Chapter Twenty
Edward
I had been staggered to find Bella at the house and even more so when I discovered that she and Jasper were engaged. Sure, he had spent years protecting her from Victoria but to fall in love with her? With my cast off? What the hell did she see in him? I could have understood if she had fallen in love with a vampire, she was strange like that. I remember her saying that she felt alive in my world. Surely she hadn't forgotten everything I had told her about him? Or was she just an adrenaline junkie?
It annoyed me to see the rest of the family reveling in my discomfort. I expected such juvenile sniggering from Emmett, he was a fool, but Carlisle and Rosalie? She had hated Bella in Forks and now she'd done a one-eighty and was happy about Bella joining the family.
Sasha was full of questions when we went for a walk later in the day. She wanted details although there was little I hadn't already told her.
"I don't understand, Edward. She's not even beautiful. Well, I guess she is in an insipid human way. You told me she was like a little mouse who roared occasionally but she had plenty of things to say today."
"That must be Jasper's influence. She would never have spoken like that when I knew her."
"You said she was infatuated by you. Broken when you dumped her."
"So?"
"She's certainly not broken or infatuated now."
"No, she's not. Although she does look a little worse for wear at the moment. I wonder what happened to her."
Sasha grinned, "I know. Esme told me earlier."
"Well? Come on, tell me."
She proceeded to tell me about Bella's boyfriend and the accident they had been involved in. So, this Patrick, a rich man from a wealthy family had been Bella's long term boyfriend and then Jasper stepped in and stole her from him.
Sasha hadn't told me all this but it was pretty clear that Patrick was a man wronged.
"Esme also told me that Bella's mom was here causing a scene because she discovered Jasper was connected to you. I don't think she liked you much."
"That's just because I dumped her daughter. Bella made a big thing about it, acting like I'd broken her heart. I guess it was to be expected."
"Well, I feel sorry for the guy. One minute he's getting married and the next she blows him off for your brother. Personally, I can't see the attraction. I mean Jasper's cute enough but he's hardly a millionaire. He's more likely to offer Bella a shack in the woods. Why would she accept that when she could have everything a girl can dream of?"
"I told you she was crazy."
"Yes, you did. It's a shame the others don't see that. She looks so comfortable with your family."
"Yeah, they're making her feel more welcome than us."
"Maybe she needs a little chaos in her life."
I frowned, "Chaos? I'm not with you?"
She arched her eyebrow, something she did when she felt I was being a little slow on the uptake.
"Everything is going so smoothly for her, too smoothly if you get my meaning."
Bella
When Edward and Sasha reappeared they seemed to have changed their attitude. Sasha went out of her way to be pleasant to me and they both joined in when Emmett suggested a game of Trivial pursuit. I was worried I would look like a real dummy but it was so crazy that we were all laughing within minutes. Even Edward joined in and I was beginning to think that maybe they'd been wrong about Sasha. She was certainly making an effort to fit in.
I left the party at ten and went to bed. My ribs were aching and my leg had begun to throb. I was healing but it would take time. I was, after all, still a fragile human!
Jasper came up with me but I insisted he join the others once I fell asleep. I hated thinking he would be missing family time just to watch me sleep however much he insisted he liked it. It was strange because Edward had enjoyed watching me sleep too. Was it creepy? Not really, for creatures who couldn't sleep themselves perhaps watching a human do so gave them peace.
I woke in the night to the sounds of laughter and chatter from downstairs and was relieved Jasper had joined them although I missed his presence. Being alone I started to think about the immediate future.
I needed to speak to Patrick. I had to tell him it was over, that I wasn't going back to him. That I was engaged to someone else. I wanted to wish him all the best and to do so as soon as possible. I also needed to collect my things from his house and Hugo, if Patrick would let me take him.
Then I had to decide what I was going to do with the gallery. I hated the thought of selling it but if I was going to become a vampire I couldn't run it in person. Maybe I could find a manager to take over. I would ask Esme, she knew about the pitfalls of being a vampire who ran a business.
