Bella

by D. J. Barrett

  The roads were bad, and we had to drive very slowly. We finally reached our hotel and breathed a sigh of relief. We had a drink in the bar, and then I decided to take a long hot soak in the bath and Simon opened a bottle of wine. I laid there for about fifteen minutes when Simon knocked on the door and walked straight in. He gave me a glass of wine and I could feel his eyes focussing on my breasts. I started to feel really excited, I wanted to feel his touch and taste his lips on mine. He sat on the chair in the bathroom. I was tempted to ask him to scrub my back, but he read my mind. We knew we were doing something terribly wrong, but hoped that no one would find out our secret. He washed my back, taking his time, then slowly his hands moved to the front, his fingers touched my nipple and playing with it gently. Exhilarating feelings were running through my body. He got undressed and climbed into the bath, we gently kissed. Our kisses became hungrier and more passionate. At that moment I could have sworn I heard our hotel door open.

  “Did you lock the door Simon?” I asked. “Maybe it was my imagination but I thought I heard someone come in.”

  It was too late the bathroom door opened and there stood Marco. Simon and I got out of the bath, quickly grabbing a towel our faces red with embarrassment, how could we explain this?

  “How did you know where I was?” I demanded.

  “My parents told me where to find you, but I certainly wasn't expecting to find this.” He said emphasising the last part very distinctively.

  “What do you want Marco?” I shouted.

  He looked angry from afar, but if you looked closer you could see a smirk forming. It was almost like he was waiting for the perfect moment to pull me down.

  “Well for a start off money, and it looks like neither one of you can argue with me.” Simon went to hit him.

  “You son of a … “

  I stopped him

  “No Simon he isn't worth it.”

  I turned to Marco and said.

  “You can say what you like, but I am not giving you money.” I avowed.

  “Think about it Bella, brother and sister in the bath together. How will that look?”

  “He has a point Simon?” I said. The feeling I had in the pit of my stomach was so bad, I thought I was about to faint.

  “I can't give you any money yet. But when I get home I will give you ten thousand pounds, then I want you out my life. I know you are married, and I heard you and your wife outside the hotel arguing the other night. If I wanted, I could tell the police everything Marco. It’s your word against ours.”

  Marco laughed.

  “You are joking; Victoria said you were both holding a dirty secret, now I know what it is.”

  I knew I had to give in, because if news such as that got out, it would have hurt my family and destroyed the guest house’s reputation which I spent many years building up.

  I couldn't sleep that night for worry. Simon also had a restless night, tossing and turning. Everyone could find out our dirty secret. Marco could keep blackmailing us forever.

  Morning finally arrived. I was very tired and had never felt such heaviness in my heart. I called Claudio to say we were flying back to England, missing out the resent events that had just happened.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  We arrived back in England that evening. I couldn't wait to see the children. Tammy greeted us. Violet and Robert were both sleeping. I stroked their heads, and gave them a kiss. We had only a few guests in. I decided as soon as the season was over I would sell up.

  The next morning Marco was there demanding his money just like he said he would. I gave him ten thousand pounds in cash, and told him to leave, and never to return. However Marco had other ideas.

  “You know I will keep needing money Bella, and you know you can't turn me down.”

  How could I have judged this man so very wrong? When I’d first met him he seemed so nice, how stupid and naïve I was. I thought to myself.

  Weeks passed by without any word from Marco. Claudio called to say he was flying over in October.

  It was September and the guest house was about to be sold. We got a good price so I decided to start looking for another property. At the estate agents whilst looking through all the announcements, I spotted my old family home among them. All I had to do was put an offer in. Fate must have wanted me to return to the place I had grown up in, because shortly after my offer was accepted.

  Claudio arrived a few days before Violets birthday and I introduced him to my children. He very kindly offered to help me move into my new home. I was extremely happy to see the back of the guest house and move back into my old home. I had three spare rooms available just in case I wanted to do bed and breakfast later on.

