Hey, y'all! This was my entry for the Twilight Tricks and Treats Contest. While it didn't win anything, it received a lot of fabulous reviews, and I enjoyed the process. Should I add more to the story, it will be a separate entity. There's enough that's happened before this little vignette that needs to be covered.
Also, I am doing a second Zoom chat for Carey Anne this Saturday, November 7th, at 8 pm, Eastern, 7 pm Central. I hope to see y'all there!
Bella Swan was pissed, which considering it was October, her absolute favorite month of the year, was saying something. But, she had completely and totally lost it. Any trace of holding her temper had been burned away, and now she was back in her room, clutching a can of diet soda in the crook of her arm, her backpack in hand and trying to log onto her ancient desktop computer to drop that blankety-blank class before she lost her nerve.
With one hand she pecked the URL into the computer as she juggled the soda. She quickly popped the top and shrieked as the cold foam exploded, spraying her tee shirt with half the contents of the can.
"Gott namit!" she hissed, throwing the can against the wall where it left a large brown streak. "Fuckfuckfuck!"
She tore off her now-soaked shirt and bra and threw them into the hamper next to her bed before pulling on her favorite soft, gray sweatshirt with a black cat sporting a witch's hat. She had gotten it while still in high school and it was a little snug, but as a lover of all things holiday and it was still super soft, she wore it as often as possible throughout the month of October.
Bella furiously punched at the keyboard until the class was dropped from her current schedule.
There was a slight chance she would regret dropping to only 12 hours, but after her experience that day in class, she wasn't about to give it a second thought. With a sense of accomplishment, she exited her web browser and headed downstairs to the kitchen to get another soda from the fridge.
"Everything okay?" a concerned voice came from behind her, causing her to jump and bump her head on the freezer door.
"Owww!" Bella muttered, spinning around, holding her head. She faced one of her roommates and blushed. They were supposed to already be gone for Fall Break. "Oh, hey there, Edward. Thought you were flying out today."
"My ride's on his way. Aren't you back early from class?" He crossed the room and tilted her head to see a small knot appearing. Small goosebumps rose on her as he touched her gently. "Did you break the fridge?"
She stuck her tongue out at him before carefully cracking open her beloved soda and chugging half of it. The consequential belch was Klingon-worthy, earning a wry smile from its creator. "Molina is a real bitch, you know. We got our first exams back, and he had the nerve to write 'did you toss a coin to get these answers or what?' on my paper. I lost it. I'm too old for this shit."
Edward's eyes widened slightly at her words. Bella was one of the calmest, most even-tempered people he had ever met, and he realized something must have set her off. In the five months they had lived in Misfit House—a rather proper bastardization of its real name by the residents who all had their less than 'normal' backstories—he may have heard her cuss twice.
"I mean, I'm trying to better myself by coming back to school and all, but I don't have time for this grade school crap. Especially for a class that's not required."
"Your room okay? I heard you shouting." Edward sat down at the breakfast table, crossing his long legs in front of him.
She turned bright red. "Oh. You heard that? Sorry. My drink exploded, and I threw it across the room. Reminds me, I need to clean that up before it stains the high-quality paint."
He snickered at her use of air quotes regarding the industrial paint the house sported. Old man Masen, the owner, was not known for his spendthrift tendencies.
"I think Eric dropped them all before putting the groceries up this morning."
"Well, if I can't get the stain out of my shirt, I'm charging him for it," she huffed. "It was the boo bees one."
Edward chuckled, nodding wisely. He had nearly choked on morning coffee when she jogged downstairs that very morning sporting a bright yellow shirt with strategically placed bumble bees in ghost costumes. Bella looked over at him and smiled a little. She liked his laugh and the ease it seemed to bubble forth.
"What am I thinking coming back to school, Edward? I have a good job waiting for me whenever I want it. I could be a receptionist for my uncle and spend my life taking calls at a home security office." She took a swig of her drink. It was icy cold, just like she liked it, causing her to give a little sigh of happiness. "I just don't want it."
