Reality bites
(Bella)
I step out of my ride, looking at the building in front of me, club forte. A place that used to be part of me till Dean showed up.
I take a deep breath, putting my shades back on before walking into the club.
I'd planned to come in time, if I hadn't, some of those weird and obsessed clients would've seen me.
I walk straight to Jame's office and knock before letting myself in.
A smile spreads across his face as I step in.
"Alright girls. We'll continue this later, I have an important guest," he smiles warmly at me, discharging the three girls. I guess they're newbies because I don't recognize any of them.
They stand up, casting me a quick glance before they walk out of the door.
James stands up, moving over as we share a quick hug. "It's so good to see you again, Bee. How long has it been?"
I chuckle lightly. "It's been two years, James. Don't act like you don't remember,"
He laughs briefly. "You know me too well. Don't you?" He retorts and then his face turns serious. "Why?" He asks, getting me a little bit confused.
"Uhmm, why what?" I ask, giving him a confused look, like I don't get it.
He straightens up on his chair, and holds my gaze a little bit longer. "Why don't you want to come back?"
"I called it quit, James. I had my reasons and you know it,"
"Of, course I do. It's because of him," he replies quickly. "But you two are divorced now, it's only right you're back here,"
A chuckle slips out of my mouth, just briefly. I look up at James. "Have you been snooping around?" I ask him.
"No, I haven't."
"So how the hell did you know I was divorced?" I fix my gaze on him.
"I just happen to know. Does it even matter right now?" he replies.
"Well, then. I'm going to keep this brief and simple. I only came here because of old times sake. And as for your offer, I'd have to decline, James." I said and pause, holding his gaze, just so we're clear.
"That very day I walked in here and called it quit. I meant every word, James. But I get it, you're trying to look out for me in your own little way, and that I appreciate but I have to take my leave now," I say, my tone firm as I stand up.
Realizing that nothing's going to change my mind, James takes a deep breath and then he gives me a small smile. "You're still as stubborn as I can remember. Alright, I respect your decision. Just trying my luck you know," he gives me that knowing look.
I smile back at him. "It's not such a bad thing to do, is it?" I reply and he chuckles a little.
"Smartass Bee, nothing has changed." He says in that tone I'm familiar with.
"It's Bella, James. I'll take the compliment," I wink at him, picking my purse up.
"Have a good day, James,"
Once out of club forte, I take a deep breath and slowly I walk back to my ride.
"Brenco conglomerate please," I tell the cab driver as I slipped into the backseat.
He nods and begins to drive away.
I relax back, trying to soothe my mind and hoping that somehow they'd let me see Dean this time.
The car pulls up just a little bit away from Brenco, but close enough to see the giant gate and when Dean would drive in or out. And strangely, I spot a car, parked just in front of the gate, I recognize that car, right I do. It's Ashley's. And when I take a closer look, I see her, standing and leaning on the other side of the car.
She looks unsettled, like she's waiting out for someone.
Something isn't right.
I wanted to step out and approach her but then my instincts kicked against it.
I stayed in the car and decided to watch from a distance. She wouldn't just show up here. Knowing the things I know now about her.
She'd be up to something. She has to be.
Looking back at her, she's now pacing up and down, her eyes on her phone. I see her walk up to one of the guards and soon she goes back, leaning on her car.
And just then, Dean's black sports car comes into view and he stops right at the back of Ashley's car.
I see a glimmer of hope bubbling inside me as I turn to the driver. "Please give me a moment."
Before I could step out, Ashley throws herself into his arms, hugging him tight.
I stopped at my tracks, it was as if I couldn't move a leg, like I was glued to a spot as I watch them from a distance.
She pulls away, touching his cheeks and checking him out, like she's trying to find out if he's okay.
I see Dean, my Dean smile at her and then mutter something.
Ashley is smiling and giggling and then Dean shifts briefly as if he noticed someone's gaze on him.
Shit! It hits me, I'm standing outside the car and watching them.
Quickly I step right back into the car before he could turn to my direction.
I just watch them from the window, tears wailing up in my eyes.
Dean, Ashley?
How?
I don't remember them being close, Ashley's mom is a friend of Judy, that's all there is, or is there—.
Ashley moves closer, using her hand to cup his face away from gazing at our car parked at the corner.
She says something and Dean nods. They both step into their cars and drove into Brenco.
The ache in my heart watching Dean and Ashley undoes something in me.
Here, I was doing everything to fix us, to tell him about our baby.
And here he is, looking like he's moved on and with my best friend?
Tears stream down my eyes despite my struggle not to let it out.
Has Dean being—-, my thoughts trails off as I cried my eyes out.
So, Ashley wanted Dean the entire time?
That explains her betrayal. My best friend wanted my husband for herself all this while!
And I was so clueless.
How did I not see it?
I've been such a—,"
Another round of fresh tears came pouring out of my eyes.
I see the driver watching me from his front mirror but still I couldn't control how I feel, I let all the pains out, clutching my hand to my stomach.
"Here ma'am," I hear the driver's voice and when I raise my head up, he's offering a tissue.
I take it, wiping my eyes clean. "Thank you," I mutter, my voice barely above a whisper.
Just then, I made the biggest decision of my life.
I was done, done being the doting wife and getting betrayed like this, done hoping we'd fix us up, done being this vulnerable, done dreaming!
Soon enough, I'll start to show. I might risk miscarriage if l stay back here with all the chaos.
I need to get away from all of this. I desperately need to leave this country, stay very far away from Dean and his family, anywhere at all, just somewhere no one knows me or my past and then all I have to do is to reinvent myself and my story.
As l sit there, something comes to my mind, or rather someone.
That's it!
The only getaway from my harsh reality.
I turn my gaze to the driver.
"Take me home," I tell him, my voice coming off firmly.
As soon as I step into the house. Derrick walks right behind me after closing the door. "How did it go?"
"I'm taking it," I blurted out, skipping right past his question.
He furrows his eyebrows at me in confusion. "Taking what?"
"I'm taking Calvin's offer," I repeat. "I'm leaving the country," I added, my tone firm, leaving no room for 'buts and whys'