Disclaimer: Twilight character names belong to Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended. All characterizations, plot lines, backgrounds and details belong to Bella Baby24. Plagiarism is bad. Just say no.
Disclaimer 2: I am not responsible for anyone trying these crazy ideas in real life. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, do not try this stuff at home. It's fun to read about Bella's book and the fantasies she has for revenge, but it's not funny in real life. It just leads to a criminal record and it makes you look sad. Don't be THAT girl. Take a note from Bella and write down all of your revenge ideas.
2005 (3 Years Before Prologue)
The month following the San Francisco trip was spent settling into a new routine. My initial plan had involved looking for an apartment to rent; however, Rose offered to let me live with her. I was looking forward to being her roommate again and the rent was significantly cheaper than any apartments I had seen. Not to mention, living with her and Jasper helped keep away the loneliness I now felt as a divorcee. Even though Edward and I had our problems, I truly did miss our home. We had lived together for seven years and it was difficult to adjust to not sharing the same living space. We had routines and quirks as a couple that I found myself missing. You would think that I would have dealt with this issue during the six-month separation prior to the divorce; however, it wasn't until the divorce was finalized that I finally started to feel as if the relationship was over.
Not only was I missing my home, I was missing Edward. Not the Edward I divorced, but the Edward I married. He seemed to haunt me everywhere in Chicago. I could not leave the house without being assaulted by prior memories or thoughts. If I could pick a song to describe my life during that month it would be, Billie Holiday's 'I'll Be Seeing You.' The song was constantly on repeat in my head as I traveled around Chicago.
....I'll be seeing you in all the old familiar places. That this heart of mine embraces, All day through....
Riding the L, I would see Edward and I huddled together in a seat my freshman year of college. We would be laughing and cuddling, as we rode around the city. He would kiss my cheek and tell me he adored me.
....In that small cafe; The park across the way; The children's carousel; The chestnut trees; The wishing well....
I would leave the office to go get coffee at the cafe on the corner and would see Edward and I sitting at our table on the patio. He used to meet me for lunch on days that he didn't have to go into the hospital. We would order sandwiches or soup and catch-up on what was occurring in our lives. Now I couldn't even set foot in the cafe without glancing at our table and wishing he were there waiting for me.
....I'll be seeing you in every lovely summer's day; In everything that's light and gay; I'll always think of you that way....
As I passed by Millennium Park, I would remember the summer day that Edward and I went to see 'The Bean.' We made faces as we took our picture in the reflection. That picture sat on our mantle until I packed it away when I moved out. I could still see how bright Edward's smile was as his bronze hair shone in the sun.
....I'll find you in the morning sun, and when the night is new. I'll be looking at the moon, but I'll be seeing you....
As I strolled around Grant Park, I saw Edward and I dancing in front of Buckingham Fountain. We had gone to dinner one evening and started dancing in front of the fountain when it was illuminated for twilight. Edward hummed 'The Way You Look Tonight' in my ear as we swayed in front of the fountain. As the song ended, Edward got down on his knee and asked me to marry him. Now, whenever I pass that fountain I see him holding me in his arms, spinning me around in glee, after I said yes.
....I'll be seeing you in every lovely summer's day; In everything that's light and gay; I'll always think of you that way....
Bronze hair and bright green eyes haunted me everyday. The bittersweet memories would leave me with teary smiles; however, I was glad I could find a way to remember the Edward I loved. As I mourned our relationship, I was having problems finding the anger to write my book. My resolve was waning and being replaced with yearning. I wanted to be with my the love of my life once again. I was afraid my book was going to turn into a memoir of lost love instead of a tale of revenge.
One afternoon, I entered Saks Fifth Avenue and was assaulted by an image of a bronze haired man. Only this time, it was not imaginary. Edward was leaning against the men's cologne counter and waiting for the sale's associate to ring up his purchase. From across the aisle, I could see that he was buying his signature scent and I was caught up in memories of the way he smelt as he held me in his arms. Edward turned around from the counter and I was able to see his face. I hid behind a rack and observed him as he walked towards the exit. He looked tired and drained. Unlike the Edward of my memories, he was not happy or content. This man carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. He was the man I divorced. The man who cheated on me and broke my heart.
And just like that, I remembered the Edward I love no longer exists....
-o-o-o-
After seeing Edward in Saks, I stopped reminiscing about past memories. I still thought of Edward every day, but I did not feel melancholy any longer. Instead, I found myself to be invigorated and possessed by my book idea. The only thing I was concerned about was the non-disclosure agreement I had signed. I asked Jasper to look it over and let me know if he could see any problems with me attempting to publish my book when it was finished. Jasper said he would look into the matter and get back to me.