"Never settle, Bella. You won't be happy with it."
Bella scoffed a laugh. "I settled getting married right out of high school to the biggest stick in the mud in the booming metropolis of Forks, Washington. God. He is so oatmeal."
"Oatmeal?"
"Good in its own right, but in desperate need of flavor additions to make interesting."
"I am never going to look at an oatmeal cookie the same way, now."
Bella shook her head and set her drink down.
"But, how many oatmeal cookies are plain? Most have nuts or whipped cream filling or chocolate chips or raisins. Something to give a little oomph to it!" She flexed her hips to emphasize her point, not catching the slightly uncomfortable squirm Edward did immediately after.
"I mean, the man wouldn't let me decorate for the holidays because anything extra laying out would aggravate his allergies."
Again, with the air quotes. He sometimes thought she would be unable to talk if someone made her sit on her hands, not that he minded. It was refreshing to have a conversation with someone who did not stare at the scars that peeked out of his shirtsleeves and neckline.
"Well, that does make sense."
"He didn't have allergies, Edward. He just didn't like my decorating style. Or my cooking. Cleaning. Or, apparently, me."
Bella momentarily lost focus as she remembered the night she found her husband and his partner in a compromising position. Ten years of marriage, of putting her life on hold so he could focus on growing the family business, came to a screeching halt in just a few moments.
"He's an idiot."
"No argument here."
"And you will make a wonderful teacher."
"So says the man who's already had a fulfilling career and now working on part two. You've wanted to be a lawyer since what, age six?"
He shrugged. "I wouldn't trade my military time for anything."
"Wish I could have had that good of a time instead of…" Bella trailed off and shrugged before taking another swallow of her drink.
"It wasn't all fun and games, Bella." Edward unconsciously flexed his left arm, feeling the scar tissue stretch.
"Oh, God, I didn't mean that."
He held up a hand to let her know he understood.
"I guess I'm a little jealous that you knew what you wanted so early in life. I'm still trying to catch up."
"You will. And there's a great, big, beautiful tomorrow out there." He grinned over at her, his eyes crinkling mischievously. It was so like him to pull out a Disney reference to make her smile.
She returned the smile just as warmly.
"You be careful this coming week. I don't like you being alone around a bunch of horn dogs." Suddenly he was serious. Misfit House was in a good part of town, but anything could happen on a break weekend. Especially since four of the five residents were going out of town.
"Yes, big brother." With a big grin, Bella saluted, trying to diffuse his solemn demeanor. She had grown used to being the baby sister to a group of grad school guys even if she was older than most of them. Eric, she knew from home. Emmett and Jasper came with the house, the former doing his Master's in Physical Therapy, the latter, his residency with the burn center of a local hospital. Edward had met Jasper while getting treatment once he was honorably discharged. They were all great guys, even when they scared off potential coffee dates that gave them less than favorable vibes. Edward particularly seemed concerned with keeping her safe. Maybe it was his military background. And maybe it was something more.
"Bella…I say this as a friend." He raised her chin so she looked him right in the eyes. "Be. Careful."
"And I say this as a friend. It'll be okay." She swatted lightly at his hand. My uncle has installed special security measures in the house to ensure my safety. This really isn't your concern."
She scooted the stepstool over and climbed up on the countertop, giving him a rather good view of her shorts covered rear. She had been going to the gym four days a week with Emmett since school had started and it showed.
Bella started searching on top of the cabinets. "Besides, I'm staying here to work on a project most of the time. I may hit up the dollar store to get some decorations. Where are they? Ah!" She pulled down a small plastic container of candy apples. "Want one?" She sat on the countertop and offered the container.
"You're hiding candy apples up there?"
"I used to hide chocolates in the freezer but someone ate the last bag."
"Oops. Guilty." He snatched an apple from the box.
