Happy New Year! Thank you for your thoughts and comments for the previous chapter. I'm sure you are anxious to read the 20th chapter of Riptide! I am expecting to finish in 4-5 chapters. Thanks for going on this journey with me so far!
Chapter 20
"Wha...what…" I stuttered at the scene before me.
"What the fuck? Shit!" Paul mumbled as he pulled the sheets from the bed over him and the naked girl who appeared just as surprised.
My eyes welled with tears and I dropped the grocery bag I was holding, resounding in a loud clatter as glass shattered. I ran from his apartment, not stopping until I collapsed on my favorite bench in the park four blocks from his apartment. Thoughts whirled through my head, around and around, until I grew dizzy. I put my head between my legs in an attempt to ground myself.
I sat on the bench, crouched over as the hot Phoenix sunset, unseeing and unfeeling. The bench creaked beside me and pulled me from my trance.
"Bella, sweetheart, it's not what you think," Paul murmured softly, grabbing my face to look at him.
"So I didn't catch you screwing some girl?!" I snapped, startling both of us.
"Baby, just listen," I violently pulled my face out of his hands.
"No," I shouted.
"Bella, you fucking listen to me," his strong hand gripped my chin. "You gave me no fucking choice. You never put out, you fucking bitch. What the hell am I supposed to do? Just jack off for the rest of my life? I need someone who will satisfy all of my needs." He pulled my face towards him, forcing his lips onto mine. I tried to escape his grasp, but he held on and pulled my arm.
"Let go of me, Paul!" I cried out.
"Let's go home and fix this. Just let me make love to you baby, it will be alright. We can start fresh."
"Stop it!" I shouted. "Leave me alone!" Some joggers passed by looking at us curiously and Paul immediately let go.
"Bella, be fucking reasonable…you're making a fucking scene," He hissed.
"I caught you screwing some girl, and you think I'm being unreasonable? We're over, Paul. For good this time." I stood up to walk away, but yet again he captured my arm and pulled me into him. He buried his face in my neck, firmly placing kisses over my neck.
"Let me go, Paul!" I struggled against him uselessly.
"You will always belong to me." He growled, breath rushing over my neck leaving behind unpleasant goosebumps. His words infuriated me. I swung my knee into his groin as hard as I could muster and took off running.
"You fucking bitch!" he moaned. "Nobody will want you the way I wanted you!" He shouted after me. I ran all the way back to my dorm, locking the door behind me. I collapsed on my bed, sobbing.
After a while, I was able to stop the tears. Pulling out my phone, I called my mom.
"Hi, Bella, you haven't called me in—"
"Mom," I said, voice tiny, "you were right."
She chuckled. "I usually am, Bella, but what am I right about this time?"
"I broke up with Paul, for good." I sniffled.
"Oh honey," she said tenderly, "You see, I knew he wasn't right for you. I'm sorry you didn't realize it sooner and could have avoided this whole mess."
"I know, Mom." I blew my nose.
"Come visit home and I'll have Phil pick up some pizza and ice cream. Mint chocolate chip, your favorite."
"I have a lot of homework, Mom. Maybe this weekend."
"Bella, I know you're busy but don't forget you need to spend time with your family. Charlie called to speak with you on your birthday but I reminded him you don't live here anymore during the school year. Of course, he didn't remember, it's just like him. He can't keep up with his own daughter." She sneered.
"This weekend, Mom. I'll come to visit." It always made me uncomfortable when she spoke about Dad.
"Bella, you better not break this promise. I miss you."
"Miss you too, Mom. Just remember I'm not far away."
"I love you, Bella, call me soon."
"Love you too," I mumbled and hung up.
Alice and I sat at the glass dining table I have in the backyard, sitting across from each other. I could tell she was a little nervous because she subtly tugged at the hem of her little black cotton sundress.
"Alice, I—"
"I just want—" We said at the same time, smiling timidly.
"Bella, I wanted to say I'm sorry for the secrets my brother has been hiding and-"
"First of all Alice, don't apologize for him. We already spoke, as you probably already know, and we discussed what happened. I understand the position you were in was not ideal, and I admire you for your loyalty to your family. But, please don't defend him or say anything on his behalf. He and I need to work things out ourselves."