As for Renee, well she had made her position clear earlier. It saddened me that she would take Patrick's side without even listening to mine but what hurt the most were the nasty comments about my dad. I could never forgive her for those. No one was going to sully Charlie's memories in my mind, especially not my mom.
The other thing I needed to know was if Jasper intended to stay here in Phoenix with me at my place or if he expected me to move in here. Either way, I had to go back and collect some clothes and any mail. The fridge would need clearing out too before the contents walked out on their own!
We had tentatively set a wedding date for mid-summer next year and I thought it might be nice to get married here if Esme wanted to keep the house on. It was certainly big enough and had such happy memories for me.
The next morning I decided to broach the touchy subject with Jasper, relieved that the others had gone out so we had the place to ourselves.
"I need to tell Patrick that I'm leaving and collect my stuff from his place and the sooner I do so the better."
"I'll go with you if you want."
"Thank you but I think that might be rubbing his nose in it and I don't want us to part on bad terms."
Jasper snorted, "Don't you think that trying to get you to take responsibility for the accident already did that?"
I nodded, "Yes, but I'm trying to be the better person."
"You already are."
We talked about it for a while and finally, Jasper agreed to stay here as long as I took Esme with me, or at least asked her to drive me over as my leg meant it would be impossible for me to drive myself for now.
"I'll be safe enough, Patrick would never hurt me, Jasper."
"OK, but I'm not going to apologize for caring about your safety."
"I know and I love you for it. I'm sure Esme will be listening in from the driveway and if she gets worried she'll come to bail me out."
Esme was more than willing to accompany me when we asked her and we arranged to go the next day. Patrick was cautious when I called to arrange a meeting but I think he still hoped that he might persuade me to go back to him. I tried to explain I was there only to pick up my stuff but like always Patrick only heard what he wanted to hear.
The only awkward thing was that Renee was still here in Phoenix. I thought she'd have flown back to Phil by now. I just hoped Patrick didn't tell her about our meeting because she was sure to turn up and put her ten cents in.
Suspecting the boys and/or Rose might decide to hang out close by, Carlisle forbade them from following me or going within five miles of Patrick's house. There were disgruntled mumblings but they all agreed eventually.
To my surprise, Edward and Sasha agreed with him.
"Bella is quite capable of looking after herself. She made that quite clear years ago and maybe you should listen."
I stared at Edward open-mouthed but he just smiled, "See, I learned my lesson, Bella."
"Thank you, Edward."
Jasper was looking at him suspiciously, not because he thought Edward was up to anything, more because he found it hard to believe that his brother would ever admit that he was wrong.
"Take care, Bella and hurry back."
Jasper held me tight for a moment then let me go, "And please try not to fight with any more trucks. It always makes me nervous when you're out of my sight."
"Thank you for not trying to talk me out of seeing Patrick. Edward would have hogtied me if I'd tried that in Forks despite what he says now."
He smiled tenderly, "I'm not my brother and I trust you to make the right decisions. Any problems at all just push the alarm on your phone and I'll be there."
"I know and I will."
The closer we got to Patrick's house the more nervous I became although I tried to remain calm. I didn't want Esme talking me out of this or the others thinking I was weak. After all, what was the worst that could happen? He and Renee, if she was still there, ganging up on me? What could they possibly say that would make me think going back to Patrick was a better idea than staying with Jasper? I looked down at my left hand admiring the ring Jasper had placed there only two days ago. I couldn't imagine anything that would persuade me to take it off.
"Esme, I wanted to ask you about the gallery. I'd like to keep it but I need some pointers from you. I mean is it possible after I become one of you?"
"I see no reason why not. You'll have to get a manager in because your staff would know there was something wrong. It might be better to set up an online business that way you don't have to meet people unless you want to and at a time and place that suits you. I'm sure we can work something out."
She glanced over at me and laughed, "You're going to wear that ring out if you keep playing with it. Are you really that nervous seeing Patrick again? It might be better to write off the stuff you have there if so."
I sighed, "Does it show that much? Patrick I can handle, it's the thought of Renee and Patrick together that worries me. She never listens to me, she's so sure she's right and I'm wrong."