"You owe me a bag of Rolos, buddy."
"Oh, really?" he grinned.
"Yes, really. Those are some of my favorites. I can't keep them in my room, or I'll eat the whole bag. Melt one on a pecan, and I'm in freakin' heaven."
He grinned, making note of her love of chocolate. And caramel. And pecans.
"But in the fall, candy apples, caramel apples, pumpkin pie. Oh, and roasted corn. I am all for fall food." She took a swig of her soda.
While distracted by her drink, Edward took the opportunity to strike and the next thing she knew he was in front of her, his hands on either side of her thighs, her tub of candy out of reach.
"You little…" she started, trying to get off the counter but he held her in place by the waist. "Let me go!"
"Nope. Not until you promise to be careful." He started tickling her sides.
"Edward…." She giggled, struggling to get free.
"Promise."
"Why does it bother you so much?" she asked between giggles.
And with that, he put one hand behind her head and brought her up to fiercely kiss her. She stiffened slightly at first before quickly relaxing into the kiss. Her arms wrapped around his neck and for a moment she became completely engulfed in him. His hands gently caressed her back where her sweatshirt had ridden up. She shivered slightly at his warm touch on her bare skin.
He pulled back slightly. "Because I care," he whispered. "Understand?"
She silently nodded and leaned forward, hoping for another kiss. The moment was shattered when his phone started buzzing, causing both to jump. He looked at the incoming text and muttered a curse. "My ride's outside. You haven't changed numbers, yet, right?"
She shook her head.
"You can call or text me."
"I will," he promised. "We need to talk."
"Oh, yeah."
He quickly kissed her again before grabbing his bag and leaving. Bella released a breath she did not know she was holding.
"Well, that was interesting," she murmured before taking another bite of apple as she heard her phone buzz. She picked it up to read First of many. I hope. She punched a few keys to send back a winky emoji. And with a smile, she headed back to her room to clean up the diet soda mess.
*MH*
"Okay, girl, I know something happened over the break. Why don't you spare me the coy act and tell me what's going on between you and Lawyer Boy," Eric said, cracking open a Diet Coke over the sink before pouring it over ice in a tall glass painted with jack-o-lanterns and the words, 'Here for the booze.'
While he, Edward, Emmett, and Jasper had enjoyed a long weekend away, Bella had pulled out all the stops, decorating to her heart's content. The front yard was now a graveyard complete with ziplining skeleton. The front entrance looked like a mausoleum, and she had even found a fog machine to add to the eeriness. And there were pumpkins everywhere: hand soaps, towels, the salt and pepper shaker, and a variety of baked goods. Bella was in hog heaven and the guys rolled with it, much to her joy.
"Good grief, Eric. What makes you think anything happened between me and Edward?" Bella asked, sitting at the bar with her own drink.
"Uh, I have eyes. You two came in together, you blushed when you saw me, and he was checking out your ass when you walked up the stairs."
"Eric!" Bella was shocked. "He was?"
"Oh, Hell to the yeah. You two get cozy?"
She shook her head while taking a drink.
"You want to?"
Bella choked on her drink. Eric grinned at her. She coughed, trying clear her throat.
"Edward kinda kissed me before he left for Chicago."
"Kinda? How the hail you kinda kiss? Lips either made contact or they didn't."
"Okay. Okay. He kissed me. In the kitchen. After I gave him one of my candy apples."
"Sounds like a game of Clue. Hot Lawyer Boy kissed Sexy Divorcee with the candy apple in the Kitchen. You kiss back?"
"I am hardly a sexy divorcee. And, yes." Bella turned three shades of red. "I feel like a 16 year-old with her first crush. It's embarrassing."
"Eh, at least by living with him you know important stuff like if he snores, is a grump first thing in the morning, and leaves the seat up."
Bella laughed at that.
"He's going to the Corn Maze with me, and we'll see where it goes from there."
