Author's note: Hi everyone! Again, thanks for the reviews! It does make me feel good knowing I have supporters. I hope this chapter makes up for the wait. Well part of it anyway. Real life is busy right now but I am writing when I do get a chance. Also, my beta has a lot going on as well also. Thanks Sheri!
Chapter 17
Halloween at Midnight Sun Part 1
Bella POV
"Ugh." I laid my head against the table and complained that I was so bored. You want to know the saddest thing? I didn't have to be, I could leave if I wanted to. Granted, I would have a bodyguard, but I could go shopping, eat out at restaurants, anything I wanted to do but I still stayed home.
It had been two weeks since I had been taken in for questioning, two weeks since I saw my father, and two weeks since Edward and I made love. That was actually my problem, it had been two weeks since he touched me. I mean, he gave me hugs and kisses and held me when we went to sleep but anything else? Nope. Nothing. I was frustrated, no scratch that, sexually frustrated.
I was also worried that he was already sick of me. Had I not satisfied him? I debated back and forth about it all the time. He had satisfied me, I mean those four times we had sex, he was gentle, passionate but never rough. That mid-afternoon when I woke up, I ached for more. I always felt that Edward was holding back as well. I wanted it all with him. I thought eventually he would let go but he hadn't.
When he came back to the penthouse that night, he looked conflicted and we just went to bed. I will admit, I was glad we didn't have sex again, my lady bits were sore. I thought maybe the next day we would go for it? Or the next? Nope. It's been two weeks and he still hasn't touched me.
Was he with Tanya now? I still hadn't forgotten what that tramp had said. I had for a while but since Edward quit coming home some nights, she was back in my mind full force. What with her perfect hair and her perfect clothes? Blah blah.
The only one that really kept me from going insane was Alice. Since the lockdown had been lifted, Alice had been literally, up my ass. I knew her mom and dad had to live with her, but now it was like she lived here. Okay, not really but I did see her almost every day. She was lonely, that much was certain and I knew something was going on with her, but she never said. I took whatever I could from her and just let it fly, even when sometimes she made me want to pull my hair out.
She had been on my ass about a costume though. At first, I didn't really know what she was talking about but apparently there was a costume party every year at Midnight Sun. She works with Victoria who manages the bar.
This year's theme was Superheroes and Villains. She was appalled that I didn't even know about it since it was Edward's club. Anyways, I told her I doubted I would even go, let alone Edward. She looked at me crazy and then told me Edward goes every year. Granted, he stays in his office and makes a speech but he goes. She said he doesn't dress up but she's hoping that if I dress up he will too. It seems, she has been making me a costume and told me she was bringing it over tomorrow before the party to help me get ready.
That was good and all, but I didn't even know if I wanted to go to Midnight Sun after what happened. Yes, it was the first time I met Edward but it also held bad memories as well. I still wonder if I had left with Jasper like I was supposed to and gone home with Rose, what could have happened. Would Edward have seen me again? I shake my head, I can't think about that. I'm safe and in a much better place than I was. Jared would have caught up to me, or maybe Demetri, I don't know.
Once I found out about this party, I called Rose. I thought maybe she could come. It would be awesome to know someone there. She said she would try and bring a friend. I didn't ask what friend but I knew she was only bringing the friend because of Emmett.
I shrugged and went outside. Zafrina was behind me. Yes, I had Zaf back and she was 100% better. James had been promoted or something and now did other things. I missed the goofball, he texted me sometimes, asking how I was and everything but I hadn't seen him in over a week.
I started walking to the garage. I needed to buy some groceries and we were heading to the store. It felt good being back at the house. At least I could move around here, where at the penthouse I couldn't. After Zafrina checked with the guard outside, we were on our way. It felt so good to be behind the wheel. A few days after we came back home, Edward took me car shopping. I didn't know much about cars but I ended up picking one I liked, a Silver Lexus RX SUV.
I looked at Zafrina in the passenger seat. She had been quiet since she had been back. She had told me she felt guilty about the whole spa thing. I told her not to since I would have been dead or possibly taken if it wasn't for her. But, yet she still didn't talk? I loved Zafrina being my guard dearly but it was just in these moments that I missed James. He was always up for conversation or he could get me laughing. I didn't like being left with my thoughts, so I kind of wished she would talk.
When I arrived at the store, I waited for Zafrina to make sure we were clear before she nodded and I got out of the vehicle. We went into the store and I grabbed a buggy. I had a list of what I was going to get, but sometimes I went overboard and just bought whatever. It wasn't like it was wasted. Laurent and James, when he did come by, would eat whatever we had. I also got some food for Mike the gardener, who probably looked at me too much. Not that I would tell Edward that. Jessica, who I decided would only work weekdays ate as well. Zafrina also ate my meals but she never snacked.
We had just left the meat counter where the butcher had gave me a few nice steaks to make when I decided to engage her in conversation.
"So, what would you like to eat this week?" Zafrina looked at me in shock but then put back on the faceless mask.
"Anything you fix is fine ma'am," she replied as we made our way down the pasta aisle.
"Oh, come on, what do you like?" I pushed.
Zafrina's face went red and then she spoke, "I really liked that dish you served last week, with the mushrooms?"
"Oh, mushroom ravioli." Zafrina nodded and I got the ingredients to make that.
We walked on with Zafrina looking every which way. When I was done, I made my way to the register. I handed the cashier my debit card and she looked at me with a smirk.
"Can I see some id?" She said coolly. What was her deal? So I handed it to her. Once she looked at it, her smirk dropped and she looked sad now. She handed it back to me and I gave her a smug smile. I took it that she knew who I was or she saw the Cullen name on my debit card and didn't believe I was one. Who knows, but obviously she didn't like the answer she got.
Zafrina helped me load the groceries in the back of my SUV and then we headed back to the house. The silence was killing me and I wished she would talk. Any subject I brought up didn't last long.
"So, why are you acting weird?" Wow, Bella, way to be subtle.
"Ma'am?" she asked.