Alice wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry, Bella! I truly am. There are many things I could have done differently. I wish he had been more open about Tanya. You know he doesn't like to ask for help, he's so damn independent and stubborn, he thought he could handle her but Tanya is unlike anyone I've ever met. She's conniving and frankly a bit crazy."
"I accept your apology, Alice. I want to apologize too. I should have given you a chance to speak. It was childish of me to run from you. I...I was so hurt...and I feel like my hurt blinded me. I was so angry and felt used. I thought the worst of you, and I shouldn't have doubted our friendship. I overreacted when I saw you, and honestly, I'm a little embarrassed by my behavior."
She reached her hand out across the table and took mine. "Bella, you were so hurt, I could see it. I understand you were coming from a place of hurt. I accept your apology. I started thinking about if it were Jasper and me in your position. Jasper...he's my whole world...I couldn't bear it if…" She stopped suddenly, not being able to finish her sentence.
"I know. Edward means so much to me as well. You and Edward have a relationship and bond I will not understand because you two are siblings. I remember what having a brother was like, especially an older brother, just like Emmett. You want to defend their stupid decisions, even when you know they're wrong."
Alice nodded and smiled, a couple of tears escaping her eyes. "It sure was a dumb decision."
We stood up from our chairs and gave each other a hug. It wasn't a half awkward side hug, but a real, meaningful hug, holding forgiveness and the ability to move on.
Alice and I caught up with each other, and she shared my excitement in how well my relationship with Maggie was heading. She said she wanted a signed copy of the article, which made me laugh.
The next day, I went into the studio feeling lighter than I had been. While I was still feeling hurt, because Edward and I had talked it out, the hurt was much more manageable. This left our relationship up in the air. We didn't define our relationship again, and I definitely needed more time and space, it didn't feel right to jump back into where we were. Things had changed greatly, and I still didn't completely trust him.
Edward knew this and told me he wasn't going anywhere, especially while he's building my trust again. We hadn't spoken too often but also not too less. He went out of his way to surprise me. This morning I found a beautiful arrangement of flowers on my porch. The note read "Love is patient, love is kind. Have a good day, beautiful. All my love, Edward" I had quickly put them inside to escape the growing heat. I added some water to the mason jar in which the flowers were arranged in and sent Edward a quick text to thank him. His gesture sent butterflies fluttering through my stomach.
While filing some documents at the desk, a UPS truck pulled up. The delivery man brought two cardboard boxes inside. They were too small to be more paints yet too large to be office supplies. Excitement hit me as I realized the return address was from Orlando. It had to be copies of the Orlando Sentinel! As soon as I signed for the packages and the UPS driver was back into his brown truck off to deliver more happiness, I sliced through the tape carefully and quickly unfolded the box.
The Orlando Sentinel beamed up at me, in its fancy script. I picked up one of the neatly folded newspapers and the Entertainment section slipped out. This was a special edition of the entertainment section, as they were focusing on local artists, musicians, actors, and film stars in more of a magazine style.
I flipped through the pages and found the section of local artists and artisans. I located the section featuring my work by the photographs of some of the pieces I had submitted, as well as a photograph of myself.
Isabella Swan, Clear Lake, FL.
Isabella Swan, a young twenty-something painter focuses on seascapes, sealife, and local coastal nature. Receiving her undergrad in art with a focus on acrylic painting from The University of Phoenix, Isabella recently moved to the small coastal town of Clear Lake and established herself as a gallery owner and artist. Her ability to recreate realistic seascapes and coastal landscapes competes with the well-known artists before her time. Ever talented, Isabella not only succeeds in realism but also beautifully portrays the scenery of the coast in impressionistic and mixed media means. Her new series, unlike her previous work, includes litter she hand collected from the Clear Lake beaches and recycled the discarded items into her art. Her gallery and studio, Swan Studio and Gallery, located in the heart of the historic main street of Clear Lake, not only showcases her work but often the artwork of her community.
Isabella hosts an annual art show featuring artists of all ages each summer to bring awareness to the importance of art in the community. With each piece from this show sold, a portion of the proceeds directly funds college scholarships for aspiring artists. Isabella graciously gives two to three scholarships every year to high school seniors.
