Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight. No copyright infringement is intended.
Beta'd by HollettLA.
I updated today instead of tomorrow. Yay for early updates!
Riders on the Storm
Chapter Twenty-Four: A Rock
Bella POV
Kylie danced around the kitchen and sang along with the radio. She was happy that Peto was coming to dinner—the happiest I'd ever seen her, and I hoped her mood was contagious. I needed just a little bit of happy today.
The past two days have been a whirlwind. For weeks I'd wanted to talk to Edward about Damion, and I almost wished I'd never opened my mouth—never asked.
I didn't want to know all those things.
I didn't want to think Damion a stranger.
I didn't want to believe that my son was capable of doing such things . . . when he's always been so sweet and kind.
Alas, that is only one side of him. There seem to be many that I wasn't aware of. Edward told me to relax—all of that stuff happened, he did his best to cover Dame's ass, and there's no threat on his life or anything.
Besides all the criminal activity, homicidal behavior, he forced himself on Alex? I'm told nothing happened, but . . .
I didn't want to believe any of it.
Last night, Edward brought Damion home. My son hugged me and cried in my arms, as if he were a little boy again. He kept saying how sorry he was, how he didn't mean for shit to just run downhill the way it has. He doesn't even know what's wrong with him—why he does the things he does.
At the end of the day, he's my son. I love him more than anything, and I forgave him. He didn't do anything to me personally, but Damion . . . Even Edward said that he seemed distraught about me knowing.
Damion actually felt guilty and ashamed.
He said he never wanted me—his mother—to know about that side of him.
Edward said it's best we forget and move on—that we start fresh, and that we'll be open and honest with each other from now on.
My husband has better coping skills than I do.
I still feel uneasy about the whole thing.
My mind still trails back to his misdeeds.
Damion will no longer have any part of Edward's business. He promised to refocus back on school and his relationship with Amelia. He made up with Sonny—gave him his word that he'd never interfere as far as Maggie was concerned, and Carlisle . . .
He hasn't had the chance to speak with his uncle within the past day.
Edward says Carlisle just needs time, and soon . . .
Like always . . .
This will all be water under the bridge. We'll forget about it and maybe think back and laugh about it.
Damion stayed here last night. He's off from school and has no shifts at the hospital until Saturday. Amelia just showed up, and she's not looking too happy either. Of course, Damion has shut down. He's not smiling, frowning, or even talking really.
Amelia was fast to lend a hand in the kitchen, although she was even faster to reach for the wine.
Sonny and Maggie got here much earlier. My eldest tried to get Damion to come out of his room, but to no avail. Sonny's watching TV with Edward in the den. Everyone seems chilled out for the most part, but tensions were still high.
I don't think Damion was lying when he said he wanted to be up front with Amelia. She keeps staring Maggie down, and that was another thing to feel horrible about.
This poor girl—Maggie—it seems like she's causing all this mayhem, but she's not. She's not seeking the attention or trying to cause trouble.
It's other people . . .
That shit reminded me of the early days of Edward's and my marriage—how people would hate and try to throw a wrench in it. Sure, if Maggie wasn't with Sonny, a lot of these problems wouldn't exist, but . . .
She doesn't deserve the way she's being gawked at by Amelia.
"My crotch is itchy," Kylie announced.
I snorted, grabbing the turkey baster. "That wax not sitting right?" I was trying my hardest to act like nothing was wrong, act like my heart wasn't broken.
"It'd been a while…" Kylie trailed off.
"Baby powder," Maggie said, which caught everyone's attention. She hasn't said a word since she showed up. I had her sit and peel potatoes, and she's really slow at it. "It absorbs the sweat. I read it online—stops irritation."
"Gio reads everything online." Kylie twirled. "Oh, Gio . . . my sexy man is coming, and hopefully later . . . I will too!" She jumped up and down.
I left the oven to hold her jaw. "You're too fucking cute."
Maggie was giggling as she wiped her hands and reached for her purse. "I brought them for you."
"Thanks, sista!" Kylie was fast to snatch furry cuffs from her.
"What is this?" I smiled.
"I plan to be Gio's love slave."
"You're just a pro at everything now, huh?" Amelia said to Maggie.
Maggie furrowed her brow. "Um—"
"I heard they called you Virgin Mary or some shit at school." Amelia finished off her glass of wine.
"Ladies—" I started, Maggie looked on the verge of tears.
"How's everything?" Sonny, her knight in denim and a sweater, came in at the right time.
"Coming along," I said.
"Where's the cranberry sauce?" Kylie asked. "I like playing with it."
"Um…the pantry?" I pointed.
"I looked. You forget about it every year. Why?" She scrunched her nose at me.
"I don't know," I admitted.
"We're almost out of butter, too," she said.
"No!" I held my head, going for the fridge. There was only one stick left. "How could I forget?" It's always the small things that I forget. "I need that butter."
"You want me to go to the store?" Sonny asked as he took a seat next to Maggie. "You doing okay?" He's so sweet with her; it makes my heart melt.
Maggie smiled up to him.
"Can you give me a lift to a store?" Amelia asked. "I'm out of cigarettes."
"You smoke?" I stared at her, sure that she didn't.
"As of late . . . when I'm stressed." She smiled at me.
"Yeah, I guess…I just planned to walk up to the avenue, though," Sonny said.
"Works for me." Amelia grabbed her purse.
"I could take a walk," Maggie whispered, nodding.
"We'll be right back." Amelia told her, leaving the kitchen.
My stomach tied in knots, for Maggie, for Amelia, for Sonny. I wished very badly everything could go back to the way it was.
"Mom?" Kylie touched my cheek. "You okay?"
"Yeah, baby." I kissed her forehead, turning back to that train wreck of a scene. "We don't need the cranberry sauce. No one eats it anyway, but I need the butter."
Sonny barely heard me. He was too busy tickling and kissing up on Maggie, and that made me smile.
"I still need some smokes." Amelia poked her head in.
"I bet Dame has a pack." Kylie shook her head. "That boy is always surrounded by a cloud of smoke."
"You're telling me," Amelia sighed. "Well, I can't go to the store by myself."
"Go ask your boyfriend. Youse can get the butter, too." Sonny turned to her but then his shoulders dropped. "I'll just go. Tell me what kind."
Amelia left the kitchen again, and that pissed me off.
"What game is she playing?" I pointed, about to lose my temper when I was trying hard not to.
"What?" Kylie acted none the wiser.
I massaged my forehead.
"I'll just—I'll be back in ten minutes." Sonny left a lingering kiss on Maggie's cheek, and then a loud raspberry in her neck. That melted my heart again. "Do you need anything?"
Maggie shook her head no.
"You can come, too . . . if you want." He bit her chin. "God, I love you."
"I'll be fine here. I love you, too," she said, gulping and looking back to the potatoes.
I sighed while Sonny left, and then I went back to stirring the gravy.