"I don't know, it's weird. You just don't want to have a conversation?" I said it like a question. "I mean it's fine and all." I backpedaled
"Can I be honest?" she said turning towards me.
"Sure!"
"I like you, Bella."
My face went red. "Wow, ummm, I don't know what to say… but I like men." I rushed out.
"Oh God! No, I meant I like you as a person." Oh.
She then started laughing uncontrollably and I joined in with her, all embarrassment from a moment ago gone.
"Then why the distance? I mean I was worried about you after the spa. Then you come back and you're acting weird and I just don't know how to deal with that?" I finished lamely. I knew I wasn't really supposed to be friends with my bodyguard. But, how was I supposed to fully trust her if there wasn't some common ground? I knew she was supposed to do as I said unless Edward told her differently. He would always be above me when it came to commands.
"I guess with what happened with Benji, I didn't want Mr. Cullen to get the wrong idea?" she said.
"Oh god, no, trust me he wouldn't get the wrong idea." I giggled. Definitely not.
She smirked. "Besides, I'm kinda dating Senna." I gasped like a schoolgirl. What the fuck was wrong with me?
"The same one that owns the dress shop?" Zafrina nodded.
"Oh, that's cool. What do you mean by kinda?"
"We may have… pardon me," She coughed "done stuff"." She said and blushed.
"Oh, I gotcha." I smiled. It killed me how Zafrina acted when she was just being normal. She was shy and timid but when danger broke out she was a bad ass bitch.
I drove on and we had just about gotten to the Lake Washington area. "So, are you and Senna coming to the party tomorrow night?"
"Well, yes, Mrs. Alice invited us."
"Yay! I'm so glad! What are you dressing up as?" I was thankful that she was holding a conversation now.
"I'm going as Big Barda and Senna is going as Wonder Woman." I giggled because it was ironic how when I first saw Zafrina I pictured her as Wonder Woman. She may have not been going as that but it was still funny. I guess she did resemble Big Barda more anyway.
"What are you going as, Mrs. Cullen?" She asked and I moaned.
"Please, call me Bella, and I don't know, according to Alice it's a surprise." I still groaned. I couldn't believe I had agreed to dress up and not knowing what I would be wearing.
Just then Zafrina's phone went off and she answered it. She looked a little troubled but was focused on what the other person was saying.
"Mr. Cullen, didn't inform me, so no I don't." was all I heard. Edward didn't tell her something?
"I'll ask Mrs. Cullen." Zafrina then hung up as we were about to pull up to the gate.
"What?" My heart started beating hard in my chest. Should I be worried?
"You usually tell me if you're going to have visitors and since you haven't, I should make you aware."
"What?" I saw Mario the gate guy out of the corner of my eye open it.
"Um, Mrs. Cullen is here," Zafrina finished. There was no need to tell me. I saw Mrs. Esme Cullen standing by her Mercedes, all posh and proper.
"Yeah, okay. Why is she here?" I asked mainly to myself. I hadn't seen her since Edward put us on lockdown. I pulled into the garage and told Zafrina just to notify Edward that she was here. I wasn't afraid of this woman or anything, it was just weird for her to suddenly show up. I got out of the car and Zafrina and I started getting the groceries out from the back.
"Here, let me help." She came out of nowhere and started grabbing the bags. I would say I was a little shocked.
"Um, sure." No, Bella, be confident. Have confidence and don't let her get to you.
Between the three of us we got all the bags inside and put the groceries away. I left the stuff for mushroom ravioli out since Zafrina had told me she liked it and I was in the mood for it. Zafrina nodded towards the living room. She was letting me know she would be close. She knew there was some tension between Mrs. Cullen and I. It wasn't my fault though. Zafrina had also let me know that she had called Edward that his mother was here.
I turned to look at Mrs. Cullen. "Do you want some coffee?"
"That would be nice," she said as she took a seat at the kitchen table.
I turned on the Keurig maker and started making it.
"Where is Ms. Cope?" she asked, looking around.
"She's off today." I wasn't going to tell her the real reason. Ms. Cope was still on probation but I had her coming twice a week. I guess she finally took me serious as she had been kissing my ass lately. It was getting on my nerves if I'm honest.
When the coffee was done, I placed the creamer and sugar near her. However, she took it black. I fixed mine and sat across from her. She took a few sips and then placed her mug down.
"We need to talk."
EDWARD POV
"Shit! Dammit it!" I threw the papers across the table. Who the fuck was stealing from me? This shit was unbelievable! I had spent the last two days going over files and checking out everything related to the matter. Funny, this had to do with my actual company and not my other crooked family. One of the investors pulled out of the hotel we were building in Colorado saying he was taking his business elsewhere. Ben had called me because he didn't know what was up. Then I found out that for the past three days someone has been stealing from me? How the fuck did Ben not notice? Angela had gone on maternity leave a week ago. She was due in about a week or two, I couldn't remember, but that may be the reason why Ben hadn't noticed anything.
It was like a fucking ghost, none of my employees showed red flags, like there was nothing to pinpoint me to who was doing this. I had Jasper and Eric down here looking through everything in the conference room. Ben was pouring over everything related to the project. We also had another investor partnered with us at our hotel in Las Vegas and I swore they better not hear of this and pull out as well.
"So, the investor that pulled out, partnered with another company called Cadmus." Jasper said. "Funny thing, they haven't been in business long. Maybe 5 months?"
"Like that doesn't scream shady shit," I said through my gritted teeth. "You're going to sit there and tell me that a company who hasn't even been in the works more than a year is teaming up with another investor who has been in a partnership with me for how long?
"It's run by a woman." Eric put in.
I binked. "Well, there's my fucking answer then," I roared. I then stood up and started pacing. I knew John, the main guy behind Core Enterprises, couldn't keep his dick in his pants, and this woman probably had knowledge of that. So, my guess is she had something herself, maybe some dirt on him and he pulled out of our partnership?
"Set up a meeting with him ASAP," I spoke to Ben. He nodded furiously and picked up the phone.
"Who's this woman?" I spoke to Eric and Jasper.
"Heidi Starr, graduated top of the class, business degree, management, cum laude." Eric finished, then showed me the picture of her on the new Cadmus website.
