Seeking answers
(Dean)
I had two intentions in mind, get answers from Bella or find it myself.
So as Javier ran up to me, I ruffle his hair, gently pulling a strand of hair, a careful act that almost seems like an absentminded gesture.
I carefully held the strand, discreetly slipping it into my pocket.
Almost on cue, Javier whirls around, facing Bella. "Mommy, he's the handsome mister from the mall!" He squeals.
A smile creeps up my face, mirroring his excitement, it tugs at my heart.
My eyes lands on Bella, she looks thrown off for a moment, as if trying to process the whole thing. My eyes moves from her to the little girl.
She has a grin, as she stares at me, her curiosity shining through her eyes, she's — she's looks like a miniature version of Bella, same lips and she's got the brightest smile I've ever seen just like Bella.
I look between her and Javier, the striking resemblance is hard to ignore.
It's just— I can't explain how I feel.
Seeing the curious look in her eyes, her bright smile, Javier's excitement, it just stirs a warm feeling inside me.
It's almost like the answers I'm desperately seeking are staring me right in the face.
For a moment, I stilled, my eyes pinned on them, they have to be the cutest kids I've ever seen. No brags at all.
A mix of emotions swirl inside me- wonder, deep longing, it's overwhelming in a way that's hard to explain.
Don't get too excited, my mind chided me.
I shouldn't get my hopes high.
Moreover, I still have this nagging question at the back of my mind.
Suddenly, Bella's face tightens, her brows knitting together in a way that I know all too well.
She takes a step closer, pulling Javier to her side, her eyes fierce with anger. She turns to the lady behind her, who's been quite the entire time, watching the scene unfold with eyes wide open.
The twins stares at her, their eyes wide with confusion.
"Anne. Take them to the car," she instructed, her voice a little tight.
Javier frowns. "But mommy—,"
Bella cuts him off, her tone leaving no room for buts. "To the car, both of you. Now!" She spat, her voice rising slightly in a pitch.
Quickly, Anne takes their hands, guiding them away, I see the sadness in their eyes but there's little or nothing I can do, and it bothers me, it really does.
As soon as they're out of earshot, Bella turns to face me, her fury bubbling to the surface as she crosses her arms. "Just what do you think you're doing showing up here?" she scoffs, her voice a deadly growl, her eyes blazing with frustration.
My gaze softens, I pause for a second, thinking my next words through. "I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't—,"
She cuts me off sharply. "You should be sorry for stalking me, Dean." She seethes.
I swallowed hard, my tone calm but firm. "I just want us to talk,"
Her posture is rigid, her face blank, a clear signal that she wasn't interested in small talks.
Bella's tone is icy, her eyes narrowing at me. "There's absolutely nothing to talk about, Dean." She replies coldly.
I look at her, my eyes locking onto hers, my gaze is filled with a softness I've rarely shown in years and then my voice lowers. "I know," I say, my voice raw with emotion. "But I just need a few minutes of your time, please," I added, my voice is intense, almost pleading, my desperation leaking into my voice.
She looks at me, a mix of surprise and disbelief clouding her features.
I get that look, I really do. I'm usually too cold, I talk to her in a taunting, rude and condescending manner.
I've never been this gentle with her in years.
But now, my feelings, my true intent laid bare, and l can't pretend anymore.
But just as quickly as it came, she blinked it away, her walls going back up. "Not even a second to spare. I'm not interested in talking and I don't care what this is about, I have boundaries and you need to respect them," She assert, her resolve clear.
I take a step closer. "Bella," I start, hesitating for a second. "I get that part. But what I don't understand it's you having kids and keeping them away," I give her a skeptical look.
I see her tense up a little but quickly she regains her composure. "I don't see how that is any of your business," her words comes out too quickly.
I stare at her, a brief silence settling over us and then Bella straightens up, her eyes piercing painfully into mine.
"What we have right now is strictly business, stay away from me and my family," she says in a stern tone, making sure I know where her priorities lies. "I swear I'll get a restraining order against you if you don't stay away," her voice is cold as she glares at me, daring me to defy.
Without waiting for my response, she turns to walk away but my next words stops her in her track.
My voice softens. "The twins, are they mine?" I ask tersely, my voice low, almost pleading.
For a moment, she stood there, not turning, not reacting and then her hand goes to her bag hanging on her shoulder, she holds it firmly, almost too tight as she begins to walk away, ignoring me.
"Don't walk away from this," I mutter, struggling to keep my emotions in check. "I need to know," I call after her.
But she doesn't even bother to stop. I watch her till she slips into her car and drives off.
As I stand there, I feel like the wall Bella has built around her is closing in on me.
The anger in her eyes, the hurt, the twin's adorable smile, the longing––everything is gnawing at me, making it hard to breathe.
But then again. My eyes flickers to my pocket. One way or the other, I'm getting the truth, the answer I desperately need.
I walk back to my car, bringing out the plastic bag I came with and carefully slipping the strand into it.
I dial Arthur's number. "Arthur," I say urgently as soon as he answers. "Come meet me right now at my house, it's important."
I disconnect.
The weight of what lies ahead settles over me.
This revelation, this truth I seek, could change everything.