Bella

by D. J. Barrett

  Mother let out a sigh!

  “Simon dear you have to think of Bella, Claudio and most of all, the children. Can you imagine how they would feel? The only thing I can suggest is we go back to my home town and you come with me. Then at least you are away from the situation with Bella. Let her go Simon.”

  Mother was right and I knew that’s what I had to do no matter how hard things were.

  I wasn’t any happier, mother told me things I didn’t want to hear but she was being truthful. We walked back to the house.

  Once back at home I decided to pack up as many things as I could and return to Sandy Cove the next day. I couldn’t face telling Bella, but I knew she would never forgive me if I just left without a word. The lights were on at Bella’s house when we got there. I could see her standing in the living room and Claudio had his arm around her. The feeling in my stomach made me feel physically sick. When we went in Bella went and put the tea on. Violet was playing her violin, and the other children were in bed. I followed Bella into the kitchen and stood by the window.She guessed something was wrong.

  “Why weren’t you here when I got back from the airport Simon?” I tried to get the words out but every time I did I couldn't.

  “You’re leaving Simon, I know you are?” She said with a heavy heart.

  “Bella you know I have to, I can't stay here watching you play happy families. We both know we can never be together and that's why I can’t stay here any longer. Please believe me. I love you with all my heart and I always will no matter where you are.”

  I hated seeing Bella upset and part of me wanted to stay, but I knew that would be selfish on my part. I hugged her and kissed away her tears. I looked into her beautiful blue eyes then I went upstairs and gave the children a kiss.

  When I came back downstairs mother had bid her goodbyes and had gone out to the car. I put the suitcases in the car and I couldn’t wait to leave. If I was going to leave I knew I had to do it there and then.

  Mother must have felt awkward on the journey to Sandy Cove. I never spoke once and eventually she fell asleep. The roads were empty so the journey was quick. We stopped off to get some fuel and I needed a coffee. My eyes were heavy from tiredness and crying. Mother got the coffee and something to eat.

  “I can't face food mother, my stomach is churning.”

  “You will feel better if you eat just a little something.” Mothers are always right, so I ate my toast.

  When we arrived at Sandy Cove we decided to stay at a hotel for a few days. We didn't want to stay with grandmother and Auntie Caroline. We found a small bed and breakfast down a side street not far from the promenade. I was so tired and needed to try and get some sleep. Every time I closed my eyes I could see Bella and the look on her face when I left. I lay there tears choking me; I am a man but I sobbed like a baby until I fell asleep. I think exhaustion got the better of me in the end.

  I woke up to mother knocking on my door.

  “Simon, Simon, are you there?” I had to laugh.

  “Yes I'm here mother. Be with you in five. We went downstairs for breakfast. Mother had a slice of toast and I had pancakes and maple syrup.

  “I feel better after that.” I admitted.

  We went to the estate agents to look at properties to rent. Luckily my house in Lighthouse Cove could be rented out until I decided what I was going to do.

  We found a nice little house just outside Sandy Cove and went to view it. The garden was amazing and I thought it would even be nice to get a dog. The sitting room was quite small, but the kitchen was massive and had a large dining area with patio doors opening on to the garden. Upstairs there were four bedrooms, one en suite. We decided to take it. Over the next few days while we were waiting to sign the tenancy agreement we stayed at the bed and breakfast.

  Auntie Caroline met up with us for coffee and decided to give mother some of the money which rightfully belonged to her.

  “You do know your mother won’t want to give Barbra any money, that’s why she kept her locked up.” I said to Caroline. She looked at my mother.

  “This money belongs to you Barbara, so I will make sure you get some. The return on the hotel itself has made enough money. We have a few million.” I nearly choked on my coffee.

  “You’re saying you have all this money, and some of it belongs to mother, yet she hasn't really seen any of it.” Caroline took out her cheque book and wrote a cheque out.

  “This is for now Barbara; I will sort out some more for you later.” I had a quick peek at the cheque, £500.000, wow!

  “Mother, you have enough there to buy a property you don't need to rent.” Caroline told mother that she would get another million in a few days then she would have all the money that rightfully belonged to her.

  “When you say the hotel is worth a few million and you have made a big profit, how much exactly? If you don't mind me asking?” Caroline told me the hotel was worth about five million and the profits they had made were certainly about three million.

  “So my mother should receive another two million then. That seems fair and then she will be happy. You need to give mother two point five million pounds at least”

  “I will see what I can do. I’ll probably have to talk to your grandmother first.” Mother looked at me and smiled.

  “We are rich son! Now we can buy a house or we could buy our own hotel.”

  “If I sell my house in Lighthouse Cove then I can put some money into it. But the question is do you want to buy a hotel here or somewhere else?”

  We had no reason to rent a property anymore. As soon as the cheque had cleared, auntie Caroline gave mother another million, and said that grandmother wouldn’t agree to anymore. Mother wasn’t bothered; she had enough money with what she had been given. So we both decided to go on holiday to the United States. It was my mother’s dream to visit the US. After all I did live in New York and I loved America. We both booked our tickets for the next day.

