AN: Confrontation! You'll like Alec even less shortly, and more
Thank you to MeteorOnAMoonlessNight and Midnight Cougar for their never-ending help as always. If you find any mistakes, that's all me as fiddling was had after
Disclaimer: Edward doesn't belong to me. *Sigh*
Boyfriends of Christmas Past Chapter 9
Summary
A trip back home for the holidays shows Bella everything she didn't know had been missing from her life.
Chapter 9
Bella
I walked in the door to an angry man.
"Where the hell have you been, Isabella? I've been texting and calling you for hours now."
"I told you I was having lunch with Edward, Alec. After he dropped me off at the diner, I met up with Jess and Mike."
"That's not good enough. I've been on my own most of the day, doing my best to learn my lines, and I could have done with your help. However," he said pompously, "I forgive you. Hurry up and get changed please. You can wear that purple dress you packed; it's good enough for getting a drink and a meal at that Lodge place."
My mouth dropped open at his orders and his rudeness, but I resisted the impulse to tell him to fuck off, which was what I really wanted to do. If I said something in anger, he'd never believe what I had to say next.
"You've got a lot of nerve, Alec. You've spent most of this holiday ignoring me in favor of work and now you want my attention. What the hell?" I took a deep breath to calm myself. "Alec, please sit down, I need to talk to you."
There must have been something in the tone of my voice because instead of arguing, he sat on the sofa. "What's this about, Bella?"
I sat in Dad's recliner, rather than beside Alec, and took a deep breath. "I've been doing a lot of thinking these last few days, and—"
"Come on, Bella," Alec interrupted impatiently. "Spit it out; I'm hungry."
"Alec, will you let me speak?" When I was sure he was listening, I continued. "Like I said, I've been doing a lot of thinking, and I want you to know that I care about you a lot, but things haven't been right with us for a while now, have they?"
Alec's eyes never left my face, and I could see I now had his attention. "I'm sure it's just a blip, Bella. We'll get back on track once we've returned to L.A." He shifted uncomfortably on the sofa, and I had the feeling he knew what was coming.
I tried again. "We've been coasting along in our relationship for some time now, and it's just not working for me, Alec. I'm so sorry, but I'm not in love with you."
The silence was deafening.
"It's no one's fault, Alec," I said calmly. I could see he was getting agitated.
"What the fuck, Bella?" Alec leaped to his feet, pacing in front of the sofa. "How can you say that to me?" His eyes darkened, a scowl on his face, his voice rising. "You're an ungrateful bitch, you know that? You'd be nowhere without me."
I blinked, shocked at the words spilling from his mouth and the vitriol with which he delivered them.
"Without me, you'll have nothing. Nowhere to live, no friends, and I can get you fired, too."
"Alec, you're overreacting. My career is totally independent of yours, and I won't even answer your asinine words about my friends." It was my turn to leap to my feet, and suddenly, I was angry, too. "I'll be staying with Alice and Jasper, and I'll be fine. In fact, I'll be better than fine. I'll be able to do what I want instead of walking on eggshells around you, pandering to your ego and your insecurities. Get me fired?" I scoffed. "In case you've forgotten, it was my recommendation that swung the deal for you with your last film. I told them you fitted the profile perfectly. Don't be an asshole, Alec."
Before I realized it, he was around the end of the coffee table, grabbing my upper arms with a bruising force. "It's that fucker at the tree lot, isn't it? He's turned you against me, hasn't he?" He shook me hard. "You fucking slept with him, didn't you? I can smell him on you. That's where you've been all day, rolling around with him, or did you fuck him in the back of his truck?" His body shook with rage.
"Alec, let me go, you're hurting me!"
"What the hell is going on here?"
Alec had been shouting so loud, I hadn't heard the cruiser draw up outside, or the front door open. I looked around Alec to see my father pointing his gun at him.
"If you don't take your hands off my daughter right now, Alec Reynolds, I'll shoot you." Dad's voice was low and quiet, but penetrated Alec's anger. "Let. Her. Go." The sound of him clicking the safety off was loud in the room.
Slowly, Alec dropped his hands from me, letting me go.
