Bella

by D. J. Barrett

“You have more chance of winning the lottery than that happening again. Your day will be perfect, and I’m sure father will be watching over you” I gave her a hug and we sat drinking coffee while I told her how difficult it was running a guest house and looking after Violet and Marco. Tammy told me that Ben was coming back later from university, and he’d have one week off for the wedding.

  “I’m so happy I found my son again, he’s such a lovely young man.”

  Tammy looked at me and asked,

  “Did you ever find the letter from your father? I didn’t answer her immediately. She took a breath and added.

  “I don’t know everything that he wrote in it, but what I do know is that your father isn’t Lizzie and Simon’s father.

  “I did find the letter Tammy.” I told her, “But if what you have told me is true, which is what I’d guessed anyway, then there is no need to read it, and I’m so busy with my life right now, that no other news is going to change it; unless he had a lot of money stashed away.” We both laughed.

  Later that day, back at the guest house, after preparing evening meals and looking after Violet, I felt absolutely shattered. I must advertise for some help. I thought; I can’t do this on my own.

  Marco was now working back at the restaurant and when he arrived home he was very tired. We never seemed to talk anymore and we had become complete strangers. He also never gave me any money; It seemed to me that I was the one looking after the finances.

  Next morning Lizzie stopped by and offered to take Violet again for the day. She still hadn’t returned to work after the miscarriage and had a lot of time on her hands.

  Lizzie sat and had a coffee with me after the guests had left.

  “I have an idea Bella, I’m supposed to be going back to work next week but I was thinking that maybe you could do with the help here?”

  “Lizzie I’d love that, I could really do with the help and having someone else to talk to would be great.”

  “Well, that is what I shall do then, I’ll give my notice in at the beauty shop and work here, and why don’t I use the spare room on the first floor and offer my services to the guests?”

  “That is a brilliant idea sis!”

  We then started talking about Tammy`s wedding.

  “What time does Simon`s plane land?” I asked Lizzie, as I knew that she had offered to go and pick them up from the airport.

  She looked at her watch.

  "Oh dear! I’d better get a move on, they will be landing soon.”

  After she left I did some cleaning and managed to have a soak in the bath, put on a nice skirt and top and sprayed myself with my favourite perfume.

  We didn`t have any guests booked in over the next five days, so everything had worked out right because I wanted to give the guest house a lick of paint and have carpets fitted everywhere. I was also planning to buy new curtains and bedding for the guest rooms because the place was looking a bit drab and old-fashioned for my liking.

  I’d given the painters and decorators a key to make things easier and went to stay with Tammy and Roy’s for a few days with Violet. Marco told me he’d continue to stay at the guest house and keep a eye on things.

  When I arrived at Tammy`s she told me that Lizzie had called to say that Simon and Victoria`s plane had just landed. I was nervous and excited at the same time.

  An hour later I could hear voices outside. Lizzie had just arrived. I went to open the door to greet them; I certainly wasn’t prepared for the shock of seeing Victoria heavily pregnant. Simon hadn’t said anything on the phone or in his letters. I tried to hide my feelings as I greeted them both with a hug.

  Simon looked really pleased to see me, we both hugged and he gave me a kiss on the cheek, my heart was pounding, I hadn’t had those tingles down my spine for such a long time.

  I made everyone some tea, and asked Victoria when her baby was due. She said.

  “Another four months yet, I know I look bigger for my weeks.” I noticed she wasn't her bubbly self and seemed rather hostile towards me, or was I imagining it.

  Simon looked rather awkward as Victoria threw him some dirty looks.

  Tammy had made food for everyone, lamb chops, mashed potato and mushy peas and there was lots of wine to wash it all down. We sat there for ages and talked about what we had done over the past two years.

  Marco had decided to spend a few hours with Violet and had taken her to the zoo. I couldn’t wait for him to bring her back so she could meet Simon. When Marco`s car pulled up, Simon went to great him outside and took Violet out of her car seat. She gave a big smile and asked in a sweet voice.

  “Who are you?”

