process of not feeling good enough or wondering if something was wrong with them. Either way, it's not always something you want to talk about immediately. So, on that day, I did all I could do, what my family and friends did for me when I found out about Alec. Offer support.
I would say that was the turning point in our friendship. Not that divorce and cheating was something to bond over or that either of us wore it like a badge of honor, but I understood him, and hoped that he knew I saw him, really saw him, the way he had made me feel since those months ago when we were at the library.
It wasn't completely lost on me that fire station Lucas was also the grocery store Lucas. And I also noticed the Gianna I had found on Facebook was in fact his ex-wife, and that she gave me the side eye a few times.
For Chicago to be such a big city, it was feeling a bit small.
"You've met each other's parents." Demetri said.
"At a winter program, you know, at the school the kids go to?" I said slowly. "Besides, all of you were there too."
Flashback:
Willow Academy went above and beyond with the Winter Festival they put on. Upon entering we were greeted with soft white lights that hung from the ceiling, with white flameless candles in a variety of sizes, and fake snow that covered the walkway.
As we walked through the lobby toward the auditorium, there was a small box office where they collected tickets and students in usher uniforms directed the guests to their seats while handing out programs. They even had concession counters with different snacks and beverages available for purchase.
My phone vibrated in my hand as I sat on the front row. My parents, Alice, Rosalie, Demetri and Angela were already here, so I knew more than likely it was Garrett. It would've been nice if he left Victoria at home, but I'm sure she came just out of spite.
It would've been nice if Alec could've come, but he said he would be working. When I told Aiden that he wouldn't be able to make it, it didn't seem to bother him at all.
"Hey Garrett."
"Hey Bella. Victoria and I are at the back of the auditorium, I can't see where you're sitting."
I guess the wicked never truly rest.
"We're sitting in the front." As I stood up and waved my hand so he could see me, I saw Gianna and who I assumed to be her parents in a few rows behind.
"Perfect." He disconnected the call and walked towards me.
Garrett stopped in front of my father. "How you are doing, Charlie?"
My Dad stood up and shook his hand. "I'm doing great. How about you?"
He smiled. "I can't complain."
"Hello Victoria." My Mother said.
"Renee." Victoria responded.
Well, at least she was being cordial.
Garrett smiled and waved at everyone while Victoria had a scowl on her face as they took their seats.
Alice nudged my arm. "She looks disgusted."
I nodded and smirked. "You know how Big V is, she's probably crawling out of her skin to be with such commoners."
"We are unworthy," Demetri whispered.
I placed my hand over my mouth, trying to hold in my snickers.
"Bella!" I heard Edward over the noise of people talking.
I turned to see Edward as he smiled and waved.
"Are those his parents?" Demetri asked.
"I think so."
"Oh my god, no wonder he looks like that, his father is just…" He tucked his lips and groaned.
I slapped his arm. "Don't be disgusting." His father was very good looking, though.
I stood just as Edward walked up.
"Hey Bella." Edward said as he pulled me in for a hug.
He smells so good.
"Hey Edward."
We pulled away, and he cleared his throat as he turned around. "Mom and Dad, I'd like you to meet Bella Swan."
I stepped forward with my hand out. "It's so nice to meet you, Dr. & Mrs. Cullen."
Mrs. Cullen stepped forward with a wide grin and embraced me. "Please call me Esme. The pleasure is all mine. Renata and Edward talk about you and Aiden all the time."
Edward coughed and turned his head to the side.
My smile grew wider.
Dr. Cullen playfully nudged Esme. "Sweetheart, don't embarrass him." He lightly chuckled.
She rolled her eyes and smiled.
I chuckled at their exchange.
I saw my parents watching from their seats.
Dr. Cullen extended his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Bella." He smiled.
"Thank you, Dr. Cullen, it so nice to meet you." I said as I released his hand.
He waved his hand. "Please call me Carlisle."
"Okay." I nodded. "I would like for you to meet my parents." I motioned for them to come where we stood as they watched the whole conversation.
