I'll have to do me

I'll have to do me
(Bella)

Whoever was behind this aimed to ruin me, hence the reason my social handles were all over the media, notifications were pouring in, tons of hateful words, dirty comments and some even tagged me a whore and a golddigger.

The blogs didn't relent, they're clearly milking this for all it's worth.

Tired of reading through all the nonsense about me, I drop my phone and exhaled deeply.

I'm handling this a lot better than my emotional self would, it baffles me but well, I'll have to do me, the world will be just fine.

But then….. I pause, a thought comes to mind. If this lingers on, it won't be long before they drag my kids into this drama.

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. 

Soon enough, it'll be the gold-digging wife and her secret babies.

My kid's faces will be all over the media, I wouldn't put that past the person behind this chaos.

God, I don't want them to drag my innocent kids into this and I definitely do not want this kind of ridiculous attention for them.

I sucked in a sharp breath.

I can't call Dean, he's gone for an important business trip, he told me how important it was and he was quite confident about getting them to invest. I don't want this to disrupt his day and I really hope Ethan hasn't informed him yet.

While he's away, I have to handle this matter with bomb-defusing caution.

First, my babies need to leave home for a while. I'll pack a few of their clothes and have them stay over at Derrick's, it'll be a lot safer there, at least till everything dies down.

I just can't trust my nerves around them, this mask of a strong woman I'm wearing might fall into pieces and leave me bare.

Truth be told, no one's ever okay with awful pictures of her in the media, and not to mention hateful comments, it stings deep you know.

But thankfully, Calvin has given me a week off or more, for as long as I want. I could return when I'm ready to face the world again, bless him.

I drag myself out of bed and enter the bathroom for a warm bath.

Anne helped to pack a few things for Javier and Jasmine and by the time I was done, they were ready to go as well.

I guide them to the car, tersely greeting the concierge on my way out.

But just before I start the ignition, Derrick's text came in. I knew it has to be important, because I turned off all my notifications from socials.

I have my eyebrows raised when I read it.

Derrick: Bella! It's all gone, those pictures has been dragged down from all blogs. I don't know who's behind it but it's a damn relief.

I quickly checked and true to Derrick's words, there was nothing of such again, it was as if it never happened, how did—- did Dean already know? If he does, then why hasn't he called?

Ugh.

I shake that negative thought off my head.

Whatever the case may be, I'm taking my kids over, I can't risk it.

I text Derrick back, informing him I was on my way to his. I can entrust them in his care, he's out of town and will be returning today though but Ebony's more than willing to help(oh, by the way, they both talked things out like he said they would) it's a couple thing and that's the more reason I'm fighting not to let this weigh me down.

I won't run from this, keep to myself and let people have weird assumptions of me, I'm willing to fight and defend myself with Dean, as couples and of course that's if he's willing.

I start the ignition, smiled at my babies before driving off.

Halfway down the estate road, a car suddenly drives forward, but instead of driving pass me, it slows down, stopping right in front of me, causing me to do the same.

I take a deep breath, hoping it isn't one of those over curious reporters, my brain has already pictured the scenario, reporters storming out of that car with cameras, aiming to interrogate me.

But one thing is certain though, I'm never stepping out of this car if that's truly what it is.

I take a deep breath, focusing my eyes back on this strange car, blocking my way.

But just then, Javier's voice drags my attention. "What's going on, mommy?" He asks, clearly noticing that our car wasn't moving.

My hand tightens on the steering and I force a faint smile, ready to face Javier but I don't.

I snap my head back as I see the car door opening, I furrow my eyes but then, my eyes widens as I recognize who it is instantly.

Ivy.

Air caught in my throat as Ivy steps out, straightens her coat and starts walking towards my car.

I gasp, quickly pulling my car door to get out. Ivy,  my sister who had sent me her itinerary last night, and it oozed a busy day.

How— how come she's here?

With a few gentle stride, Ivy stood in front of me and then a smile appears but before I could put my thoughts into words, she pulls me into her arms, enveloping me in a warm hug.

She runs her hand against my back, bringing comfort with her silent hug, a gentle reminder that I wasn't alone, that has to be the greatest feeling ever.

She breaks the hug and looks at me, I could see the worry in her eyes. "I saw the news," she says. "I mean, before it was pulled down of course. I was hoping to surprise you but don't worry, I'm here now, everything is going to be just fine," she assures me.

I'm about to say something but the words swivel up in my mouth.

"Mommy," a tiny voice calls her from her her car window, interrupting me.

I roll my eyes. "Aria's with you?" I mutter, my voice barely above a whisper and then she nods, a smile forming.

I couldn't stop my smile from spreading.

Ivy's here to stay, my sister's back like she said she would!