"Starr? Sounds like a stripper's name," Jasper chuckled but I shot him a glare. I wasn't in the mood. Some 5'7" blonde woman was stealing my investors? Hell to the no.
Ben came back in the room and looked grey like he had some bad news.
"Spit it out!" I was in no mood.
"Um, John said he doesn't want to do business with you anymore," Ben gulped.
I blinked. The last shred of patience was gone. I threw the chair over the table while Eric and Ben ducked. Jasper stood at my side not bothered by my behavior; he was used to it by now.
I was fucking pissed. This was bullshit! John and I went back years. If I wanted to get down to it I really didn't need John, but I needed to keep the feds off of my back. I used him. I was aware that John probably knew who I was other than a businessman. We had a deal, it was the principle of the matter that he had done this shit!
I looked at Ben. "Book a flight, you're going out there."
"Boss, I can't! The baby is due any day now!"
I shot him a glare. I couldn't for the life of me care at that moment but then it clicked. "Why not set up a meeting with John with Ben being the one to go. But, only Ben doesn't go, I do. John wouldn't see me coming and he would answer my damn questions." My bad mood deflated some.
"Sounds good," Jasper said. "He wouldn't see you coming. But, I think Eric and I should work on getting some more dirt on him first so you'll have it."
I rubbed my hands together and chuckled. "Yes, that's good. You two keep an eye on him, send Eric out there to follow him, get pictures of him and then I'll show up." I looked at Jasper. "Good shit."
"Meanwhile, we'll keep digging on who's stealing from our company." Eric said.
"Yeah." I started thinking this happened just three days ago? No red flags? None of my employees? Who the fuck could be stealing from me? I was brought out of my thoughts by my phone ringing. I fished it out of my pocket and saw it was Zafrina. My heart dropped some, she would only be calling if it was an emergency or to alert me.
"Yeah," I answered, trying to slow my breathing. Was Bella okay?
"Mr. Cullen, I just wanted to inform you that Mrs. Cullen is at your house."
I shook my head. Why was she informing me of this? "Yeah, she lives there. So?" Was Zafrina dumb?
"No, I meant Mrs. Cullen as in, your mother is at your house. I'm sorry," she said
What the fuck? I ignore my mother and she goes to my house? Hell no. "I'm on my way." I hung up the phone and told those fuckers that I would be in touch.
I hit the elevator and went down to the garage, where I slid into my Red Maserati. Laurent had the day off today, so it was just me. I only had to worry about the feds following me. They had stopped following me for a few days now. I heard through James my new consigliere that they were still following Seth though. I had no contact with him whatsoever at this point.
Why was my mother at my house? What shit was she starting? I had hardly spoken to her since the lockdown. I still wasn't over on how she treated Bella. So, what the fuck was she doing at my house? Alice was also irritated but worried about mother. Alice said she didn't seem right. She was changing subjects, having mood swings. At the moment I didn't give a fuck, but if she messed with my wife then that would be a whole different story.
My wife, oh my wife. My wife had definitely gotten confident in the past few weeks. That meek, shy woman I met months ago was gone. Well almost, I still saw her as well, but she was different. I also hadn't had sex with her again since that day. I felt like too much happened in that short time and I may have been too rough with her. I think she felt the same way because she hadn't tried anything either and had been distant the past few days.
There was too much on my mind right now: Bella, someone stealing from me, my mother, my father, Alec and Black. Black had disappeared and no one had seen Black or Seth's sister, Leah. I still had Jasper keeping an eye out and I had Tyler on Alec to give me anything. So far, Alec was still sulking and not saying anything. I wanted to pistol-whip him and demand my answers but I still sort of felt sorry for the dude.
I shook all that aside and drove on.
Bella POV
I looked at Mrs. Cullen. "Talk?" I took a sip of my coffee. "About what?"
She flipped her hair over her shoulder. "This isn't easy for me to do. However, I owe it to you."
She took a breath. "I want to say I'm sorry. I shouldn't have treated you the way I did at the wedding or any after that. My behavior was inexcusable. I shouldn't say my excuses but listen my husband has cancer, advanced cancer and I was a wreck, I mean I still am." She chuckled and wiped the tears from her eyes. I nodded.
"None of that is an excuse, but then Edward brings you to my house for dinner, and I was happy about that. My heart was so full, then he tells us you're engaged and getting married sooner than we thought and all I could think about was you being knocked up." She shakes her head.
Yeah, and she hadn't let it go even at the wedding nor when she stayed with Alice. So what had changed her mind?
"Then I start second guessing myself, thinking about maybe you was trouble? I mean neither of your parents at the wedding? Hardly any friends? I even thought Edward kidnapped you at one point."
She let out an uncomfortable laugh and my eyes went wide. I mean she wasn't far off, right? I didn't see it that way but I did think about what others would think of it.
"Edward tore me a new one at the wedding. I then started to realize I shouldn't have acted the way I did. When Carlisle and I got home that night, he was angry with me and we fought. Then, it was like all of sudden, I was the outsider. When Edward put us on lockdown and I stayed with Alice it was like she couldn't stand my presence. I asked her how far along you were and she told me you weren't pregnant. I didn't realize what I was doing until much later. I was pushing everyone away. Everyone was hating me and I just couldn't see how miserable I was with myself." She finished with some tears coming out of her eyes.
I nodded. Not sure where she was going with this.
"I guess I was a little jealous. I asked my husband to retire then he gets sick, and then he finally retires. I hated knowing that my son would take his place. Then you came along way too suddenly and I had all these thoughts, then my daughter talks about how wonderful you are, and this and that. You got Edward to come to a Sunday dinner." She rambled on but what I caught mostly was that she was jealous.
"What thoughts?" I asked.
"I've never heard of you, then Edward brings you home and you're getting married so fast? I felt like you were trying to trap my boy in some way. Either that you were pregnant or you had something against him." She huffed out.
"I'll admit it was fast," I said. "But I think you are aware of why." I eyed her, she knew exactly what I was talking about. Edward had to be married to take over. I also wasn't fazed with her guess about having something against him.
