Chapter 37 – Undertones of Blue
BELLA
One Month Later
Where in the world was Alice. She had texted and said she would meet me at Sarah Shaferman's Boutique at noon after she was done with a client. It was five after. How many clients did she have? Entering the store, I was immediately greeted.
"Hello, Mrs. Cullen," a middle-age woman said behind the counter. "We've been expecting you. Have a seat and someone will be right with you for a consult."
I was surprised the woman knew my name. And what was this about a consult? All I needed was a couple nice dresses for a benefit Edward asked me to attend with him and for my class reunion. Of course, like any guy, Edward didn't give me the details about the attire for the benefit until last night. It was a black tie event. I freaked out and he told me not to worry. He had already called Alice, and she was arranging everything for both events.
I had plenty of dresses that were comfortable and stretchy. What I had was not appropriate for either event, save the one Edward brought me in Paris, however, I was beginning to show.
I glanced around as I moved to the couch that looked like it should be in a museum. I think it was a fainting couch. The dresses nearest me were sparkly and skimpy, and seemed like they were more for a teenager than a grown woman. I sat and pulled out my phone. I had another message from Alice.
B – This client is being a pain. Hope to be there before you leave. Trust the ladies there. They know what they are doing and will help you pick out the perfect dresses. I'll help you find the right jewelry and shows. Ali
I was still glaring at my phone, when a woman about my age sat next to me with a tablet in her hand.
"Mrs. Cullen, I'm Cora a fashion consultant here." She held out her hand and I shook it. "I like talking with clients a little before showing them dresses."
I was a bit hesitant and leery about the boutique. "My husband and I are attending a black tie benefit this weekend and I need a dress. And, I have an upcoming class reunion," I said.
Cora nodded. "I have a note about both events. What I need to know is what styles you like, what you absolutely won't wear. Things of that nature."
These questions were why I needed Alice. "Uh, I don't know about styles so I can't say what I won't wear other than those gowns." I pointed at the skimpy dresses. "I do know I need something to accommodate my growing stomach."
Cora nodded and looked down at her pad. "That's not a problem. We'll figure the right style for you together." She paused. "How about colors? Does one look better on you than others?"
I thought back to Vegas. Alice, Rosalie, and I had gone shopping. I thought it was only going to be for a wedding dress, but we had spent five hours going from store to store. It might have been longer if we hadn't had to meet the guys. I tried on so many outfits. Alice had made me change after the first store. When I saw Edward later that night, he had been flabbergasted. I recalled I had been wearing a top in a shade of blue. Rosalie had even remark how the top brought out my eyes. I think Alice said any color with a blue undertone would do the same.
"Blue," I answered. "And maybe colors that have a blue undertone."
Cora made a note. "Flowing skirt or fitted or somewhere in between?"
What kind of question was that? "To be honest, I've only worn simple, off the rack dresses in the past. I never wanted to stand out. Since I married a prominent man, hiding in the shadows won't cut it. What I really want is to look like the dress was made for me and to not look like I came from the wrong side of the tracks."
Cora raised an eyebrow but held her tongue a moment longer. "Ms. Cullen…"
"Please call me Bella."
"Bella, listen. I'm not here to judge you. Between you and me, those who were raised in privileged lifestyles are not always honest, and I have to jump through hoops with them to find a dress. I had to work hard to get where I am today. And I take it from what you have said, you married someone with money. And that's okay. Together we'll find you dresses you'll love and want to be seen in. At any point, if you don't like any dress I show you speak up. Or if you don't like a certain feature, we'll strike all dresses with it."
It was my turn to smile. Cora made me feel better. "Thanks. What else do you want to know?"
"Nothing, Bella. Give me a few minutes to pull some dress and we'll get started."
As Cora left, my phone beeped. Another message from Alice.
B – Trying hard to get this client satisfied. About to lose it and quit. Ali
Ali – Don't sweet it. Take the time you need. The consultant here is great. B
B – Good to hear. Have her take pix... send them to me, unless you absolutely love. Ali
Cora rejoined me and asked me to follow her back to one of the fitting rooms. It was twice the size of my childhood room. There were a couple of couches and a glass coffee table. A covered clothes' rack was being wheeled by the other woman. Cora dismissed the other after thanking her. "Okay, Bella, I've selected a few dresses to start with," she said, motioning toward the covered rack. "Tell me if you don't like any of them and we'll move on."
The first dress was navy with flowing chiffon. "Let's put that in the maybe pile. The skirt looks like it might be bit tight."
She placed it on an empty rack that had been brought out.