  Once we arrived in America we decided to stay in New York for a few days, then make our way to New Orleans. I wished Bella was with us, she would have loved to travel with us.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  After Simon left I couldn’t eat or sleep. The worst thing was I couldn't talk to anyone about my feelings. Lizzie knew but she wouldn't talk about it because as far as she was concerned Simon was my brother.

  Caroline called me to say that she had given Barbara the money that belonged to her and that they had gone to the US for a holiday. I would have loved to be there with them.

  Over the next few months I had to keep myself busy. Violet was doing her exams at school. Robert was now in high school and Bella had just started nursery.

  Simon wrote letters and sent post cards. They stayed in New

  York for a few days and then travelled on to New Orleans.

  After, they went to Dallas, Mexico and then LA.

  Claudio had become distant. I knew he was tired with everything. My mind was always with Simon and nothing could change that. I felt selfish about my thoughts, but my heart ached for him so much. I Remembered him sitting on our favourite bench eating fish and chips. I couldn’t even go back to that spot because I couldn’t deal with the thought that he wouldn’t be there. The amount of times we had shared passionate moments on the beach and sitting on that bench. I remembered all the moments I had with him when we were teenagers and the first kiss we shared.

  My mobile rang and interrupted my thoughts. It was the hospital Claudio had collapsed at work and had taken there. They did many tests but couldn't find anything wrong.

  Eventually they found a hole in his heart; luckily it wasn't life threatening, but he would have to take it easy for a while.

  A year passed by and I still hadn’t seen Simon. I was busy looking after the children and Claudio.

  We decided to go on holiday. So we went to the south of France and rented a villa. All Claudio and I did was relax, drank fine wine and ate delicious French food. That holiday was what we needed. The chi
ldren spent most of their time playing in the pool.

  After a few days in the south of France we travelled to Spain and stayed there for two weeks. The weather was glorious and hot.

  I laid there by the pool reading a good book trying to take my mind off things. I thought it would do me good, but I couldn’t stop my thoughts.

  I haven’t heard from Simon and Caroline for ages. I hope they’re ok.

  Claudio came over to me with a drink. He told me he had just had a call from Simon. I sat up trying to hide the fact that I had been longing for the moment he finally called, but to my surprise the news wasn’t quite what I was expecting.

  “He has met a girl over in America, her name`s Ruby.” Claudio said. I felt sick with jealousy.

  I had to hide my pain and put on a straight face.

  “That’s great. I’m really happy for him. It’s about time.’ I smiled, trying to hide the anger that was dwelling up inside me. How dare he? I asked myself.

  I couldn't relax after the news and ended up crying my heart out. I had to tell Claudio that it was the wrong time of the month and that's why I was crying.

  Once we were back home I threw myself back in to work and decided to go back to college.

  Life was hectic. Violet was growing up into a beautiful young woman and Robert just looked the spitting image Simon, except for the eyes, he got them from me. Bella was a lively child. She had my long blonde hair and her father’s beautiful brown eyes.

  Simon seemed to have moved on with his life, so I had to do the same.

  My wedding anniversary was coming up and Claudio booked a week in New York.

  Lizzie offered to have the children. I put the Christmas decorations up before we left for New York. To be honest I wasn't in the Christmas mood but I did it for the sake of the kids.

  Once we arrived in New York we unpacked our things. The hotel was near Central Park. The Christmas lights in New York were amazing and it started to snow.

  The next morning Claudio wouldn't tell me where he was taking me. He just told me that it was a surprise. I felt like an excited child.

  There we were standing outside Tiffany's and Claudio got down on one knee.

  “I know we are already married, but we’ve been through so much and I want us to renew our wedding vows Bella.”

  What could I say? My heart sank. How I could I renew my vows when my heart was aching for Simon.

  I told him we should wait because we had too much going on Claudio's face dropped.

  “What's wrong with you Bella? No matter what I try to do you are never happy. Will anything I do ever be at the right moment for you? “ He implored.

  I didn’t want a row but I knew I had some explaining to do. Claudio stormed off.

  I walked through Central Park and watched people ice skating. The dark clouds loomed over head and it started to snow. I sat on a bench numb. Crying was all I could do. I don't know how long I had been sitting there. I even ignored my mobile phone which was ringing constantly. Eventually I picked it up. Claudio was on the other end and apologised.

  “Why are you apologising?” I asked. “It’s not your fault. It’s mine, I am so sorry!”

  We met up that afternoon for lunch.

  “Bella you need to tell me what's bothering you.”

  “If I tell you then I know our marriage will be over.” I told him to listen and say nothing until I had finished. I told him everything, right back to when I was a child and the love I felt for Simon. The love he felt for me.

  “But you see Claudio there was nothing we could do. Yes we did sleep together and it was a sin. Robert is Simon’s child but I never even told them.”

  Claudio didn’t say a thing he just sat there looking shocked and betrayed.

  “Now we know that we are not brother and sister we could be together, but I am married to you Claudio. Believe it or not I do love you. But I love Simon more. I always have and always will. But Simon has made it perfectly clear that we can’t be together. I was sobbing and the tears were choking me. I was surprised that Claudio didn’t go into a fit of rage, instead he remained perfectly calm. That was the problem. Claudio was such a nice man with a heart of gold.