Clear Lake is only forty-five minutes from Orlando, and you absolutely must make the short trip to enthrall yourself into Isabella's serene seascapes, the quiet life of Clear Lake, and the beautiful beaches. Swan Studio and Gallery is opened year round and often you will find Isabella in the studio. Such a delightful, humble young woman, Isabella passionately will speak of her work and inspirations. Swan Studio and Gallery receives Maggie Walsh's Official Stamp of Approval of Orlando's Must-See Attractions.
Isabella Swan and Swan Studio and Gallery receive the highly regarded distinction, Best Newcomer in the 32nd Orlando Artist's Festival. Read more on page 4 of this special edition for more information. Other nominees and winners will be acknowledged on their page as well.
My jaw dropped. I was in utter shock. Reading Maggie's praise had sent my heart soaring, especially because of her reputation. I was actually getting recognition, and it felt amazing. I reread the last paragraph to grasp the news.
I had won an award?! Excitement flooded every pore of my body. Maggie hadn't told me. I grabbed my phone from the desk and called Maggie.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Maggie, it's Bella Swan," I attempted to control my excitement.
"Bella, good to hear from you. I'm assuming the papers made it to Clear Lake?"
"Yes, I just finished reading my section, I wanted to call and thank you again. Thank you for your lovely words. Also, you never mentioned I was even in the running for Best Newcomer for the OAF, let alone won!"
She laughed, "I wanted it to be a surprise. I nominated you a few weeks ago and after reading the spread some of the judges went down to Clear Lake to check out your studio. You truly deserve it! I'm so happy for you!"
"Wow," I said, joyful tears springing to my eyes, "I'm elated...there aren't words to accurately describe how I'm feeling. It's such an honor."
"You will have to make it to Orlando in November for the ceremony and festival. As a winner of one of the bigger categories, you will have space in the main gallery space for 3-5 pieces, depending on the size. The information should be sent out in a few weeks and the winners are announced formally."
"This feels surreal. Last year I attended my first festival and it's amazing this year I am able to participate."
"Big things are happening for you, Bella. Congratulations."
"I couldn't have accomplished anything without your support, Maggie. I truly appreciate your support."
"Oh—it's nothing, Bella. I see a little of myself in you, especially when I was your age. Also, a lot of artists I've worked with are...difficult to work with. You make my job more fun."
"Thank you, Maggie. I...I can't contain my excitement! Thank you for sending me the copies."
"It wasn't a problem, Bella. It was nice talking with you."
"Same as well, thank you again!"
We hung up and I fell into the desk chair. I still couldn't believe a picture of me and my work was featured in the Orlando Sentinel. I shook my head and smiled.
Springing from my seat, I grabbed some copies and spread them out on the countertop. Picking up some more copies, and smiling so wide my cheeks began to ache, I headed to Coral Coffee to lay out a few issues.
As I opened the door and the ever-cheerful bell rang, I almost bumped into Esme, who held an iced drink in her hand and a leather satchel in the other.
"Oh—I'm sorry, Esme," I smiled timidly. I hadn't spoken to her since before the incident. Esme's caramel hair was perfectly curled and pinned back out of her face. She wore a lavender sleeveless dress, and the color looked absolutely beautiful on her. Esme was truly a beautiful woman.
"Bella, it's nice to run into you," she laughed warmly.
"Are you on your way out?"
"I was, but I'd love to catch up with you if you have the time."
"Oh," I said, looking down at the papers tucked under my arm, "I do have some time. I actually came here to drop these off, but your coffee looks so good, I think I might order one."
"What do you have there?" She nodded towards the papers and slipping the handle of the satchel through her wrist.
"Maggie Walsh, a critic from the Orlando Sentinel featured me in her section on local artists. She sent over some copies for the town."
"Oh, yes, I remember Edward boasting about your good news," she winked. "How about you order and I'll grab a table. I'd love to read the article and take a copy myself."
"Sure, thanks." I handed her an issue and placed the rest on the newspaper stand by the door. "I'll meet you at the table then," I added. She made her way towards the table while I ordered my caramel iced coffee.
I was a little nervous to speak with her. She is Edward's mother, and with my present rocky relationship with him, I didn't know how to interact with her. I'm sure she knew what happened...I had heard her outside the door that night. I finished stirring the two Splendas into my coffee, partly to prolong joining Esme at the table. Finally, I mustered up the encouragement to sit with her.