The next few Cora showed me I nixed right away. They didn't scream me. There were only two dresses left on the rack. She brought the first one out, and I immediately wanted to try it on. It was stunning, classic with no embellishments and, best of all, floor length. I wanted to see myself in it. "I want, no need, to try that one on."
Cora smiled and pointed to a curtained off area. "Let me know if you need help," she said as I disappeared inside with the dress.
After slipping out of my shoes, jeans, and sweater, I donned the gown. It slid down my body like a whisper all the way down to the floor. The royal blue gown was lightweight and it felt as if I were naked. There was enough play in the midsection that I could wear it once I started showing more than I already was. When I turned to the mirror and was blown away. The gown was stunning on me.
I stepped through the curtain and Cora hands went to her lips. "Wow! You looked beautiful in the gown. I see no adjustments needed."
A smile split my face at the compliment and my cheeks heated. "This is definitely the dress, at least one of them."
Cora nodded. "What do you like about it?" she asked, picking up her tablet.
Tapping my lips, I thought about that a moment. "The gown is light not clingy. Reminds me of old movies heroines. The only thing I don't like is the fact my arm are a bare."
She giggled. "That can be fixed with a shrug. I'm thinking gold or silver would look good. I'll go select some different styles. In the meantime, have a glass of sparkling cider."
I picked up a flute with amber liquid and took a small sip. Alice had arranged this appointment, so I'm sure it was what Cora said. It was divine—sweet but not too sweet with a touch of tang. I continued taking sips not wanting to get any of the liquid on the gown.
Cora reentered the room with several items—some gold, some silver, and some in shades of blue. She handed me a gold one to slip into. It felt restrictive and I told her so. She sorted through and passed me a silver wrap. It felt less restrictive but didn't scream me.
"Do you have anything like a scarf or shawl, maybe a cape?" I asked. "It will cover my shoulders but not my arms."
Cora shook her head. "I didn't think you would like those, so didn't pull any. Let me go retrieve some." She left the room again and was back in flash.
I donned a silver lace capelet. It was prefect. "I love this. It dresses up the gown a little more but still looks classic and simple."
"Give me your phone and I'll take a quick picture, then you can change and we'll consider other dresses."
~~ Reaching for Love ~~
I was exhausted by the time I was paying for my purchases, ending up with three dresses. All I wanted was a nap. With a yawn, I stepped out of the shop and headed to where I had parked. Edward had insisted on buying me a brand spanking new SUV. He told me it had all the bells and whistles. When he and I went over all the safety features, from a panic button to keyless entry to remote start to OnStar, my head was spinning, and I didn't hear all of what the SUV contained. All I cared about was that it had a radio and all its mirrors. Edward did make sure I knew how to use the remote start, saying I would appreciate it on hot and cold days. I pull out the fob and hit the buttons, in what I hoped was the correct order and for the proper amount of time. I kept the fob in my hand, knowing I would have to unlock the vehicle.
"Bella."
I froze hearing my name. Swallowing, I turned and came face-to-face with Jacob. This was the second time I've run into him since marrying Edward.
Jacob's upper lip was slightly raised on one side, showing his canine tooth. He ran his tongue over his teeth. His eyes scanned me from head to toe, causing me to shiver.
"You clean up good, Bella," Jacob said, his lips curling up into a sneer.
"Go to hell, Jacob."
Seeing my vehicle, I went to move around him and he grabbed my upper arm.
"What no kiss for me, whore."
Remembering what little self-defense Charlie had taught me, I stomped on Jacob's foot. Wishing I had pepper spray.
"Why you little bitch," he shouted as he brought up his hand and slapped my hard across the face.
I screamed and stumbled backward, falling. I hit my head hard on the ground. Everything around me was fuzzy. Jacob kicked me hard, right in the stomach.
There were footfalls and shouting from others around the parking area.
"Shit!" Jacob exclaimed, before kicking me in the stomach again.
"Miss, are you okay?" A woman in scrubs asked from her spot next to me.
"What?" I said, gasping for breath. My head was hurting and my ears were ringing.
"Call 9-1-1," she told someone, as I tossed my cookies.
There was muffed noise all around me.
"Bella," a familiar voice called out.
"Alice."
"Don't move," the woman said, placing a hand on my shoulder when I made to sit up.
Soon Alice was kneeling next to me. "Call Edward," I said, still gasping. "Tell him I'm okay save a big headache."
"I'm a doctor, and she's far from okay. She hit her head. I heard the crack. The guy who attacked her took off when I yelled and rushed over, but not before kicking her in the stomach twice. She needs to go to the hospital," the lady who came to my aid said.