  “I’m your uncle Simon.” he said to her, she giggled happily. Victoria didn’t even bother to go over to see her. Marco didn’t stay very long; he said he had too much to do and left.

  I quickly bathed Violet and put her to bed; Simon came in to the bedroom and said.

  “You look wonderful Bella and violet is beautiful, just like her mother.” I felt myself blush.

  “Simon, what’s wrong with Victoria.” I asked.

  “Don't ask. We haven’t been getting on lately.” He replied. I laughed and said.

  “Marco and I aren’t getting on either, we hardly ever see each other anymore; and there is practically no communication what so ever.”

  We were sat by Violet’s cot, I glanced at her, she was sucking her thumb, as she drifted off to sleep. Simon was really close to me and I could smell his aftershave; the spark between us was electrifying. Why did he have to be my brother, well half-brother, either way we were still blood related. Simon seemed to know me so well, why do I feel like this about my own brother, life isn’t fair sometimes. I thought to myself; I was sure he felt the same.

  We left Violet’s room and went downstairs. I felt really tired so I bid everyone goodnight and went to bed. As I lay there drifting off to sleep, I kept on thinking about Simon and what it would feel like to feel his lips on mine.

  The next morning after a good night sleep. Marco called and told me the painters had arrived, and the carpets would be laid the next day. Lizzie and I helped Tammy make breakfast, and we decided to sit in the garden to eat it as it was such a lovely day. Simon came down looking as sexy as ever, and gave us all a kiss on the cheek. Victoria just about managed to mumble morning to us all.

  Lizzie looked at me.

  “What’s up with her?" She whispered.

  “Could be her hormones.”

  Lizzie informed us that James wasn’t going to come to the wedding, because he couldn’t leave the restaurant,

  “To be honest I’m glad, he’s been really moody lately.”

  I laughed and said.

  “It must be something in the water; what with Marco and Victoria, and now James. Maybe the three of them should live together, and be miserable.” I said sarcastically.

  "Maybe I should pull Victoria to one side and ask her what is wrong."

  “There isn`t any point, she probably wouldn’t tell us anyway, but looking at her and Simon, I’d say their marriage is definitely in trouble.” Lizzie pointed out.

  The day of the wedding arrived, the weather didn't look very promising at all as angry clouds loomed over Lighthouse Cove. Tammy looked really nervous, I tried to calm her down and told her to stop worrying and that everything would be fine.

  The wedding venue was beautiful. Tammy looked amazing; she turned up in a horse and carriage. Her dress was ivory and made from silk; it was long and flowing. She wore a small fascinator in her hair which complemented her dress beautifully. Her bouquet was made up of red roses and white carnations.

  When Tammy entered the church the congregation stood up, and she walked down the aisle, arm in arm with Ben. He’d offered to give her away because Tammy`s father had died quite a few years before. The nervous smile she’d had earlier was replaced with joyful smiles. Roy stood at the altar looking very handsome in a dark grey suit and a white carnation in his button hole. He looked so proud, as she
walked down the aisle, and he greeted her with a hug. They looked so happy standing there together.

  The wedding ceremony was wonderful and after the photographer had taken lots of photos, we went on to the venue next door; I liked the idea of the church and venue both together, it was so practical.

  The wedding breakfast went very well; with a lovely sit down meal. After the speech, I decided to go to my room where I was staying for the night, and settle Violet down for a sleep. Marco told me he would be back later, and that he wanted to check on everything at the guest house. I thought I would get a nap myself before the evening disco. There was a knock on my bedroom door. I was surprised to see Simon standing there.

  “Can I come in? There’s something I need to tell you and I can’t keep it to myself any longer.” He came in sat on the bed and blurted out.

  “Bella you must know I’m in love with you. I have been for a long time, I know I shouldn’t be because you are my sister; but I can`t help it.” He stroked my cheek; my body was aching for his touch, his kiss but I knew it was wrong.

  “Please leave Simon, it’s for the best. You know nothing can happen between us. Go now before we both do something we’ll regret.”

