Usual disclaimer applies.
March, 2012
~64~
"Bella."
It's amazing how much venom, how much hatred and disgust, Esme can fit into that one word. She has only opened the door halfway and in her heels, she is tall enough to look down her nose at me. From this close up, the perfect Esme Cullen doesn't look so perfect. I can see the wrinkles around her eyes and mouth, her eye makeup that has begun to clump, and her hair that has become frazzled.
And I stand up taller, a small smile gracing my lips.
This woman, this woman who has always intimated me, always frightened me with what she could do, what her potential was, suddenly isn't so daunting. Before, back when Alice and Edward were everything to me, I used to stay awake late into the night with worry, wondering if her unfounded dislike of me could mean she could take them away.
And she managed it. She has already taken away my mother, my best friend, and my boyfriend. What more can she do?
Esme is just an unhappy woman in an unhappy marriage. She must realize how little her own kids like her, how little anyone likes her. She must realize how little I care about her anymore.
"Esme. I just have a bit of…information that I need to tell Edward. It seems he was misinformed about some pretty important things. If you could just get him for me…"
Her face turns red and her eyes narrow. She quickly staunches her surprise though, and a tiny, sweet smile adorns her imperfect face.
She lets out a derisive snort. "Nothing you say has any interest to him, Bella."
A chuckle escapes me as well. Did she think she could wound me with that?
Pitiful.
"Oh, I don't know about that, Esme. I'm pretty sure he would be interested to know that I'm not his sister."
She gasps, her eyes widening. And she abruptly looks crazed, mad. Her mouth is hanging open, the white of her eyes displayed. Her skin has quickly lost its tanning-salon color and is as white as a ghost.
And I can't help but go on, but take pleasure in the way she seems to shrink before me. She knows the web of lies she has built to keep Carlisle and Edward tied to her, not to Renee or me, is breaking down.
"He might also find it interesting to know that you threatened my mother by putting a target over my face—"
I don't finish, because suddenly I hear the loud snap of a slap, or skin hitting skin. A moment later I feel the burning sting on my cheek, causing my eyes to water.
Ow.
I place a hand over my throbbing cheek, and taste blood in my mouth. She must have got my lip too. My ears are ringing and bright spots of light flicker behind my closed lids. Opening my eyes slowly, I see Esme, breathing hard, not looking the least bit remorseful. In fact, she looks ready to do a whole lot more.
But I have never been hit before, and I can't help but cringe away. It hurts. I quickly raise an arm over my head in protection, and curve my spine to lower myself even further. I peek through crook of my elbow in time to see Esme raise her arm again…
"Mom! What the fuck are you doing?"
A/N: Hey everyone! I'm back from Montreal, which was absolutely fantastic. If you've never been, I would definitely recommend it. It's like being in Europe only much closer to home. Anyways, I hope this late chapter doesn't disappoint. Let me know what you think! :)