At the same time the door clicked closed, I heard Maggie's chair scraping against the tiles, and then she was gone.
"Oh . . ." Kylie wore a pout. "What is Amelia's damage?"
"I don't know," I whispered.
"Ugh . . . I'll go talk to her. Maggie has nothing to worry about, and could Amelia be any more obvious?" Kylie threw her hands up. "Fucking drama, man."
I held her back, knowing that if she left me, I'd be left with my thoughts. "Give Maggie a minute."
"She's sensitive…she hates that, you know, all this stuff is going on. Maggie and Sonny weren't even going to come today. They said something about ordering Chinese, but then I told them Dame and Amelia wouldn't be here . . ." She puffed her cheeks. "I can't wait until Gio gets here." She turned back to me. "Uncle Aro rented us a hotel room."
"Uncle Aro?" I asked, raising a brow. "What a hypocrite," I laughed for the first time all day. "Wait 'til your father—"
"No!" Kylie jumped at me. "Daddy can't know." She left me when her phone rang. "It's him." Kylie's ponytail bounced, going into the dining room for privacy.
We still had a few hours until dinner would be served, and I hoped they went by quickly. Since my husband was being awfully quiet, I went to seek him out—then I'd talk to Damion, tell him to get his ass out and socialize—keep Amelia occupied—and then I'd make sure Maggie was okay.
After drying my hands on a dishrag, I started down the hall, only to stop—put my back against it. I love my gossip—all my info—but I hardly ever eavesdrop.
Damion had Maggie cornered in the hall, and that's when I realized . . .
Sonny and Maggie are getting all this heat, when it's the other two starting trouble.
"I just—I wanted to apologize," Damion whispered.
I relaxed a bit when I heard him say that.
"I'm going through some shit . . . stuff I can't explain, but…I want you to know," he laughed, "I don't know."
"Can you move, step back a little, please?" Maggie asked.
"Sorry." I bet Dame backed off. "I didn't think you'd listen to me otherwise. Why are you crying?"
"No reason." Maggie sounded as small as she was, but I was glad she didn't feel the need to inform him that Amelia and Sonny had gone to the store.
"You're gorgeous…and a really great person. No fucker—least of all my brother—deserves your tears. Stop crying." Taking a peek, I saw him wipe her eyes.
She swatted his hands away.
"Sorry."
"You're always sorry."
Damion nodded. "I—"
"Sonny didn't do anything...I'm just being silly." She gave him a small grin in return. "I'm fine, see?" She pointed to her face.
"Thanks for this." Now his finger trailed along her cheek. "That smile."
Maggie backed up so far she hit her head against the wall. "Stop touching me."
Dame put his palms out.
"Crap," she giggled, rubbing her hair.
"I'm sorry." Dame reached for her head but took his hands back. "Can we be friends? I promise to stop being—what'd you call me?" He sounded a lot better, almost jovial.
"Creepy," Maggie said. "I'm sorry for saying that, too." She broke down in tears again. "I know it's not nice, but you scare me."
"Shhhh. It's okay. Come here." He gathered her into his arms.
"No!" she shouted, fighting her way out of the embrace. "Don't—" Maggie was in hysterics when she turned, running into the bathroom.
At least he let her go, I thought.
Carlisle would have chased me into the bathroom.
The whole scene . . . that was Carlisle and me nearly thirty years ago. It truly feels like ages since my brother-in-law has acted a fool. But seeing that—seeing Damion and Maggie . . . I remembered that scary feeling.
By this time, I was just standing in the hall, no longer hiding my presence. "What was that?" I asked my son. "You gave Sonny your word."
He put his hand in his pocket, holding his lips with the other, and then he shrugged—the picture of nonchalance. "I didn't do anything wrong. I apologized—I don't know why she's…" he jerked a thumb to the bathroom, "so upset."
"What's going on out here?" Edward poked his head out from the den.
I combed my hand through my hair, and I had nothing to say.
"We're just talking," Damion answered his father. "Maybe Amelia and I should take off."
It wasn't a bad idea, I thought, and for that . . .
I felt even worse.
"No way. Just relax," Edward said. "We'll eat soon, and—" He came over to hug Damion into his side, and I felt selfish. In this moment, I needed those arms.
"Just…I'll be in my room until dinner's ready. Thanksgiving is always boring. Tell Amelia she can join me—doesn't have to avoid me."
"What's going on with her?" Edward asked.
Damion shrugged. "She came all this way just to ignore me. I'm content to stare at my walls . . ." He walked, lightly trailing his nails along the bathroom door before disappearing into his room.
"What's up with you?" my husband whispered.
Tears welled up in my eyes and I shook my head. "Who is that?"
"What?" Edward had no idea.
"I don't know him," I cried. "I don't—"
"It'll be okay." He hugged me.
I buried my head into his chest, hoping this dreadful feeling would pass. "Maggie called him creepy . . . for the first time . . . I see it," I sobbed.
"What happened now?"
"Nothing." I sniffled. "I just want this day to be over with. I have a headache."
"Shhh." He planted his lips to my hair, swayed us a bit. "Sonny's here. He knows his way around the kitchen. Let him and the girls take over." Edward turned, and we saw Maggie leave the bathroom.
"I'm sorry," she said.
I grabbed her hand. "Don't be. You did nothing wrong."
"Is, um, Sonny back yet?"
"Not yet—" As I said that, we heard the front door. Maggie ran and I felt a little better.
"Who's here?" Edward asked. "Oh…" We saw Amelia and Sonny walk into the kitchen. Our son stopped to gather Maggie into his arms, a look of concern etched on his face. He brought her over to the settee to talk. "They're cute together."
"Yeah," I sighed, hoping Maggie lied to Sonny. And I couldn't believe I was hoping she'd lie. I just didn't want things to get worse.
When I saw Maggie say, "she hates me" in reference to Amelia, I felt a little better.
"You should go lie down." Edward held my biceps, gazing down to me. "I'll talk to them…" He gestured. "I'm worried about you."
A nap, relaxing and calming down, sounded like a good idea. "I'll be…" I pointed.
Edward kissed me softly. "It'll be okay—all of it. Over time, you'll see."
"Yeah." As I walked down the hall, I stared at Damion's door, but I didn't knock or go in.
I still had nothing to say to him.
When I entered my bedroom, I curled up into my blankets, making sure to cover my head—hoping I'd wake up and find the last two days a nightmare.
/=/=/=/=/
Sadly, things never work out that way—waking up and everything is magically back to normal. We had to wait this out, wade in the water, weather the storm.
When I woke up, I still had a bit of a headache, but it was close to three in the afternoon. Smelling the cooked food placed a smile on my face, and I actually felt hungry.
To my surprise, Edward was holding me—had his head buried in my neck. "Hey." I rasped.
"Hey you." He sounded sleepy, and when he leaned over to kiss me . . .
I cried into his mouth. "I'm sorry."
"He's still Damion, still our son."
