Meet the Boyfriend....

I pointed out to Duane what I saw, and he moved towards the door.  It was like something straight out of a movie; a flower with a note was jammed into the buzzer.  I just shook my head.  I went out to rip it out and Duane stopped me. 

D: “Don’t! I think we should call the police...”

Me: “I know you’re right.  But I am so sick of this...what the hell did I do to deserve all of this??”

D: “You did nothing wrong!  You don’t deserve this...but you can’t let either of them win!  We have to call the police...”

I nodded and he fished his phone out of his pocket and called 911.  We waited downstairs for them and Detective Parker showed up. 

Ben: “Miss Shim, I am sorry I never returned your phone call.  What happened here?”

Me: “Please call me Bella.  This is my brother Duane; he’s been staying with me until my fiancée returns.”

Detective Parker shook his hand, and I relayed the events of the evening leading up to us finding the lovely present jammed into the buzzer.  We watched as one officer donned latex gloves and removed the flower from the buzzer and put it in an evidence bag.  They dusted for finger prints, but were doubtful that it would pull anything useful.

Ben: “Well you did the right thing.  You didn’t touch it did you?”

Me: “I almost did but Duane told me not to.  I honestly just want this over with.  I have had enough of all of this.  I don’t know what kind of game someone thinks this is...”

Ben: “Well Bella...Duane did the right thing.  I will contact the Property Manager tomorrow morning and see if I can view the footage from the night of the break in and tonight.  Maybe we can finally see who it was.  We did question your ex fiancée and he had an alibi that checked out.”

Of course he did, his alibi was probably Candice. 

Me: “Let me guess...her name was Candice...”

Ben: “I can’t really divulge that information.  But you have every right to put a peace bond or a restraining order on either of them, if you think your safety is in jeopardy.”

Another officer came over with the note in an evidence bag.  The detective read it and then held it out for me to see

It’s not over ...I won’t give up that easily...

This could be from either of them, I thought to myself.  I shook my head and looked at Duane who was seething with anger.  He obviously thought it was from Craig.  But then he never met Candice. 

Ben: “Does this mean anything to you?  Does it help pin point any one person?  I think it is in your best interest to file a peace bond...”

I shook my head; the message was so cryptic that it could mean Craig isn’t giving up on me/us or that Candice isn’t going to give up on Joel.  I also shook my head at his last statement, what the hell was a piece of paper going to do for me??  I knew that Craig wouldn’t lay a hand on me, but Candice was a wild card.  I didn’t know what was going through her head.  And I was going to find out as soon as Joel arrived.  As much as I didn’t want to know all the details, this was a game changer.  I needed to know now more than ever what level of crazy I was up against.

The officers told them they got everything they could, and Detective Parker reiterated the peace bond, and told me to call him if anything else transpires.  We headed back upstairs and Duane went straight to his room and went to sleep.  I however was a little to frazzled to sleep.  What kind of game were these two playing? Why can’t he just leave me the hell alone?  I needed answers, but I knew I would never get them.  Despite being far away from everyone, California was looking better and better.  But I really didn’t want to go alone...maybe I can convince Duane to come sooner rather than later.  My eyes closed, but my ears were on high alert.  And just as I felt I was going to drift into a deep sleep the alarm went off.  I sighed and sat up; reaching and turning the alarm off.  I hoped I would sleep better when I had my boys back. 

I got up and started the coffee machine and turned on the kettle for me.  I went back to the bedroom and got dressed in sweats and a t-shirt.  I didn’t need to impress anyone; not at this hour anyway.  I let Duane sleep as long as possible, then went in and woke the angry bear.  He got up and got dressed; we looked like twins in our sweats and t-shirts.  I promised him he could sleep in my bed as soon as we got back. He grumbled something and headed towards the coffee maker.  I knew once he had some caffeine and a few more hours sleep he would be in better spirits. 