"Uh-huh," Eric said disbelievingly. "Lawyer Boy's got it bad for you. I can tell. He's been taken since he first saw you."
She looked at him skeptically. "I really don't think so."
"Chica, he is willingly dressing up in costume to hang out with you and a bunch of education majors on a weeknight." Eric elongated each word for emphasis, earning a smile in return. "And how many times did…"
"Okay, okay."
Eric had seen first-hand the downfall of Bella's marriage, having grown up in the same town. He and Bella had met when she volunteered as a mentor/tutor for some of the kids down on the reservation. She had been the only one that had not made disparaging remarks about his flamboyant appearance and mannerisms, and when she moved to Seattle, he followed as the little brother she never had.
"So, how long has it been since you went to a Fall Festival?" Eric inquired, knowing full well the response.
"Ten years."
"And how long were you married to …"
"I get it, I get it! I've missed a lot."
"And I've been your friend through you leaving Dip-shit."
"His name is Michael."
Eric held his hand up and gave her a look as if to say, 'Puh-leeze.' "And through the divorce. And therapy. And the last three years where you've been Little Miss Celibate."
"It's been a hell of a lot longer than that," she sighed.
"You're a good-looking woman who could get a man with a snap of your fingers."
"I haven't had time to find anyone!"
"You haven't been looking. Are you over Dip-shit?"
"You know that."
"Okay. Well, tall, dark, and handsome Lawyer Boy is interested in being your bronco. Give him a ride."
Edward chose that moment to enter the kitchen which caused Bella to burst into giggles and turn bright red. He pulled his earbuds out of his ears and looked at them both inquisitively. He recognized her embarrassed laugh.
"Just gays and girl talk," Eric said dismissively before standing. "Bella, let me know if you need help picking out what to wear on your date." He left the kitchen.
Edward took the vacated seat and smiled at her. "You told him we were going out?"
"You don't mind?"
"Oh, no. If your friends approve, that's another tic in my favor."
"He told me you were checking out my ass."
"Guilty."
"Hmmm…."
"Unless it offends you. I mean, I know it's not…if you don't want me to, I'll…." He was adorable when flustered.
"It was quite the ego boost. Thank you."
Bella headed upstairs to her room. No sooner had her door shut when Eric reappeared in the kitchen, taking her chair. He stared at Edward for a moment who was still looking down the hall.
"Over here, Lawyer Boy," Eric said, snapping his fingers in front of Edward's face.
"Yes, Eric?" He turned to look at his housemate, his eyes filled with mild amusement.
"I have no problems with you and her getting cozy."
"I don't think it's really your concern who she 'gets cozy' with."
"No, it's not. But she's a friend. A special friend. I don't sit around when special friends are concerned. Bella was the first one that accepted me when I came out. She's stood up for me when some of my classmates and family were less than kind."
Edward nodded. "She told me you two had a long history and that you were there for her during the divorce."
"Yeah, Dip-shit didn't know how good he had it and threw it away."
Edward laughed at Eric's name for Michael. Based on the bits and pieces he had heard, it was fitting.
"Hell, if I liked women, I'da married her by now. So. Don't. Fuck. It. Up. Or I'll beat your ass."
Instead of getting angry at the statement, Edward turned and looked Eric straight in the eye.
"I think we're on the same page, man."
Eric smiled and stood. "Good. Now, I gotta go shower off this glitter before my own man comes over." He motioned toward the display of sparkling purple and black pumpkins on the breakfast table. "She could have at least gotten plain ones."
"No. I don't think she could have."
Eric stared at the taller man for a moment, realizing this one understood Bella's love for holiday decorating, and rather than being offended and squashing it, he encouraged it. With a quick nod, he raked his eyes over Edward appreciatively and headed for his room muttering something about a rodeo.
