Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns the following characters and settings.
Chapter 1"Honey, I'm getting gas for the car right now. Please be patient," I said, my voice pleading.
"I've been patient! I want you home right now, Bella. If you aren't here by seven, I swear I'll--"
I hung up on Dave, knowing I'd be getting a punishment tonight. My hands were shaking. Crap, I knew I shouldn't have done that. If I wasn't home in fifteen minutes…
I picked up the pace in the parking lot of the gas station, nearly tripping over myself. As soon as I opened the swinging door, a wave of cold air washed over me. I was momentarily grateful for the air conditioning.
My heart pounded a million miles per second. Hurry, Bella. I jogged down isle three, snatching a Snickers bar and looked for something else that might satisfy Dave. My gaze zigzagged across the shelves. Anything would due. Oh hell, I snatched another Snickers bar and turned.
All of my breath whooshed out me in an audible sigh.
Holy crow.
Esme stood next to me, picking up a bag of Sour Skittles. She was as beautiful as ever. Her dark chocolate eyes skimmed to shelf, just as I had. Brown curls spiraled out of her perfect pulled back hair. My mind froze. Someone who I hadn't seen in years was standing right in front of me.
"Esme?" I didn't have much voice, but I knew she heard me.
She turned in my direction. I watched as confusion overwhelmed her heart-shaped face. She was silent, and then she opened her mouth. "Do I know you?"
I gaped. I hadn't aged that much. Besides, wouldn't she have recognized the smell of my blood?
Something passed over her. Suddenly, realization swept over her features. She smiled, but it was strained. "Bella."
"What are you doing here?" This wasn't happening. If the Cullen's had wanted to avoid any run-ins, this wouldn't have happened. I was stumped.
Her gaze fell on my arm. A sad smile replaced the previous one. "Still clumsy as always?"
I looked down. The bruise I had earned was starting to heal from the other day. I quickly jerked the sleeve of my shirt to my wrist. "No—I mean yes. Yes, I am still clumsy." I laughed, but I could hear an edge to it. Esme did too, as she lifted her eyebrows. I shook my head, letting it go. "How… how is the family?" I asked, but I really only wanted to know how he was doing.
Esme looked at her watch. "Oh, sweetie, look at the time. I need to go pick up groceries."
I looked at her, bewildered. "But you guys don't eat--"
"I have to go." She walked passed me. At once, she was frantic. Her movements were brisk as she went up to the cashier and paid for her things.
Wait, I wanted to say. Don't leave. Give me another chance…
The woman who could've been my mother walked out of the door. The bell jingled, signaling someone had left.
I swallowed, realizing this time it wasn't me.
---
I stood outside of my apartment, late by ten minutes. He would be furious.
I studied the two Snicker bars that I bought earlier, both cupped in my hand. Hopefully they would work. I doubted it, though.
My other hand engulfed the door handle. I opened it, not at all ready for this.
"Where were you?"
I walked through the door. My hands were shaking again. "Gas station," I whispered.
"That took you twenty-five minutes?"
The door was behind me now. I leaned against it so it would shut. "Mmhmm." I knew my voice would define the fear I held in myself if I had said any real vocabulary.
Dave trapped me with his arms on either side of me. "Why do you make me mad, Bella?"
I didn't answer; maybe because I had no answer, or maybe it was because I was struck by the momentum of his hand.
My husband's hands wrapped around my shoulders, grasping them so hard I had to bite my lip to keep from screaming. Dave doesn't like screaming. "Answer me!"
I managed to put my hands up to protect my face, but this time it was a blow to the stomach.
"When I tell you to come home, then come home."
I slid my back against the door, clutching to my mid-section. The Snicker bars dropped to the floor.
He let go of me then, going to our room and slamming the door.
I let the tears fall. I had tasted freedom today by seeing Esme. I could've told her. I could've sobbed in her arms while she calmly rubbed my back like the mother I've always wanted.
I could've, but I didn't.
---
"I'm so sorry," Dave mumbled, cradling me in his arms. "Oh God, don't cry anymore. I'm sorry, Bella." He was the one crying as he buried his head in my chest.
My hand came up to stroke his hair. "Shh," I hushed him. "I'm fine."
"I'm such a bad husband. I don't deserve you." He spoke in a sincere voice.
"You're a great husband. You just…" I trailed off, not finishing my sentence. He didn't urge me to, so I left it like it was.
---
I woke up the next morning with Dave's arm draped over my waist. His tears were still wet. I wondered if he noticed it while he slept.
I gently removed his arm, not wanting to disturb him. When I got up, I looked for a shirt and pulled it over my tank top. I pulled down the long sleeves, trying to hide the evidence.
Another day.
Another day that I've successfully hidden my secret.