Happy Turkey day! I wanted to give you all a little present for today! Have a wonderful day!
Chapter Thirty-Four
"So, Edward," Mrs. Cullen said, "You know who I ran into yesterday?"
"Who did you run into grandmother?" Edward asked.
"Tanya," Mrs. Cullen said. "She was looking so beautiful. I forgot how tall and physically fit she was. Such an attractive young woman. And smart too." A discreet, pointed look at me. "She owns a successful boutique in downtown New York. And she asked about you."
"Oh, well good for Tanya. I always knew she'd be really successful."
"She is," Mrs. Cullen gushed. "How long did you two date? Four years right?"
"Three and a half." Edward said.
"Those were very good times. Remember out vacation to Moscow? That was the sweetest proposal."
I paused in my bite and looked at Edward. "Proposal?"
Edward closed his eyes and exhaled. Esme was quick to notice Edward's obvious discomfort and the brewing shock inside of me.
"So, Bella how is school—,"
"You didn't know dear?" Mrs. Cullen said, addressing me.
"I didn't know what?" I asked, my nostrils flaring as I looked at Edward.
"Bella, I swear—," Edward started.
"Edward proposed to Tanya in Moscow," Mrs. Cullen said quickly. "He was head over heels in love with her. I really thought they'd go through with the wedding. Everything was planned."
"W-what?" I said to Edward. "You were engaged?" I felt my face turn bright red and tears well in my eyes.
"Bella, I was going to—" Edward started again but was cut off by his grandmother.
"He was almost married. They only backed out of the wedding three days prior to it."
"Renata!" Esme snapped.
"Excuse me." I said as I put my plate down. I paused and looked at Esme. "It was delicious Esme. Thank you so much for cooking."
Esme said as she stood. "Bella, how about I walk you out."
"No I'm fine. Have a great night." I said as I quickly turned on my heel and walked out.
Edward's footsteps were following behind me. I was walking so fast that he had to grab my arm to catch up to me. He spun me around but once he saw my face he let go.
"Bella please let me explain," He said. "I'm so sorry I didn't tell you."
"That's not an explanation." I said, the tears falling down my cheeks. "You were engaged? You said you never said you were engaged."
"I know I didn't Bella, and I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I know I fucked up—,"
"Yeah you fucked up!" I snapped. "Do you know how embarrassing that was for me? It was clear everybody fucking knew, and I didn't." More tears followed. "I know I'm really tough, but my feelings still get hurt just like everyone else. It doesn't give you the right to not tell me things like that. I was led to believe that you hardly ever dated."
"I only dated Tanya the last two years of high school and my first college year. I will tell you everything about our relationship. Let me drive you home, please."
"No. I'll catch my own fucking ride." I hissed before shoving my finger in his face. "You have until tomorrow morning."
"T-tomorrow morning?" He asked.
"Yes. To get your story straight and tell me every-fucking-thing!"
"My story is straight. I can tell you everything now if you'd just let me drive you home."
"I got it," Jasper said as he appeared around the hall. "Come on Bella. Let me take you home."
"Mind your business Jasper," Edward snapped.
"No Jasper you're fine," I said as I turned to him. "Thank you. I will take a ride from you."
"Tomorrow morning." I said to Edward. "You have until then. And I have work tomorrow so be at my apartment early."
Edward nodded and didn't follow. I didn't look back, I just followed Jasper to his car.
Jasper's Car
"I can't believe that asshole!" I snapped as I slammed the door shut. "I—ugh! I want to punch him!"
"You should." Jasper said. "I am one hundred percent on your side. That whole situation was beyond fucked up."
"Exactly!" I said.
"I think everyone agrees with you on this. They all lit Mrs. Cullen up for pulling that kind of shit and embarrassing you like that. You have every right to be pissed off."
I let out a hissing sigh from my clenched teeth. "I'm just angry that Edward never told me that. I mean, that's a huge detail to leave out. He told me he never really dated anyone, and nothing got so serious. I mean, asking someone to marry you is pretty serious to me."
"I didn't even know that about Edward. And I've dated Alice for years now. I'm actually shocked myself."
I shook my head. "I'm just so angry with him."
"I can't believe you're going to let him talk to you tomorrow morning."
"Yeah, well I want an explanation as to why he never told me he was engaged." I crossed my arms. "I can't even believe he never told me that. I mean, that's a crucial part of someone's life."
My phone started ringing. When I saw the caller I.D. I sighed heavily.
"Should I answer it?" I asked, showing Jasper the name.
"It's not her fault."
I sighed again and answered it. "Esme, now is not—,"
"Bella, there is someone who owes you a huge apology," Esme said.
"I don't really feel like talking to your mother-in-law."
"Bella please," Esme said. "She really, really owes you a huge apology. Please, just hear her out. You don't have to forgive her."
"Alright fine!" I nearly snapped. "Put her on."