*MH*
The next week passed quickly. Between classes and studying, Bella and Edward ended up going out twice a week to dinner alone but had not progressed beyond one or two intense making out sessions—which had been interrupted by their housemates who enjoyed teasing them but were secretly glad the two were finally a couple.
Halloween night, Bella ran through the house in Eighteenth Century pantaloons, undershirt, overdress and an unlaced corset, calling for Eric.
"What do you need?" Eric yelled back, sticking his head out of his room, glitter falling from his Mardi Gras inspired costume.
"I can't get this effing corset laced!"
"Alright, alright. Don't get your knickers in a twist." He started tugging the laces and finally got them tight.
"Thank God we don't have to wear these things anymore," Bella gasped as the last few ties were pulled. She tugged at the bodice, trying to get more of her breasts covered. It was a useless exercise.
"I don't know, Lawyer Boy may like the results," Eric grinned. "The girls look good."
"Meh," she dismissed. She glanced down at her chest. "Alice swore this was a non-slutty choice, and I'm not sure this is completely non-slutty."
"Doll, you and he need a little slut. And don't think I didn't know you and Alice went to get your apples polished this afternoon. And I don't mean your nails. Mmm hmmm."
"How?" Bella felt her cheeks redden. Alice had talked her into a new-to-her experience, the bikini wax.
"I drink, and I know things."
"You talked with Jasper, didn't you?"
"I'll never tell. 'Bout time you ride that rodeo."
"We're taking baby steps, Eric," Bella called returning to her room to pull on the rest of her costume.
"Girl, you move any slower, and you'll be moving backward!"
Edward entered the house, effectively shutting Eric up.
"Bella's getting dressed," Eric explained.
"Sorry I'm late. Tell her I'm here, please. I'll go change." Edward disappeared into his room.
Eric knocked on Bella's closed door and called, "E's home. He's getting changed."
Bella opened her door slightly, letting Eric in. He looked appraisingly at the pale blue and cream striped dress, especially the square neckline that plunged much lower than she was accustomed to wearing. She even had a floppy, little kerchief cap bobby pinned to her head. Her hair was lightly curled and bounced as she tried to find her ballet slippers.
"Nothing showing, right?" she asked, tying a dark blue ribbon around her throat.
"No. Your promised land is just that…a promise." A barely veiled promise, but he was not about to tell her that.
Bella giggled and blushed. "I need a drink." She padded to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of water. "I just hope I don't pass out. It's a little hard to breathe in this."
"Too tight?" Eric asked.
"I think it'll loosen up." She tugged at the neckline and sighed happily at the result. "There we go." She drained her glass and put it in the dishwasher.
They heard Edward come down the hall. Bella's jaw dropped as he appeared in the kitchen in his costume…full GI Joe gear—tight camo pants, combat boots, and a form-fitting black tee. He even had the beret and a fake, rubber knife strapped to one thigh. She noticed a tattoo peeking out from under one sleeve but could not make out what it was.
"Close your mouth," whispered Eric. "You're catching flies."
"You look great, Edward," Bella murmured.
"Not too shabby yourself, Miss Swan." He took her hand and spun her around.
"Ready?" Bella squeaked before clearing her throat.
"I'm GI Joe. I'm always ready," he said with a wink, grabbing a leather jacket from its hook.
Oh, to be in need of rescue.
*MH*
The next afternoon, Bella was in the kitchen preparing supper, chatting with Eric.
"I think I really messed up," she muttered, mixing together the meatloaf she had planned on cooking for supper.
"How so?" Eric asked, taking a swig of his soda.
"Edward probably thinks I'm the biggest tease known to man. I doubt he'll ever want to go out again."
"That sounds pretty severe, Bella. Even for you."
"The haunted maze went great. We had fun, I'd jump, he'd wrap his arms around me to protect me. And, oh, God. That costume he had on!"
"Lawyer Boy was hot," Eric agreed.
"We'd steal a kiss when we could. And I'm not sure but I think he tried to grope me. Either that or one of the boogiemen did. I'm pretty sure it was him."