My parents walked a few steps. "Edward, Carlisle and Esme, these are my parents, Charlie and Renee."
"Edward, it so nice to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you." My Mother winked at me as she shook Edward's hand.
I cleared my throat and shook my head at her.
I widened my eyes at my Dad, who smirked and rubbed my Mom's back, his way of trying to reign her in.
Carlisle, Esme and my parents warmly greeted each other before my parents took their seats. Shortly after I introduced them to Alice, Demetri, and Angela and then we all sat down.
Emmett came in moments later, greeted his parents, waved at everyone else and sat next to Rosalie.
Edward sat down next to me and leaned in. "That was fun."
I snorted a laugh. "It sure was."
I pulled a pack of gum out of my purse. "Want a piece?" I asked Edward.
"Sure." He held out his hand, and I gave him a piece. I took a stick out for myself and put the gum back.
Edward bumped my elbow that was on the armrest. "Who's that?"
I followed his gaze to see Victoria staring at him.
"Oh, those are Aiden's other grandparents, Garrett and Victoria." I sighed.
"Oh." He put the stick of gum in his mouth.
I turned to him. "Are you all walking Egg Roll after the show?"
"Yeah."
"Okay, we'll meet you in the usual spot."
"Looking forward to it." He said just as the curtains lifted and the opening of Jingle Bells started.
I'm sure the teachers and parents who helped put this festival together were proud. All the kids did an amazing job with the singing and dancing. Some of the third graders even read poems.
At the end, all the students came out on stage and yelled, "Happy Holidays." Aiden and Renata were in the front, along with the other kindergarteners. Their smiles were so big and bright that no one would have known how nervous they were before the festival started.
After the show ended and all the kids were back with their families, we all stood around talking and sharing the pictures we'd just taken. Demetri left shortly after because he, Avery, Angela and Ben had a double date. Alice left to go do some last-minute shopping with Jasper, and Rosalie and Emmett headed to the movies.
Garrett and Victoria spoke with Aiden for a few minutes and promised to see him on Christmas Eve.
Esme and Carlisle came over to say their goodbyes, but not before Esme invited Aiden and I to a family movie night after the holidays.
"We'll see you shortly." Edward said once we were outside.
"Okay, see you soon." I said as he and Renata headed to his truck.
I walked to my truck, turned the car on, and put the heat on full blast.
"Bumble Bee." My Mom said—a nickname she hadn't called me since I was a teenager—as she walked toward me.
My Dad and Aiden trailed behind her.
"What's up Mom?" I asked as I opened the back door for Aiden.
She smirked. "Edward seems nice."
I raised my eyebrows. "Yeah, he is." I chuckled. "What's with the smirk?" She looked as if she knew something I didn't.
"I'm not smirking." She tried to straighten her face.
"Yes." I nodded my head. "You are."
"Can't I just be happy? My beautiful grandson just preformed wonderfully, and both of my children are doing well in business, relationships, you know, thriving at life. What more could I ask for?"
I glanced back at Dad, who only shook his head. "What are you talking about, Mom?" I looked back at her.
"Oh, nothing, Honey." She waved her hand. "I'm just grateful that all my babies are doing good." She smiled.
"Yeah, we're doing great Mom." I looked at Aiden. "Come one Kiddo, we're meeting Renata and Edward, so we can take Egg Roll for his walk."
"I'll see you later, Buddy." My Dad said as they walked closer to the truck and kissed Aiden's cheek.
"See you later, Pop-Pop." Aiden said.
"Bye for now, Sweetheart." Mom leaned down and kissed his forehead before he got in.
"Bye Nana."
I closed the door, kissed both of my parents of the cheek and made my way toward the driver side door and opened it.
"Have fun with Edward… and Renata." Mom said as I stepped inside.
"We will. I'll take to you all later."
Mom opened her mouth to say something, but Dad wrapped his arm around my mom's shoulders. "Okay Bells, drive safe."