"I know." I bit my quivering lip. "I just—I don't know. I still love the fuck out of him—that hasn't changed." I sat up to wipe my eyes. "I just don't know what happened. You say he hasn't been the same in years—he hasn't been the way I see him, the way I knew him."
Edward combed my hair with his fingers. "He changed . . . I can't pinpoint exactly when, but…yeah, I remember. He went from being this loveable little boy, and then…he became detached." He shrugged. "You did nothing wrong. I'm thinking this is my fault."
"Stop." Playing the blame game wasn't going to get us anywhere.
"But he's still Dame." Edward kissed my cheek. "You have to remember that. He feels horrible—knows you feel this way."
I cried into my hands. "And I hate that he knows . . . And I hate that I feel this way."
"It'll be all right." He massaged my shoulder.
I giggled through my tears. "I don't know whether to hug him, steal him away, or beat the hell out of him."
"You can do all three." He poked my side. "That'll be interesting."
"Things will be okay."
"They will," he promised. "After all the shit we've lived through . . . I hate to say this, but toughen up." He softly punched my shoulder. "Dame's a lot like me, only…I don't know. You accept me—"
"It's different when it's your child—"
"And Sonny's been working with me for years. He's done some shit, too." He chuckled without humor. "Sonny's—damn—Sonny's a lot more cut-throat in ways...maybe not the same ways as Dame, but Sonny does what he's told—gets shit done, too. You know?"
"But Sonny would never betray his family—play these games. When it comes to Alex, I feel betrayed, while I also want to apologize . . . And then, something tells me we don't know that whole story. Something's missing. Or maybe that's wishful thinking since I'd rather make Alex the bad guy, like she seduced him, and our son's a cooz-hound—"
"That was all Dame," Edward whispered. "Listen to you—cooz-hound." He kissed my temple.
"Yeah…" My shoulders slumped. "Then he iced Joe, he iced Joe. You would have done it sooner or later. It's not that part of him that shocks me this much." I pulled the blanket up around my neck. "Is he going to be just like your brother where women are concerned? Will he always be after whatever Sonny has? I mean, we lived through that. It was exhausting back then, and…I never saw that in Damion."
"You can't be angry with Alex—"
"I feel terrible. I don't know what to say to her; meanwhile, she's my best friend. I'm not mad at her." I shook my head, my stomach feeling queasy. "My eyes are open now, and I see…"
"Doesn't that just fucking suck?" Edward was trying to be lighthearted. "I felt the same way you did—heartbroken, ripped apart. But . . . he's still Dame. When I figure it out, I'll elaborate. We can't shun him or—"
"I'd never do that," I said.
"I know you wouldn't, but we can't excuse his behavior either. We're between a rock and a hard place."
"This sucks."
"It does." Edward pulled me into his side. "I keep trying to figure out what I did wrong. He says—he brought up that shit about Sonny getting shot, how it scarred him in a way. I can understand, but . . . If he loves Sonny so much, if that shit bothered him as much as he says it does, why's he always so quick to fuck the man over?" He looked to the ceiling. "It makes no sense."
"He's always been jealous of Sonny," I whispered. "Maybe he was never vocal about it before. I don't know."
Edward massaged the back of my neck. "You ready to go out there?"
I moaned, groaned, and held my face. "The worst part about today…? Every last one of them out there is miserable—"
"Except Kylie."
"Except Kylie," I agreed, "which is an odd turn of events. She's usually the whiny, moody one at holidays."
He sucked his teeth. "She's always happy. Maybe she misses Gio now, but…yeah. Sonny and Maggie aren't miserable either—I don't think. Well," he sighed. "Let's just eat…they'll be gone before we know it. I think Dame's staying until tomorrow. Maybe we can sit him down again, just to get him to talk to us."
I nodded, agreeing.
"And tonight, we'll soak in the Jacuzzi, drink ourselves silly, eat leftovers, and I'll give you a full body massage . . . with my cock," he laughed. "No, I'll really massage you." He kissed my cheek.
I cracked a smile, only for my face to crumble again. "If it was anyone else . . . I mean, I wouldn't think the things that happened were that bad. But it's Damion . . . it's all a shock."
"Relax, Bebella." He came around, ducking his head to peck my lips. "I'm glad we found out—that we can help him in some way now."
"True." I mused. "Let's get out there." Truth be told, the only good thing about today was that the attendees of this feast were my immediate family; I was wearing sweats.
"Hey . . . where you think you're going?" Edward yanked me back into his arms to hug the shit out of me—one of those death-grip embraces that warm my heart. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
"Hey…" He stopped me from leaving the bed again. "Can you be quiet?"
My shoulders dropped; he's in the mood to fuck. "Edward—"
"Shhh." He placed a finger over my lips. "Just give me five minutes. If in five minutes, you don't want the cock, we can go."
I grinned back to him. "Edward—"
"What…?" He shrugged. "Lemme take your mind off things."
Getting onto my knees, I crawled over to him. "You—you're just—"
"Shut up." He placed his lips to mine, kissing me deeply, hungrily—the kind of kiss that makes me forget everything, my fucking name included. "That's what I'm talkin' 'bout." He hopped up, tossing his t-shirt across the room.
I giggled, watching him get excited. "We shouldn't—"
"We should." He nodded, ridding me of my pants.
The force with which he tore them from me tossed my body back. "Easy, baby." I held his cheek.
Edward grabbed both of my hands, holding them above my head. "What…?" he asked softly, nuzzling his nose to mine, searching my eyes. "We'll get through this like we do everything else . . . together." He sucked my lip back into his mouth with a groan. When he started to kiss down my neck, I closed my eyes, holding his head close—wanting and needing to be just as into this as he was.
His mouth trailed down my body, placing the gentlest of kisses along my stomach. My chest was heaving, my hips were squirming, and suddenly I was an impatient mess.
"Edward…" I hissed, rocking below him, grasping a fistfull of his hair.
He skimmed his nose along the crotch of my thong as butterflies invaded my stomach. "Just relax." He leaned away to take my panties off. "This is about you—I just want a taste." He got comfortable between my legs again.
I sat up—licking my lips, panting—to watch him. "Just fuck me." My fingers wove into his hair again, while his finger was sliding up and down my slit.
"I plan to blow your mind." He blew a cold breath onto my heated pussy. It caused me to gasp and widen my legs, his lips nestling into me with a throaty moan.
"Oh." My body quivered, my legs shaking as he licked my clit; his fingers entered me and continued to fuck me. "Shit." My eyes rolled back, my hips moving in time with his mouth and hand. "That's it…"
Edward groaned into me once more, the vibrations doing wonders, adding to the all-around pleasure he was giving me.
Nearly convulsing, about to scream, I held a pillow tightly to my face, breathing deeply and grasping my orgasm as it came to a head. Wave after wave, I rode out the euphoric feeling.
"Shit." I panted, a slow chuckle escaping me. He did it. He managed to get me out of my head for five minutes, making me feel a little better, lighter in some way.
