Author's Note: I own nothing. I just like to play with the characters that were created by Stephenie Meyer. No copyright infringement is intended.
This story is kind of cathartic for me and it's based in real life. Rated M for future lemons.
Chapter 3: The Storm
As soon as I got home from the hospital, I took my Vicodin and crawled into bed. My toe was throbbing and my hand…don't get me started on that. I was out within minutes. I slept through the night and woke up to the most annoying sound, my alarm clock. I picked up my phone and looked at the time.
"Shit," I grumbled, throwing the phone back on the bed. "I'm so not ready for work."
I swung my legs out of the bed and wavered as I walked to my bathroom. I hadn't really eaten yesterday and taking the Vicodin on an empty stomach was not very good for my mind and my body. I rushed through my morning routine, washing my hair with one hand and getting ready for my day. I took a few advil and got some breakfast. As I stuffed my face with a pop tart and a cup of coffee, I threw my lesson plans and computer into my work bag.
I put my dishes into the sink and went into the bathroom to brush my teeth and finish getting dressed. I looked at my appearance and groaned. My eyes were glassy and I had dark circles under my eyes. My hair hung limply around my shoulders and my clothes were huge on my frame. I was so ready to call in sick today, but I didn't have any plans for a substitute. I swiped my work keys and car keys, from my bedside table and darted to my car. I made it to school and was assaulted with congratulations from my administration for a job well done on the musical. I was walking through the main office when my principal, Mrs. Cope, called me into her office.
"Morning," I said sitting down in the large wicker chairs in her homey office. "How are you?"
"I'm alright," Mrs. Cope said with a motherly smile. "I wanted to congratulate you for a wonderful job with the musical this year. My voicemail was filled with compliments for the work you did with the kids."
"Thanks, Mrs. Cope," I said, brushing a wayward hair from my face.
"Oh, Bella. What happened?" Mrs. Cope frowned.
"Oh this? I sprained my wrist. I had to make a stop at the emergency room yesterday. I thought I broke it. However, the doctor said it was just a sprain," I answered, wiggling my fingers in the black brace. "I'm fine."
"You are the clumsiest person, ever," Mrs. Cope giggled.
"Yes. Yes, I am," I snorted. "I have to make copies for my students, Mrs. Cope. I've been in musical oblivion for the past week and I am so far behind."
"Of course," she smiled. "Have a good day and I'll see you later."
I grinned and got up, walking to my classroom. I guffawed when I got to my door. It was decorated with a ton of drama decorations and cards from my cast. I really loved my kids. They were awesome and they could always manage to make me feel good. I unlocked the door and gathered the unattached décor from my door and put it on my desk. I placed my bag on the chair and I gathered my things to copy. I walked to the staff lounge and I ran into Alice. "Hey, Elf."
"Morning, Bella," Alice smiled. "I heard you went to the hospital yesterday. What did you do?"
"Isn't that some kind of HIPAA violation?" I teased.
"No. I guessed. Edward came home from his shift and he had a dreamy look in his eyes," Alice snickered. "I asked him why he was so enamored. He said that he had a patient, with chocolate brown eyes and a snarky attitude come and visit him. I then pressed him asking if he knew said person. His blush gave him away."
"Why would he blush about me? He's gorgeous. Doesn't he have a girlfriend or supermodel wife or something?" I snorted.
"Nope. He's single," Alice said, giving me a wink.
"Don't, Elf. Just don't. I'm not ready for any kind of relationship. He's a nice guy who had to deal with my clumsy ass yesterday. And my bitchiness the night before. I just can't," I said, pulling my brown hair into a ponytail. "He wouldn't want me anyway. No one does."
"Bella, you are gorgeous, too," Alice said, pulling me into a hug. "Mike was a fucking tool."
"You want to know why I had to go to the hospital yesterday? Mike called. He accused me of 'dating,'" I grumbled into her shoulder.
"Didn't he cheat on you with Jessica?" Alice asked.
"Yeah. That's the irony. Asshat. Anyhow, I was so pissed; I punched the countertop in my kitchen. I thought I broke my hand," I sniffled. "Your brother/cousin was my doctor."
Alice looked at me and a wry smile appeared over her elfin features. "He likes you. A lot."
"Well, he's not going to get me. No one is. I'm not putting myself out there to get hurt. I'm done," I said, moving away from my friend. I put my papers into the copy machine and I could feel Alice's glare in the back of my head. "Don't try anything, Elf."