I stepped back and rubbed at my arms, knowing there would be fingertip bruises tomorrow. "Dad, it's okay; I'm okay."
Dad didn't move or lower his gun. "Give me one reason why I shouldn't arrest you for assault."
"This is between me and Bella, Charlie." Alec turned to face Dad.
My eyes widened at his tone of voice. I was pretty sure Dad wouldn't shoot him, but I figured I should step in.
"Dad, it's fine. Alec was just leaving."
I watched Dad war with himself. His duty told him he should arrest Alec for assault irrespective of who was on the receiving end. I could see his fatherly concern wanted to shoot Alec.
"You'd best be on your way then, Alec."
Alec looked between me and Dad, then insolently gathered his things together and stuffed them into his suitcase, disappearing upstairs for his toiletries. He zipped his bag and headed out the door, down the steps, and along the path to the Escalade.
Dad followed him, and I trailed after Dad. I was a little shell-shocked at the direction the discussion had taken.
Opening the driver's door, Alec turned back to me. "Don't expect to get back into the apartment, Bella. We're done, and I never want to see you again."
Beside me, Dad growled. "If I hear you've done anything stupid, boy, you'll be hearing from me again. Don't try me."
The door to the car slammed shut, the engine turned over, and Alec pulled out onto the road, tires squealing. Within minutes, he was gone.
After the sound of the engine faded into the distance, it was replaced by silence. Dad pulled me into his arms, enveloping me in safety and warmth. In the aftermath of the confrontation, something I avoided if possible, a lump formed in my throat and tears welled in my eyes. I'd never been a crier, and Dad was always a little awkward around tears, so no words were spoken. He just tightened his hold, giving me the comfort I needed.
"Are you okay, Bells? Did he hurt you?"
I pulled away from him, wiping away the tears, and pushed up the sleeve of my sweater. Already, I could see the imprint of his fingers on my skin. The bruises would be in full color tomorrow.
"Fuck! I should've kicked his ass for hurting you, Bella."
It wasn't often Dad used expletives, so I knew he was upset at the sight of the marks on my arms. I knew him well enough to know he'd want to kick himself for not protecting me.
We stepped back into the house and into the kitchen where I switched on the coffee pot. Turning to him, I wrapped my arms around his waist. "It's okay, Dad, you know I bruise easily. I'm just glad he's gone."
Dad pulled away after a minute or two, settling himself at the table. I finished making the coffee and placed the two cups on the table, taking the seat opposite him.
"It may not be my place to ask, Bella, but why did you stay with him if your feelings had changed?"
I sighed, sipping the hot beverage. "You know me, Dad. I'm loyal, but more than that, I'm stubborn. I refused to believe that the man I met, who was charming, funny, sweet, and warm could change so much. I don't think I ever told you that we took a short break, but he was so devastated and promised he'd changed that I gave him another chance."
I leaned back in the seat and looked out the kitchen window where I could see the snow falling again. "I shouldn't have believed him. Everything was fine for a while, but in my heart, I knew it wasn't the same. I just didn't want to give up, you know?"
Dad nodded, and I knew he understood. He and I were cut from the same cloth; both of us were loyal and stubborn.
"Will you be okay when you go back?"
"Of course. I'll get Alice, the friend I stayed with when Alec and I split up the first time, to get my things before Alec gets back. I'll give the concierge a call and get him to let her in. Don't worry, Dad, I can stay with Alice and her husband until I figure out my next move."
In the silence that followed, I lost myself in my thoughts. Alec had always been a little unpredictable, and admittedly, he did have a temper. However, I never expected him to explode the way he did, and for a moment I'd been afraid he was going to hit me. I'll never know if he would've gone that far, thank God. I was so thankful Dad had arrived at the right time and interrupted what could've been a bad situation.
I couldn't believe I'd let the relationship go on for as long as I had, but I was glad it was over. Now, I just had to work out what to do next.
~ oOo ~
Dad, Sue and I arrived at the Cullens' house just after eight on New Year's Eve. Lauren and Jake had declined the invitation preferring to attend the La Push bonfire. I'd already accepted the invite to the Cullen party, otherwise, I might have gone along with them. However, the thought of seeing Edward again, drew me here.