Eric gave her a knowing look. "I knew Lawyer Boy had it in him."
"And then we went to the party. And I had the punch. I would swear it was just Hawaiian Punch and Sprite but…"
"Spiked?"
"I sure hope so because I had a lot of it. I got hot in that costume. Then I started feeling….uh…"
"Frisky? Ready to ride the rodeo?"
"Eric! You're not helping!"
"Sorry." He looked anything but sorry as he zipped and locked his lips.
"And I remember backing him up against a wall."
"Leg hitching?"
"Yes. I do remember that. I think I tried to rip his shirt off."
"So you groped him back, eh?" Eric grinned.
"It's not funny, Eric! I am pretty sure I felt him up. A lot. But, he stopped me, brought me home, and I fell asleep in the car."
"So he's a gentleman."
"But what did I say to him? I was pretty forward and didn't follow through."
"Are you ready to follow through?"
"I don't know! But it certainly wasn't fair to act like I was and then fall asleep."
"Have you talked to him?"
"I can't. I haven't seen him today, and I have no idea what to say."
They heard a knock at the door.
"Can you grab that?" she asked, raising her messy hands.
"Got it!" Eric smiled, heading for the door. The next thing Bella heard was Eric exclaiming, "What the hell are you doing here?"
She peered around the corner and gasped. No hiding now. Michael had seen her. Bella's day was going from bad to worse quickly.
"I came to talk to Isabella."
"It's okay, Eric. Michael." She nodded in acknowledgment of his presence and returned to the kitchen, expecting him to follow.
Eric gave Michael a disparaging look and headed down the hall to his room.
"You're looking good, Isabella," Michael said, leaning against the door jam. "Lost weight?"
"Yeah, about 200 pounds worth," she muttered, finishing the meatloaf and putting it in the oven. She washed her hands and started peeling potatoes.
He looked at her inquisitively at that statement.
"Forget it," she said. "To what do I owe this visit?"
"Two things. I want to talk to you about the divorce settlement."
"What about it? You told me you weren't paying it anyway. That Lauren needed it to turn the guest room into a nursery."
She looked over at his washed-out face. He had put on a good twenty pounds since she last saw him. Did he ever take care of himself? It certainly did not look it. Probably a lot of fast-food meals were taking their toll.
"I'm here to make good on that." He held up a cashier's check.
She glanced at it and motioned toward the counter. "You can put it there."
"Not even a thank you?"
She glared at him but decided to bite her tongue and took out a little frustration on the potato she was peeling before plopping it into the pot of water that was waiting.
"Got anything to drink around here?" Without waiting for a reply, he opened the fridge and pulled out a soda.
"Make yourself at home," Bella said sarcastically.
"Thanks!" He started searching the cabinet for something to eat, settling on a bag of chips. Soon, he had crumbs trailing down his shirt. She rolled her eyes in disgust.
"You said you were here for two things. You've dropped off the check, though why you couldn't mail it is beyond me."
"I wanted to see you, Isabella."
"Ta da!" She smiled and then returned to her potatoes. She opened a jar of home canned green beans and plopped them into a pot. She added her water and started adding her seasonings.
"You're a great cook, Isabella," Michael murmured.
"Always have been."
He grabbed her hand. "I've missed you."
She shook her hand away. "You're a bit late on that."
"Isabella…" he said pleadingly, taking her hand again. She felt herself get backed up against the counter. "I want you to come home."
"I have a home." She waved around her to indicate the house. "I have great housemates, I'm doing well in school, I…"
"What kind of place is this for you? Sharing a shabby, gaudy, run-down house with college students. Good God, it looks like a fire hazard waiting to explode."
"I'm a college student." She chose to ignore his pointed commentary on her decorating skills.
"Whatever for? To teach? What school is going to hire a late thirties graduate who's never held a job?"