"I'm sorry, I really am." She finished.
"Are you apologizing to me because you want to get back on good terms with Alice and Edward? Or are you apologizing because you're really sorry?" I sort of blushed. I couldn't believe I said it so confidently.
"A little bit of both." She answered honestly. "However, my relationship with Edward may be harder to get back on track." She sighed. "I do want to get to know you though. I'm sorry, I've just been horrible to you."
I honestly think she was telling the truth, but I didn't feel ready to just get to know her. I couldn't describe how I felt to be honest but if she was willing to try then I could as well.
"We could start slowly," I said.
"Sounds perfect." She smiled. "I should go, Carlisle isn't doing well and I should head home." She picked up her purse and then turned back to me. "We could do lunch next week?"
"That sounds good." I started feeling awkward. Maybe I could invite Alice along. No Bella, you don't need a buffer.
"I hope you can convince Edward to come to Sunday dinner."
She then left the house, her guard by her car. I didn't even see him when she got here. Huh, weird?
I then went back inside and Zafrina then came to the kitchen.
"You alright?" Zafrina said.
"I'm fine," I said. I really was.
I then turned towards the kitchen, and began to cook. Zafrina helped me so she could make this later on at her house one day. I had just pulled it out of the oven when I heard the garage door slam and heard footsteps stomp in the kitchen.
"Where is she?" He said, looking at me with wild eyes.
"She left." What was wrong with him? Why did he look mad? Well, his mother was here but that didn't explain why I was getting the glare..
"What did she want?" Cold, no emotion.
"To apologize," I said. His voice literally started scaring me.
Edward looked at me flabbergasted. "She played you, Bella," he said amused. Like this situation was funny or something.
"No, I think she honestly was truthful. She even admitted to being jealous," I said while I took some of the ravioli and put it in a tupperware container.
"Zafrina!" I yelled while I had a stare off with my husband.
"Yes ma'am?" I turned towards her." Here you go. I gave you enough for you and Senna." She took it gracefully.
"Thank you ma'am. I'll be leaving now. Will you need me before the party?" I looked at Edward who shook his head no in confusion. I then turned towards Zafrina again. "Possibly, I'll contact you."
After the door closed, I made Edward and I a plate. He was still staring at me. I sat down at the table. I didn't know what his problem was. Honestly, I knew he was probably upset that his mother came here, but if anyone should have a problem it should be me! The asshole has been gone the past few nights and never explained why. I tried to be strong but it was like when I was in front of my husband all my emotions wanted to break through the dam.
I kept eating and I noticed Edward finally sit down but he didn't touch his plate. I chewed, and tried to not look at him but apparently he was waiting on me to say something. After a few minutes of eating and noticing my husband had yet to touch his plate, I snapped.
"What!" I shouted, throwing my hands in the air.
"What's your problem?" he asked and then began to eat.
"You're staring at me and you ask me what my problem is?" I huffed. Fuck this.
"Because I asked you what my mother said?" Now he was the picture of calm and it pissed me off.
"And I told you, She came to apologize and wants to get to know me." I yelled
"Don't get a fucking tone with me."
I put down my fork "Me? Are you for real right now?"
"Bella-"
"No! For the past two nights you have been gone, I haven't seen you! Then you come home all of a sudden and demand to know why your mother was here? You haven't even talked to me today. God knows what you've been up to," I said, putting my plate aside. I wasn't even hungry anymore.
Edward stared at me with a cold gaze and it bothered me. Why was he acting like his old self from the beginning? What did I do in the past 2 days to make him act like this?
"This is my house, I have a right to know why my mother was here." He said. "And you have no right to know where I am or what I'm doing." He roared
I stood up. "But, you can know where I am and what I'm doing, huh? That's fair. Sure. Wow." I started tearing up and I hated myself for it. I walked towards the stairs but was suddenly taken back.
"Where are you going?" He said and he had an evil smirk on his face. I hated it so I did what any logical person would do. I slapped him. His head whipped to the side and he then turned towards me glaring then he backed me up to the wall, our noses touching, he had my hands in a grip.
"Don't ever do that again!" He roared.
"Quit treating me like shit then."
"You? Ha! No I'm not treating you like shit, Princess. I give you everything! Nice car, house, money, pay for you go to school and then you have the audacity to get mad at me because I haven't talked to you?"
The tears poured out at this point. I could no longer hold them in. We stared at each other and I thought where was the man that admitted he loved me two weeks ago? Where was the man I gave myself to? What had happened in the past two days for him to act like this?
"Then take it all back, I don't want none of it." I said quietly trying to get my breathing under control.
Edward's face changed some then but he still looked at me with that cold, emotionless face.
"No," was all he said. He let go of me and walked away. Then he suddenly turned back to me.
" And what's this shit about a party?" He said
I looked at him confused. Was he bipolar? "What do you mean?"
"You told Zafrina you would see her at a party? He smirked but not the smirk I liked this was an evil one.
"For the Halloween Party." I said to him stupidly. "At Midnight Sun?"
His eyes went wide as saucers then. "The fuck you are!" He yelled. "Who said you could go?" What was I his child now?
"I did," I said calmly. I was not a child.
He came back over and got in my face. "The fuck you are!"
"I am not a child!" I screamed
"No. You're my wife, and as my wife you are not going!"
"I am! Alice has already made me a costume." Why was he acting like this?
"Alice!" He roared. "Of course, well that's too bad cause you're not going!"
"I am!" I wasn't going to bowed down to him.
He grabbed me by the arms and shoved me against the wall. His green eyes were fierce. "No you aren't"
I couldn't stop the traitorous tears now, what had happened to my husband? Why was he mad? I didn't do anything to deserve this. His face then changed and he let go of me. Remorse was in his features but he said nothing. I ran up the stairs to the bedroom and locked it behind me. I went to the bathroom and locked it too and just let the tears fall.
