I smirked as Bella kept stealing glances at me during the rehearsal dinner. I purposely sat apart from her, but on her opposite side.
Things turned slightly sour once my dad and stepmom arrived. I could feel the air of hostility between Bella and him this time. Funny how I never noticed it before.
I approached him after dinner. "Hey dad, there's something we need to discuss. About Bella," I said.
"Your girlfriend? What about her?" he raised his eyebrows.
"How about we talk about it at home when this is over?" I suggested. He nodded.
After dinner, I met him at home as promised. I told him everything Bella told me and expected him to deny it or tell me there has been some mistake.
But he just stood there quietly. "I'm sorry I should've told you when you started dating her," he said.
"You're telling me it's all true!" I exclaimed.
"Yes. It was a dark time, and I don't like to talk about it," he said grimly.
"you've got to be kidding me! You're responsible for that kid's death?" I said.
"I wasn't the one who kidnapped them!" he scowled.
But you could've helped them when you realized it was a mistake," I said.
"Look, I'm sorry that happened to her and that kid, but it's all over now. Why are you bringing it up?" dad said.
"You can't just dismiss it like it was nothing. She is still hurt, dad. It messed with her head. And now she hates me because of it," I was feeling overwhelmed with emotions.
"I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do about it now. I've already dealt with this. If she is still hung up on it, maybe you should let her go," he said.
"I will never leave her!" I cried and stormed out. It was useless arguing with him. He would never admit his faults. He simply didn't give a shit about anyone but himself.
I had a sudden urge to see Bella. I knew she didn't want to see me, but I needed to hold her. Luckily, she lived right across the street, so I went straight to her house and knocked on the door.
She opened the door. She was still wearing the little summer dress from the rehearsal dinner, but her hair was down and messy.
"What are you doing here?" she demanded to know.
"Do I need a reason to see my girlfriend?" I countered.
She looked down and didn't say anything. I pulled her into an embrace and buried my face in her hair. She didn't push me away. I inhaled her sweet scent. I loved the smell of her shampoo. It smelled like fresh lilacs.
She was slightly shaking, so I tightened my hug. "Sorry you must be cold. I'll let you go inside," I said and let go of her.
"Are...aren't you coming in?" she asked, still avoiding my eyes.
"No. I have to get up early for work. I'll see you tomorrow," I said. "I love you," I added before I walked away. I knew she wouldn't say it back to me anymore, so there was no point in waiting.
The next day, I busied myself with work at the office. I saw Sally approaching the desk, so I looked up.
"Aaron, hey," she said. She had a serious expression instead of her usual friendly smile.
"What's up? I asked.
"I need to talk to you. It's important," she said.
"Can it wait? I have a lot of work to do and..."
"It's about your girlfriend, Bella!" she said, startling me.
"How do you know her?" I asked.
"Meet me out back after work, and I'll tell you," she said and walked away.
Great...now I have to deal with yet another suspicious female. I rolled my eyes and thought. I walked out back after work. I wondered what Sally had to say about Bella.
"Here I am, so spill," I demanded.
"She is crazy!" Sally cried right away.
"I already know. So what?" I asked impatiently.
"And dangerous. She is going to hurt you. I know that for a fact," Sally continued.
"You are a little too late on that warning, sister. The attempted murder is already checked off the list. But thanks for letting me know. Now care to tell me how do you know this?" I said and narrowed my eyes.
"What do you mean? You know about her? Does that mean you broke up with her already?" Sally looked at me with hopeful eyes.
"The real question is, why do you care and how do you know about Bella?" I countered.
"Tha...that's not important," she hesitated.
"It kinda is," I was starting to get annoyed.
"What's going on?"
We both looked as I heard Bella's voice. She was standing there looking at me. Then she looked at Sally, and her eyes turned wider.
"You!" she exclaimed.
"Do you two know each other?" I said. I've never been so confused in my life. How many more surprises Bella has in store for me?
"What are you doing here with my boyfriend, Bridget?" Bella said.
"I am sorry, who is Bridget?" I interjected.
"I am not Bridget! I am Sally," Sally said quickly.
"I know who you are, Bridget. You cut your hair, but your face is the same, so don't give me that crap," Bella said.
"Okay fine, I am using my middle name at the office. Bridget is my first name," Sally looked at me and said. "I am warning Aaron about you. He deserves someone better than you!"
"So you are trying to steal my boyfriend by scaring him away? Well, news flash, I've already tried that myself. But he won't go away," Bella declared.
"It's true," I nodded.
Sally looked at us with shock. "But..."
I went over to Bella and grabbed her hand. "Sorry Sally. I appreciate your interest in me, but I love Bella. Crazy or not." I paused as I realized something. "Were you the one who sent me those texts?"
Sally sighed. "Yes."
"Aaron and I have to go. Stay away from him," Bella said and dragged me away.
"Slow down, girl! What are you doing here anyway?" I chuckled as she dragged me all the way to the parking lot.
"We were supposed to go help Jake and Jane with wedding stuff, remember?" she said.
Oh good, more excuse to be with her, I thought.