"Bella, this article...I'm speechless," Esme said as I lowered myself into the chair across from her.
"I was pretty shocked as well, it's surreal."
"You've won an award, seemingly a highly regarded one at that."
"I'm still reeling," I let out a breath.
"Irina would be so proud," She said, catching my eye. Her eyes shone in the sunlight filtering through the window we sat next to.
"Thanks," I whispered, looking at my lap.
"I am proud of you." She surprised me by gently lifting my chin. "Bella, I want to remind you I am always here for you, no matter your relationship with my son." I fidgeted a little in my seat. "I know your own mother lives far away and you rarely spend time with her, so I can act as a mother to you when you need one."
I fought back tears. "Thank you, Esme," I replied, my voice soft. Her hand patted my cheek and returned to her side. She smiled, eyes crinkling.
"I know you are feeling hurt right now and that my son was the cause. Relationships are not easy, they take time to develop and grow. Mistakes will be made, words will be thrown but through adversity, love will persist. I know Edward loves you dearly and he will work hard in order to gain your trust again. Just know he—and the entire family cherishes you deeply."
Her words and her ease made me relax the muscles I didn't know I had been tensing. I couldn't find the words to respond so I simply nodded.
"Thank you for chatting with me, I have to get back home now to finish some work for a client. Do you mind if I keep this copy of your article?"
"Of course," I managed to say.
"Please let me know if I can do anything for you. Also, the family must celebrate your great news! I'll host everyone for dinner, let me know your availability."
"Thank you, Esme. For everything." She patted my hand as she stood up.
"I'll see you soon, Bella," She waved as she made her way to the door.
I watched her leave, her lavender dress flowed around her. I stood to return to the studio. The short walk gave me too much time alone with my thoughts. The space between Edward and I was hard, but I knew it was necessary. It felt odd to spend days without seeing him. I missed him. I missed our companionship.
A pang of realization hit. I hadn't told him the papers had come in! I sent him a quick text.
Bella Swan: Call me when you can, I have some news
I immediately regretted how I worded it.
Bella Swan: Nothing bad, don't panic
I quickly added. Edward had a tendency to escalate urgency, especially when it came to my safety. Honestly, a quality of his I like. It shows how much he cares about me.
Finally, back in the gallery and out of the humid heat, I received a response.
Edward Cullen: You know me too well. I'll call you after I meet with a patient that just came in. The anticipation is going to kill me.
I headed to the studio to find some envelopes to mail some copies of the Orlando Sentinel. After my organization spree, I was able to quickly locate the large manilla envelopes. I was planning on sending a copy to my mom when I paused.
Should I send a copy to Dad?
After hesitating, I grabbed a second envelope. I addressed both envelopes and slapped a stamp on them.
"Bella, will you please come here?" My dad called softly from the living room. I was in the kitchen coloring in a coloring book. I heard hushed arguments as I slipped out of the kitchen chair and walked to the living room. My parents were both sitting on the couch, but with plenty of space between them.
"Come sit," Daddy said, patting the space between Mom and him. I obeyed and climbed onto the couch.
"Isabella, your mother and I need to discuss something with you. Ren—Your Mom and I are getting a divorce." Daddy had pulled my hands into his lap and looked at me with watery eyes.
"A divorce?" I asked.
"Yes, honey. Mom and I will no longer be married and will not live in the same house anymore."
"But where will I live if both of you won't live here?"
"You are going to live with me, Bella," Mom said quickly with a tinge of anger in her voice.
"We are going to discuss this later, Renee. Don't put Bella in the middle of this."
"She's already in the middle of this, Charlie," she said fiercely.
"I don't understand," I said, voice small.
"Your mom and I love you very much, and even if you aren't living with us under the same roof, we will always, always love you."
"But what about—Riley would want us to be together!" I challenged and my parents both winced.
"Bella, don't you dare bring him into this," Mom hissed.
"It's true, Mom!"
"Stop this right now, Isabella!" she grabbed my arm.
"Renee! Stop!" Dad said, placing his arm over Mom's iron grip on my arm.