Edward hummed, coming to lay by my side. "That was beautiful." He kissed my cheek. "This face."
My head was spinning; kind of dizzy as I hoped he'd fuck me now. But he just gathered me into his arms, sighing into my neck. "You're done?"
"I did that for you—get your mind right. We've been hiding in here for too long."
I hated that he was correct. "Thanks."
He squeezed my hip. "Later, you won't know what hit you."
I grinned, turning and catching his lips with my own.
"And thank you for the appetizer." He slapped my ass, and then scooted off the bed, going for his discarded shirt.
I leaned up on my elbows, blowing my bangs out of my eyes. "You're serious?" My legs were still wide and wobbly, waiting, anticipating. There was no way I thought he was for real about not fucking.
I needed the dick.
He turned to widen his arms. "I'll fucking—I'll dog you out right now. Lemme know, yo..." He adjusted his cock.
Puffing my cheeks, my eyes falling on the clock, I saw it was already close to four. "The turkey's probably done." In fact, unless Sonny or someone forgot all about it, the bird was ready.
/=/=/=/=/
When we were put back together, we left the room hand in hand, smiles on both our faces. It's true; some fucked-up shit was going down, but we'd get through it. And then when it's over, I know I'll look back and wonder why I was this upset.
Maybe not . . .
Thinking Dame a stranger will never sit right with me.
Comparing Damion to Carlisle will never sit right with me either.
Knowing my kid harmed, scared Alex, nearly forced himself . . . that just made my stomach queasy.
"Let's just get through dinner," Edward whispered as we walked into the dining room.
To our surprise, only Kylie and Gio were seated; meanwhile, the food was served. It was literally all out: the lasagna, the mashed potatoes, the turkey, the stuffing, the salad; however, I usually pace it—bring certain courses out at different times. But I barely prepared this feast. It wasn't my call.
"Look at all this." I smiled. "Did you do this?"
Kylie was munching on a piece of bread. "Nope. Sonny did."
I exchanged a look with my husband as we took our seats.
"Where is everyone?" he asked.
"Dame took Amelia out back to talk . . . Sonny is . . . I don't know. He's still here. I just can't tell you where." Kylie shrugged. "Can we just eat?" She seemed just as eager to get this meal over with.
I slumped my shoulders, not giving a shit anymore.
"Turkey's carved . . . shit looks good. Let's dig in." Edward squeezed my hand. "The rest will join—eat when they want. I'm not letting this shit get cold." He reached for the string beans.
"Wait a minute!" Kylie shouted, taking Gio's hand into hers and closing her eyes. "Dear Lord, I wish Maggie was here to talk to you. You'd probably hear her better—" That little stinker opened one eye to look at Edward, who in turn, smiled brightly at me. "But I'd just like to take a moment to thank you—most of all for my loving, understanding, and cool-as-fuck parents. Sorry."
With one peek at Edward, I was trying not to laugh.
"Bless this food . . . um, and I hope my dad knows how much I missed Gio . . . how much we'd like to go to the movies later, how much we'd like to try to have a date night again, how well Gio can drive . . . I hope my father has faith in me—"
"Kylie," Edward whispered.
She opened her eyes to glance at her smiling boyfriend, and then she sighed. "Yeah?"
My husband pursed his lips, nodding his head. "Be home by midnight."
"Yes!" Kylie fist pumped the air. "Wait…Do I have to take Vito?"
"Actually," Gio spoke up. "Since I haven't seen AJ in a minute, he's thinking of coming with us, Katie, too. Um…yeah." He put his head down.
Edward sighed, and I knew he was worried about her safety, but those hotel plans won't fly if Vito is tailing them. "Your brother has some ass-kissing to do . . . Maybe Amelia and Damion—"
"Oh…" Kylie frowned.
"Hey," Gio whispered, but we still heard him. "As long as I get to hang out—no matter who's around, baby." He palmed her cheek.
Kylie was trying not to cry, nose pink, eyes glassy.
"Edward." I kicked him under the table.
He looked up from the plate of mashed potatoes. "What?"
"Just…" I tilted my head to the young couple sharing our table.
Edward served himself, and then put the bowl down. "Youse won't leave Bay Ridge?"
"No!" Kylie shouted. "We'll be in Bay Ridge."
"Okay…" My husband didn't look very calm anymore.
"Have faith. They'll be okay." I rubbed up his bicep.
"You know . . ." Edward paused, leaning back. "If you two—if you two planned on hitting up a hotel, I mean. Knowing you two would be safe and tucked behind locked doors. I could tell Vito it was cool with me, he'd still drive youse."
Kylie and Gio shared a look.
"Aro told you?" I whispered.
Edward rolled his eyes. "This kills me, but in comparison to anything else…? And I don't want them doing it here; however, I'd bet money Sonny has Maggie in his room . . . Why can't baby girl get a nut?"
I giggled.
"Oh my God!" Kylie jumped out of her chair, throwing herself at Edward. "I love you!" She peppered his face with kisses.
I melted as I watched them. Maybe since they've been spending more time together, they finally understand each other a bit more.
"I promise—we'll use condoms, and I won't get knocked up!"
Edward slammed his fist down onto the table.
"Too much?" Kylie smiled, and then went back to her kissing assault.
"All right…lemme eat," Edward was laughing again. "My dinner gets cold I'm not gonna be happy."
"Thank you, sir. I promise to look after her—she'll be safe." Gio actually looked like he was about to shit his pants.
"It's your ass." Was all Edward replied with. "After dessert, I'll call Vito and Sal—they'll drive you guys."
"Thank you!" Now Kylie threw herself at Gio. "Miracles do happen!"
I snorted a laugh.
"Hey." Edward tapped my plate with his fork. "Eat."
"Right," I sighed, wondering where to start.
Edward decided on lasagna, plopping a serving onto my dish.
"Thanks," I said.
He winked and went back to eating.
I slouched in my chair, not really wanting to start without Sonny and Damion. "I'll be back." As soon as I rose from the table, Sonny and Maggie were entering the dining room. They were unkempt and freshly fucked, but I didn't say a word.
"Bet you worked up quite the appetite there, tiger!" Kylie patted Maggie's back, and you can always count on my daughter to say something.
Sonny wore a silly little smirk, pulling his lady's chair out.
"This all looks delicious," I said, and my voice was filled with emotion. Although the picture wasn't perfect just yet, I felt sad and elated at once. Again, some bad things happened, but we still had this—our family, this day, and hopefully a lot more holidays, that we'd spend together.
"You started it—made it easy to finish." Sonny was fast to serve Maggie, doing as his father taught him. But I never truly taught Sonny how to cook. He just watched over the years and picked it up. He's also been living on his own for a while now. "Want me to grab Dame?"
I shook my head. "I got it."
When I approached the back door, I saw Damion and Amelia sitting on the lounge chairs. My son looked as though he was pleading his case as Amelia just sat there crying. Feeling a knot in my stomach, I went outside—not to eavesdrop or anything.
