Bella's POV
Yes, it was me.
I was the one who slipped a strawberry inside his cake when he mentioned his allergy.
Was I trying to kill him? Not necessarily. I just wanted to make him suffer. Feel pain. Remind him of what it feels like not to be able to breathe.
It didn't make me feel as happy as I thought, though. I felt my heart clench at the sight of him in pain. But that doesn't mean I will stop now because I won't! This is only the beginning.
Kneeing him in the crotch was way more satisfying than trying to kill him. I tried not to laugh. However, my body felt unsatisfied after that. He was touching me, and I wish my body didn't crave him so much...
Stop it, Bella! Just stop! You don't want Aaron. He is the enemy! I tried to remind myself. Stop thinking about how good it feels to be with him and focus on your plan.
"What do you think of this one?"
I snapped back into reality as I heard Jane speak. She stood there in front of me wearing a floor length silk gown with lace trims.
"You look like a total goddess!" I said enthusiastically.
Jane scowled. "Yeah right! You are such a fake. I wish I was as pretty as you," she said.
"I bet Jake would disagree. He looks at you like you are Helen of Troy," I laughed.
Jane smiled. "Why do you think I am marrying the guy?" she said.
I was a little jealous of Jane. She looks so happy. She was practically glowing. I knew she loved Jake to death, and he was crazy about her. The kind of love I always wanted.
We spent all afternoon trying on dresses. I tried on a few bridesmaid's dresses myself. I put on a short coral dress with an open back.
"That's so cute! I might pick that as the bridesmaids dress. It looks amazing on you. You should send a pic to Aaron to see if he likes it," Jane winked.
I blushed. I don't care what he thinks of me, I thought, but I didn't believe it myself.
"No...it's okay," I said hesitantly.
"Come on! Just do it. Make his jaw fall on the floor," Jane insisted.
"Okay, fine. I'll do it," I said and took a pic of myself and texted it to him.
My phone dinged within seconds. Did he see it already?
Wow... you are the most beautiful girl I've ever seen, he wrote.
I felt a flutter in my stomach, and my heart thumped against my chest. Stop it, Bella! You don't care what he thinks of you, remember? I scolded myself.
I typed something quick to thank him and waited for my heartbeat to slow down.
"Did Aaron ever talked to you about his past?" I asked Jane.
"Huh? Where did that come from?" Jane looked at me and crinkled her forehead.
"I was just wondering," I said quickly. Jane and I decided to stop by at a restaurant to have lunch outside on the patio table when I remembered they used to date.
"Not really. We didn't really date for long. Jake kind of snatched me away before we could get serious," she giggled.
"He didn't say what it was like when he was younger or anything like that? Any major event that happened in the past?" I asked.
"No. What's with these questions? Did something happened between you guys?" Jane looked curious.
"Nothing happened. I guess I am just being nosy," I laughed nervously.
"Right...look, Aaron used to terrorize people in our high school. We all know that. Other than that, I don't think he has a shady past. And he changed for the better," Jane said.
"Yeah, you are right," I smiled and changed the subject. I couldn't tell Jane the real reason why I was asking. She wouldn't understand. No one does.
"Can I ask you something?" Jane asked all of a sudden.
"Yeah, what's up?" I looked at her questioningly.
"How much do you like Aaron? Do you love him?" Jane asked.
"What's with the question?" I was starting to feel uncomfortable.
"Tell me," she pressed.
"I love him. You saw the types of things I did to get him to be my boyfriend!" I said.
"Yes. True. Sorry I was just wondering. Aaron is a great guy, you know. Even when I chose Jake over him, I knew he was amazing. I was just not in love with him. I hope you don't mistreat him. He really loves you, Bella," Jane said quietly.
Why was she saying all this now? Did she suspect me? I thought.
"I know. I won't hurt him," I lied.
It was all an act. Aaron isn't as amazing as you think he is, Jane. And I won't let him be at peace, I thought to myself.
But her other question nagged at me. Did I love Aaron? I convinced myself that I hated him but did I really?
We stayed there and ate while Jane talked nonstop about her wedding plans. My heart leaped out of my chest as I happened to look across the street.
A girl with long blonde hair was sitting on a patio table outside the bookstore. She was looking directly at me with a stern expression on her face.
Her hair was different, and she was more tanned than she was used to be, but I recognized her right away.
Bridget....what the hell was she doing here?