"Let go of me!" I yanked my arm free and I ran away, up the stairs and into my bedroom leaving my arguing parents behind and locking the door behind me. Why was everything changing?
With one last look, I dropped the two envelopes addressed to my parents in the mailbox at the post office. My phone started buzzing from my pocket, pulling me from my thoughts.
"Hello?"
"Hi Bella, you asked me to call you?" Edward asked.
"Yes, I wanted to tell you I received some copies of The Orlando Sentinel which features Maggie's article about me!"
"That's great news! What did she say about you?"
"She wrote how impressed she is with me—all amazing things!"
"I'm so happy for you, love. I'm so proud." He sounded so sincere.
"In the article, I found out I have won an award." I could hardly contain my smile.
"Wow, Bella, that's amazing! What is the award for?"
"Best Newcomer of the Orlando Artist's Festival!"
"Wow, fantastic news. I didn't know you were in the running."
"Neither did I," I shrugged to myself, "Maggie nominated me without my knowledge," I laughed. "It was such a surprise, and I'm still in shock."
"We have to celebrate," He added. "This is such a big accomplishment."
"Thanks, that sounds nice," I smiled.
"I've got to go now, I have another patient coming in."
"Oh, okay."
"I lo—I can't wait to see you, Bella."
"Me neither," I replied gently.
"I'll talk to you soon, so we can make plans to celebrate."
"Alright, talk to you soon." We hung up and I continued my walk from the post office to the gallery. Glancing at my watch, I realized I only had an hour or so before I was meeting Angela to help her with some of the wedding details I had promised earlier.
Back inside the air conditioning, I wiped my forehead of the gathered perspiration. Looking down at the wood floors, I noticed I hadn't mopped in a while, and remnants of muddy footprints stood out from the frequent random rain showers Florida is known for.
While cleaning, I found myself thinking about Edward. Our relationship now seemed a little awkward, similar to when we first met. I had grown used to having him around constantly and without him, I now felt lonely. The newly discovered feeling of wanting to be taken care of gaped and ached to be filled once more. He would take care of me without stifling me.
Before meeting Edward, I had been content being by myself mostly. My daily schedule didn't vary much. Wake up, get dressed, go to the studio, go home. Of course, I would see Angela from time to time and some of my other friends, but I've never been so outgoing. Probably a trait earned by having an overbearing mother…
Before Edward, my future seemed so uncertain, I had no idea what it would look like. Would my gallery survive? Would I have to get a second job to make ends meet? Thankfully some of my living costs are more affordable since I had gone through the process to own Aunt Irina's house, so I didn't have to pay rent or a mortgage. But I did have the costs of running and owning a business.
Since meeting Edward, my future now hold his presence. Any long term and short term plans involved him. Our relationship seemed to be heading into more serious terms. We hadn't spoken of the future too often, but I know in his mind marriage is the next step. Marriage confused me. From my parents' failed marriage and messy, messy divorce, I witnessed first hand the effects of a rocky marriage. If I were to be married, I would want to be married to the same person forever.
Did I see myself marrying Edward? Honestly…yes. I could give myself fully to him. My love for him overpowered my senses, and filled in holes I didn't know were missing. I feel he is it for me.
I was snapped out of my thoughts as I dropped the mop and the handle crashed to the floor. Shaking my head, I picked it up and took the bucket to pour outside.
After putting away my cleaning supplies, I locked up the gallery and hopped onto my bike to head to Angela's house. I pedaled away and navigated to Angela's house, which soon would be Ben's as well. Outside, I saw a couple of cars parked. Must be Lauren and Jessica. I laid my bike against the garage door and stepped up to the porch to the front door. I knocked on the door, slightly dreading having to spend time with Lauren.
Angela answered quickly, opening the door with a huge grin.
"Thank goodness you're here, Bella! I need your artist's opinion!"
"Hi Ange," I smiled as she pulled me into a hug.
"Lauren wants to wear red shoes with the bridesmaids' dresses. I told her I don't think they will go with the dresses. I need you to settle the debate."
She led me into the living room where Lauren and Jessica sat on the couches, tying tulle around miniature bottles of bubbles.
"Hey Bella," they both chimed.
"Hey girls," I smiled.
"Please tell Lauren red heels will not look nice with the lavender dresses!" Angela said.