Bella wondered if anyone would notice if she added a real grave to the front yard.
"That does not work anymore, Michael," she hissed.
He took a step back from her, shocked at the woman standing before him. The old Isabella would have cowed, bowed her head, and agreed with him. He needed to find some way to drag her back to him.
"We were meant to be together, you know that." He tried to put his hands on her hips.
"That's not going to work." She pushed him away and headed for the living room.
"You promised to be there for me."
"She left you, didn't she? Miss Clallum County got tired of your shit and packed up and left." She growled in frustration and started to leave the kitchen again.
He grabbed her arm and pulled her to a stop.
"Get your hands off of me!" Bella yanked her arm away but couldn't quite do it.
"Bella! I got the hotel confirmation for our trip..." Edward appeared at the door and stopped when he saw Michael standing there. "Oh, hello. I didn't realize you had company."
Bella looked back and forth between her past and her present. Could she have found two very different men? No, she decided she couldn't have. Past was short, sort of squat, dishwater brown hair, pale blue eyes and an accountant. A good provider but not very exciting. And certainly not very spontaneous. Present was tall, muscular, dark brown hair with a sprinkling of gray around the temples, hazel eyes and a future lawyer. She liked this choice a whole lot better. And hopefully, she had not blown it the night before. Bella realized Edward was watching her carefully.
"Hey there, Babe. I didn't hear you come in." Bella jerked her arm away from Michael who was staring with his mouth slightly agape. She looked at the clock. Edward was a half hour early. Class must have let out. She gestured toward the Billy the Big Mouth Bass doppelganger. "This is my ex-husband, Michael."
Upon hearing his name, Michael bowed up to his full height and sucked in his gut.
"How nice." The tone underlying the comment said it was anything but nice. Edward's jaw tensed as he gritted his teeth.
Oh great. Just what she needed right now. A pissing contest.
"He came to drop off my divorce settlement."
"And to invite you to Thanksgiving," Michael squeaked. He cleared his throat.
"She didn't tell you we have plans?" Edward asked, holding up a printout. Fortunately, Michael's back was to her so he couldn't see Bella's questioning look. He smiled and handed her the paper. She quickly glanced down at it, not recognizing the place. "It's near my parents'."
"And you are?"
"Edward is one of my housemates," started Bella as Edward responded, "The boyfriend."
"Eric's?" Michael interrupted, not believing his ex-wife would ever move on from him.
"No. Mine."
"What? You're living with him before marriage? Isabella! I…"
"What I do and who I do it with are no concern of yours, Michael. You lost that right when you decided Miss Clallum County was more important than your wedding vows."
"Isabella…" he whined. "That was a one-time thing."
She gave him a look with one eyebrow raised. He started hemming and hawing.
"I think you better leave," Bella said coolly.
"But…" he whined.
"No."
"I believe the lady asked you to leave," Edward stated calmly, again subconsciously flexing his jaw as he spoke.
With his tail tucked between his legs, Michael grabbed his drink and the bag of chips and left. Bella released the breath she was holding when they heard the door slam. Her entire body seemed to deflate. Bella's knees buckled briefly, and she turned very pale. Edward caught her arm, steadying her, his eyes filled with concern. He enveloped her in a warm hug.
"You're home early," she murmured into his chest.
"Eric texted me that Michael was here and that there might be trouble." He tightened his arms around her and just held her.
"God bless Eric and texting," Bella sighed, brushing a few tears off her cheek.
Edward laughed. "Are you okay?"
Bella took a deep breath and slowly released it. "I'll be okay. Just some really bad memories. He tried to pull me back in and that was hard."
He took her hand and gently led her to the sofa and pulled her down to sit on his lap, circling his arms around her. Edward rocked back and forth gently as Bella cried.
"You sure you're okay? I'm a good listener," Edward whispered, pressing his lips into her hair.