We were met at the door by Esme. It hadn't taken me long to get ready since I had only one dress with me, a purple wrap one with short capped sleeves and a chiffon overlay skirt. It was tied closed with silky ribbons both on the inside and the outside, leaving a deep-V-neck, showing off my cleavage. My underwear was two shades lighter and lacy. Even alone in my room, I could feel my face heat and my body tingle, aware that I wore it for Edward.
Footwear proved to be difficult since all I'd brought with me were my chucks, some low-heeled ankle boots and a pair of black heels. Surveying them, I decided it would have to be heels.
"Good evening, Chief Swan, Sue, Bella. Come on in."
"Esme, please, it's Charlie. I'm not on duty now."
"Sorry, Charlie. How are you, Sue? That dress is absolutely stunning, Sue."
"I'm good, Esme. It was a Christmas gift from Charlie. Thank you for inviting us," said Sue, sliding her coat from her shoulders.
Esme took Sue's coat, sending a smile Dad's way, then looked behind us. "Is your young man not joining us, Bella?"
"He's had to return to L.A., Esme."
I didn't give her any further information. I was still reeling from the huge fight we'd had a few days ago—five days to be precise.
Esme was too polite to ask questions, so she stepped to one side, letting us farther into the house. The house was almost the same as it had been nine years ago with only minor changes. More pictures on the walls, a new piece of furniture here and there, but it still looked warm, comfortable, and welcoming.
Esme hung our coats in the spacious cloakroom on the ground floor. "You look absolutely beautiful too, Bella. That color suits you perfectly. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to step into the kitchen, so go on in. You'll find Carlisle behind the bar."
Carlisle was holding court where Esme had told us he'd be, and Dad and I stopped off to get a drink.
"Evening, Chief, Sue, Bella. How are you?"
"Carlisle," Dad chastised. "It's Charlie tonight. We're good, thanks."
"Where is this young man of yours, Bella?"
I knew that for those who knew I'd come home with Alec, that question would come up a few times.
Dad scowled, but my hand on his arm stopped him from speaking. "He had to go back to L.A., Carlisle." There was no need to air the reasons for his leaving.
Accepting drinks from Carlisle, Dad and Sue were drawn away into conversation with Mark, his deputy, and Mark's wife, Melanie. Carlisle poured me a glass of delicious red wine, and I wandered off, ostensibly to chat to people I knew, but really looking for Edward. I hadn't seen him since he'd shown me around his house; not that I'd been looking for him.
Liar! You're a big fat liar who lies!
I wasn't on my own for long. Esme found me, handing me a plate with a selection from the buffet.
"Of course, you know some of the people here tonight, Bella, but I'll introduce you to a few others." I didn't want to ask about Edward, but Esme seemed to read my mind. "Edward's running a bit late, and he asked me to tell you he's looking forward to seeing you again."
My mind wasn't on the introductions to Rosalie Hale and her husband Emmett McCarty, who I found out worked with my dad, or Aro Volturi, Chief of Staff at the hospital Carlisle now worked at, along with his wife Didyme. They were lovely people, but my whole being was waiting for Edward to appear.
When Esme was called to the kitchen for some minor disaster, I found a seat at the bar and kept Carlisle company while he mixed and poured drinks.
I watched the interactions in the room. Carmen and Eleazar Denali, lifelong family friends of the Cullens, arrived with their three daughters. I hadn't moved in the same circles as the triplets, Tanya, Kate, and Irina, but they'd been on speaking terms with us—Jess, Lauren, Angela, and me—until the cheating incident. They were all very beautiful, with long blonde hair, blue eyes, and curvy figures, but they were not identical—though they did play up their similarities.
Standing beside Kate Denali was Garrett Damon. I'd met him while I was at college, and brought him home for Christmas one year when he had nowhere to go. Introducing him to Kate had spelled the end of our relationship even before it had gotten off the ground. I remembered being somewhat upset when we broke up, even though it was by mutual agreement, but we both knew the relationship was never going to turn into anything more.
I hadn't seen or spoken to either of them since Garrett and I went our separate ways, but I could see how happy they were—the diamond ring on her finger said everything. They were well-suited to each other, and I couldn't regret bringing them together even if it was at my expense.