"Thank you. You're on speaker."
"Hello?" Mrs. Cullen said.
"Yeah." I said in a sour tone.
"Yes, hello dear, I just wanted to apologize. I truly didn't think it was all that big of a deal. I didn't realize you'd take it as you did." She said in an almost sincere voice.
"Mm. Well, I don't forgive you." I said.
"Well I am sorry, even if you don't forgive me."
"Bella, it's Esme again," Esme said, moving the phone to her ear. "Hon, I am so sorry for this. I'm just so embarrassed that my son didn't tell you. And I'm sorry that you found out in such a bad way. There was no excuse for this."
"Thank you Esme, but you don't have anything to apologize for."
"I know, but I feel as though I do." She said. "Will you be alright?"
"Yeah, I'm going to be fine."
"Okay. I hope you have a great night. If you need anything, please reach out."
"Will do. Goodbye Esme."
I leaned back in the seat and sighed heavily. I looked out the window, watching the rain fall.
The Next Morning
I had a horrible night. I tried to sleep; I did everything to make myself fall asleep, but nothing worked. I was pissed I had to go into work today because I was absolutely exhausted.
After I stepped out of my shower, someone started knocking on my door. My heart skipped several beats as I knew who it was.
I slipped my robe on and answered the door. I was immediately met with a ashamed looking Edward and large bouquet of flowers.
"I told you; flowers do nothing for me." I said as I let him in.
"Don't worry, I brought breakfast. And coffee." He said. "I figured the flowers would soften you up and maybe the food would help you forgive me."
"Well, let me hear your explanation first." I said. "Set the food on the counter please."
He placed both the food and the flowers on the counter. I sat on the couch and tucked my legs up under me. He brought me a cup of coffee before sitting across from me. I took it and waited patiently.
"Bella, I am so sorry. I'm pissed at myself for not tell you any of this." He said, shaking his head. "Look, Tanya and I dated our junior and senior years of high school. My parents took us to Moscow as a graduation trip. I will admit, I was in love with Tanya. She was great, or I thought she was you know, all that. I proposed and—,"
"Edward, why are you telling me this?" I asked.
"What do you mean? You wanted an explanation."
"I didn't want an explanation of your relationship with Tanya. I want an explanation as to why you never told me you were engaged. I don't care that you had some deep, intimate relationship with someone else. I care that you never told me."
He blushed. "Sorry, it seems I completely misread your anger."
"Yeah, kinda." I said. "I don't care about your past relationships. I feel like I've made that pretty clear. All I care about is that you never told me you were in such a serious relationship. Explain that to me. Please."
"Alright, I wish I had a better explanation for you, but honestly, I just forgot."
I made a face. "You forgot?"
"Yes, I swear. I don't think about Tanya or any of that wedding crap. I haven't in years. Our breakup was really brutal. So I just put it to the back of my mind. I just blocked it out. I honestly didn't even really remember my engagement to Tanya until we joked about fighting yesterday. I swear, I made a mental note to tell you, but the hospital was not the right place to do it."
"And your grandmother bringing it up was so… well, it really hurt my feelings Edward. And it really embarrassed me." I let out a little sigh before continuing. "I know I am really tough, but things like that still hurt me."
"Yes, and you have every right to be hurt. Not telling you was such a dick move. My grandmother bringing it up in front of everyone was her just being a bitch, which was so wrong. And I blew up at her after you left. I freaked out on her. I don't think she'll say anything else to you."
"She called me last night and apologized. Well, actually, your mother called and made her apologize. I told her I didn't accept it."
He growled in annoyance and shook his head. "I told my mother not to do that."
"It's okay. I think your mom just felt badly for what happened. Even though she shouldn't."
"Trust me, she gave me a piece of her mind last night." He said before looking up at me. "The bottom line is, I'm sorry I didn't tell you about me being engaged sooner. It was wrong and I will work everyday for you to forgive me."
I reached over and grabbed his hand. "I forgive you. Trust me, I know what it feels like to forget things because of a fight."
He smiled. "I really like you, you know. I think you're so amazing."
I blushed. "Don't flatter me Cullen."
His smile widened. "Do you have a few minutes to spare?"
"Maybe. Why?" I asked as I leaned closer.
"Nothing I was just thinking… you and me could, you know." He said as he pulled me into my lap.
I giggled and leaned down to kiss him. His hands drifted to my rear, and he gave it a light squeeze. He pulled away.
"I'm so glad you've forgiven me. I honestly thought you were going to break up with me."
"Well, if we're being honest, I thought about it." I said, leaning back. "But I like you to much to do that."
"Look I am really sorry for not telling you. I know you've accepted my apology, but I do still feel like an asshole for not saying anything."
"You should." I giggled. "But it's okay. I forgive you."
He placed his hands on my cheeks and pulled me in for another deep kiss.