"I never thought I'd see him again. I had hoped I never would." She shook her head back and forth as if to erase her brain like an Etch-a-sketch. "I mean, I'm glad to have the divorce settlement. Financially, that's great."
From the kitchen, they heard the potatoes start to boil over.
"Crap," muttered Bella, starting to stand.
"I'll get it. You stay here." Edward went to the kitchen and turned down the heat. He quickly cleaned up the overflow, fixed Bella a glass of ice water, and returned to the living room to see Eric sitting next to Bella, holding her hand. She smiled wanly as she took the glass of water and sipped it.
"I swear, I'm going to kill the bastard if I ever see him," Eric threatened.
Bella laughed but her face didn't reflect any happiness. She squeezed his hand.
"You can't do that, E. Jail wouldn't be good for you."
Eric snorted as Edward sat down on the other side of Bella and put his arms around her waist. She sighed and leaned back against him.
"My two favorite guys," she smiled, a little happier this time. Then, against her will, a tear escaped and rolled down her cheek. She put her face in her hands and shook as she tried to hold back.
"Shhh…" Eric soothed, rubbing her back. "Go ahead, Baby Girl. Let it out."
"I just want him to go away…" she sobbed, her hands muffling the words. "Like I would want to spend Thanksgiving with him after…after…"
"You don't have to say anything, Bella," Edward soothed.
She spun around and threw her arms around his waist, burying her head in his neck. Eric silently got up and motioned to Edward that he was going to his room and to get him if he was needed. Edward nodded and rocked her silently. For a moment, he thought she had fallen asleep, her breathing was so even.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"For?"
"Being here. Skipping out of class, standing with me, not questioning."
"Now what type of boyfriend would I be if I didn't?"
She stiffened slightly as the response, 'Michael' went through her head and then relaxed.
The timer on the stove started beeping. Bella stood and turned to face Edward. She held out her hand which he took.
"Beer me," Bella muttered as Edward pointed toward the fridge. She took a long pull on her beer. "He was my first kiss, my first boyfriend, my first…" She sighed.
"Bella, we all have terrible people in our past."
She grunted and began to prepare the mashed potatoes.
"So, will you come?" Edward murmured as he pulled out plates and silverware.
She looked up at him questioningly.
"Thanksgiving. I was serious about the hotel and the visit. I just hadn't gotten around to inviting you."
"To meet your family?" Now it was her turn to squeak.
"Well, yeah. I know it's a little early."
She grinned at him which made him feel a world better about her mental state. "They'll all be there so it might get a little overwhelming, but I really think you'll like them. I know they will like you." He gave her a little squeeze. "Please?"
"Well. Can I think about this a little?"
"Sure. Take all the time you need."
"Even after last night?" she whispered.
"Last night?" Edward asked, obviously confused.
"I tried to jump you. At least I think I did. Did I? I tried to rip your shirt off, and I think I tore it. I'll get you another one but just…"
Edward put one finger over her mouth to stop the word vomit. He smiled understandingly. "You had too much to drink in too short of a time. The punch was heavily spiked and you had three cups in less than an hour."
"Oh, God." She hung her head. "Three?"
"Yeah. Three. And an almost empty stomach. You didn't do anything untoward. Well, not too much. Said a few interesting things, though." He enveloped her in a big hug.
"Oh, God." She turned three shades of red and buried her face in his chest, enjoying the comfort of the moment but mortified beyond belief.
"Just some promises. Some very erotic promises," he slowly whispered in her ear before placing a soft kiss on her throat.
She whimpered.
"You were drunk, Bella. I'm not the kind of guy to take advantage of that. You mean too much to me." He pulled back and with a wicked, crooked grin murmured, "I'm falling for your sense of humor. Your love of caring for others. Your willingness to go all out on holiday decorations."
She snorted a laugh, covering her mouth afterward.
"And I'll let you in on a secret."
"What's that?"
"I really, really enjoy eating polished apples."