  Claudio, Tammy and Roy helped me decorate my new home. Simon came over and told me he would be going back to New York soon and because of the circumstances I honestly thought it was for the best.

  I only hoped that Marco would never come back into my life and reveal that awful night in Tuscany. I told Tammy and Roy we were getting divorced, but never mentioned the whole story.

  I took Claudio to London and showed him the sights. I knew I was falling in love with him, and I could finally put Simon to the back of my mind. For once I actually felt that luck was on my side..

  Claudio told me that he wouldn’t be able to stay very long because of his job and would return to Italy very soon. How could we manage a relationship with the distance between us? That was the only thing going through my mind.

  The night before he was due to leave, he took me to a lovely sea food restaurant in my home town. The night sky was clear, the stars were out. We had a candlelit table looking out over the bay. We ordered lobster, and champagne.

  I really didn't want the night to end. He held my hand over the table and told me he was in love with me, and didn`t want to be away from me.

  “What are we going to do? I love you too Claudio, but I am afraid. I’ve had so much bad luck in my life, and now I have met you, but you live too far away.” I admitted with tears in my eyes.

  “Don’t worry Bella mia, everything will work out! I will come over and see you as much as possible.” He whispered gently, wiping the tears from my face.

  After our lovely meal, we walked along the beach hand in hand. The night was a little cold so Claudio put his jacket around me. He kissed me, sending shivers through my spine. As soon as we were back home we ripped each other’s clothes off and made love for the first time. I had not felt love like this, since Simon. I knew I could put any romantic feelings I had for him finally aside. After we made love, he held me tightly in his arms for the rest of the night.

  The morning sun filtered through my curtains.

  “Good Morning Bella.” He whispered. Whilst handing over a beautifully cooked breakfast.

  “Violet is having her breakfast and Robert is still sleeping.” He told me.

  I could hear Violet giggling downstairs while watching her morning cartoons. After I ate my breakfast, I had a shower then got the kids ready. Later that day I took Claudio to the airport. As we kissed goodbye, I had a dreadful feeling I wouldn't see him again.

  After he left I took the children shopping. I decided to plan a birthday party for Robert. Violet had just turned three; she was such a good little girl. Thankfully she was nothing like her father.

  Later that evening Claudio called to say he had arrived home safely and that he was missing me already.

  I had finishing baking some cup cakes with violet and Lizzie. Then I put the children to bed

  Lizzie had bought a house not too far from me and often popped in for a coffee and a chat .

  “I’m worried about Tammy. She has been looking really tired and pale lately. Haven’t you noticed Bella? Lizzie asked.

  “Yes I have, but I assumed she was just tired, but maybe I will go and see her.” Over the next few days, I couldn't get Tammy out my head and what Lizzie had said. Although I’d noticed she looked rather ill I didn't know how to ask her. Tammy was like a mother to us a
ll. I couldn't cope if anything happened to her. I decided I must go and see her. I knocked on their door, Roy answered, and he seemed jolly enough, surely if Tammy was ill, Roy wouldn't seem so happy I thought to myself. Tammy was in the kitchen cooking and I noticed she looked much thinner and paler since I had last seen her. She looked tired and withdrawn. I put Violet in the living room to watch her cartoons. Robert was asleep in his pram. Tammy made some coffee and we sat at the kitchen table.

  “How are you Bella?”

  “I am OK, but I am worried about you. Lizzie has noticed that you have been looking tired and pale lately, and to be honest, she is right.” Tammy sighed.

  “I am ill Bella! I found a lump in my breast a while back. It is cancer but with treatment the doctor said I will be fine. I didn't want to tell you Bella, as you have had enough to worry about. Luckily the told the cancer hasn't spread and I have had my first treatment. I still have a few more to go, but hopefully then, I will be in remission.”

  I gave her a big hug.

  “Don't worry she will be ok. I am taking great care of her.” Said Roy in a voice filled with hope putting his arms around us both.

  After I left, I couldn’t stop thinking about it all and hoped that everything would turn out alright.