A tap on my shoulder startled me out of my musing. Tyler Crowley, my boyfriend up until I left for college, yanked me from my seat and squashed me into a hug. His nose slid up my neck as his hands slid down to my ass.
"Bella, babe, I heard you were back."
Over his shoulder, Tanya's eyes caught mine and a dark scowl crossed her features.
"Tyler," I said warningly.
I pulled away and took a step back, glaring at him. He seemed to have forgotten the circumstances under which we'd broken up. Not to mention how he'd treated Lauren. He didn't seem to have changed at all.
"Why is Tanya giving me the evil eye?"
He looked behind him and raised his hand to her before turning back to me, grinning idiotically. "Ah, she's my girlfriend, babe, but she won't mind if we catch up."
It didn't look like that to me, so I stepped back out of the reach of his hands before he could grab me again.
Tyler and I had broken up very publicly when Jess and I interrupted him and Irina Denali under the bleachers at the end of the autumn semester, a few days before the Christmas after my eighteenth birthday, getting to third base. The image of her on her knees and his jeans around his ankles had stayed in my mind for a long time. I shuddered even now. There was no doubt in my mind that she'd arranged for me to find them; it was no secret Irina wanted Tyler.
Being caught 'inflagranté delicto' hadn't fazed him for long. Irina hadn't managed to hold on to him for more than a couple of months before he set his sights on Lauren. Despite the warnings from Jess and me, she was smitten, and convinced herself she could change him. She fell for him, hard. He promised to be faithful, but broke her heart, getting up to his old tricks. Rumor had it he'd cheated on her with all three Denali girls, at the same time, if the rumors were to be believed, but nothing had ever been confirmed. I was so glad Lauren and Jake had found each other and were deliriously happy.
"Well, it was nice seeing you again, Tyler, but I don't think she's too happy about it, do you?"
He shrugged. "No probs, Bella. I'll catch up with you later."
He winked and walked back to where she stood. He whispered in her ear, and I shuddered when he palmed her ass and she melted into his arms. I seriously doubted that relationship would stand the test of time, and was glad I'd gotten out when I did, even if it was humiliating at the time.
I was thankful Dad had never figured out the reason Tyler and I broke up. He might not be alive now. Then again, it was likely Dad did know but was saving the knowledge for some time in the future.
I breathed a sigh of relief, having managed to limit my contact with Tyler. Esme appeared in the archway to the living room with Jess and Mike in tow. Grateful to see good friends, I headed over to them, and Jess and I hugged.
"You okay?" she whispered.
"I will be, Jess, thanks."
"Hey, Bella, great to see you again." Mike pulled me into a hug, too; this one was appropriate, unlike the one from Tyler.
"Nice to see you again, too, Mike. I hope everything was okay at the store."
He looked confused for a moment before realizing I was referring to his call from the police while we were at the diner. "Ah, yes, the alarm. It was fine, just kids. I don't remember being as obnoxious as they are now."
I laughed and shook my head. Mike had a short memory, and seemed to have forgotten egging Principal Green's house and setting off the alarm at the hardware store one year after a party. From my memory, it was the very same party I'd refused to go to with him.
Nevertheless, he was nothing like he'd been as a teenager, and seeing the love he had for Jess, I had no doubt he was a different person to the slimy, sloppy-kissing douche he'd been in school.
Esme interrupted us and put her hand on my arm. "I'll leave you to get drinks, Bella. Jess, Mike, I can see Carlisle trying to get my attention, so I'll speak to you all later." She headed off across the room to see what her husband wanted.
Mike disappeared into the room and stopped to speak to Emmett McCarty, leaving Jess and me alone.
"How is everything with Alec?" she asked.
"After the talk we had at the diner, I broke up with him. He's gone back to L.A." I shrugged, without elaborating on the shocking events of Boxing Day.
"And are you okay with that?"
"Sometimes, yes. Other times, I'm not sure I've done the right thing."
"It's not unusual to feel that way, no matter what the reason is for the breakup, or who broke up with who. You can always talk to me, anytime."
"Thanks, Jess. I might take you up on that," I said. "Come on. Let's get you both a drink, and I need a refill. I just had a run-in with Tyler."