"Hey," I announced.
They both straightened out, and then Dame reached to wipe Amelia's eyes for her. "We were just…talking."
"I know…" I nodded. "Dinner's ready . . . I hate to disturb you guys." As I rubbed my belly, I nervously munched on my lip.
"We'll be okay," Damion whispered, touching her cheek.
She shook her head, refusing to look at him.
"Let's go in." He grabbed her hand.
She pulled back. "I'll…in a minute." She reached for a cigarette and quickly lit it.
Damion blew out a breath, massaging the back of his neck. He gave me a small smile and a kiss on my cheek as he passed me. I turned to watch him go before I looked back to Amelia.
"Can I bum one of those?"
She blew the smoke out, handing me the pack and a lighter.
I took Dame's previous seat, and then lit the Marlboro Light. "Are you okay?"
She nodded, still crying her eyes out. "I don't know why I try . . ." She sniffled.
"I'm going to guess you love him," I said.
"Yup," she sighed. "I do . . . I thought it was Maggie. I had a feeling in my gut, you know? I even spoke to Santino about it, but he had no info—"
I furrowed my brow since I thought she knew all about Dame's feelings for Maggie. "What?"
"Tensions are high . . . the way his uncle . . . I'm sure you know what happened." She turned to face me. "Then the way he looks at Maggie . . . I just—I thought—And I probably put ideas in Santino's head. But she's a good girl, a nice girl." She wiped her eyes.
"She is," I agreed.
"I knew about…the stuff with his aunt—Alex?" She swallowed, raising a brow. "He told me all about it."
"It's awesome that you two are so open and honest with each other."
"I thought so . . . but he shut down. He won't tell me what else is going on—and I'm afraid he's—he's in too deep with whatever." She put the cigarette out in the tray.
"He's not," I whispered. "He's fine. He's just going through some stuff because…well, somehow Carlisle found out about—"
"Damion told him." She started crying again. "Just—he just—he hardly speaks, and then he blurts that shit out like it's gravy. I don't understand him. He made a mistake; your husband took care of it. I don't know why he couldn't let it go. Does he still have feelings for Alex? I don't know." She shook her head. "He says he loves me—"
"He does."
"I wanna be there for him, but he won't let me," she whispered, bringing her bent knees up to her chest. "Bella, I love him."
"I know you do." I leaned over to squeeze her hand.
Amelia covered her face with her hands, mumbling under her breath.
"What?" I asked.
"I just—I—think—I might be pregnant, despite my birth control," she cried, and I felt like I was kicked in the gut for some reason.
"Um." I cleared my throat, rubbing my forehead. "Did—do you guys use other forms . . . of protection?"
She shook her head no. "We're both disease-free."
My eyes landed on her empty wine glass. "If you think you're pregnant, why are you…?" I pointed to it.
"I don't know yet and I won't take a test—I'm afraid to because then I'll have to tell him, and he'll—he'll—he doesn't want babies," she sobbed.
"Shhh." I went over to her chair to gather her into my arms.
"He's under too much stress as it is with whatever's bothering him. He'll—he'll—"
"He's not going to leave you," I said. "Damion loves you, too." I pushed her hair away to see her face. "Have you spoken to your mom?"
"N-no." She hiccupped. "She'll tell my father, and then I'd have to have this baby. I mean, I want babies, but Damion…"
I nodded, staring up to the overcast sky. "It's best you don't worry until you have to."
"I'm sorry." She hugged me tighter.
"Don't be sorry," I whispered. "Babies are a blessing. I mean, so you didn't plan it. Big deal. When I was pregnant with Sonny, granted, we'd tried for a while, but I was still scared. Edward and I were married, but nothing is concrete. It's a scary feeling. You'll get through it, though. I'm here, Edward is here, Elena, your dad—you have so many people who love you . . . Damion will be there for you, too. Trust me. But you have to talk to him." Briefly, I wondered if maybe finding out Amelia was pregnant would mature him a bit, make him realize that he's not invincible—he'll wise up, make better choices. This baby might be a true blessing in disguise. "But there's no use of worrying about a thing until you know."
"I don't know—I—"
"If you are pregnant and choose not to have this baby, that'd be your decision—one only you can make." I kissed her cheek. "But you don't know yet."
She wiped her eyes. "I just—I didn't think."
"We never do." I continued to rub her back. "After dinner, after everyone leaves the table, I mean—I'll sit with you while you tell him."
She sniffled. "No. He'll be upset we're flashing our business."
"Right." I knew that to be true as well. "I don't know if you know this, but I'm great at keeping secrets as is my husband . . . I can go, or send Edward, to the drug store—get you a home pregnancy test." I really just wanted to know—have the solid evidence in front of me.
"I'll wait," she sighed. "When I'm home tomorrow…I'll just—" She broke down in tears again. "All of this—it's all that bitch's fault!"
"Whoa." I leaned back, as that had come out of nowhere. "Amelia, Maggie didn't—"
"Not her. All that stuff with Alex . . . Any first year psych major can figure that shit out."
I nodded. "As I recall, Alex really didn't do anything wrong."
"Not her," she whispered.
I grasped her chin, turning it up to face me. "Amelia, I have no idea what you're trying to get at. If you have something you'd like to tell me…" I waited.
She searched my eyes, gulping loudly. "Um…"
"Please, tell me." I palmed her cheeks. "I'm trying to make heads or tails of Damion's behavior, too. If you can shed any light…" Now I was pleading with her.
She shook her head, quiet tears streaming down her cheeks.
I hadn't let go of her chin. "Amelia—"
"I promised I wouldn't."
"Tell me." Feeling agitation rise to my chest, I let go of her face and scooted away. "Amelia—"
"When he was little, when-when he was, um, like thirteen, um—" She turned her head and vomited, retched from right where she sat.
"Shit." I rushed over to grab her hair as my head whipped every which way, hoping no one saw. If my family decided to come out, I might never get any answers. "Breathe through your nose."
She coughed, holding her mouth, and I relaxed beside her—waiting for her cue, waiting to see if she'd run inside or continue our conversation. I felt bad not giving her leave or ushering her to a bathroom. "What happened to my son?" I cried. "Why is he like this?" I turned up to sky again, hoping the answers would suddenly come.
"Lauren." Amelia rasped, and then spit into the grass.
"Lauren…?" My stomach was in knots, too. "What, um—"
"When he was little . . . they were somewhere in a hotel, and…she started touching him, was persistent, and they-they had sex."
"What?" I shouted, rising from the chair.
"Shhh—no, don't, um—oh God!" Amelia fussed over me now. "Bella, please—"
I gnashed my teeth together or else I would be dry heaving my damn self. "Tell me." My foot tapped as I tried to hide my anger. "What did Lauren do to my son?"
"She, um, she was delusional. He told me the story, and I believe him." She trailed her hand through her hair, pushing it back. "They had sex—"
"You've said that." I snapped.