"He needs a friend. You need a friend. Why not be friends? He gave you his cell phone number. He doesn't know the area. Invite him over for coffee," Alice suggested.
"No. That's final, Alice," I said. "I just can't."
"You are so stubborn, Bella. It's going to get you into trouble," she sighed. "I hope that you give him a chance. He's not like Mike. At all. He's a good man who was dealt a shitty hand. However, if you want to know his story, call him. He'll talk to you. You're not the only one who's gone through a divorce or who's been hurt."
I whirled around only to face the back of Alice's small form walking away. Was Edward married before? I didn't notice a ring or a tan line on his left hand. However, why should I care? Dr. McFuckme was so far out of my league.
I'll just get through the school year and move into the small condo I had purchased, and begin my cat collection. I didn't need a man. I am a strong, independent woman who is fully capable of surviving without the constant companionship of the lower sex. Maybe I'll switch teams. Become a lesbian. Yeah, that's the answer.
No, it isn't. Damn it.
xx AFS xx
Two Months Later:
I don't know how I managed to get through the rest of the school year, but I did. I moved out of the house and into a small, two bedroom condo. Alice and Jasper helped out, as did Emmett. Alice tried to get Edward to come, but I abjectly refused his help. I blew him off after he gave me his card. He probably didn't want anything to do with me. Not that I blamed him. I was a vile shrew to my friends and family. I'm surprised I still had friends.
I only had one more hurdle to jump and that was the actual divorce proceedings. Mike was having a snit fit over the house and how much I sold it for. We were having a meeting in front of a mediator to finalize those details before it would be complete. I was getting dressed for my court date and I piled into my beastly car. I drove to the courthouse and met up with my lawyer, Seth Clearwater. He was a good man. Young. Knew his shit. He got my divorce proceedings to be completed very quickly. He told me that the housing issue would not be a problem and I believed him. I believed him because he was so gay. He reminded me of Alice, only nearly six and half feet tall and huge.
Mike arrived with his lawyer and a pregnant Jessica. She looked to be about five months along. On her finger was a large diamond ring and I bit back vomit. He was so careful with me and he was adamant on waiting to have children. Now he shows up with his pregnant fiancée? Stupid, hateful bastard. That's why he's fighting me on the house situation. He wants more money. I sneered at him and we were led into a large conference room. Thankfully, Jessica stayed outside. If she had come in, I would have kicked her ass.
"Mr. Newton and Ms. Swan, we are meeting here today to discuss the terms of your divorce proceedings. Everything was decided upon except the housing situation," the mediator, Felix Peterman, said. "Ms. Swan, please explain to me what happened?"
"Mike admitted that he cheated on me and I kicked him out. I put the house on the market and did a short sale with the first buyer. I sold the house at a loss, but I couldn't afford living there. Not on my salary. I work as a teacher at Cherry Blossom Middle School. I don't make enough to pay for the house, the utilities and everything else."
"How much did you sell the house for?" Felix asked.
"$250,000. We bought it at $425,000," I explained.
"Mr. Newton, what is your issue with this?" Felix asked.
"That house was worth more than $250,000. Before I moved out, I had an appraiser look at it and he said it was equal to $375,000 with all the upgrades that I put into it. I realize that economy is bad, but we could have at least gotten what was appraised for."
"No, Mike. We couldn't. The real estate agent was not optimistic at selling it at anything over $300,000," I said rationally. "I took their advice and accepted the offer when it was made."
"My name is still on that mortgage," Mike sneered. "We owe the bank money."
"I've already made arrangements to pay down that debt with the bank. It's all laid out in the paperwork you were supposed to sign," I sighed. "Or are you too busy paying off your new fiancées engagement ring."
"Ms. Swan, please be civil," Felix warned. "Based off what I've read in the paperwork and what I've heard, the debt consolidation plan that Ms. Swan set up is an appropriate compromise. Since the sale of the house is final, we cannot address that. What we need to address is the payments of debt consolidation. After looking at your financial statements, these are the numbers that I propose for each party to pay each month until the debt is gone."
Felix pushed papers toward Mike and me. The payments that were for me was approximately $350 a month for the next five years. It was the equivalent of a car payment. I could swing that as I asked my family for a loan to pay off my car. Both my parents, who were divorced, gifted me the money to pay off the beast. I didn't have to contend with that issue anymore. Mike was growling and he flew out of his chair. His lawyer put a hand on his shoulder, whispering in his ear. Mike snarled and he nodded tersely. "I'll sign the damn paperwork. However, I'm doing it under duress."