"Will do, love you." I got in the car and closed the door.
When I was about to pull out of the parking lot, I glanced in the rear-view mirror, and saw my parents in the same spot, with my Dad's arm wrapped around her. He looked to be saying something and my Mom nodded her head, looked up at him and smiled.
End Flashback.
"Are you serious, B?" Rose raised her eyebrow at me.
"What?" I crossed my arms. "There's nothing to tell."
"You two damn near spent Christmas together." Alice said.
"No, we didn't." I shook my head.
We had taken the kids to McCormick Tribune Plaza, to go ice skating a few days after Christmas. Aiden and Renata had a good time, and so did I. We even exchanged gifts.
Flashback:
It was the perfect day for ice skating, cold enough to see your breath, but not that bitter cold Chicago has during this time of the year. We were all bundled up in our heavy coats, scarfs, and gloves, but Renata and Aiden also had the added protection of elbow and knee pads, along with helmets.
We decided the beginner's area would be better since that's where new skaters could learn, and the obstacles weren't as challenging. We all fell a time or two, but the foam pits were there to cushion our falls. I'm sure we looked absolutely silly, but we had fun.
Edward and I even took turns snapping pictures with our phones of the kids and each other.
"Daddy, look at me." Renata yelled as she held onto Aiden's hand just steps in front of us.
I couldn't resist, they looked too cute not to take a picture skating hand in hand, smiling.
"I see you, Jellybean. You all are doing good." Edward chuckled.
"Mommy, I like this, but can we have some hot chocolate now?"
We'd been skating in circles for over an hour, and the temperature had dropped a bit since we'd arrived.
Just as I was about to turn around and ask Edward if he was ready to go, I jerked sideways to avoid another skater and lost my footing. Edward quickly came up behind me to prevent me from falling.
I relaxed into his hold.
He steadied me and moved away, but held on to my hand.
His large hands were nice and warm.
"Are you okay?" He asked with soft eyes.
I nodded my head. "Thanks." I couldn't look away from his eyes for some reason.
"I think I'm ready for that hot chocolate now." He said as he let go of my hand, which instantly felt cold.
I chuckled. "Yeah, me too." I pointed behind me. "We'll meet you back at the locker."
"Okay." He smiled.
I grabbed Aiden's hand and used the rail to skate to the opening of the rink and took a seat on the bench closet to our locker. Once I helped Aiden remove the elbow and knee pads, I grabbed our boots and we quickly put them on. A few minutes later Edward and Renata sat, removed the padding and exchanged their skates for boots.
"Mommy, I'm hungry." Aiden said as he took the helmet off.
"Me too, Daddy." Renata said.
"There's a place right over there." I pointed. "That has good hot chocolate and donuts."
"Yay! I love donuts." Aiden said as he rubbed his stomach.
"Me too." Renata said as she slid the helmet off her head.
"I could go for a little something myself." Edward said.
We hurried across the street to Sammy's Donuts and ordered a half-dozen donuts and coco.
The kids were engulfed in a conversation about the Incredibles 2, they recently saw at the library for 'Cinema Day'.
We sipped on hot chocolate as they talked about their favorite parts of the movie.
"Mommy, can I give Ren her gift now." Aiden took a bite of his donut and set it down.
"I got something for you too!" Renata bounced in her seat.
"Cool." Aiden mumbled around his food.
"Don't talk with your mouth full, Honey." I laughed and wiped his mouth with a napkin, before I reached into my bag and got her gift from my bag and gave it to Aiden.
"Here you go Ren!" Aiden said as he handed it her.
She smiled. "Thanks Den."
She opened the gift and held it up. "Look, Daddy, it's Moana."
We had gotten her a bath set and a doll playset.
"It is, don't forget to say thank you to Aiden and Bella." Edward said.
She looked back at Aiden and I. "Thank you, Den and Bella."
"I'll be back in a second, I want to go get something out of my car." Edward said as he stood.