"Right…he said—Lauren called him Skip when she came, and, um—that's basically why she went for him, because he looked like his father. And Damion...he blames his dad for what happened. He hates his father for it."
I fisted my own hair, turning in a circle.
"I mean, having sex so young…? That's molestation, pedophilia…From a young age, he had this idea of what sex, being with a woman would be like. It makes sense. Once he and his ex broke up, he sought Alex—wanted her attention, the older woman thing again. He wouldn't take no for an answer just like Lauren didn't. You'd be surprised how stupid shit from our childhood can haunt us." She rambled, and I tried to absorb every word she said. She sounded as if she knew what she was talking about. "Being so shy around women, yet always seeking their approval . . . He shows clear signs of being abused, no matter how brief their encounter was."
"Ugh—" I clamped my hand over my mouth, but then I was keeled over—heaving into the grass, although nothing came up from my stomach.
"I'm sorry." She rubbed my back, holding my hair away from my face. "I thought you knew—"
"I didn't." I sniffled, slowly standing straight as tears marred my vision, choking on my own snot. "How do you know all this? How do you know about—"
"I'm double majoring in bio and psych," she whispered. "At first, I couldn't make it out—his moods, but little by little I did."
"Is he bipolar?" I asked.
She shook her head. "I don't think so. It's no chemical imbalance that makes him this way."
I put my hand up to stop her. "You're not making this up."
"No…I'm sorry, but you can't—you can't make a scene or—I'll lose his trust, and I can't lose his trust." She was sobbing again.
"God..." I wiped my face, my lip quivering.
"Did you hear that?" She stared at the back door. "What was that?" Amelia asked, and we heard a crash, and then some shouting.
It came from the house.
"I don't—" I had no idea what was going on inside, but I didn't want to go in.
When we heard more loud voices, a scream, and more clanking sounds, Amelia ran into the house.
I stood there, staring at my home, and yet my knees felt week. Many questions popped into my head. I wondered when this took place. Why I wasn't there to stop her. Why she'd do this to my baby? How she could do this to my baby? I'd trusted her. Maybe I never liked her as a person, but she had kids.
The only instance I could think of—racking my brain—was that time they all went down to the amusement park.
I never wanted them to go.
I remembered that, having that dreadful feeling in my gut.
But they were a group. They were going down for Sonny's and AJ's graduations, and Damion couldn't be left behind.
She hurt him.
She put her hands him, all because she couldn't have his father?
Did she like little boys?
Earlier, my heart was broken, now it felt as though my heart was ripped from my chest.
Suddenly, having no control over myself, I tore through the house—running up to the dining room. When I got there, my family stood around, the dinner table was flipped over, food was everywhere. Kylie was crying, along with Maggie and Amelia.
"Look at me, Dame." Amelia touched Damion's face.
I stared at my son. His chest was heaving, his gaze was unseeing, and he had a bloodied lip and nose while Sonny held him back. He squirmed in his brother's arms.
Tearing my eyes from him, I saw Anthony being held back by Edward and Gio on the opposite side of the room.
"My mother?" Anthony pointed to himself. "You put your hands on my fucking mother?"
"Cut it out." Edward yoked him, shook him, trying to get our nephew to calm down.
"Fuck being my cousin—you were my best friend. I trusted you!" Anthony shouted.
Damion just stood there staring at him, and then I was a flurry of motion once again. "Damion, baby," I cried, holding his cheeks in my hands. "Look at me."
He crinkled his brows, calming down some. "I'm sorry."
I shook my head rapidly, choking back a sob.
"Mom?" Sonny let go of Dame to place his hands on my shoulders. "I'll clean this up . . . Maggie, go get paper towels or something. Ky, get the trash bin."
"Damion." I trailed my hand down the side of his face. "My baby, my baby boy…" I wailed, feeling like the worst mother in the world. I was the worst mother.
I'd failed to protect him.
I'd failed at everything.
"Mom…" Damion caught me before my knees gave out. "I'll clean, too. Relax. I'm fine. Ant doesn't even hit that hard."
"No." I clawed at him, and he hugged me tightly.
"Bella…come here." Edward tried to take me from Dame's grasp, but I wouldn't let go. "Sonny, make sure Ant leaves," he whispered, grabbing for me again.
"No!" I shouted, burying my head in Damion's neck.
"Mom, I'm sorry this shit ruined dinner." He tightened his hold. "I'm okay."
"You're not," I whimpered. "I'm so sorry. I'm so-fucking-sorry!"
"Shhhh." His tone was soft. "You did nothing—nothing, Mom."
I shook my head. "She-she-she hurt you."
"Who?" He seemed confused. "Mom—"
"Molested you. Why didn't you tell me?" I cried.
Damion's face went blank and he let me go, scooting as far away from me as possible.
"Damion—" I reached for him. "Why—"
He got to his feet. "You told her?" He rounded on Amelia.
"No!" I shouted.
Damion laughed. "Molested?" He acted as though that was the funniest thing he'd ever heard. "You can't rape the willing—"
"You were a little boy…" I sniffled, trying to breathe right.
And I never said the word rape.
All of which probably means . . . deep down, he believes he was raped, and that . . .
"Damion—" I could hardly breathe now and clawed at my neck.
"Bella, what—" Edward's face told me he had no idea what was going on as his head whipped from Damion to me. Sonny had pulled Anthony out of the house. Kylie, Gio, and Maggie were nowhere to be found, and I was grateful for that.
Amelia reached for Damion. "I'm sorry."
"Fuck you!" He spat in her face. "Get away from me." He nudged her back.
"Don't—" I started as he backed away toward the door. "Damion, you were thirteen—"
"There's no such thing as molesting a teenage boy." He chuckled, his mood light again. "Mom, don't believe her."
"Don't be embarrassed." My voice was soft. "Come here—"
He shook his head. "I fucked her. I wasn't molested."
"What is going on?" Edward shouted.
"Damion, please…" Amelia held onto his arms.
"Fuck this." He threw his hands up. "This whole family . . . fuck youse all."
"Hey!" Edward stomped away in his direction, and I pulled him back.
"Just…" I didn't know what to do, and then I ran for Damion—catching him right before his foot left the door. "Talk to me, please," I begged.
"You did enough talking with Amelia. She's got all the answers." He snorted.
"Damion—"
He pushed me away, and then turned from me to speedily go down the walkway.
"Damion, I'm sorry!" I ran to him, fisting the back of his shirt.
"Get off me!"
"No!" I jumped, wrapping my arms around his neck. "I didn't protect you. I'm sorry. Baby, you should have told me."
Damion let out a whimper, placing one hand over his eyes.
"Dame-y, talk to me now." I left his back, going around to his front, staring up at him. "Please…it's not your fault. It's mine—I just—"
"No!" he shouted, backing away again. "Just stay away from me. Everyone—just stay away."
"Damion, please—" I stumbled back when he pushed me.