Felix held out a pen and Mike snatched it from him. He scrawled his signature on the dotted line and I did the same. Mike narrowed his eyes and he turned on his heel, barging out of the conference room. Felix gave me a sympathetic look and I just shrugged. I gathered my things and walked out of the conference room. Seth gave me a hug and I handed him his check for my payment. I left the courthouse with a feeling of freedom and happiness. I was no longer tied to Mike. No longer his wife. His doormat. I was going to be on my own. I needed to celebrate. I pulled out my cell phone and called Alice.
"Hey bitch," Alice giggled.
"What's up, elf?" I snorted. "I'm single. The divorce went through, thank GOD! Mike finally came to his senses and signed the paperwork."
"Excellent! Want to go out for some celebratory drinks?" Alice asked.
"You read my mind," I smiled.
"No, I just saw the future. Pick me up and we'll go to this new martini bar called Bar Louie. See you in about an hour?" Alice suggested.
"I want to change. How about two?" I replied.
"Sure. Wear your new red dress," Alice snickered.
"Ugh, fine," I grumbled. I hung up with Alice and drove to my condo. I checked my mail and walked down the corridor to my new home. I unlocked the door and slipped inside. I dropped off my mail and practically skipped to my bedroom. I hastily checked my voicemail and saw that I had a message. Whoever it was, didn't say anything. They just hung up. I checked the caller ID and it was a local number, but I didn't recognize it. I shrugged it off as a wrong number and went to shower and change.
Since my separation and divorce from Mike, I really worked on changing my appearance and taking better care of myself. I'd lost about twenty pounds and got about seven inches chopped off my hair. I now had a swingy style that just dusted on my shoulders with a lot of layers. I also started using makeup. Alice took me shopping and got me all the necessities of beautifying my skin. It was a lot of creams and tubes, but I really noticed a difference. I carefully applied my makeup and styled my hair using the products that Alice instructed me to use. I slipped on my red dress and put on a pair of black heels. For the first time in a long time, I felt sexy. Desirable.
Not like I was going to get any play tonight, but a girl can dream.
I got into my car and drove to Alice's townhouse that she shared with Jasper. I sent her a text, telling her that I was at her place and instantaneously she danced down the steps. She got into my SUV and she gave me directions to Bar Louie. It was in downtown Sherryville, the town where we lived. After about twenty minutes, I pulled into the parking garage and we walked to the chic bar. We settled down in a high booth and a young woman came and took our orders. I got a chocolate martini. Alice got a Cosmo.
Our drinks were delivered and Alice proposed a toast. "To being newly single," Alice smiled.
"Being newly single," I said, clinking my glass with hers. I took a sip of the delicious drink and I enjoyed the burn that went down my throat. "Alice, I know that I haven't been the most pleasant person to be around, but I appreciate your friendship and everything that you've done for me."
"You're like my sister, Bella. I would do anything for you," she smiled. "So, now that you're single, what are you going to do?"
"Focus on me. I need to be comfortable in my own skin before I can open my heart to another person," I said quietly.
"What have you done to do to begin that process, Bells?" Alice asked.
"I've starting taking care of myself. Hence the Alice Cullen makeover. I'm working with a therapist to boost my self-esteem. I'm also being a tad selfish. Bella needs to come first. Not anyone else. At least not now," I smiled.
"Good for you, girl," Alice said, draining her drink. She flagged down our server and ordered another round. We drank several drinks before heading out to the dance floor. Alice and I had a good time, but I was feeling my alcohol. I was definitely buzzed and I knew I shouldn't drive. "Alice, I'm done. I'm too drunk."
"Let me call Jasper. See if we can get him to pick us up," she said. We walked back to our table and Alice ordered another round of drinks. If we were getting chauffeured around, we might as well feel NO PAIN. I paid our server and sat down, clumsily into the booth. "Shit."
"What, Ali?" I asked, giggling uncontrollably.
"Jasper is drunk too," she whined. "Who can we call to pick up our drunken asses?"
I shrugged and downed my appletini. "We could call a cab."
"Nah. What's the point of having family close by when you're drunk? I know! Edward," she shrieked. She quickly dialed his number and I was too wasted to protest. "Eddie! My favorite brother! I'm lit and can't drive. Can you pick me and a friend up? Really? I love you, baby brother! Cousin! Whatever! See you in a few."
"You just called Edward," I grumbled.