"Okay." I nodded before he walked out of the door.
I watched as Renata pointed out the characters to Aiden.
They were so cute together.
I sighed as I set my mug down. I was a little nervous.
I got Edward a gift.
I wasn't sure if it was too much or not, but I figured since we were friends now, closer friends, there wouldn't be any harm in giving him a gift. Besides, I gave all my other friends gifts.
Edward came back into the restaurant, his cheeks red from being outside.
His smile was infectious, and it made me smile.
He pulled a wrapped box out of the bag and handed it to Renata. "Here's your gift Den, I picked it out." Renata said.
Aiden tore the paper off the box. "Wow! The Shrek Monopoly game, Mommy."
Actually, it was the Shrek Monopoly Collector's Edition.
"What do you say, Aiden?" I asked.
"This is cool, thank you Ren and Edward."
The kids got wrapped up in their toys, but I was still a little nervous. I hoped he would like his gift.
I crossed and uncrossed my arms.
Edward raised his eyebrows. "You okay?"
I nodded as I turned towards my bag to pull his gift out. "I hope it was okay, but I got you a gift." I spoke rapidly as I laid the gift on the table.
A wide grin spread across his face. "You did?"
I nodded and let out the breath I didn't know I was holding.
"Can I?" He asked.
I smiled. "Please." I drummed my hand against the table.
Edward pulled the gift across the table and tore the wrapping paper away to find a handmade vintage leather journal, with his initials engraved, with a personalized black glass pen set.
"I hope you like it." I bit my lip as I watched him run his fingers across his name and flip through the pages.
His eyes were soft and seemed to glow as he looked at me. "Thank you, I love it." He placed his hand on top of mine. "I really appreciate this."
"I'm glad you like it."
"I got you a gift as well."
"Really?" I perked up in my chair.
"Yeah." He said as he dug into the inside of his coat. "I remembered something you said before, so I hope you like it." He slid a gray envelope toward me.
"Mmm." I said as I picked it up and held it up to the light. "I wonder what this could be."
He chuckled. "Will you just open it?"
"Okay, okay." I opened the envelope. "Oh, Edward." I smiled.
"So, do you like it?"
"Of course, I do!"
He had gotten me a certificate to Lincoln Square Pottery Studio. "That was very thoughtful of you."
He shrugged. "I remembered you said, you hadn't been in a while, so hopefully this gives you some incentive to go."
"It does." I nodded my head. "Thank you." I was still smiling.
"You're welcome." He sat up in his chair and placed his elbows on the table.
"Maybe, if you wouldn't mind too much?" He paused.
"If I wouldn't mind what too much?" I leaned forward.
He took a deep breath. "Maybe I could join you?"
"Actually," I looked at him. "That sounds like a great idea."
"Yeah?" He blinked.
"Yeah." I nodded.
"Cool." He grinned.
"Cool." I smiled back.
End flashback.
"I can't take it anymore; someone has to tell this girl." Demetri said.
"Leave it alone Demetri." Angela said.
I looked at her as she mixed ingredients in a mixing bowl. This was the first thing she's said since this conversation started.
"Tell me what?" I looked between Angela and Demetri.
Alice raised her eyebrows at me. "You really don't see it?"
"See what?"
"Wow." Rose tilted to her head to the side. "She doesn't."
"What are you three talking about?"
They didn't say anything, just stared at me.
I turned to Angela. "What are they talking about?"
"You know how quick they can jump the gun." She widened her eyes at them. "Don't pay them any attention." She chuckled.
I turned to Ivey. "Do you know what they're talking about?"
She continued to roll the dough.
"Ivey." I got her attention.
"Oh." She pursed her lips. "You were talking to me?"
I nodded my head.
"Well, um, I, it's possible that, um, from the outside looking in…" She trailed off as she poked at the dough.
"Good lord Bella, you two are practically dating." Demetri cut in.
What?
"Demetri." Angela said through her teeth.