"What's going on?" Sonny ran back from the curb. "Bro, you okay?" He touched Damion's arm.
"I don't know what's going on, but all of you come inside!" Edward hollered from the door.
"I'm not doing this," Damion said before his face crumbled.
"Baby, please, talk to me. Tell me what happened," I cried. "I'm so—" My hand went to his cheek.
Damion shook his head, his gaze flashing to mine, and it was empty—sent chills down my spine. He'd stopped crying, his eyes almost black they were so dark.
"Damion—"
"Fuck this. I'm out—tell that cunt to stay away from me! You hear me, Amelia!? Stay the fuck away from me!" He boomed at the house, practically running away from it.
I went to run to him again, but Sonny held me back. "Let him go," he said. "He needs to cool down." Sonny hugged me close.
"What happened?" Edward caught up to us. "What—" He was on the verge of tears himself. "Someone start talking."
"Shhh." Sonny kissed my hair. "It's okay."
I shook my head, leaving his embrace.
"Bella, baby, talk to me." Edward's lip quivered.
I threw myself into his arms, hugging him the tightest I could. "I'm going to kill her."
"Who?" Sonny asked.
I shut my mouth.
Edward groaned in frustration. "Can one of you please—"
I pushed my hair back, gaining some composure. "Get your keys." I looked to Sonny. "Find Dame before he does something stupid."
"Um…" He pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Leave Amelia here . . . take Maggie with you." I started crying all over again, having an all new feeling in my heart, a whole new epiphany in my brain. If I had to make comparisons, if I had to take a wild guess, Maggie was Damion ten years ago—the innocence, the soft-spokeness, the sunny and bright outlook on life, the silly sense of humor. Maggie's like a ray of sunshine, and my son's had nothing but dark skies for years. No wonder Damion was drawn to her, like a moth to a flame.
In this moment, I highly doubted it was even a physical thing. "She's—she might—her presence might calm him."
Sonny had his eyes clamped shut as he nodded. "Of course . . . where would he go, though? Ant's not talking to him. He's not welcome at Eclipse...He knows we'd go to the dorms."
"I'll, I'll text Momo. If Dame comes to the door . . . they'll let him in and call me." Edward dug his cell from his pocket. "Can someone tell me what's going on?"
I held my heart, hoping to keep it in place, and then my head whipped to the front door.
"I asked you not to," Amelia cried.
"I'm sorry." And she'd never know how apologetic I really was.
"I trusted you—"
"Amelia…" I slumped my shoulders in defeat, letting out a gust of air.
"Someone start talking!" Edward shouted.
"You might as well tell everyone!" Amelia yelled at me. "Saying I can trust you—you can keep a secret…You can't keep your mouth shut!
"Watch yourself, little girl." My husband got defensive.
"No…the cat's outta the bag!" Amelia sobbed. "I broke his trust—I—he's never going to—he hates me."
"He doesn't," Sonny whispered, placing his hand on her shoulder. "I don't know what's going on . . . my brother loves you. Okay? We all need to relax." He looked to each one of us.
"Um…" I faced Edward, knowing this whole mess was my fault. "When Dame was a boy…" I bent at my knees, feeling like I couldn't stand again. "He—"
"That bitch, Lauren." Amelia's voice was hate-filled.
"What, um…" Sonny looked between us.
"He was thirteen," I said to Edward. "She fucked him…touched him…"
"She said your name when she came." Amelia raised a brow, staring up to my husband. "Why is that?"
"What?" Edward asked me.
I shrugged…defeated, at a fucking loss and a half. "She abused him—forced herself on him. It makes sense…now. It makes sense now. Amelia explained it." I didn't care if she hated me or not, I grabbed her hand and kissed it. "Thank you for telling me."
She wouldn't look at me.
"He doesn't hate you," I said.
"What?" Edward asked again.
"Six Flags . . ." Sonny trailed off, a knowing look on his face. "That—that—that fucking bitch!" He stomped his foot. "He was a baby! No wonder he's always been weird about sex."
"He has?" Amelia and I asked in unison.
"Um…" Amelia shook her head again. "Actually—"
"No…I don't know what I mean." Sonny started pacing. "I gotta find him." He sprinted back into the house.
"We should—" Edward gestured to the front door.
I placed my arm around Amelia. "Things will be okay. I'll tell him—I'll tell him you didn't tell me."
She wiped her eyes. "I'm the only person he's ever told."
"Well, Lauren knows about it." Saying her name made me want to vomit. "Don't you worry about a fucking thing."
"What should I do?" she asked.
"Call your ride," Edward said. "Tell Pietro to come get you . . . um." He stole me away from Amelia.
As she went upstairs, my husband pulled me downstairs. I stared up to make sure she was okay. Before we disappeared from sight, I saw her pull out her phone, having a seat on the steps.
"Bella—" Edward paced the garage.
I looked to the hooks on the wall, trying to gauge how much time I'd have to swipe a set of keys.
"Start from the beginning. Please. Just start from the beginning."
This time, I held my stomach, anticipation coursing through my veins. "He was thirteen . . . how immature he was—still is." I covered my face with my hands. "Lauren raped him." I could barely get those words out. "She was an adult—she knew better. I trusted her."
"Okay." He pulled me into his arms. "It'll be okay—Christ. Why didn't he say anything?"
"Would you?" I asked him. "Did you see how embarrassed he was?"
Edward didn't reply.
"I want her—I'm going to kill her."
"Hang on—think for second."
I backed away, cool as a cucumber. "I'm fine . . . errant thoughts," I lied, my leg shaking.
Suddenly, Edward let out a growl, turning to punch the wall. "That fucking cunt!"
I nodded, knowing exactly how he felt. "What are we going to do?"
Edward scratched his head. "My mind is just…"
I placed my arms around him, and he sunk down to his knees, hugging my middle.
"Why would she—how could she—" He broke down, and I weaved my fingers into his hair, knowing I'd make this all better soon.
"I don't know." I got down to my knees, too. "I—I was just talking to Amelia and she-she broke some things down for me. It makes sense. His behavior is that of someone who was-was sexually abused?"
"I don't see it." He wiped his face.
"I do." And I did. "We should put our poker faces on and go up . . . make sure Kylie is okay. She's probably scared out of her mind."
"Right." Edward cleared his throat.
Again, we walked upstairs hand in hand. Only this time, Edward's grip threatened to break mine, but that was okay.
A teary-eyed Amelia still occupied the steps as we passed Sonny and Maggie. They were leaving to look for Damion. With one look from me, they didn't let Amelia know that. Sonny left after kissing my hair and promising things would get better. Maggie, who was none the wiser like Kylie, gave me a tight hug, saying she was sorry.
When they left, we sought Kylie. She was on her hands and knees, picking up food from the floor, tears freely flowing from her eyes as Peto helped and tried to soothe her.
"It's okay," he whispered.