*****BID*****
I woke up on the fluffy bathroom mat. Did I really fall asleep in the bathroom? I sat up and I went through my morning routine. When I washed my hands, I looked in the mirror, my eyes were puffy and my face red. I left the bathroom and was in the bedroom. It was still how I left it except for the blanket that I kept laying at the end of the bed. It was now on the floor. Hmm? I then went downstairs and noticed It was light outside and the plates we used last night were put up. The leftovers were in the fridge. Jessica had yesterday and today off and Ms. Cope doesn't come today so who could have put the dishes? I then saw my phone on the counter where I left it. I had two texts messages, one from Alice and one from Edward.
"Hey! I'll be there in a bit!" -Alice
"I'm sorry, I'll see you later. We need to talk."- Edward
I teared up some, he apologized. Would he tell me what was wrong with him? What did he want to talk about? I didn't text him back to be honest, I was still upset. I went back upstairs and climbed into the shower. I knew Alice would be here any minute. When I was done shaving, I scrubbed my body and washed my hair. I got out and with a towel wrapped around me and another on my head. I put on a pair of panties and a bra and slid my robe on. I then heard the doorbell ring. Knowing it was Alice, I left my bedroom and made my way down the stairs.
She came in with two garment bags, and had her hair in rollers. She also had a huge bag with her.
"Good, at least you are showered!" She huffed. She sat all her stuff down and then turned to look at me. "I've only got a few hours to make you look like a bad-ass bitch."
I gigged. "A few? Alice The party is late tonight." She turned to me and rolled her neck. "No! Bella, we don't have a lot of time!"
It was funny to see Alice huffing all over getting ready for a party. It made my sour mood go away.
She sighed. "I had to get out of my house, okay? Jasper, Edward, and that dude Eric they hired are getting on my nerves."
Wait, Edward?
"They're at your house?" I asked. I assumed Edward was at Midnight Sun or doing something illegal.
"Yes! They've been holed up at Cullen Enterprises the past few days but they decided to bring the party to my house." She had her hands in the air and I heard her muttering.
He's been at Cullen Enterprises all this time? Why couldn't he tell me that? Why did he blow up on me? Did he not trust me even that much to tell me he had been at work this whole time? It made me upset.
Alice had stopped pacing and looked at me. I guess my face was giving me away because she was no longer mad or pacing.
"Bella?" She asked carefully.
"Yes?"
"Are you okay?"
"Not really, no. Edward hasn't really been home the past few days. He came home yesterday but was mad and we got into a fight."
Alice looked at me sadly. "I'm sorry Bella."
"It's fine, I shouldn't talk about my relationship to him. I just, I don't get what the big deal is about your mother coming here."
Now it was Alice who got mad. "My mother came here?" She started pacing again.
"Yeah, to apologize." That stopped Alice in her tracks.
"She apologized?" Alice had wide eyes like she didn't believe it.
"She did. She said she wanted to get to know me," I shrugged. I thought she seemed sincere but with the way Edward and Alice were acting maybe she wasn't?
"Oh." Was all Alice said. I guess it caught Alice off guard.
"Well, let's start getting you ready!" Alice cheered and I helped her bring the bags up to my bedroom. We went into the bathroom and I sat at my vanity. I hardly used it, but tonight it would definitely get broken in.
"So, I'm thinking of giving you a smoky look, it'll make you look dangerous and we can curl your hair!" Alice said as she jumped up and down while placing her curling iron, make-up, and hair spray bottles on my vanity.
"Sounds good," I giggled but apparently that was the wrong thing to say because she sighed.
"Are you not excited? I mean, I'm sorry, I'm just happy for things to be normal at the moment," Alice said as she started separating my hair.
"I am. I've never been to a Halloween Party before, sorry I'm just a bit nervous." I said. I was mainly scared as I hadn't been to Midnight Sun again since that night.
"There's nothing to be nervous about." She started curling my hair, little did she know there was plenty to be nervous about.
"OH!" She jumped and I swear to God if she pulled out my hair!
"Alice!"
"Sorry! I just thought we could hit up Edward's bar downstairs and get tipsy before we go!"
"Aren't you trying to have a baby? Wouldn't that be bad?" I said and I saw her face fall in the mirror. I immediately regretted saying anything now. But, it made sense now, why she had been acting different.
She shook her head. "This is why I need to drink Bella, I can't get pregnant right now and apparently this is why I get so upset." She put her fingers in the air doing the quotation signal. "When I start bleeding, my darling husband," she said with venom, "decided that we were going to take a break from baby-making! So I can drink dammit!"
"Damn," was all I muttered as Alice went back to my hair. Now, she was wearing a puss face. "I'm sorry Alice, I shouldn't have said anything." I knew it hadn't been long since she started trying.
"No, Bella it's fine, I'm just not happy with my husband at the moment. Even though I agreed with him about putting it on hold for a bit." She sighed as she kept curling my hair.
"Then, we can say fuck our husbands and get drunk!" I said hoping a little enthusiasm would cheer her up.
"YES!"she shouted.
When Alice was done with my hair and makeup she opened the garment bag.
There was a costume in leather, it was a bodysuit. It definitely reminded me of Catwoman, the Anne Hathaway one with a cross over like the one from that old video game Batman:Arkham City. It looked like a one piece bathing suit with long sleeves and a zipper down the middle of the front. The mask was like the one from the movie and Alice had brought boots with heels .It also came with dark stockings for my legs. It was fucking hot and I was actually excited about wearing it.
"Try it on!" Alice jumped. "You shouldn't need a bra!"
I pulled the zipper down and stepped in it and pulled it up before pulling the zipper up. It hugged my skin tight and it fit me in all the right places. It also made my ass pop. Alice was right. I didn't need a bra, I pulled the zipper just below my breasts putting them on display. I then went and looked at myself in the mirror.
Damn… I looked hot.
I turned to Alice. "I love it." She smiled and then went to her garment bag. She pulled out another leather costume this time in red and black. She put it on and the head piece. It took me a minute to figure out who she was but then it clicked. She was the Scarlet Witch. She also looked hot as hell, I couldn't believe how quick she made these costumes in such a short amount of time.