After we made our to-go caffeine, we had very little to say on our way down and out of the building.  We had to walk back to his place since we didn’t drive the first time.  When we got there we had to decide whether or not to take the truck (which would give more luggage room) or the car (which would give more people room).  We decided to take the car; hoping that Monroe didn’t bring back his entire wardrobe.  But I was hoping he snuck a few pieces away for me!

The traffic was light on our way to Pearson.   So we were there in no time.  We checked to see when his plane arrives and it was already pulling in early.  So thankfully we didn’t have to wait too long.  We sat outside of the arrivals gate waiting for them to come through; and secretly praying we had enough room for the luggage.  Of course he was the last one through, and right beside him was his new boyfriend?!  I waved to Monroe and he pointed over to us.  When he finally got to us he swept me up into a hug. 

M: “Oh it’s so good to see you baby girl!  I miss you so much!!”

Me: “Me too!! It’s so lonely!  It’s like Carrie without Preston...”

Monroe groans, he hates when I refer to us as them.  But he hates it even more when I say Grace without Will.

M: “Ugh!  I hate it when you refer to us as them!  But this is Trevor Andrews. Trevor this is my best girl Isabella...”

I scowled at Trevor...so that is the name he is using now? 

Me: “Well hello ...Trevor is it?”

Curiouser and Curiouser...

The next morning I had awoken around 11.  I was still in a daze when I walked out in my boxers and t-shirt, and straight to the kitchen for a cup of tea.  Duane was still asleep; he was always a late sleeper.  As I waited for the kettle to boil I went back to my room to grab my phone.  As I was walking back out I saw I had a few missed calls from Monroe and 2 texts from him. 

What do you mean ‘someone’ broke into the loft?  Are you ok???? I will call the property manager and get him over there right away.  If you need him in the future his cell is 555-4321.  You better call me as soon as you wake up!!

I laughed at his demand; I can totally picture his reaction.  I made my cup of tea and walked out onto the balcony.   I sat down in one of the chairs, setting my tea beside me, and started to dial Monroe. 

M: “It’s about time Bella!! What is going on?! What do you mean someone broke into the loft...”

Me: “Hello Monroe, how are you??” I giggled at him.

M: “Bella I have been on pins and needles all night since I got your message....I am fine, but how the hell are you?”

Me: “I am fine.  Duane is going to stay here until Joel gets back.  To be honest to answer your first question I need to go back to during the day.  A lot has happened since you left and I need to fill you in step by step.  And it will slowly kind of make sense, I hope.  Just please don’t ask any questions until I am done...”

I started telling him about the picture from Candice, calling Michelle whom in turn called Tim.  Then I moved on to Candice and Craig infiltrating the loft and the argument that ensued.  I finished by telling him about coming home, with a horrible gut feeling, and being right by seeing a trail of flowers leading into the loft and what it led to.

M: “Oh.My.God.  Has Craig absolutely lost his mind?!  It had to be one of the two.  The property manager will be there around 3pm.  There is a security system in place, so maybe call that detective and let him know.   They can go through the film and see if anyone is on there....I am so sorry I wasn’t there to help you!”

Me: “Don’t worry about it!  You can’t always protect me.  You’ve done enough of that, time for you to cut the cord Monroe...But I should get a hold of the police officer and let him know they can probably gain access now to security footage.  I can’t wait for you to come back!  We are only 3 days away now right?!”

M: “3 days away....and I will be back.  But you will have to meet me downstairs, since the access will have changed.”

Me: “I will get you from the airport!  How’s that.  Email me the itinerary...”

He laughed, because he knew my ‘get him at the airport’ would be me taking transit for over an hour and a half, then taking a cab back to the loft.  He told me about his new boyfriend in New York and that he was coming with him this weekend, and I was super excited!  Monroe hasn’t been tied down in years; this guy must be pretty special.  He said he had to go; he was on his way to an event for fashion week.  I wished him luck, and hung up the phone.  I walked back into the loft where my brother was walking around shirtless and his jeans.  I laughed at how comfortable he had already made himself.  He was making himself a cup of coffee as I sat at the island. 