"What?" I frowned. "You guys are being ridiculous, there isn't anything I do with Edward that I haven't done with any of you."
"Oh, please." Demetri rolled his eyes. "You sure as hell don't look at me the way you look at Edward."
"I don't look at him any type of way."
"I mean, you are a little more," Rose paused, "giggly when he's around."
I turned to look at her. "I do not giggle."
"You do." She held her thumb and pointer finger close. "But just a little."
"And not to mention the little touches." Alice said.
I shook my head. "There is no touching."
"Honey, there is plenty of touching." Demetri smirked.
My face scrunched up. "Why do you have to make it sound like that?"
"I'm not making it sound like anything, I'm just saying what we all see."
I sighed and picked my knife back up. "You're crazy and you're seeing things that aren't there." I said and went back to cutting the peperoni.
I felt their eyes on me.
I didn't look up until I finished.
It surprised me to see Angela looking at me. "Don't tell me you agree with the Three Stooges here."
She bit her lip. "I'm not saying I agree…"
"Thank you." I blew out a breath.
"Completely." Angela said.
"Really, Ang?" I sighed.
"It's just…" She rubbed her neck. "You two are really… comfortable… friendly?"
"I'm friendly with everyone!" I said louder than what I intended.
The entire room was quiet.
The guys were looking at us and so were Alex and Lucinda, our hosts for the evening, as well as the other groups who were working at their cooking station.
Shit.
"Everything okay over there?" Emmett asked.
"Yeah." Rose turned to him. "Everything is good."
Edward looked at me with raised eyebrows. Are you okay?
I smiled and rolled my eyes. Yeah, they're just being annoying.
He smiled back and nodded. Okay, just checking.
"Okay." Lucinda said. "The pizzas should go in the oven in the next twenty minutes."
"I hope you guys are ready to buy my drinks." Emmett smirked.
"The man cut one thing without bleeding, and now he thinks he's a chef." Rose whispered before she turned to Emmett. "You're doing so good, Baby; I would love to buy you drinks."
Chattering picked up again as everyone focused back on their groups.
"Yes." Angela cleared her throat "You are friendly with everyone, it's just a different friendly with him."
I rolled my eyes and turned to Ivey. "Let me guess, you agree with them too."
"Well, I wouldn't so much as say agree, I would however say that… some valid points have been made."
"Welp." Demetri sighed as he leaned against the counter. "We can't all be crazy so…"
"But you can all be delusional." I mumbled. "Look, we are just friends, okay?" I looked at each of their faces.
"No one is saying you aren't friends B." Rose said
"Right." Alice said. "We totally believe that you both are friends."
"But there is no way y'all are just friends." Demetri said.
I raked my fingers through my hair. "Please explain why you all find it so hard to believe that we are only friends."
"Other than the fact that you get all make googly eyes at each other, all the time?" Demetri batted his lashes at me.
I couldn't hold in that laugh. "I do not look at anyone like that."
"Oh, but you do." He smirked.
I shook my head but chuckled.
"Seriously Bella, you've never thought about Edward in that way?" Alice asked
"No, I haven't."
Now I might have thought he was good looking a time or two, not that I would tell them that, but I had never looked at him as more than a friend, a really good friend.
"For real?" Rose lifted a single brow.
I nodded. "For real."
Everyone's face showed varying degrees of disbelief.
Alice frowned.
Rose pursed her lips.
Demetri scrunched up his face.
Angela and Ivey avoided my gaze.
I let out a forced laugh. "You all are insane."
I assembled our pizza, ignoring them.
I think I would know if I was practically dating someone.
Do Edward and I spend a nice amount of time together? Yes.
Do I enjoy his company? Yes, I do.
But I don't think that makes us more than friends.
"Look Bella." Rose breathed. "We weren't trying to upset you, it's just that Edward is such a good guy."
I nodded. He's a great guy.
"And maybe…" She trailed off.
"Maybe what?" I sighed and looked up.