  After Simon had left, I couldn't get him out my mind.

  I had a shower and got violet ready; hopefully she would stay awake longer now, and sleep well later. Marco was back from the guest house, and we all went down to the disco.

  Luckily the weather had turned out lovely after a rather gloomy start. Simon played a lovely piece of music on his guitar, ‘You fill up my senses` filled the room, a piece he always used to play for me and Apache for Tammy and Roy. I was so pleased for them both, they looked so happy clapping along to the music, smiling at each other lovingly.

  We had a lovely buffet and drank lots of good champagne. At the end of the night there was a fireworks display and then a band was hired to play some nice romantic music. I had to hide my feelings, as Simon and Victoria danced closely together. I glanced at Marco, he wasn't much company; I wondered why he’d even come. The day had been long, and I was ready for bed, I said my good nights and made my way to my room.

  The next day Tammy and Roy left on their honeymoon to Jamaica and we went back to the guest house ready for business.

  Simon and Victoria decided to stay a few more days. He offered to help out at the guest house and sort out the gardens.

  The hotel was fully booked up for the next ten weeks through the high season.

  Lizzie and James had been having problems for quite some time and thought it was time to end their relationship and Lizzie moved into the guest house.

  I had to admit the place looked a lot better and cleaner with new carpets and a lick of paint.

  Lizzie sorted the beauty therapy room out ready for the customers.

  The next day I managed to find some time for myself so I went for a walk on the beach, the sun was just going down over the horizon. Lighthouse Cove looked so beautiful.

  I was so wrapped up in my own thoughts that I hadn't noticed Simon walk up behind me.

  “A penny for your thoughts?” He asked me. If only he knew. I thought.

  Simon looked into my eyes, trying to read my thoughts. I turned away, not wanting him to see how I felt

  “You know Bella! I wish so much we weren`t brother and sister. When we were children I felt so close to you, wanting to protect you from everything, then as we were growing up we seemed to have a special connection, that I don’t seem to be able to find in Victoria, don't get me wrong” he added.

  “I do love her, but I don’t think I’m in love with her."

  He took my hand.

  “It makes me feel so frustrated. We can never be together; it’s the hardest thing in the world. I’ve never loved anyone like I love you and I don’t think I ever will.” He kissed me gently on the cheek and I couldn’t help but cry. He took me in his arms.

  “Don’t cry Bella.” He said softly.

  Simon wiped away my tears, kissed my face, and then gently kissed my lips. I’d never felt such excitement as I felt at that moment, every bit of my body felt like a billion electric volts were going through it. As we started to kiss more; our tongues touched, I wanted time to stand still.

  If anyone ever found out, they would be disgusted and would disown us. I was sure. I forcefully pushed Simon away from me and told him to leave me alone and turned and ran from him as fast as I could; I needed to be alone at that moment, so I just walked and walked.

  The day arrived for Simon and Victoria to go back to New York, Victoria's baby was due in twelve weeks. Part of me was glad they were leaving but the other part felt as if Simon was taking my heart with him, I felt so empty inside. All I could do was throw myself into my work, keep myself busy with Violet, and take Simon and the kiss out of my mind. However, every time I closed my eyes, I could feel the warm kiss on my lips, his tongue gently probing my mouth and his sweet taste.

  A few months later the season was nearly at an end and I was exhausted. Violet’s birthday was approaching once again, so I arranged a birthday party for her.

  Tammy and Roy were both very happy and loving married life. I decided to hire a marquee and give Violet a memorable birthday. Simon said he’d love to come over, but with Victoria being due at any time he didn’t want to leave her. I understood and told Simon that it didn’t matter.

  The day before Violet’s birthday, I was busy baking her birthday cake, when first the phone rang and then the front door bell went. I ignored the phone and rushed to open the door, with flour all over my face. I opened it to see Ben standing there.

  “I need to talk to you Bella, I don't know what to do, Victoria has been on the phone, she wanted to speak to Tammy, but she wasn’t home so she told me that her and Simon had broken up, because she can’t live with what she has done.”