"Daddy!" Kylie shouted, attack-hugging her father. "What happened? Anthony runs in crazy. Mom is crying her eyes out—Mommy!" She pulled me into their embrace as well. "What happened to Damion?"
Warily, I briefly glanced at Peto. "Just—something stupid. I overreacted."
"He didn't do anything," she cried. "Anthony started the fight. He yanked Dame right out of his chair."
"I know," I agreed, softly kissing her cheek. "Relax."
Kylie nodded, pushing against Edward's shoulders. "Daddy, I can't breathe."
"Sorry." He let her go, clenching and unclenching his fists. "Peto . . ."
He stood from the floor, looking anxious. "Yeah, Skip?"
"You have your father's car?"
Peto nodded.
"Take Kylie…" He ushered our daughter over to Peto. "You guys have reservations…just…go ahead."
Kylie sniffled. "Mom's upset. I can't leave."
I put on a smile as I walked over to her. "I'm fine. You go—you have a good time. Stay the night...Come home in the morning." And Edward didn't argue that.
Her face fell even more. "Gio will understand if—"
I giggled and leaned into whisper, "I thought you had plans—thought he was horny as fuck, too?"
Kylie grinned. "You're more important—knowing everyone's okay is more important."
"Thank you, but go—have a good time."
"Yeah, just go," Edward said.
"Um…" Amelia approached us. "Pete'll be here in twenty minutes . . . I tried calling Damion. He's—his phone is off."
"I'm sorry."
She shook her head, looking down.
"You should go lie down until Pietro gets here." I touched her cheek.
"I just—I don't know what to do with myself." She shrugged.
"Go rest," I whispered, wanting to have her occupied.
"Are you guys sure?" Kylie asked. "Are you absolutely positive?"
"Kylie…I don't know when I'll be this…generous again. Go." Edward placed his hands on Kylie and Peto's backs, bringing them to the front door. "Get outta here, you crazy kids." He faked enthusiasm.
Once they were out the door, he slammed it closed only to groan. "What do we do?"
My eyes landed on the mess on the floor.
"Fuck it…I'll pick up where they left off." Edward started to clean up.
"I'm gonna set Amelia up in Dame's bed—"
"I'm okay," she told me.
I grinned, walking her down the hall. "You owe me nothing, but pretend. Okay?" I kept my tone hushed.
She gave me brief nod as we got to Dame's door.
"Whenever Pietro gets here, you go. I promise—I swear on my life, Amelia—I'll make this up to you." I hugged her tight. "He's just upset, but he doesn't have to know that you told me—"
"He already knows," she cried.
"No…I'll say—I'll lie—say Lauren told me." I nodded, blowing out a breath. "I've never seen my son come to life the way he has with you—these past few months. He loves you so much, and he's not stupid enough to let you go—regardless of if you told me, which was the right thing to do, or if…" I placed my hand on her stomach. "You guys'll be okay."
She nodded.
"Just go in…when Pietro comes, you go," I repeated myself. "You'll be all right. I bet Dame calls you when he cools off—he'll apologize." I had no idea if he would.
"Okay." She turned, going for the bed.
I turned, holding my E pendant necklace in my hand. Edward still wears his B, and I felt horrible going behind his back like this.
While I peeped Edward, on his knees, dumping spilled food into the trash, I quietly snuck back down to the garage. My minivan was in the carport, while Edward's Escalade blocked the driveway. I snatched his keys before I hit the garage door opener.
Knowing he'd hear that—the door lifting from the ground—I quickly and nervously fumbled to get into the car and start it.
Honestly, it'd been a few months since I'd driven anywhere, although I hadn't been in a car by myself in years. I usually ask my drivers to let me operate the vehicles every once in a while, just to keep myself up on driving in general.
Just as I backed out of the driveway, pulling into the street, I saw Edward run out.
With tears in my eyes, trying desperately to blink them away, I sped for blocks, barely stopping at signs, lucky to make most green lights. It wouldn't be long until Edward was on my tail, and that'd be okay—as long as I got to my destination before he did.
He'd try to stop me.
The tires screeched as I whipped into Lauren's apartment complex. Then I parked crookedly, not giving a fuck before I ran for her door.
"Open up!" I knocked furiously, glad that—besides Peto being at our house—his siblings chose to spend the holiday with their dad, Aro.
"Who is it?" she asked.
"It's me!" I shouted, kicking her door.
"Bella?" I heard her unlocking the door, but she left the chain on, peeking at me through three inches. "This isn't a good time, um—" She was hardly dressed, wearing a silk bathrobe.
I gritted my teeth, my claws coming out as I reached through that small amount of room for her face. Then I screamed when she closed the door on me. "Come out, bitch!" I managed to snatch my hand back, holding it to my chest, although I could hardly feel pain at this time. "You couldn't fuck my husband, so you raped my son?" I stood back a few steps.
"Bella—"
"Open the door!" I shouted. "OR EVERYONE HERE WILL KNOW THAT LAUREN MALLORY IS A PEDOPHILE!" My body stiffened, yelling that with every ounce of energy I had within me.
"What the fuck?" Lauren seemed shocked as she took the chain from the door. "Are you crazy?"
I leapt…
I fucking jumped for her, my hands going directly to her neck. We fell back and into her apartment, as I increased my hold on her skinny fucking neck. "You fucked him—my son!"
She coughed, scratching at my hands.
"How's it feel—how's feel to be helpless?" I felt her trachea or whatever it was below my touch, wanting to move my hands to grab it—take it out of her, kill her instantly, or slowly, whichever way it would work, while she choked on her own blood.
"Stop…" She croaked.
"Did he tell you to stop?" I cried. "Did he—did—was he crying, too?" Then I was being pulled away from her, but I wouldn't let go.
"Let go!" A man hollered, his grip tight on my shoulders.
"Fuck you!" When I moved away from Lauren, being pulled, she came with me—I wasn't releasing her ever. She'd be dead before I did.
"Lady—"
Then I was let go, heard that man grunt. In my periphery, I saw him fall to the ground.
"Bella…" Edward was in my face, and Lauren's face was blue—almost purple. "Baby…" he whispered softly, trailing his hands along my forearm. "Stop."
I shook my head, my tears falling onto that bitch's face. "You fucking nasty bitch!" I spit down at her.
"You don't want to do this," Edward said, and he was so wrong. I did want to do this, very much. "Bella…this isn't who you are."
My teeth were grinding together, and I was barely breathing myself.
"Bella…" He yanked my hands from her, and I fell back.
I collapsed into his arms—weak, too fucking weak, all my energy spent on trying to choke that ho. My body felt limp within his embrace.
Lauren was wheezing, her eyes bloodshot, as she held her neck.
"I've got you," Edward said, but my hand reached for his waist.
With stealth and agility suddenly on my side, I pointed his gun to Lauren's head.
Thank you for reading.
Please leave me your thoughts.
Yes, I realize that this is a cliffy. My apologies. I will update on Saturday, so it's not that long a wait.