"Maybe you and Edward would be perfect for each other?" Alice said.
They were making my head spin.
"What?" I blinked.
Alice took a step toward me. "I know it may be hard for you to see right now but—"
"No, no." I said, cutting her off as I took a step back. "Can we stop talking about this?" I waved my hands around. "And finishing making our meal, please?" I glanced at everyone.
"Okay." Alice held up her hands. "We'll leave it alone."
For now.
What she meant is they would leave it alone for now.
We continued to make our dishes, laughing and joking, but it wasn't as effortless as before.
While our food was cooking in the oven, Alex and Lucinda led all the groups to a dining area where we were served appetizers, Artichoke wonton wrappers and bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers.
Everyone was having a good time, laughing, talking amongst our group and the other groups. I wanted to participate, to laugh at the silly things that were being said. But what they said bothered me.
It made me feel weird.
Like maybe I was doing something wrong.
Dating, or being in a relationship, was the last thing on my mind. After the divorce I just felt like, maybe I didn't know Alec all that well and it makes me wonder if there were some things I ignored, and that worried me. Not to mention the added layer of being a mother, I would have to be really careful with how I existed in both spaces. I couldn't let dating me and being a mom overlap. Not immediately, anyway.
God, it already sounds overwhelming.
One side of me feels like it would be easier to close that door forever, but the other side of me, the more realistic one, knows that at some point I would want that, to date, fall in love… but I'm just not there yet.
But I know that when I am ready, and that could be a while from now, I would want to take my time and really get to know that person, to trust them.
I would want it to be unrushed, simple, effortless.
"Hey." Edward bumped my shoulder.
"Hmm." I turned to him.
He jerked his chin. "What's going on in that head of yours?"
"Nothing." I rushed out much faster than was necessary.
"Okay." He chuckled.
"Edward?" I sighed and crossed my arms as I leaned back in my chair.
"Yes Bella?" He smiled at me with raised eyebrows.
"You would consider me your friend, right?"
He sat straighter in his seat. "Of course." He leaned in and whispered. "Don't tell Emmett, but you're practically my best friend."
I smiled. "Well don't tell Alice or Demetri but your practically my best friend too."
But there is no way y'all are just friends.
God, had Demetri's voice always been that annoying?
Victoria
Isabella Swan.
Or Bella, as she liked to be called.
I knew she would be a problem from the moment I met her.
She was just too… different.
Just… wrong. She wasn't what he needed.
She was never good enough for him.
And I never understood what he saw in her.
I mean, she looked okay enough, but I knew Alec deserved better.
That's why I introduced him to Tanya.
I just knew they'd be a perfect match.
They were on the same level, she's the daughter of Congressman Grant.
Tanya was raised to be a political princess.
She knew her place.
Her role.
And she was crazy about Alec, but it was that Bella that got in my way.
At first, I thought she was just a little summer fling, something for him to do.
I had assured Tanya that it would be over soon, to just give him time.
But he changed; he stopped listening to me.
She turned him against me.
Alec didn't go to the university we agreed he'd go to, he stayed in Chicago. With her.
And he didn't pursue law like we planned.
It was all very disappointing.
I had it all set for him and Tanya to go to the same college, fall in love, get married, have a family, an amazing career. Build a legacy.
Make something of himself.
Be the best version of himself I knew he could be.
But she ruined that.
Isabella Swan had quickly become the bane of my existence.
Her very presence vexed me.
When I tried to explain why Tanya would be better suited for his life, he didn't want to hear it. He wouldn't listen to reason.
Our relationship wasn't the same after that. He grew distant.
He picked her over me.
I hated that. She thought she could just waltz into his life and take him from me.
I'd already experienced that with Garrett, and I refused to let that happen again. I refused to just stand there and take it, not without a fight.
And when I really wanted something, I never played fair.
Even as a young woman, I mapped out the life I knew I would have, a life that would be better than the one my poor, low-class parents provided, and worse seemed happy with.
I would have more, and no one would impede on that.