D: “So Monroe coming home?”

Me: “Not until Friday.  He is bringing his new boyfriend with him.  He just called to make sure the loft was ok, that I was ok and to let me know the property manager will be here around 3.  He suggested I call the officer and let him know so maybe they can see the security footage.”

D: “Good idea!  But I am not leaving even if Monroe is here....I love him but he can’t fight his way out of a wet paper bag...”

I started to laugh, because it was so true!  Monroe was definitely not a fighter.  He got beat up pretty regularly throughout elementary school.  Duane and I ended up being the body guards after a while.

Me: “Well you are always welcome to stay, but Joel should be back on Friday as well.  So that would only leave the couch free...”

D: “Kicking me out for as soon as your boyfriends come home huh?” He cocked his eyebrow at the ‘boyfriends’ statement.  I just laughed at him, because people always said that Monroe was my other boyfriend. 

Me: “Hey who else encourages me to cheat on him, and he will STILL take me shopping the next day?! He is the best boyfriend...EVER!”  I quipped back at him.

Duane was laughing so hard he almost dropped his coffee mug.  He rested it on the island after that and sat down, while I searched for the officer’s card, I knew it was on the island somewhere.  Duane pushed the card towards me that was under his arm and I called.

You’ve reached the desk of Detective Ben Parker.  Please leave a message after the tone.

Hi Detective Parker, this is Isabella Shim, you gave me your card a few days ago after the break and enter at my loft.  I just wanted to inform you that the property manager will be by today around 3pm, it’s Wednesday the 12^th.  If not you can call him at 555-4321 if you need to speak with him.

I hung up and told Duane he should get dressed in case the guy shows early.  We were getting ready when we heard the buzzer, Duane went and answered it and sure enough it was the property manager ... WAY early.  But I appreciated it; I wanted this taken care of.

He quickly changed the stairwell lock and gave me 3 new key passes.  I told him one of them I would return before Monday because my boyfriend had it.  He smiled and nodded.  I told him that the police may contact him to see the security footage; he told me it was fine and that he would do anything he could to help.  He left shortly after; he left the spare stair well key for Monroe.  I was glad that was over.  I knew it wasn’t Fort Knox, but I felt a little more secure; even though we still weren’t sure how someone got in.

I checked my email and saw that Monroe was flying in overnight and would be here bright and early in the morning. I thought to myself '3 days my ass' as I texted him that Duane and I would pick him up at the airport. I tried Joel but I didn’t get any answer, so I left a message: 3 days baby and I can’t wait!  I miss you so much!  Locks were changed; please bring your elevator pass back so I can return it to the property manager.

I told Duane we would have to get up early tomorrow and pick up Monroe, I knew he wasn’t a morning person, but he wasn’t going to make me take public transit alone.  So he nodded and suggested we make it an early evening since we were going to be up at the ‘crack of dawn’. I laughed and offered to buy dinner, and have it delivered...his choice.

After we had our dinner and Duane headed into his room, I cleaned up and made sure everything was ready for Monroe’s arrival.  I had his favourite coffee and was going to make him a full breakfast if he was hungry.  As I was turning out the lights and I checked to make sure everything was locked; the buzzer went off.  I looked at the clock and it was a little after 11.  I went over and used the intercom “Hello?”  I waited but I got no answer. So I figured it was just stupid kids playing around or something.  I shook my head and walked towards the balcony door and the buzzer went off again.  I wasn’t going to feed into this game, I just continued to lock down the house and then the buzzer went off again....and for a long time, like someone was holding it down.  I had enough and went to the buzzer “Look it’s not funny!  Stop buzzing”   I stopped to see if I could hear anything but there was nothing.   The buzzing started again, and I had enough....I went and woke up Duane and he asked who was buzzing and I told him I didn't know.

We both went downstairs; Duane had a baseball bat in case, as he put it, needed to crack some skulls....but we got down there and there was no one there, but something caught my eye near the buzzer panel....