After we were done getting ready, we headed downstairs and went straight to the bar. Alice poured us shots, After about two, I think I began to feel flushed. Alice looked at me, her eyes glazed. "If I didn't like cock I would definitely fuck you right now. You bad ass bitch!" I laughed, and then I squinted wondering if Alice had anything to drink before coming here.
Then we heard the doorbell ring, and I went to get it. It was Zafrina. She would ring the bell if she knew I was up. She came in, and her costume definitely suited her. Alice looked at her confused trying to figure out who she was. Then she laughed, Zafrina looked at me with an eyebrow raised. I shook my head, no need to tell her Alice was already drunk.
"Where's Senna?" I asked. Zafrina looked at me then worriedly like maybe I had too much to drink. "She is going to meet me at the club since she can't come here." Oh yeah, Edward didn't want a lot of people knowing about his house and to him Senna was an outsider.
"Oh! I know who you are now!" Alice continued to laugh uncontrollably. "So, are we ready to get this party started?" Alice yelled. I cheered with her, now excited to be going. I did notice it was now dark outside. How long had we been getting ready?
Alice's Porsche was sitting in the driveway along with Zafrina's Expedition behind it. I wondered if Alice should even be driving, but she climbed in the driver's seat and started it. Maybe she wasn't as drunk as I thought. I climbed in the passenger seat and saw Peter get into Zafrina's Suv behind me. My phone went off in my hand and I realized I had a text from Edward asking why I hadn't gotten back with him. Why? He took the coward's way out and said I'm sorry through a text. I was curious what he wanted to talk about with me though. I had to start thinking about something else, I didn't want my anger to ruin my night.
"So, Rose is coming," I put that out there.
"She is?" Alice said with wide eyes as she pulled out the gate
"Yeah" I looked at her weird.
"Is she coming alone? " Alice began to bit her lip. Why was she nervous?
"No, she's bringing a friend and I have no idea if it's a male or female friend." I had a feeling it was male and wasn't sure why Rose didn't want me to know.
"Oh, good." Alice breathed a sigh of relief.
"Why?" Now, I was the curious one
"Um, well Emmett's coming," Alice said hesitantly.
I looked at her. "I figured he was Alice."
"Not alone." Alice said quietly.
"Oh." Was all I could say. I mean they broke up right? They were done? Although, a part of me knew they still loved each other. "Should I tell Rose?" I asked Alice.
"I wouldn't. Not our business. I was just telling you because I wanted to prepare you just in case something does go down." Alice huffed as Downtown Seattle came into view.
None of our business? Alice made it a point to know everyone's business. Rose was my best friend, I felt I had some obligation to tell her just for her to be warned. I wasn't starting drama or anything, but should she go into Midnight Sun completely unaware? I know if I had been in her situation I would want to know.
"Who is he bringing? I asked as I stealthily tried to text Rose without Alice knowing.
"Some girl he met at his gym he owns. She is very into fitness," Alice said. "She is also black."
"Okay?" I didn't see why she told me that but maybe she was just letting me know, I mean Zafrina and Senna weren't white so maybe she was just informing me.
Alice started laughing again out of nowhere. "This night is going to be a disaster!" She said while she started snorting. I started laughing with her, yeah it probably would be.
As we were closer to Midnight Sun, she started texting someone, I wasn't sure who but she smiled at whoever she was texting.
"So, do you know what everyone will be dressing up as?" I questioned.
"Just Victoria, she's Harley Quinn and of course Jasper and Emmett. I made Edward's costume, but knowing the stubborn ass, he won't dress up." Alice rolled her eyes.
"What did you make?" I asked.
"Uh-uh noooo sister dear, if he does put it on I want it to be a surprise." She shook her finger as we pulled up to the back entrance to Midnight Sun. I could see the line to the front from here, Dang Halloween must be a popular night here. When we got closer I saw a man come out and he looked like a robot. It took me a few seconds to realize it was Jasper and he wasn't a robot, he was Vision. Ha! Of course, if Alice was Scarlet Witch then Jasper would definitely be Vision.
Zafrina came to my door to help me out, while Jasper lifted Alice onto the hood of her car and started kissing her. Damn.
"Hey! Kids!" I shouted. "None of that." Jasper quickly pulled away but Alice caught his neck and pulled him back down. Alice's bodyguard Peter looked uncomfortable as well and went to stand off to the side. I wasn't going to watch their fuck fest considering I was sexually frustrated myself so I headed inside with Zafrina hot on my heels.
When I entered, I was taken back, I realized I had just entered the door that Paul tried to drag me out of all those months ago. I looked to my right and saw the door that led down to where I saw Paul die. I shuddered mumbling to myself, "stop thinking about it." I closed my eyes and when I opened them Zafrina was looking at me with a concerned gaze.
"Mrs. Cullen?" I shook my head. "I'm fine." I walked on, not really knowing where I was going. But then I heard Alice's voice. "Bellaaa!" She came to me while Jasper looked at her worriedly. I motioned the drinking motion with my hands and Jasper nodded.
"Come on, Bella let's go to VIP." Alice then escorted me to the VIP area which was familiar now. I remembered it from those months ago. However, we were led to a section that was closed off and that's when I saw her.
"Bella!" she shouted. Rose. I ran to her and hugged her. "Gosh, I missed you bitch." She said and I laughed before looking at her. She was wearing a bodysuit, literally a bodysuit like a one piece bathing suit. It was sleeveless and green and she had stockings to match and she was wearing a red wig. Oh, she was Poison Ivy. She was definitely giving off those Uma Thurman vibes.
"Damn, Rose, you look hot," I said and then leaned in. "Did you get my text?"
She nodded. "It doesn't matter," she said but I could tell in her eyes it did matter. "Let me introduce you to Daniel." Ah, so I was right, it was a male friend. I shook hands with a blonde gentleman, who was wearing a Captain America costume. His eyes lingered on my breasts a little bit longer than usual but he smiled at me and said "nice to meet you."