"Yep. He'll be here in fifteen minutes," Alice said. "He just got off from a shift from the hospital."
I gaped at my elfin friend and collapsed on my arms, groaning. I didn't want to see him. Especially now. I'm drunk and I have absolutely no filter. I don't trust myself around Dr. McFuckme. Alice downed her drink and she ordered another round. If I'm going down, I'm going down with a flourish. I chugged my drink and quickly downed the other drink placed in front of me.
"Slow down, Bells," Alice laughed. "You are going to be so hung over."
"Too late. I'm already there," I said, giving her a slow, drunken grin. "I'll need to be drunk in order to handle Dr. McFuckme."
"Dr. McFuckme? Oh, he'll love that," Alice giggled.
"Damn it," I said. "I'm going to pee. Don't leave without me."
"I promise, I won't. Neither will Dr. McFuckme," Alice snorted.
I got up and stumbled to the bathroom. I quickly took care of business and washed my hands. As I walked back, I stumbled into the arms of a large, smelly man. "Excuse me," I mumbled.
"No problem, sugar," he sneered, getting dangerously close to me. His brown eyes were dark and I could smell his foul breath. It was making my stomach turn. "You are quite the hottie. Are you free for the rest of the evening?"
"No, I'm not. I'm heading home, actually," I said, trying to squirm away.
"You can come home with me," he purred, snaking his hands down my body, resting on my ass.
"Please, stop," I said, pushing away from him.
"Hey baby," I heard in a velvety smooth voice. "I've been looking all over for you."
I looked over my 'friend's' shoulder and saw Edward. He was in a pair of jeans and black t-shirt, with his glasses on his face. His voice was calm, but his eyes were filled with pure ire. "Edward," I breathed. My 'friend' released me and I scampered away from him. Edward held open his arms and I ran into them. I buried my nose into his chest and melted into the safety of his arms. "I missed you, sweetie."
"Is this guy bothering you, love?" Edward asked, cupping my chin and bringing my face to look into his green eyes.
"Not anymore," I said. My 'friend' harrumphed and breezed past us, pushing against Edward's shoulder with impressive force. He stumbled and I felt a low growl in his belly. As soon as he turned the corner, I extricated myself from Edward's arms and relaxed. "Thanks. That would have been ugly."
"Are you okay, Bella?" Edward asked, his eyes filled with concern.
"Fine. My buzz has effectively been killed. But I'm fine. If you hadn't come, I would have put a stiletto in his ass," I said. "I appreciate your help."
"No problem. Alice was worried when you weren't back when I got to the bar," Edward said. "Ready to go?"
"Yeah. I'm exhausted and I have a date with the porcelain god," I joked lamely.
"Drink some water and some Gatorade when you get home. Come on, I'm your taxi service for this evening. We can pick up your car tomorrow," Edward said, leading me out of the hallway from the bathroom.
"Edward, you don't have to do that. I'll make Alice take me," I said.
"I insist," Edward said, arching a brow over his glasses. I grumbled and nodded. Edward gave me a crooked smirk and led me back to the main area of the bar. I picked up my purse and Alice linked her arm with Edward's. She was singing the newest Lady Gaga song that was being pumped through the bar as she walked to the exit. "Has she been like this all night?"
"We both have been. It's a celebration of sorts," I said.
"What were you celebrating?" Edward asked.
"Bella's divorce. It was finalized today," Alice said as we walked toward Edward's car. "She's free from the asshat."
"Congratulations," Edward said with a tight smile.
"Thanks," I said, frowning slightly. Edward took out his car keys and a silver Volvo beeped in the front of the parking garage. He helped Alice into the front seat while I got in the back. "Are you taking me or Alice home first?"
"Alice. She's barely coherent and I am assuming you know where she lives. I'm still learning the area," Edward said with a sardonic grin.
"Sure, no big deal. When you exit the parking garage, turn right," I said from the back seat. Edward nodded and started the car. I pulled out my phone and called the local police department to inform them that my car was staying in the parking garage. I directed Edward to Alice and Jasper's townhouse. Alice had conked out in the front seat and was snoring quite loudly.
"Wow, that's impressive," Edward snorted. "Who knows that someone so small can make such a loud noise."
"You should hear her go at it in front of her choirs. She's a force to be reckoned with," I giggled.