The book was coming along and I found myself impatient for the evenings so I could work on it. I was tired of having to stop writing to work on my editing. After some soul searching, I determined that I no longer wished to be stuck in a career that I hated. So I quit my job and started to write full-time.
During the days, I would take my MacBook out with me and write in cafes or coffee shops. Being around people helped keep me focused on my writing and the people-watching distracted me when I had writer's block. One fateful morning I was writing in Starbucks when I heard, "Bella?" called out.
I looked up into the bright blue eyes of Tanya's sister, Kate Denali. Kate was a beautiful woman with bright blue eyes and blond hair. She had a lovely personality and I had missed her dearly.
"Hello, Kate," I said as I got up to give her a hug.
Kate hugged me back tightly and spoke, "I have missed you so much. I haven't had a chance to talk to you since the whole mess with Edward and Tanya happened. How are you doing, Bella?"
Just dandy.
I looked into Kate's concerned eyes and answered, "I am doing good. It was rough for a while, but the divorce is finalized and I am moving on."
"I am glad you seem to be doing well," Kate softly replied. She took a deep breath and continued, "I'm not sure if you want to know this or not, but Tanya has been miserable. She desperately misses you."
Yeah... I definitely don't want to know that.
I carefully worded my response, "I am happy to see you Kate. I have missed you, but I am not going to be a part of Tanya's life anymore. I don't want to put you in an awkward position, but I would prefer not to talk about Tanya."
Kate replied with a sad smile, "I completely understand Bella. What she and Edward did to you is not something you forgive. I will be sure not to mention her to you in the future; however, you should know that she is meeting me here this morning."
Shit. I need to leave, NOW.
I quickly stood and started to pack my belongings. As I was turning to say goodbye to Kate, Tanya entered the store. She looked to be uneasy with my presence as she continued towards us. Her nose was swollen and appeared to have been recovering from surgery.
"Hi, Bella," she cautiously called out.
Yeah, I'd be cautious too if my nose looked like that....
I curtly responded, "Hello, Tanya. If you'll excuse me, I was just leaving."
I hugged Kate goodbye, told her not to be a stranger, and walked out of Starbucks. As I started to walk down the sidewalk, I heard Tanya call after me, "Bella, wait!"
For the love of all that is holy... What now?!?!
She ran towards me as I stood and waited for her. "I just wanted to apologize, Bella. I am so sorry for everything that happened. Just so you know, Edward and I broke up that night. I know that doesn't make anything better, but I thought you should know. I'm sorry and I miss you."
I took a deep breath and responded, "I really don't know what to say, Tanya. Thanks for apologizing, but it doesn't fix or change anything. We still aren't friends. Goodbye, Tanya."
I turned around and walked away. Striding down the sidewalk, I realized that I hadn't thought about Tanya recently. Our relationship had been toxic for years and it was a relief to no longer have her in my life.
-o-o-o-
After running into Tanya, I refocused on my writing. I had not lashed out at her in public so that I could channel that energy into my writing. The ideas for revenge that I had so crazily scribbled into my journal were coming to life in my book. Annabelle Edwards tortured her husband Masen and step-sister Tanya mercilessly. After I finished a chapter based on a revenge plot, I would read it to Rosalie and Jasper. We would laugh and try to think up more ridiculous revenge plots. Tonight was no different.
The night started off with Rosalie and I in the kitchen making fajitas and drinking margaritas. After a particularly strong sip, I asked Rosalie, "Are you prepared for the adventures of Annabelle and Lily tonight?"
"I can't believe you named my character Lily!" Rose laughed.
"Well, I need to keep this a fiction piece. I figured you'd be okay with another flower name. You are so delicate after all," I said as I winked at her. "If you want a different name you'd better say now because I'm getting quite attached to Lily."
"No," she sighed. "I guess Lily is fine. At least it's not something dumb."
Rose and I continued to make dinner and had just set the table when Jasper walked in. He grabbed a beer and sat down to join us. "Hey, Bells. So what is Annabelle doing now?"
"Well, Annabelle and Lily go to a family function that Tanya is at. Since Tanya is a real estate agent, she always has her Blackberry on her. Lily spills a drink all over Tanya and distracts her so Annabelle can steal her Blackberry. Annabelle then changes Tanya's email signature," I replied.
"Tanya returns to the room and doesn't know that Annabelle has been in her phone. After a full day of work, Tanya realizes that she has quite a few unhappy customers. Her boss comes into her office and places her on probation after receiving an email," I continued.