B and E

I was in shock when I looked through the slats of the door.  I looked at Duane is disbelief; he looked just as shocked as I did.  All the lights were on; I never leave all these lights on.  There was a trail of flowers leading into the loft.  We carefully opened the door and stepped inside and it became more and more real...someone had been in there.  We carefully walked a line through the apartment, leaving his bag by the door.  It was as though nothing had been touched; yet everything had been touched.  We walked carefully around the apartment to see if anything was missing.  Since Duane had helped set up, he knew where mostly everything was.  I hadn’t changed much since we got it set up.

When we walked to the table we saw a huge bouquet of flowers with an envelope.  I looked at him and he shook his head in disbelief.  I opened the envelope and there were several pictures of all of us out to dinner tonight and a note...

I always know where you are.

I wondered how the hell this got into my loft.  It was obviously another attempt of Craig or Candice to scare me.  And right now they had succeeded.  One or both of them had breached my loft.  I looked around and couldn’t see any sign of anything being open.  And I always check the emergency stairwell.  I sighed and a tear rolled down my cheek.  What the hell was wrong with these people?!  What did I do to deserve this?!  Duane came over and hugged me and it was like he knew exactly what I was thinking.  He whispered “You did nothing to deserve this.  They are crazy and trying to make you think you’re doing something wrong.”  I nodded against his shoulder and held him tight. He stepped away and called the police.  I was going to call Joel later.

The police came and took our statements.  Of course there are all the questions of who do you think could’ve done this?  Do you have a history with the individual?  Etc.

After they dusted various things for finger prints and took the photos, note and vase of flowers, the detective left me with his business card and told me to call if I remembered anything else. I nodded and sighed.  I had to get in touch with Monroe and tell him what happened, not to mention the property manager.  I leaned against the wall and wondered how the hell this all got this point.  Duane came around the corner and looked me in the eyes.  I stared back at him and sighed.  I hugged him tightly and was thankful he was there with me.

I went to my purse and got my phone and made a call to Monroe first.  He didn’t answer, so I left him a message.  Hey Monroe, I need you to call me back as soon as possible.  The loft got broken into, nothing was taken that we noticed, but I need to get in touch with the property manager and get new key accesses and locks changed on the stairwell.  Call me when you can...I hung up.

I went straight to the kitchen and grabbed the half bottle of wine chilling in the fridge and poured a glass.  Duane went to the liquor cabinet and poured himself some vodka and we sat on the couch.  We were surveying the loft and noticed all the dust over certain items.  We had a long night of cleaning ahead of us; I wasn’t going to leave this powder on the surfaces.  I got up and changed into some sweats and grabbed some cleaner from the closet.  I grabbed a sponge and bucket from the kitchen and started to fill it up.  Duane got up and grabbed another sponge and we both started to wipe away all the dusting powder. 

But I didn’t stop there, I cleaned the entire apartment.  I needed to try and make myself feel like I had not been violated.  Duane helped me as we swept through the apartment.  We cleaned it from top to bottom even stripping the sheets off the beds.  It was late when we had finished and we were sweaty and exhausted.  I told Duane to go ahead and shower and head to bed.  I had a few more phone calls to make before I went to bed. 

My first phone call was to Sam, my old boss, I left a message that explained I wasn’t going to finish out the week with him, and I apologized but explained I had an emergency come up and I needed to tend to it before I left.  I tried Monroe again but didn’t get any answer.  I figured he had to be working or out.  He would call me as soon as he got the message.  I sighed and knew I had to make the call to Joel...

 

Joel: “Hey baby you’re home late...”

Me: “Someone broke into the loft.”

Joel: “WHAT?  Where is Duane?”

Me: “He’s here, he called the police and they left and we spent the last few hours cleaning the loft....”

Joel: “I am going to get the next flight out.  I cannot believe this.  She has gone crazy...”