Jess made a face, then giggled, and followed me across to the bar. Carlisle had disappeared off somewhere with Esme, and Edward was now behind the bar. My eyes met his, warmth sparking between the two of us.
Irina Denali was leaning on the end of the bar, gazing at him, and I felt a shaft of jealousy run through me. She'd always liked him in school, and the skank had tried to come between us on more than one occasion. In a moment of insecurity, I wondered if there was anything between them, or if they'd hooked up while I was away from Forks.
Edward turned his attention to Jess and Mike, fixing a drink for each of them and making small talk, although his eyes flicked across to me every now and then. Not wanting to see him hooking up with Irina, I excused myself for a visit to the restroom, but I could feel his eyes on me as I walked across the room.
After using the facilities, I stood in front of the mirror. Although I could see the difference between my reflection and that of my seventeen-year-old self, I still felt young and insecure and wondered again if there was something missing in me that other girls had.
I mused back over the boyfriends I'd had since I was fifteen. Except for Edward, each of them had broken up with me at Christmas.
First Jake, for whom I wasn't of the right tribe, even though he was now with someone who was definitely not Quileute. He and Lauren were supremely happy.
Then Mike. He and Jess were so good together, and I could now admit to myself it was me who wasn't ready for our relationship to move to the next level. It was bad timing, but he should have respected me, so maybe that one wasn't on me.
After him came Tyler—that was an epic failure. What did those other girls have that I didn't that made him want to cheat? Why wasn't I enough for him?
Garrett—there was obviously something missing between the two of us that Kate fulfilled for him. I could see how happy they were.
And finally Alec. I wasn't sure what to think about him, and my apparent stupidity. Leopards and spots came to mind! Characteristics didn't change, so why the heck did I think Alec would be different the second time around? Look at Tyler—he was exactly the same now as he'd been at eighteen.
Edward was the exception, though I didn't exactly know what sort of man he was now. He could have taken advantage of me at the house, but didn't, so I guessed he was an honorable one, just as he'd been when we were at school. We hadn't broken up—circumstances had forced us apart, then our youth had cemented that separation.
All other relationships had come to an end at Christmas. Maybe next Christmas would be different.
It was time I put myself first. I deserved a relationship with someone who wanted me for me. Was that Edward? I didn't know. Should I tell him I'd broken up with Alec? Would he think I'd done it for him? I was sure I hadn't, but I couldn't deny the attraction I felt for Edward. It was even stronger now than during our schooldays.
I left the bathroom with more confidence. I needed to be truthful with Edward; to tell him I was attracted to him, and to let him in. Back in the living room, my eyes were immediately drawn to Edward—with Irina, again. Hot jealousy spiked through my heart. Seeing him with her for the second time, I found myself wanting to walk away. I didn't want to put myself out there again only to make another mistake.
Turning away from Edward, not wanting to watch the two of them together, I headed over to the bar where Carlisle was back doling out drinks. It was close to midnight, so everyone wanted to have a drink in hand ready for midnight.
"Bella, are you okay?"
"Yes, thank you, Carlisle." I forced a smile on my face
"Don't give up, Bella."
I looked at him, confused as to what he was talking about. "Give up on what, Carlisle?"
He looked over to where Edward and Irina were talking, and nodded once. "Not everything is as it seems, Bella. Talk to him."
I could feel my face flush. Was I that obvious? I hid behind the glass of champagne Carlisle placed in my hand.
All I could do was nod back, and I turned away to look out the window, my heart cracking. Snow had fallen earlier and had settled. The view from the window was like the one from the windows of Edward's house. The river tumbled over the stones on its way to the sea, sparkling in the moonlight.
I took a deep breath, determined to do as Carlisle suggested and talk to Edward. My gaze roamed around the room, and my heart fell as I couldn't find either him or Irina. I swallowed, feeling my eyes begin to water. We weren't together, but was it going to happen again? Would I be left alone at Christmas again?
The first chime of the countdown sounded through the room, and everyone turned to the screen, watching the ball in Times Square begin its annual fall. I could barely see the screen for the tears in my eyes, and dumping my glass on the nearest surface, I prepared to flee from the room.
~ oOo ~