  “What has she done?” I asked.

  “The baby isn't Simons. She told me she knew he wasn't the father at the beginning of the pregnancy, that she’d had an affair with someone at work.

  “Does Simon know?” I asked Ben? “No she hasn’t told him; but Simon is on his way here, his flight should be landing soon.”

  I shouted for Lizzie and told her to come down stairs. When I told her, she couldn't believe what Victoria had done. She offered to go and pick Simon up from the airport. Meanwhile Ben asked me if I needed any help preparing Violet’s birthday party. I couldn’t remember the last time that Ben and I’d had such a good talk.

  “I used to be at your house all the time and didn’t even know Ted was my father, I never really had the chance to get to know him. I wonder how many more secrets there are.” Ben said.

  “I don’t know. I haven’t found the letter yet and I’m not even bothered about looking for it. Maybe I will one day. I’m not sure.” I lied.

  Ben sat down and looked serious and I certainly wasn't expecting what he was about to say.

  “Obviously we know our father isn't Simon and Lizzie’s. I shouldn't say anything to you, but I have to. Victoria told me she knows something. She thinks that you and Simon are in love.” My face went red.

  “What do you mean Ben?”

  “All Victoria told me was that she knows something about Simon and Lizzie and that he’s in love with you. I told her she was being stupid.”

  “When did she tell you this? ” I asked him.

  “When they were here for the wedding.” I could see he wanted to tell me more; however we were interrupted by Lizzie’s car pulling up. I told Ben to forget about our conversation and that it was a ridiculous thing for Victoria to say.

  When Simon walked in through the door he looked as sexy as ever and I felt my heart skip a beat. We gave each other a hug; Ben was watching our faces and I felt a little embarrassed, thinking about what must be going through his mind and remembering Victoria’s hostility at Tammy and Roy's wedding.

  The day after, we all sat down and ate the food that had been prepared for Violet’s party. Then we had a
few party games for violet, her birthday party went well and she received lot of gifts. Violet was getting tired so I decided to put her to bed.

  After we all played monopoly; it felt like old times once again.

  The phone rang and it was Victoria’s mother to say she’d gone into labour. I told Simon; however, he told me that she didn’t want him there.

  How could I tell him he wasn’t the father. I looked at Ben.

  Simon noticed the glances and asked

  “Am I missing something here?” I looked at him and said.

  “Ben should tell you.”

  Ben took Simon into the garden and told him the news. Simon’s face was raging; how could she? He shouted. I’d never seen Simon this angry.

  He stormed out of the house slamming the door on his way out. Ben told me to leave him alone and let him deal with the news in his own way.

  The next day we were told Victoria had had a little boy and called him Luke. I sent cards, it wasn’t the baby’s fault, but I was angry with Victoria.

  Simon had taken the news very badly. I told him when he was ready to talk that I would be there for him.

  We received news that Victoria would be returning home to Light house Cove and Simon’s mood was thankfully a little better.

  Deciding to clean up and sort out all my personal things, I realised the letter was missing.

  When I first found it, I had put it in my bag and then moved it to a box in my room, where I kept other personal papers and things. I noticed that the padlock was missing, and the key had disappeared from my draw. I must have searched everywhere, but I couldn't find it. Someone must have taken it, but whom?

  Everything was going through my head, the missing letter, my family, Victoria and particularly the attraction I had for Simon.

  I loved Marco, but I knew I wasn’t in love with him and realised it might be better to end our marriage.

  I went over to speak to Tammy and Roy about how I was feeling.

  They asked me to think about what I was doing and not to be so hasty. So I decided to give my marriage one last chance.

  The fact that Victoria was back in Lighthouse Cove worried me a little, if she had an idea of the attraction I had for Simon, who else would she tell. I decided it was better to confront her about the matter and went to visit her and baby Luke. I rang the bell and immediately regretted it.. I turned to walk away, but it was too late and she answered the door.. Victoria glared at me and greeted me frostily.