Me: “Don’t bother rushing, you and I need to talk before I go anywhere...”

Joel: “Are you having second thoughts? I can protect you from anything....once you’re here you will see.  It will be the best for both of us....my friend Ashlie is so excited to meet you!  You will love her.  And you will not be alone!”

Me: “We will talk when you get here.  Seriously don’t rush.”

We had some more idle chit chat before I yawned and told him I wanted to sleep.  We both said I love you at the same time, which always makes me smile...we did that a lot. 

After we hung up and I while I was showering I smiled at the fact that he was trying.  He was lining up friends for me so I wouldn’t be so alone out there, but in the back of  my mind I couldn’t help but think; if my loft could be breached...I wasn’t entirely safe here.  But could I be safe with Joel?

Gut Feeling...

** Thanks for your patience!! I tried to have some pre done for posting while I was in my conference, but work and life took over.  So here it is...and I will get a post up for tomorrow too!!**


I didn’t expect to hear back from Joel right away so I walked back inside the loft and decided that Michelle and I needed a night out.  I didn’t even care if my boss saw me, I wasn’t staying there anyway.  I wanted to thank Michelle for being the person to come running when I was about to turn into the ugly green monster, and for being there while crazy and crazier invaded my home.

Me: “Got plans tonight?”

Michelle: “I was just going to go home and make dinner for me and Ian.  Why what’s up?”

Me: “How about we all go out for dinner?  Call Courtney and Stacey and see what they say.  I am going to call Duane.”

Michelle nodded and made the phone calls while I called my brother.  I moved into my bedroom make the call, while I was in talking to him my phone chimed that I had a text waiting.  Duane always agreed to come out for dinner, but I didn’t tell him what just happened...yet.  I looked at the time and noted it was 6pm; I walked out to the living room where Michelle had just finished up calling everyone. 

Michelle: “Ok it’s all set; we will meet up at Copa Cabana and have dinner together.  I made a reservation for 8pm.  Late dinner but enough time for us all to shower and get ready, do you mind if I get ready here?  Can I borrow something to wear?”

Me: “Of course you can!  Go ahead and shower and pick something to wear.  You might have to go through some of the bins; I didn’t leave much out since I am leaving soon.”

Michelle smiled and headed to the bedroom and started going through the bins, she picked out a summer dress and a pair of wedged flip flops.  I heard the shower start up and I decided to check the text that was waiting for me.

What do you mean they are working together?  What the hell happened??  I would move anywhere to be with you, but I have to find a job somewhere else before we do that.  Can you just come here until I find something else?  I will totally understand if you say no, but please call me and let me know what just happened...do I need to come back up?  Are you safe?  I love you and am worried!

Hey, Yea I am safe.  If I have to I will get Duane to stay here with me until I leave.  I totally understand you not being able to just up and leave, I really want to come there, but it makes me nervous that you will be at work and I am left alone in your house.  I will seriously think about it before you come back here.  I will call you later tonight.  I am going out for dinner with the gang.  I love you too, don’t worry about me, I will be fine!!

I heard the shower stop just as I finished up my text to Joel.  I am going to discuss with Duane about him staying with me until Joel gets back.  Then I will have to figure out what my next step is.  Clearly nothing is going to stop these two.  When Michelle got out of the shower she moved into the spare room to get changed while I got into the shower.  When I came out I found another summer dress that Michelle had left out for me to wear along with some cork wedged sandals.  I laughed to myself, but dried myself off and slid it on.  When I came out towel drying my hair I saw Michelle sitting at the table with a small mirror fixing her make-up.  I checked my phone and Joel had texted back a very long message...

How can you say don’t worry?!  I am very worried now.  Candice is clearly hell bent on getting me back (for whatever reason), and now has Craig working with her?!  This just keeps getting worse and worse.  I completely understand that you need to think this through, and I honestly wish you weren’t dealing with the brunt of this on your own.  This is absolutely crazy!  I want to just quit my job, sell my house and move us away to a remote island away from the craziness that has now become reality. 