Alice then informed me she would be back and she and Peter headed up some stairs. Jasper must have gone somewhere else because I didn't see him. Zafrina and Senna sat at a nearby table. Technically, Zafrina wasn't working full time tonight. Since I was among friends and of course this was my husband's club there wasn't really a cause of danger. She was mainly here as a precaution.
"Damn B, you look hot as well." Rose said as she slapped my ass and I could tell she was already half drunk as well. I could also tell her date was looking at me a bit too much, and he liked what she did. The way his eyes looked, the man was definitely making me uncomfortable.
I glanced down at the drinks that had already been placed at our table, and I took one. Damn, it was good and I took another. For some reason, being here was putting me on edge.
"So, how's married life?" Rose asked as she took a shot back.
"It's good, I guess, no complaints." I blushed red.
"Ahh! You fucked him didn't you!" Rose yelled which had the attention of Daniel.
"Fucked who?" He slurred. Geez, I was going to need a few more to catch up with them. Both Rose and I ignored him.
"Maybe." I said as I took another drink. Rose was aware in the beginning that our marriage was different. She even told me she was aware when she left, things had changed but maybe not this much.
"Get 'em tiger!" Rose laughed and then sat down beside Daniel. I took a seat next to her, and glanced around. Zafrina and Senna were laughing together, she would glance at me every so often. I would just smile back in return. Daniel and Rose were going shot by shot and I didn't want to be her come morning. She was going to have a nasty hangover. I noticed that Rose wasn't as close to Daniel either, maybe it wasn't as serious as she was portraying.
I looked around, this place was done up real well. They had fake spiderwebs, ghosts, vampires, and pumpkins everywhere. People were dancing to the music on the floor. I loved Halloween, it was probably my most favorite holiday. I remember when my mom would dress up with me and we would go trick or treating and dad would join us. I had to shake my head of those thoughts, mom was dead and dad, well Charlie, wasn't the man he used to be.
I don't know what I did for him to act the way he does towards me. It just didn't make sense. I got up and now I had the attention of Zafrina and Rose.
"Mrs. Cullen, are you alright?" Zafrina asked.
"I'm fine, just need to go to the restroom." I started walking and heard footsteps behind me. I made a glance over my shoulder. It was Rose. How the fuck was she still standing.? Zafrina was following as well.
We then reached the bathrooms, Zafrina went inside to check all the stalls and then she went to stand outside and I went to pee. I heard Rose enter behind me and go to the sink. When I was done, I met Rose at another sink. She looked at me through the mirror.
"So, have you seen her?" Rose asked.
"Who? I asked, having a feeling what she was going to ask me.
"Emmett's new girl?" She all but screamed out.
"No, I haven't, I just found out about her 20 minutes ago?"
Rose blew out a breath. "I can't believe he moved on so fast." She whimpered but then her face turned into a scowl. "Asshole." She muttered as she touched her makeup up. "You're here with another man, Rose. I don't know why you're so upset."
"I'm not" I gave her my don't give me bullshit look. Honestly, Rose was so level-headed, not one for drama so why was she acting like this? All this time I thought I would need her as a buffer, but I'll be damned if now I felt like I needed Alice to be one.
"It's just, I thought I would leave and he would realize that we were meant to be together. Not move on," she said aloud. Was she for real? She even told me the day she left that it was because he didn't want kids and she did. Now she was acting like there was something left between them? I hugged Rose for a few moments and then she turned to face the sink. She re-applied her lipstick, and touched up her eyes.
"You know what?" She quickly turned to look at me.
"What?" I asked hesitantly since I didn't know why she had that tone in her voice.
"Fuck him. Yeah.." She started mumbling. "Fuck him!" she said then stormed out of the bathroom.
What the fuck? Just leave me here, I mean I knew Zafrina was right outside, but still. She must be completely drunk. I checked myself in the mirror and went to leave. As soon as I left, two strong arms wrapped themselves around me and pushed me up against the wall.
The arms felt familiar, and it took me a minute to realize they were the arms of my husband. I also noticed no one was around, not even Zafrina.
"What the fuck are you wearing?" He roared while he looked at me. The thing was he didn't look at me in the way I hoped. Not in the way Daniel had been earlier or the way Mike did yesterday. He looked at me disgusted. I suddenly became self-conscious and wanted to cover my body but didn't want to give Edward the satisfaction of knowing that it affected me.
"A costume," came my short reply. His glare was hard but glassy? Like maybe he had been drinking.
"A costume?" He moved away from me then. "You call that a costume?" He laughed but it was an evil one. When he moved back I was able to really look at him. He was wearing a suit, it fit him in all the right places. His hair was styled of course, but his eyes, there was something about them that wasn't right.
I sighed, I really didn't want to get into this with him. I just wanted to go back and chill with everyone. "You have your boobs hanging out and shit, I can literally see the outline of your ass." He kept on and I wondered when he saw my ass? It's literally been up against this wall since I saw him.
"What's your problem?" I said, I just wanted to be done with this conversation and head back to the table.
"My problem?" He laughed again. "My problem?" He then began to pace pulling his hair, he was actually starting to scare me. He finally stopped and came back and pushed me against the wall again, his nose against mine. My boobs were pushed against his chest and I would be lying if it didn't turn me on. "My problem is, my wife shouldn't be dressed like this. No way in hell should you be dressed like this. You want fuckers looking at you? You want them to fuck you?" He finished his rant and now I was pissed. I pushed him away with all my strength, I wanted him to get the fuck away from me.
"You're the only one that has a problem with the way I'm dressed and for your information the only person who I want to fuck me won't!" I screamed and he came up against me again but we was interrupted by two people walking up to us.
"Boss?" It was Laurent and James, or should I say Heimdall and Joker. If I wasn't so pissed I would laugh. James was all decked out in a joker costume he even had makeup on and yes it was the Heath Ledger joker. Laurent definitely pulled off his costume not that he needed much; he already looked like Heimdall. Edward backed away from me but didn't take his gaze off of me.
"Why so serious?" James said and laughed. Laurent looked at him and shook his head. James rolled his eyes. I tried to keep my sight on them because I felt like if I looked at Edward I would slap him. Why say you're sorry and do this shit again? Fight with me for no reason?