"Tanya opens her email account up and realizes that all of her emails have the following signature, 'I am a homewrecking slut that fucked my sister's husband. I will fuck or blow you for your business. If you're any good, I'll cut my commission in half.'," I laughed out.
Rosalie started laughing and said, "Damn. If only we really could change Tanya's email signature. It would say something like, 'I end marriages in two ways: By fucking your husband and/or by helping you file for divorce.' Ohh, and it would definitely have to have one of those counter-clocks on the end that said 'X number of marriages wrecked since 2009'."
Jasper just shook his head and chuckled, "Good thing you never really did all of this, Bella. Your trust fund would be non-existent after I bailed you and Rose out of jail for the umpteenth time."
I giggled and replied, "No. I'd much rather write about how big of a vindictive bitch I am. Who knows? Maybe Edward and Tanya will read the book someday and realize how lucky they are that I left them alone after that first night."
Jasper stretched his arms above his head and said, "That reminds me. I looked over the non-disclosure agreement you signed as part of your prenup and it basically says that you can't reveal information about the Gold-Masen family."
He took a deep breath and continued, "You are marketing the book as fiction so it shouldn't be a problem. The fact that you changed Edward and Tanya's occupations and made Tanya's character a step-sister will also help. The only other thing I can think of to help you is that you might want to consider using a pen name. It won't guarantee you anonymity but it will keep people from making an immediate connection."
I gave Jasper a huge smile and replied, "Thanks for all your help Jazz. I don't really care if Edward or Tanya read the book and connect the dots. Hell, it might even be fun if they did. Why do you think I chose the names I did?" I winked at him and continued, "I just don't want there to be any problems with Momma Liz."
Rosalie snorted as Jasper replied, "Nope. You're good to go. Just consider using a pen name."
With the matter settled, the three of us continued to enjoy the night. We laughed and talked about what was going on in each other's lives.
-o-o-o-
The next day I was checking my messages when Charlie's voice sounded in my ear, "Hi, Bells. It's Dad. I know we haven't talked for awhile now, but I just wanted to see how you are doing. I miss you kiddo."
Are you fucking kidding me?
I furiously clicked the end button on my phone. Charlie and I had not spoken since that day at the Masen's home 10 months ago. He was furious with me for the divorce and I was furious with him for putting his reputation above my well-being. He had basically ignored my existence.
Charlie's phone call served to remind me that I no longer had a supportive parental figure in my life. My mother had died when I was so young and I never felt like I truly knew her. Charlie refused to talk about Renee and most of my memories of her were blurred.
When I thought about Renee, my mind would produce a picture of her laughing on a paddle boat. Her light brown hair glistened in the sunlight and her smile was brilliant as she looked at me. I knew that the two of us used to spend time each summer visiting her brother in Colorado. I assumed the lake in my memory was located there.
If my memory was correct, Renee was happiest when we were visiting Colorado. She would smile and laugh the entire visit. Her brother, Carlisle, had married her best friend, Esme. The two of them were loving and supportive influences in our lives.
Carlisle and Esme's two children, Emmett and Alice, had been my favorite playmates when I was younger. Emmett was two years older than me and a huge teddy bear. Alice was my age and a tiny ball of energy. The three of us always got into trouble together. I can still hear my mom and Aunt Esme yelling at us for acting up.
I had not seen my Uncle Carlisle, or the rest of his family, since my mother's funeral; however, they would send me cards and call on holidays. Carlisle and Esme had continued to invite me to spend summers with them up until I entered college, but Charlie always said no. I think he was afraid that it would be too painful for me. Either that, or he didn't want me to spend time with them.
The more I pondered about my extended family, the more I realized I wanted to spend time with them. They were the last link I had to Renee. Carlisle and Esme could tell me more about my mother than any other two people on earth.
I decided that I would be making a trip out to Colorado. Perhaps learning about my mother would help me find myself again.
A/N: I am overwhelmed by the response AWS is receiving. I appreciate all of your constructive criticism and support. I will post last week's bribe to the Outtakes during the week. This week's bribe will be an excerpt from Bella's book. The next update is scheduled for Sunday, November 29.
The italicized lines in the first section of this chapter are the lyrics to Billie Holiday's 'I'll Be Seeing You.'
I know some of you have been missing Cheatward. Don't worry, we will be hearing about and seeing him soon!
This week's rec:
Bad Press by HappyWanderer- With the heirs to his hotel completely out of control, Carlisle hires PR pro Bella Swan to do damage control. Guess who she has the most trouble with? This is a fun WIP that I like to read when I need an upbeat story. She usually updates on Mondays, so there isn't a long wait between chapters. www (dot) fanfiction (dot) net/s/5417343/1/Bad_Press