"That she is. Can you grab her purse and get the keys? I'm going to carry Snorey McSnorensen," he laughed. I picked up Alice's purse and got out her keys. Edward got out of the car and picked up his snoring sister easily. We walked up the stairs and I unlocked the door to Alice's door. Edward carried her to her room and deposited her into her king-sized bed. I wrote Alice a quick note saying what happened and I left it on her bedside table after I peeled her out of her dress. I helped her into a pair of pajamas and met Edward down in the family room. "Is she safely tucked into her bed chamber?"
"Yes. She's ensconced in dreamland, drooling on Jasper's pillow," I snickered. "I need to do the same. Minus the drooling part on Jasper's pillow."
"Your chariot awaits," Edward said as he opened up Alice's front door.
I smiled and walked past Edward to his sleek silver Volvo. "It's a very nice chariot, by the way." Edward opened the passenger door and I slipped into the car.
"Thank you," he smiled. "She's my baby. So, where's home?"
"Clover Creekside Condominiums," I answered.
"We'll be there in a matter of moments," Edward smiled. "Which way?"
"Go east on Park Street," I said as I buckled my seatbelt. "Then you need to turn right onto Main Street. Take that until Vine Avenue and then turn left. The condo complex will be on the right hand side."
"Got it," Edward smirked. "I don't want to be presumptuous, Bella, but you look fantastic."
"Um, thanks," I blushed. "Getting divorced puts a new spin on things."
"What happened?" Edward asked shyly. "You don't have to tell me, but you were so bitter when I saw you last."
"My ex-husband cheated on me with a co-worker. He was a major prick," I answered, looking at my fingers. "I felt so lost and I hated myself for being with him. I am still hating myself for being with him and letting it carry on as long as it did. I am berating myself for not noticing the fact that he fucking cheated on me. Sorry."
"Don't apologize, Bella. Obviously there is a great deal of resentment toward your ex-husband. I'm sorry he hurt you," Edward said sincerely. "Your divorce was finalized today?"
"Yep. I'm no longer Mrs. Michael Newton. I'm back to being plain, simple Bella Swan," I said looking out the window.
"You are far from plain, Bella," Edward admonished.
"It's all the makeup and highlights that your sister imparted on my head," I said, running my hand through my short hair. "What about you? Why did you move here from Seattle?"
"It's a long story. Not one I'll bore you with tonight," Edward sighed. "You'll need more alcohol to hear that."
"Sorry?" I squeaked.
"Don't be. I'm not," Edward said, glancing my direction. "Moving closer to my family has been the single best decision I've made in my life. I missed my aunt and uncle. Not to mention the craziness that is Alice. I love my job and I'm meeting a lot of new people."
"That's good," I said, giving him a friendly pat on the arm. Again, the sparks flew through my fingers when I touched his skin. I pulled my hand back and began digging through my purse for my keys.
Edward pulled into my condo complex and he asked what building I was in. I directed him to my building and he parked the car. "Look, I know you are going through a rough time, Bella. However, I really want to get to know you. Would you be willing to go to lunch with me before we get your car tomorrow? So we can talk, as friends?"
I looked at the handsome man sitting across from me. His face was twisted in an adorable look of hope and uncertainty. Friends. I can do friends. "Yeah. I'd like that. What time will you pick me up?"
"I have a shift at three. So, how about noon?" he suggested, grinning sweetly.
"Sure," I said.
"Can I call you?" Edward asked, his face filled with the same emotions as before. I nodded and he asked for my phone. He programmed his number into it and called his cell from mine. "I'll see you tomorrow, Bella."
"See you tomorrow, Edward. Thanks for saving me from that thing in the hallway and for driving."
"Not a problem. I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable," Edward said, worry marring his features.
"Definitely not. He was the one who was making me uncomfortable," I chortled. "Thank you."
"You're quite welcome," he smiled. He reached his hand up, but frowned and put it back on the steering wheel. "Sleep well, Bella."
"You too. Drive safe. Text me when you get back home," I said.
"I will. Let me get the door for you," Edward said gallantly. He darted around his car and opened the passenger door, Offering me his hand to assist me out of it. He kept his hand in mine and gently caressed the top of my hand with his thumb. "Good night."
"Night," I said and I turned to walk into my condo. I gave him a tentative wave and unlocked the door. I quickly snuck behind it and pressed against it. I ran my hands through my hair and tried to calm my nerves.
We're going as friends. Friends! We can be friends.
But he's so pretty. Too pretty to be my friend. Why would he want to be my friend?
I'm so royally screwed.
A/N: Yeah. Edward picked up Alice and Bella from the bar. Saved Bella from stinky man and they're going for coffee. Leave me love, please :)