Baby I love how strong you are being through all of this.  And I am deeply sorry for you to have to deal with this!  It is just showing me how strong you are.  Please let me know if Duane can’t stay there with you, and I will be on the first flight out.  I don’t care about my job, I care about you!!  I need to know for absolute certain that you are safe.  Have fun tonight with the gang, and be safe!  I love you please call me when you get home, I don’t care what time it is! Xoxo

I instantly smiled at his message, and I knew if Duane couldn’t stay that he would be on the next flight out; job or no job.  I finished towel drying my hair and tied it back into a messy bun.  Michelle was drinking a fresh beer when I had moved to the mirror and put on some light make-up.

We headed out shortly afterwards to Copa Cabana.  We got to the restaurant and saw the group waiting outside.  Michelle walked in and we were seated about 10 minutes after we arrived.  I was absolutely starving, and couldn’t wait to eat. We ordered a few drinks and then headed up to the buffet to grab our sides.  Duane and I were the first to return when I turned to ask him...

Me: “Duane I need to ask you a huge favour, but before I ask I am going to give you a brief run down as to what happened.”

As I gave him the run down I noticed his face getting red and his body was getting rigid.  I knew he was seething with anger.  I put my hand on his arm and continued but before I could even as him...

Duane: “YOU ARE NOT staying there alone.  Either you come to my place or I stay with you.  I don’t even want you moving now; I can’t get to you quickly if you are in danger...”

Me: “I was going to ask you to stay.  Joel doesn’t want me alone, and he won’t be back for another few days...as for me moving, well he and I will have to talk about it when he gets back.  I share the same concerns as you do.”

He nodded before the rest of the table returned and then the waiters started appearing with various meets on skewers.  We were all eating and laughing together, but I know that Duane is conflicted inside.  He is putting up a good front, but I know he won’t let me out of his sight until Friday.  Which now put me in more of a predicament; I had to finish out my schedule at work.

After we had all had our fill of various meats and sides, we were all relaxing at the table.  I started to get emotional, this would be one of the last times I would have a big dinner like this with all of my friends.  I grabbed the bill for Michelle, Duane and myself, despite their protests.  We all slowly got up from table and groaned as we had really pigged out.  Outside the restaurant we hugged goodbye and everyone confirmed that we would see each other on Saturday for dinner.  I hadn’t expressed to anyone but Duane my new hesitation about moving now.

Duane and I grabbed a cab and went by his place to grab some clothes for him.  He packed one large duffel bag, even though it was only going to be a few days at most before Joel was back.  I sat on his couch while he packed and checked my phone.  I had no new messages; but I knew Joel was waiting for me to call him so I figured I would do it now.  I was pacing around the room as I waited for him to answer.  He didn’t so I just left him a simple message Hey it’s me, Duane is going to stay with me until you get back.  Don’t worry I won’t be alone.  We are heading for the loft in a few minutes.  I love you!

Duane and I departed shortly after I had hung up.  I wanted to walk, since we didn’t really live that far apart.  We stopped for tea and coffee, and then continued out walk to the loft.  It wasn’t long before we got to the loft, but I had a funny feeling again.  We got into the elevator and I still couldn’t shake this feeling, it was uneasy and there was only one other time I felt like this....

When we got to my floor we looked through the slats of the wooden frame that led to the apartment and my gut feeling was right....

 

Never ... Ever

**Authors Note:  I had originally posted this earlier, and I had a commenter mention that it was not 'not plausible even for fiction' so I thought to myself, maybe I'll change it.  But then after talking with a fellow blogger Arianna she offered me some sympathetic words, and told me that it "You're the author and you're allowed to make your story as real or unrealistic that you like".  And she's right.  So I am reposting as it was originally!  Thanks for the support to all my loyal readers!**

 

 

I stared shocked at the people standing before me.  Craig stood there with Candice.  She was smiling like a hyena, and I was her next victim.  I was in disbelief; how the hell did these two know each other?! 