  ”Now it's your turn to talk Claudio.” I begged.

  “I don't know what to say Bella. You love another man and I know I can never ever compete with the love you have for Simon.” He gasped and walked away from me. I ran after him begging him to at least talk to me.

  “We need to make a decision Simon.” I said.

  “Simon! You called me Simon.” he scolded.

  We walked back to the hotel in silence. Once we arrived, Claudio packed his suitcase without saying a word. When he finished he broke the silence.

  “I am leaving Bella. I can't stay here with you anymore. I will go to Tuscany and visit my parents.”

  With that he was gone; leaving me standing there. There was no point trying to ask him to stay. I was feeling sorry for myself, for something I had created. Being in New York alone just wasn't the same.

  Should I regret telling him the truth about everything? I thought. My mobile rang, bringing me back to reality. I reached into my pocket, pulled it out and answered it.

  “ Hey Bella. How are you lovebirds doing?”

  “Lovebirds? Lizzie. I had to tell her the truth about me and Simon.” I sobbed.

  “Bella you silly girl, why?”

  “I couldn’t go on pretending any more, it was killing me and I was hurting Claudio. Everything was a lie. The only good thing I have now are my children, and when they find out they won't probably talk to me either. Lizzie sighed on the other end.

  “What’s the point in being angry with you Bella, I think you have enough hurt going on. I am not going to judge you! I think you have done the right thing.” She sympathised.

  “Do you Lizzie? Thanks for your support. I am coming home on the next available flight.” I finished packing my things and was just about to leave when my mobile rang again.

  “It's me again, change of plans we are coming to you, how about Christmas in America? Thought it might cheer you up sis.”

  “Brilliant Lizzie, Christmas in New York. I can't wait now.”

  I had a long hot bath and my mobile rang again.

  “Lizzie what do you want this time?” I chortled. However, it wasn’t Lizzie.

  “It’s Simon, how are you?” he asked I could feel all my emotions coming up. I pulled myself together.

  “ I’m ok Simon.” I lied

  “ Lizzie told me that you were in New York. I am here for the night and just wanted to see you.”

  “No Simon; I can't go through this again.” I hung up. But he rang again.

  “I know where you are staying, so you can tell me to go when I arrive.”

  “Ok!” I sighed. I couldn’t be bothered to argue with him.

  My heart was racing knowing he was on his way. I quickly got myself ready and sprayed myself with the perfume Simon liked. I looked at myself in the mirror. Not bad. I thought.

  I told Simon to come up to my room. When I heard a slight tap at my door I quickly checked myself in the mirror again.

  Nervously I answered the door.He stood there looking all tanned and handsome.

  He gave me a kiss on the check.

  “Where's ruby?” I asked. “Lizzie told me you had found yourself a girlfriend.”

  “It didn't work out Bella, but you already know that. No relationship will work out because of the love I have for you.”

  I gave Simon a beer I had in the mini bar and I poured my second glass of wine.

  Simon sat on my bed and leaned on my pillow. I found myself thinking, at least when he leaves I'll have the scent of him on my pillow.

  I sat down on the edge of the bed sipping some wine. I felt unusually on edge, because I knew my feelings were as strong as ever.

  Simon told me what he had been doing since he left England. I listened to him and told him what I had been up to.

  I didn’t tell hi
m about Claudio, and our split. All of a sudden I was feeling really excited and wanted Simon to kiss me. I could tell the wine was starting to have an effect on me. He must have felt the same because he pulled me towards him. I could feel his breath on me. We both felt the same as our lips met once again. I can't describe the feeling that I had then. I wanted Simon to make love to me all night. He took off my top and then unbuttoned my jeans. He slid his hand under my bra. I could feel myself dripping with desire.

  His hard penis was against me. I undressed him and we both lay there naked. Both our bodies entwined around each other, fitting together like a jigsaw. He kissed me down my neck towards my breasts then probed my nipples, then moving away teasing me. My body was aching for him.

  “Make love to me Simon?” I demanded.

  His eyes met mine.

  “Bella I want to make love to you all night, but first, I want to tease you.”

  When he started kissing me down my navel towards my pussy I was already having an orgasm.

  He put his tongue near my clitoris and licked me. I wanted to take his penis in my mouth and please him. We couldn't get enough of each other. I sat on top of him and put it in side me. Oh god another orgasm.

  “I love you so much Simon.” I was crying with pleasure. Simon’s love and passion exploded inside of me.

  Simon kissed my tears away. We kissed long and hard with so much passion.

  “Why did you leave me Simon?” I panted. “

  “Shush Bella, its ok I'm here now.”

  I knew this night would be a one off and he would be gone the next morning.

  We made love most of the night until we were both exhausted and fell asleep in each other’s arms.

  We woke up late in the afternoon and I started panicking because Lizzie and the children were due to arrive that evening.

  Surprisingly enough it was me who told Simon to go.

  Lizzie and the children can't see us together, it looks too obvious, Claudio and I break up and Simon is here to the rescue. I thought.

  I shouted at Simon.

  “Why is it you are always there to rescue me then leave me?”