Alice nodded, pulling her phone out of her handbag. "Edward's in a meeting. I'll text him and have him call me back." She typed a quick message. "Who attacked you?" she asked, looking up from the screen.
"Huh?"
"Who attacked you?" she asked again.
"Jacob." My mind felt like it had cotton stuffed tight inside, and I felt like I could throw up again.
Alice's phone shrilled a little too loud. "Edward, Bella was attacked by Jacob." A brief pause. "No, she hit her head on the pavement."
Blaring sirens made it impossible to hear what else she was telling Edward.
All too soon, I was being loaded in an ambulance. "Edward and I will meet you at the hospital," Alice told me.
"The bags," I said.
"I've got them," the unknown lady said. "I'll give them to your friend along with you purse and keys."
The paramedic asked me questions left and right. I tried to answer but my splitting head made it impossible to think and I told her so. She patted my hand and told me that was alright as she started taking my vitals.
~~ Reaching for Love ~~
An hour after I arrived in the emergency room, Edward rushed through the door to my room. "Bella," he said, rushing over and taking hold of my hand. "How are you feeling?"
I glared at him. "I'm getting tired of that question. My head hurts and I'm waiting to be taken for a head CT. You just missed the doctor."
He shook his head. "I've talk to the doctor and know you are being taken care of." He brushed a stray lock behind my ear.
"Don't blame Alice," I said.
He smiled sadly down at me. "Alice let me know she wasn't able to meet you and the reason, so I don't. Jacob was arrested and will be held overnight. There were enough witnesses who saw him hit you and five guys chased him and caught him."
A knock sounded on the door. "Mrs. Cullen?"
"Come in," Edward answered.
"I'm Kris. I here to take you for your CT. She'll be back in about fifteen minutes."
Edward leaned down and kissed me. "I'll be here when you return."
~~~ Reaching for Love ~~~
I shifted on the bed, trying in vain to get comfortable as I pulled the three blankets a little higher. I was cold and the blankets were thin and lightweight. They did nothing to keep me warm. Edward had asked his parents, who were apparently in town for the benefit, to retrieve some things from home to make my overnight stay more comfortable. The number one item on the list was my favorite fleece throw we kept in the living room. Esme assured me it would be with them when they return.
Edward had excused himself twenty minutes after his parents left to take a call and had yet to return. He'd been gone for nearly an hour.
I shifted once again. All the wires were in the way. I understood the need for them but how in the world was I supposed to rest if every time I rolled over, I landed on a wire and an alarm went off. I wished I could get comfortable. A knock sounded on the door. I glanced over, seeing her father standing in the doorway.
"Dad?" I questioned. I couldn't believe he was standing there. How had he found out? I hadn't seen him since my birthday, though we've talked on the phone. He was in his uniform, minus his gun.
"Hey, Bells," he said, coming into the room. "Edward called me." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Are you okay? Is the baby?"
"I'm fine, a little sore. The baby seems to be fine." My hands came to a rest on my stomach on top of the monitor measuring the baby's vitals. "The doctors are monitoring me and the baby tonight to make sure."
He smiled. "Good. Will you please tell me who attacked you?"
I hesitated, trying to determine if telling him would be a bad idea. We were trying, and it was still a little strange.
Shifting again, I said, "Jacob."
Dad's eyes widened to the size of saucers. "Jacob! Did you file a report?"
His outburst was not what I was expecting. He looked… looked like he wanted to strangle Jacob.
I nodded. "My lawyer is filing papers tomorrow for a restraining order. Hopefully the judge will grant it even if it is temporary."
"Judges like to start with temporary." He sighed, before glancing over his shoulder and then back at me. "I'm sorry I didn't believe you."
This was his third apology since we've started talking. "Jacob was a big mistake." I shared a look with him. "I don't know why I even agreed to go out with him, let alone slept with him."
He made a sound in his throat, maybe in agreement to what I just said. "He was a snake oil salesman, Bells. He drew you in and bought what he was selling."
I sighed, looking down at the thin blankets covering me. "But had it not been for Jacob, I might not have met Edward."
Dad chuckled. "Kiddo, I'm glad you met Edward, too. He's good for you and loves you the way you deserve."
"That I do, Bella," Edward said from the doorway. He had a vase of beautiful fall flowers in his hand. "These arrived at the nurses' station as I was coming back. They're from Rosalie."
"Well, I best be going, Bells. I'm having dinner with Sue tonight."
"Sue Clearwater? Are you two dating?" I asked.
Dad rubbed the back of his neck. "I think we might."
Edward tried to hide his mirth, but failed miserably.
Dad left after kissing my cheek, a little red in the face.