Me: “What the ever loving fuck?!  GET OUT!!!”

I stepped over the broken bottle and moved towards Michelle.

Me: “I know you had nothing to do with this, but you don’t need to stay.”

Michelle: “No I am not leaving you...I am so sorry, they accosted me in the lobby...”

Craig shook his head and laughed.  

Craig: “Accosted you?! Please...”

Me: “What is this all about?  How the fuck do you two know each other?”

Craig: “I tried to get you to come home to me...I tried to get you to talk to me rationally.  Hell I even tried to get you to go to dinner with me.  But no, you just wouldn’t hear me out.  So I did some digging...”

Me: “Why would I hear you out Craig?  I caught you red handed banging my so called best friend...in our home...and now she’s pregnant...”

Craig: “IT I S NOT MINE!” he roared.

Me: “Tell it to the judge, and while you’re telling them... GET OUT OF MY HOME!”

Craig: “You don’t remember her do you?!” he laughed.

Me: “No I know who she is; she’s Joel’s ex...”

Craig: “Well she’s that too.  But she’s also one of my old co-workers.  You two have met at some of the company functions.  We still chat every once in a while even though she relocated to San Francisco, and she was expressing that she was having man troubles. When she told me her story and lo and behold when I found out that her Joel was dating my fiancée...it was too good to be true.”

Me: “You’re both sick!  They aren’t even together anymore.  But I can now figure out how she got my phone number!  You both need to leave ... and I am surprised you don’t have anything to say there Candice.  You had some choice words via text!  Now both of you get out or I am calling the police!”

Candice: “Look bitch, I am the one who dug Joel out of depression when his last girlfriend left him while he was recovering.  I am the one who he was with until he came up here and found you.  I am the one who will pick up the pieces when you leave him, and I will be the one who he is with for the rest of his life...”

I laughed at her; the rest of his life...really?  I scoffed at her delusion.  Michelle the entire time was sitting on the couch watching this go down.  She had tried to say something a few times, but I would put a hand on her shoulder and shake my head.  I love her for trying to defend me, but I didn’t want any more people in this than need be.  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Candice’s fist clench at her side and she was irate.  She went to lunge at me, and Craig caught her.

Craig: “Candice calm down!!  Are you crazy?  We will get what we want in the end...and this is not the way to get it.”

He held on to her tight and nuzzled her neck and ear, and I realized right quick that there was much more to their relationship than just co-workers. 

Me: “So did you and Candice bang before me or was she on the dossier of women in your stable.  Did he tell you would tell you his frigid fiancée won’t let him sleep with her, or that she’s far too busy planning your wedding and ignoring his needs?  You know what save it...I don’t care anymore.  GET OUT!”

Craig was backing away with Candice behind him.  His eyes like he got caught again with his hands in the cookie jar.  I snorted, as the truth surfaced.  He was never faithful to me, not once in our entire relationship.

Craig: “This isn’t over Bella.  It will never be over between us.”

Me: “This IS OVER!!  Stop with the fatal attraction.  Move on, let go.  LEAVE NOW!”

He grabbed Candice’s hand and dragged her towards the elevator.  I walked towards them.  When the elevator arrived I scanned my pass and slammed the door shut. 

I walked away, I was so sorry that Michelle had to witness that, but at least I had a witness.  If things had got crazy, I had someone to back me up.  I was shocked and shaken up by what had happened.  I knew that Craig was not going to let go, but to stoop to this level...

I leaned against the wall and started to think if I could really do this move.  If Candice was willing to attack me in my own home, what would happen when I am 3000 miles away from everyone?  But I couldn’t let her scare me away from Joel...I half wondered if we could just move somewhere and start anew.

I moved back to the living room and saw Michelle cleaning up the broken bottle and beer that was now drying on the floor.  I hugged her tightly when she was done.  We both just knew, I excused myself to the balcony and grabbed my phone and texted Joel...