  Lizzie came round later that night; I had just bathed the kids and put them to bed. She cracked open a bottle of wine, and I told her about Tammy.

  “Why does this family always seems to get bad luck?”

  “Don't worry Lizzie hopefully Tammy will make a full recovery.”

  Claudio called me to say he would be over for Christmas. I told Lizzie.

  “You’re lucky Bella; I wish I could find a decent man.”

  “You will!” I replied. “It’s a shame Ben is our brother because he is the only man I have seen you get on so well with.”

  Lizzie laughed.

  “Yes I loved Ben and we spent most of our childhood together. But it's a good job, nothing you know intimate happened.”

  “Yeah I know, that would be gross!” I replied nervously, trying to make the look on my face convincingly enough. If only she knew that I had indeed slept with our own brother.

  I changed the subject, hoping never to talk about intimacy with brothers again.

  We both talked about growing up, and our parents. Laughing at different things we remembered.

  “Do you remember the time Lizzie, when we were all sat in the car waiting for mum and dad to get fish and chips, and someone shouted.

  ‘Simon do you want fish and chips?’ and he shouted ‘Yes!’ out the car window, but it wasn't our parents.” We laughed until our sides ached. We chatted for a bit longer reminiscing about the good times, then because it was getting late Lizzie went home. Feeling tired myself, I went to bed.

  Over the next few weeks, Claudio called me every day. Tammy was very tired with her treatment, but it seemed to be working and she was eventually told she was in remission.

  I decided we needed a party to celebrate. Claudio was due over, and mine and Robert`s birthday was approaching.

  Roy thought it was a good idea to take Tammy to Paris. It was a place she had always wanted to go. Simon was coming home for Christmas, but for once I knew I could see him only as a brother.

  Roy called a few days after they arrived in Paris to say they were having a fantastic time and Tammy loved it. They were due home in a few days and Claudio was also about to arrive.

  The next day I decided to do some baking ready for the party. I kept on clock watching for Claudio to arrive. The phone rang, I thought that must be him to say he had arrived. I picked up the phone with excitement. But it wasn`t Claudio. The voice at the other end was Marco. I had hoped that I wouldn’t hear from him again. He said he wanted to see me as soon as possible. I inhaled deeply trying to stay calm.

  “Can it wait until after Christmas? I’m having a party tomorrow, and Tammy has been ill, I don't want any pressure.” Marco hung up.

  I finally got the call I was expecting from Claudio to say he had arrived and would be at my house soon. I got myself showered and changed, did my make-up and hair to perfection.

  I was feeling really nervous when Claudio arrived. He greeted me with a hug and a kiss and I felt so much better.

  Tammy and Roy had arrived home safely. Roy phoned to say that Tammy was a little tired but they’d be over the following day for the party.

  Claudio helped me get the children ready for bed and when they were safely tucked up in bed, we had a quiet romantic night by the fire. We toasted marshmallows, drank hot mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.

  “I haven't been this happy in a long time Claudio.” I said. Claudio cupped my face with his hands and kissed me, teasing my mouth with his tongue.

  Then he started playing with my nipples, first with his hands then gently with his tongue. He slowly stroked each part of my body passionately, heading down to open the zip of my trousers; undressing me, without forgetting to give each part of my body the love it so badly wanted. My hands and lips did the same. I touched him all over keeping his body close to mine until we made passionate love.

  The next morning I cooked a full English breakfast, got the kids ready, and prepared for the party. I was going to be twenty-two and Robert turned one on Christmas day. Claudio had got me a lovely necklace with a love heart, engraved with `I love you now, forever and always`.

  Lizzie, Tammy and Roy came over. Tammy looked really well and I was happy to see her that way. Lizzie told me that Simon was on his way. We waited for Simon to arrive to help put the tree up. I always loved this time of year, with all the family together. Fifteen minutes later Simon arrived with Victoria and Luke. And for the first time I didn't feel anything romantic towards him.