"Tough crowd," James said while he touched his green hair. "Come on B, let me introduce you to Victoria," James said as he came up to me but Edward stopped him. "It's Mrs. Cullen. Watch your mouth." He said and then faced me again.
"My apologies. Sorry, Mrs. Cullen," James said but I wasn't in the mood for all that shit. I looked at him and said "I would rather be B or Bella." Then I let James escort me away while I saw Edward's face go redder than it was. Laurent held him back but I knew Edward was tougher than he looked. Did he want to hit me? I honestly think he let Laurent hold him back so he wouldn't come after me.
James then escorted me back to the VIP Lounge. "Damn, the boss is pissed." He laughed. "But, I probably would be too if my wife was dressed like that." My shoulders slumped, and I stopped walking. James then looked at me in concern before he realized why I stopped. "Oh B. that's not what I meant. You look hot as fuck. It's just the boss, you know? I get why he's mad," James finished and we started walking again.
"I can wear what I want," I said. I needed another drink. "Oh, no doubt, B it's just when it comes to our women it's a double edged sword, We love y'all looking sexy but when it's in public?" his face grinned. "WE don't like others looking at your fine selves," he finished.
I nodded. I understood all that, We love when they dress up too but not in public. It's just upsetting, because I don't know what Edward's problem is. But, God love James, he had made me feel better? We had almost made it back to the table, when he added," Like Victoria, she's sexy as hell but this shit she's wearing right now? I don't know if I want to fuck her or kill any fuckers that look at her."
That's when I saw the fire engine hair that was in pigtails, setting down a tray of drinks. She was wearing a Harley Quinn costume, yes, the Daddy's little monster shirt and those tight bottoms. James quickly introduced me to her, but I remember seeing her at our wedding. She was pleasant and the complete different version of James. We struck up a conversation when I heard my name being called.
"Bellaaaa…" It was Rose and she was fucked. I went over and sat beside her noticing Jasper and Alice had joined. I guess they came when I was in the bathroom or something. I looked at Rose. "How much have you had to drink?" She giggled. Yep way too much. I looked to the other side and Alice was sitting there with her head back, Jasper looking at her in concern. "You okay?"
"Bella," she slurred. "Oh my god it's so bright in here," she said. "Look at all the bright colors." Now, I was definitely concerned. I looked at Jasper who was very much concerned with Alice.
"Bella, you just need to fuck Edward's brains out, he acting like an asshole." Alice said and I wondered what the hell she was on.
Rose started snorting as well as Daniel. I didn't find anything funny about what she said.
"Okayy, let's go home babe, you need to sleep this off." Jasper said. Alice raised her head up and looked at him. "No! Fucker! I'm out and going to party with my friends, be chill. You're ruining my vibe," she said and I think I figured what she was on now.
Then I felt Rose get stiff beside me, and I looked at her in concern but I knew why when I heard his voice. Emmett had entered the lounge with a hot, skinny black woman on his arm. He was Superman literally lol. She was Storm from X-men and her outfit was stuck to her skin, she had a wig as well. She literally looked like Storm, no lie.
I peeped at Rose who was getting another drink and moving closer to Daniel whom she hadn't really been close to all night. Who was she kidding? Emmett and his date sat across from us, so they were in Rose's sight. Great. Just great. I looked around and everybody was looking with the exception of Alice at both Em and Rose. You could literally cut the tension with a knife. I saw James smirk at them, then he noticed me staring and gave me a head nod.
"Rosalie," Emmett said curtly.
"Emmett," she replied and took another shot. I wish she would stop. "Everyone, this is Cecilia." Emmett introduced us to his date who said hey to everyone. He had his arm around her, and kissed her head all the while he was looking at Rosalie who wasn't paying any attention to him now. She smiled at Daniel, who smiled back at her. I noticed Emmett tear his gaze away from her. I then looked around the club while I heard Emmett make introductions around the table.
"This is my sister Bella, she is married to my brother." Emmett said, but I had to laugh at his description of me.
"Um, your sister is married to your brother?" Cecilia asked with wide eyes. For some reason that made Alice and James burst out in laughter.
"I'm his sister in law," I said. She nodded then looked around, still looking confused. Um, was she slow?
"No, Belly-boo you are my sister too." Emmett said and I grinned. Cecilia looked at him again confused.
"I don't understand?" she said and James and Alice started dying laughing.
Alice then turned to Emmett, "really?" She kept laughing. I knew they were laughing about how slow Cecilia was, but I didn't join them.
Emmett gave Alice a look and then smiled. "This is my sister, she is high as hell right now." Emmett said then I laughed. I couldn't help it, I had a feeling Alice was high with the way she was acting. She shot me a glare and Jasper began to rub her arm.
"And this is my brother from another mother." He patted Jasper's hand. Cecilia just nodded, not commenting although she still looked confused.
"I need to check on things, I'll be back," Victoria said as she rose up from beside James and walked out while a couple dressed as Black Canary and Green Arrow walked in.
"Kate!" Alice shouted. So this was Kate the one that Alice liked. The Denali sister who I hadn't met yet. She had dirty blonde hair, and blue eyes the same as her sister, the skank.
"Hi everyone!" Kate said as she came around and sat down beside Jasper. Everyone was introduced to each other. I found out her husband was named Garrett. I vaguely remember seeing him at the wedding along with Kate's dad.` We all chatted as another waiter brought some more drinks. I was definitely feeling the alcohol so I decided not to get another one. Everyone was partnered up except James and I, and at this moment I really wanted to sit beside him. He had become my friend over the past weeks, and I missed his presence. Not that I didn't like Zafrina, she was amazing as well but James was like a brother to me. I did look at Zaf and see her and Senna huddled up in an embrace. It made me smile.
"Didn't Edward come down here?" Emmett said annoyed. I followed his gaze and saw Rose and Daniel kissing. So, I guess Emmett was on the same page as Rose, and they were both trying to make the other jealous.
"Yeah, let me go find him," James said as he rose up and left. Shit. Maybe I needed another drink after all.