"Bella, I don't think I've ever met a stronger woman than you. Go in there and tell Patrick it is over, don't get into a discussion with him or let him twist your words, pick up your things and walk out. If you need any help just say my name and I'll be in. OK? Oh, and please, don't get hurt or Jasper will be looking to skin your ex. You better remember that now you wear his ring he will consider any slights to you as personal."
"I know. Thanks, Esme."
She smiled, "Don't thank me. I should be thanking you for making my Christmas complete. Now, go on and don't take any nonsense from him."
I smiled gratefully. Why couldn't my mother be as understanding and supportive as Esme?
"I'll be as quick as I can."
I leaned over and kissed her cheek realizing as I did so that I was already thinking of her as mom.
I still had a key to Patrick's house but I rang the bell and waited for him to answer. Instead, there was a buzz and the door swung open. He must have seen me in the security camera but why hadn't he come to the door? Was I being punished for bursting his bubble?
I walked into the familiar hallway and waited for Hugo to come for a fuss but there was no sign of him. Then I heard Patrick's voice.
"We're in the kitchen, Bella. Why don't you join us?"
In the kitchen, Patrick and Renee sat at the table with the remains of a late breakfast before them.
"Patrick, Mom. I came to collect my stuff."
Patrick stared at me, "Your stuff? So that's it? No how are you Patrick, sorry my friends kidnapped and threatened you? Hope you've recovered from the accident. No. All I get from you is kiss my ass. You know something Bella, I'm glad this has happened. It's just showed me what a bitch you are.
Your mom told me you could be cold and unfeeling. Just like your dad. Now I see it. All this time you've been waiting for that family to turn up and whisk you away. Even though one of them almost gave you a nervous breakdown?"
I glared at my mom for bad-mouthing Charlie. I didn't care what she said about me but he had been a great dad and a good man and she was sullying his memory. I wanted to throw it back in her face but what would be the point?
"Bella, I think you owe Patrick an explanation. The two of you were planning your wedding and then out of the blue, you leave him for another man. I'm sure I brought you up to act better than that."
I knew if I spoke Renee would only twist my words and I didn't want to row with my Mom, especially in front of Patrick.
"I'll just collect my stuff and go. Here's your key."
I put the key down in front of him and turned to go but he whipped out a hand and grabbed my arm,
"Hey, I think you owe me an explanation too."
"What explanation?"
He glared, "You may have noticed I'm here, not enjoying Christmas with my family. That's because the cops told me not to leave town. They are investigating the accident. I had to tell them that I lost control of the car and they're pissed I lied to them."
"Well, maybe you shouldn't have lied. That's something my Mom did teach me. They have a nasty habit of coming back to bite you on the ass. And for your information, we were not planning a wedding because you never asked me to marry you. Now I'll get my stuff and leave and then the two of you can commiserate some more."
Patrick stalked over to the lounge and picked up two bags stuffed with my things.
"Here, I packed for you. I kept the presents I bought you."
He waited for me to object but I didn't give a damn about the things he'd bought me. He was welcome to them. Maybe Chelsea would get them next!
"Fine. What about Hugo?"
"What about him? This is his home."
"Make sure you look after him."
"Get out, Bella. I wonder how long your gallery will last when people find out what you did to me?"
"Are you threatening me?"
"No, just pointing out that a lot of your customers are friends of my family. They won't take kindly to finding out you were two-timing me. That you led me on and then dumped me."
I stared at him then wondered why I should be surprised, the world revolved around him and his family and they rewrote history to their satisfaction.
Picking up the bags I felt my ribs protest but I gritted my teeth and walked slowly out of the house hoping I would never see Patrick again.
Renee followed me out and stopped me at the door, "You little fool. You had the world at your feet and you gave it all up for the Cullens. You know it won't work. Edward dumped you and this Jasper will do just the same when he gets bored."
"I guess I'll bow to your superior knowledge mom. After all, that's exactly what you did to my dad isn't it?"
I could have bitten my tongue, I hadn't wanted to fight with her but I was sick of being treated like a simpleton.
Renee stared at me in shock then turned and closed the door leaving me outside and relieved it was all over.