  But with recent events I wasn't too pleased; I was hoping that she’d stayed in New York.

  Victoria seemed quite pleasant so I wasn't too worried. We put up the Christmas tree together and decorated it with lights and tinsel, then sang Christmas carols. Claudio took my hand and kissed it. For once in my life I felt at ease.

  I had made enough food to feed an army, and plenty of mulled wine. Claudio helped prepare the turkey for the next day. Simon and Claudio got on very well thankfully. Victoria seemed happy I had a boyfriend again; maybe she thought I wasn't a threat any more. I put the children to bed and Claudio read Violet a story while I had a soak in the bath.

  As we were lying in bed later that night, I was reading my book when I heard Simon and Victoria arguing in the next bedroom, and then I heard a door slam.

  I wonder what’s up with them? I thought as I put my book down and went to sleep.

  Claudio woke me up in the middle of the night.

  “Wake up Bella!"

  I rubbed my eyes; looked at the clock and realised it was only three in the morning;

  “What’s the matter Claudio?” I said sleepily and yawned.

  “Look out the window?” It was snowing. Claudio was so excited; he had never seen snow before. We stood there watching the snow falling, it looked so beautiful. I wasn't feeling tired any more. Claudio looked into my eyes.

  “I have never felt this happy in a long time Bella.”

  I must admit I was feeling very happy and content.

  “I was going to wait until morning Bella, but now seems a good a time as any.”

  Claudio went into his coat pocket and took something out. Then he went down on one knee.

  “Bella will you marry me?” He asked.

  “Yes of course I will.” I answered happily.

  Morning soon came. I was feeling tired but deliriously happy. We sat down to a full English breakfast. It was Robert’s first birthday and he had received loads of presents.

  Tammy looked at my finger.

  “Bella you are engaged, when did this happen?”

  I told her about Claudio waking me up to watch the snow falling, and then proposed to me.

  “I am so pleased for you both.” Tammy gave us a kiss on the cheek and Simon co
ngratulated us.

  I put the turkey in the oven.

  “It will take hours to cook, so I reckon we’ll be eating about seven.” Claudio laughed and patted his stomach.

  “With the breakfast we have just had, we won't want our Christmas dinner until then.” He laughed.

  We decided to go for a walk. The sun was out and the snow was white and crisp. Claudio was like a child in the snow, making snow balls. After our walk, we decided to make a huge snowman. We all made it together, laughing and joking, and throwing snowballs at each other. Claudio threw a snowball at me.

  “Hey you!” I said, and chucked one back and we fell over and rolled around in the snow like children.

  After I`d had a shower, I put the vegetables on, ready for dinner. Claudio poured me a glass of wine. Then we sat opening our Christmas presents. Roy took Tammy outside for hers. He blindfolded her and led her outside, there was a lovely mini coupé, the one she had been wanting for ages. The car was a lovely metallic blue. When she saw it she jumped up and down like a child. She gave Roy a kiss.

  “Thank you Roy” Claudio took an envelope out and gave it to me. Inside were tickets to go to New Orleans.

  “This will be our first family holiday darling.” He whispered whilst holding me tightly in his arms.

  “Thank you so much! I’ve always wanted to go to New Orleans.” I was so excited, spring time in New Orleans.

  “Victoria hadn't come back since I heard them both arguing and Simon seemed a little subdued. We had all chipped in and bought Lizzie a lovely charm bracelet. I got her a charm from Tuscany. Simon got one from New York. After we exchanged our gifts, we sat down to eat.

  The turkey dinner was soon swallowed up, but with plenty left for the next few days. Marco's parents were coming over from Italy the next day, they were supposed to have come on Christmas Eve but Emilio had the flu, and wasn't well enough to travel.

  We sat round the fire; Simon played the guitar and we all sang along. I was shattered so I put the children to bed, and decided to have an early night as I had to be up early the next morning for Marco's parent.

  Marco's parents arrived the next day. They met there granddaughter for the first time. She took her grand-daughter in her arms.