"Whatever, Angela, I bought some new red stilettos and I'm dying to wear them! Nobody is going to really notice anyway. Your color scheme needs some pops of color." She rolled her eyes.
"I don't think the red will look nice with the lavender dresses either, Lauren. Our shoes will be able to be seen because we had our dresses hemmed, remember?"
She shrugged.
"I think nude shoes will look the best," Angela said.
"I agree," I added. "Jessica?"
"Sorry, Lauren, but I don't even have any red heels and I don't want to buy new ones for the wedding. I have to side with Angela and Bella."
"Ugh!" Lauren moaned.
"Wear your red stilettos to the bachelorette party, Lauren."
Lauren perked up. "That's actually a good idea, Bella…"
I sat on the couch adjacent to them. "What can I do to help?"
"Here, use your fancy handwriting to write out the table numbers on these chalkboards." Angela passed me a chalk marker and some little chalkboards.
"So," Lauren started, "who are you bringing as your date, Bella?"
"Oh, umm, his name is Edward. Edward Cullen."
"Hm, I don't know who he is." She eyed me curiously.
"Yes, you do, Lauren," Angela chimed in, "he's that hot guy from the bar you were looking to seduce. The one who helped Bella after she…"
"What the fuck? How do you know him!? And you didn't introduce me?" She questioned accusingly.
"Well, I mean, our first encounter wasn't a really positive one, but I later met him at Coral Coffee."
"What's he like?" Jessica gushed.
"He's…the best man I've ever met," I said simply.
"So are you two, like, a thing?" Lauren asked, eyes filled with fire.
"They've been dating pretty much since they met, Lauren," Angela said nonchalantly.
"What the fuck!?" she roared, "How did I not know this? I've been trying to look for him since I saw him. I totally called dibs on him, I saw him first!"
My jealousy stirred inside me.
"You can't really call dibs on a guy you don't even know, or on a person in general," I shrugged.
"But he's so fucking sexy…how did you—"
"Watch your words, Lauren," Angela said firmly, stopping her task and giving Lauren a warning look.
"Wow, you're so lucky, Bella," Jessica added.
"I cannot begin to tell you how lucky I am I found him, Jess."
"It just doesn't make sense," Lauren pouted.
"I know, Lauren, it doesn't make sense to me what I did to deserve him."
"They're so cute together!" Angela grinned.
"Are you two bringing anybody?" I asked, looking back down at my work, feeling proud I had won that little argument.
"I asked Mike to go with me," Jessica smiled. "He said yes! He and I have been getting to know each other…pretty well, I would say."
"Jess!" Angela laughed.
"Tyler is coming with me," Lauren mumbled.
"You guys are together again?" I asked.
"More like friends with benefits." She smirked.
"Oh my gosh, Lauren!" We all reacted.
We fell into an easier conversation, just catching up and such. While I still felt jealousy rolling off of Lauren, she hadn't brought up Edward again. How could she not be jealous though? Edward really was the total package. His qualities and characteristics combined with his looks…well, his beauty still catches me off guard sometimes.
"Oh!" Angela began, "I'm not sure if everybody has been keeping up with the news, but that tropical storm has turned into a category one hurricane. And the weatherman predicted it's going to hit land in a week and a few days."
"What?" I asked confused. I hadn't heard anybody discussing a hurricane.
"Where have you been, Bella?" It's been all over the news. "Hurricane Aro? It's a pretty dumb name…" Lauren snorted.
"But your wedding is in a week and a half!" Jessica shrieked.
"The news said this hurricane is very unpredictable and probably hit landfall more towards Melbourne, we might just get rain," Angela added.
"Melbourne is like an hour away, right?" Jessica asked.
Angela nodded. "Both the ceremony and reception are inside, so I'm hoping it doesn't flood too badly."
"How can you be so calm about this hurricane?" I asked, shocked.
"Bella, we've been through hurricanes and tropical storms before. A lot of them dissipate before reaching landfall."
"But it's your wedding? How are you staying so calm?"
"I have a feeling everything is going to work out, I just do," Angela said, taking a deep breath.
But I had the opposite feeling. I felt as if this Hurricane Aro was not going to be fine at all.
Thoughts? Thank you for reading, always!