From the time I was in high school, my goal had been to just get out of that small town Sylacauga. And I did. It wasn't easy, and I left my family behind, but in the end it was worth it.
Then the goal was to get into college. I did. But it wasn't prestigious enough. I couldn't network, rub shoulders with the wealthy, and get into the most expensive places.
I couldn't find a potential husband, someone who would be something.
But I didn't give up. I wouldn't.
I knew the type of man I wanted, and I would put myself in the best position to get him.
So, I did the next best thing: I volunteered.
No matter how big or small the event may have been, a food drive, an animal shelter, a gala, or any charity event. I was there.
But then on one sweltering summer day, while I assisted the program director for a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of America, I had found him.
I found the perfect man.
I found my future.
He majored in political science. He ranked at the top five percent of his class all while he attended political events, volunteered for non-profit organizations, and assisted on candidate campaigns.
He was everything I could have ever wanted.
I picked the perfect man.
We dated, and I fell in love.
He graduated from college and then went back for law school.
We got married.
He passed the bar, started his practice as an attorney, and established the right connections. And I made a few connections of my own.
We had our son.
While he participated in local politics, gained political support and picked his campaign committee, I built a name for myself.
We bought our first home together, and I miscarried what would have been our second child, our daughter.
He campaigned, and I felt like a piece of me was missing, but I maintained the perfect image.
And then finally, all that hard work paid off. Standing by his side, supporting him, loving him, being the perfect wife and he was the senator.
The senator.
I was the senator's wife.
Everything was finally perfect, we were the perfect little family, in the perfect home.
But then he came home less, and even when he was physically there, his mind was miles away.
It wasn't until I overheard one of the wives, I usually gossiped with talking to someone else about Garrett's indiscretions and how clueless I was to them.
It was then I could finally put a name to the looks I'd received at the country clubs and other social events.
Pity.
They looked at me with pity in their eyes.
And in that moment, I despised Garrett.
For what he did to me… to my reputation.
We kept up our public appearances, even when I wasn't certain that I would forgive him, because even when you have nothing else, there's always that.
But on that day, I went home, humiliated, and somewhere between the third glass of bourbon and throwing things around, I promised myself to never allow Garrett to make me feel that way again. Or allow others to look at me that way again.
I would be in control.
I would control our family.
Our image.
Our future.
Regrettably, Alec came home from school and found me sprawled out on the couch and half coherent, but even when I could see just one of him, I couldn't quite place the look on his face.
Confusion?
Shock?
Disappointment?
And to this day, I still couldn't pinpoint that look on his face.
But in that split second, just before I passed out, I had a moment of clarity.
I had seen the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel and focused on what would be my mission until my last breath.
I could mold Alec into the man he needed to be.
The man I wanted Garrett to be.
A/N: Are you a Marvel fan or DC fan? Tell us why.
Any quirky pet peeves you wanna share? The folding clothes thing is true for me. I have a sister who literally rolls up her clothes and sticks them in the drawer. I hate it! I can't tell you how many times I've gone behind her to properly fold her clothes.
Which flash back was your favorite? We want to know.
What about that Victoria? Controlling? Manipulative?
Huge thanks to you all for reading, reviewing, following and favs. We love hearing all of your feedback. There has been an influx of new readers/reviewers and we appreciate you for taking the time to review every chapter. Whether you're a new reader or if you've been reading since the beginning, we value your engagement in our story.
RECS: You Came Too Early, by Elliania Edward and Bella married too young and for all the wrong reasons, so no one was surprised when their marriage crumbled. Two kids and five years later, events force them to live under the same roof for a while. Will they realize what they lost?
Terms and Conditions Apply, by TheSaintsMistress, There's only one person on earth that Edward Cullen hates, and that's his boss… Bella Swan. She's cold. She ruthless and incapable of human emotion, and to Edward's greatest frustration, the hottest woman walking the face of the planet.
We hope you enjoyed this chapter. See you next update!