Well our crazy exes have now joined forces apparently.  Remember when you said you would move anywhere to be with me?  Well maybe it is time for both of us to move, and start fresh somewhere new.  What do you say?

...Tells All

I paced around the living room drinking my wine, I was nervous.  What if this was a really recent picture?  What if he was playing with my heart?  What if I move and have no safety net?!  I started to panic...I went to the freezer and pulled out a cigarette.  I hadn’t had one since I had ran into Craig at the restaurant.  I walked out onto the balcony and lit it up.  I felt nicotine rush my body, and calm my nerves.  I was glad I didn’t partake in this nasty habit often!

I walked back inside and saw Michelle grab a beer.  She’s not really a wine drinker, so I knew right away that the beers were for her.  She was just about to come out on the balcony when I came back in.

Michelle: “He should be here soon.  I know you’re nervous, but come on, it’s Joel not Craig.”

Me: “I know you’re right.  And I don’t want to second guess myself or him.  But it really is hard to get over stuff like this.  I don’t want to think this way, but after what I’ve been through...”

Michelle: “Stop Bella! You can either trust him with your whole heart or you can’t.  And if you can’t, then you have to let him go.  It’s not fair to him or to you.  You didn’t have these doubts until that bitch came along.   I believe he loves you and I believe that nothing has happened recently.”

I nodded with her and then heard the buzzer, which caused me to jump a little bit.  She put her beer down on the window edge and walked over to the elevator and buzzed him in.  She took my pass by the door and went down to get him.  I checked my phone and saw Joel was waiting for me to send the picture.  I told him I would in a few minutes but I wanted to know how she got my phone number...to which he didn’t know but would find out.

Michelle and Tim came upstairs and she made introductions.  Tim was very shy, dressed in all black and tight black jeans.  His hair was dark black and hid part of his face.

Tim: “Hey”

Michelle: “So Tim, we need your professional help, you are good at this crap.  Bella has a photo that she needs to know when it was taken.  It was sent to her by some chick.  Think you can figure that out?”

Tim just nodded and held out his hand for the phone.  I opened up the text and the n handed it to him.  Michelle went to the kitchen and put the ice cream away, and on her way back grabbed him a beer. Tim sat on the couch and was typing away on my phone.  He didn’t say much, but flicked his hair out of his face a few times.  He nodded silently to Michelle when she put the beer down in front of him, and he just continued to type away.  He eventually reached for his beer and took a swig before setting it down.

Tim: “Ok this picture was taken about 8 months ago. Do you want to know where and what time?”

I sighed relieved and then shook my head.  That was all I needed to know.  I hugged Michelle tightly and told her to promise not to say anything to Joel.  I don’t want to come across as the crazy girlfriend, not yet anyway.  She nodded and Tim finished his beer and then smiled. 

Me: “Thank you so much Tim!  You don’t even know how much this meant to me!”

Tim nodded and got up, nodding to Michelle that he wanted to go.  I noticed the twinkle in Michelle’s eye; I knew that look and planned to ask her about it later.  Tim was a man of few words, but a technological genius in my eyes.  Now I am sure that I could’ve googled how to do it, but I am not tech savvy.  I probably would’ve done something to my phone that long term would’ve messed it up. I yelled goodbye to Tim as Michelle walked him out and took him down in the elevator.  I texted Joel the picture and then put my phone back down.  I had the reassurance I needed, and was now more than ready to move. 

I poured myself another glass of wine and turned on the stereo.  I heard the elevator come back up and I got up to grab a cold beer from the fridge for Michelle. 

Me: “I can’t thank you enough Michelle!! You put my mind at such ease with the help of Tim!”

Michelle: “Um you’re welcome...”

I thought her answer was kind of off, as I walked around the corner and saw her standing there, very ridged.

Me: “What’s wrong Michelle?”

Her eyes shifted towards the elevator and when I looked I dropped the which shattered on the floor...and stared...

 

 

“I think it’s about time we talked...”