AFOC Chapter 12
Chapter 12
BPOV
Our house is in chaos as we head out for the game between the junior and senior teams. This is as big as any rival team game; bragging rights are important, according to our teenage boys. We’re decked out in school colors and the boys’ jersey numbers. Some are wearing Lucian and Mike, and others have Damon. Esme and I are wearing all their numbers on our shirts.
It’s divided in our house now that Damon is the captain of the junior team and Lucian is the captain of the seniors. I hate it because they’re both stars in my eyes. But, in reality, my mind isn’t even in the game, into cheering and being happy that we have this family time. No, it’s on tomorrow night and the unspoken fight between me and Edward.
It’s not just the fight; lately, there just seems to be such a disconnect. We had this moment of strength when we agreed to take in Julie, but then it was havoc. It’s been non-stop for me at the center, and he’s been at work constantly; we’re barely able to make time to be with the kids. I wonder if they know how much I love them. They’re the reason I work so hard.
But that doesn’t leave much time for us. It hurts that all our conversations are about work or what Damon has done, and what’s happened with him breaks my heart. I don’t want to watch my son struggle the way I did. I know there’s a difference; I had his brother, and my family didn’t have the money that we do now. I won’t abandon him in his time of need. I’ll make this dinner tomorrow perfect for Damon. I’ll show the girl and her family that we’re not these horrible, rich, snobby people, just people, and we’re in this together. I mean, we’ll share a grandchild.
We arrive at the school and unload the vehicles. Sarah grabs Julie and runs over to a group of kids. Edward holds Lily and Maddie’s hands as I take Wyatt and Masen and head to the bleachers to get a spot close to the field. I need to keep an eye on the girls and their friends that seem to be more boys than girls. We see the rest of our family already taking up a third of the front row with spots reserved for us.
“Give me my little man.” Esme takes Wyatt from me as Masen goes over to where Jackson and Emmie are playing with chalk.
Lily and Maddie clamor to Esme as well, leaving Edward wrapping his arm around me and tucking me into his side.
I relax into him, relishing this moment. It feels like forever since we could just relax with one another and enjoy something together. There doesn’t seem to be an end in sight for our stress.
The game finally kicks off with the juniors on the receiving end. It’s not long before we’re up screaming for the boys. Emmett and Edward are cheering on Damon, and Carlisle and Jasper cheer on Lucian. Good Lord, they all have money riding on my boys.
I look over at Sarah, who seems to have a fan club of at least four boys, all wearing jerseys.
“Don’t worry about them. They’re just hanging with her hoping to meet the famous Cullen brothers.” Sam snickers.
I turn to her. “What?”
She leans closer to me. “For the sixth graders, Lucian, Damon, and Mike are gods. So, when they found out Sarah is their little sister, they started to hang out with her, hoping she’ll introduce them.”
I chuckle, looking at them again. I can see how Sarah dismisses them as she practices cheers with Julie and another girl. I shake my head, paying attention to the game again; the seniors are up by one point halfway through the second quarter.
Unexpectedly, I see Jared scanning the crowd, looking lost. I raise my hand, calling out to him. “Jared?”
Edward curses next to me as Jared walks up to us with a lazy smile. “Hey, boss.”
“Hey, Jared, what brings you out here?”
“Lucian invited me,” he answers, looking sheepish.
“That’s great. Come sit with us.” I move over and so does Sam to allow him to climb up and sit with us.
Jared is a great guy and such a Godsend to me. He has truly made my day-to-day work so much easier to get through. He has a knack for smoothing things over, especially if he’s dealing with women.
The female staff at the center are obsessed with my P.A. I side-eye him; he’s dressed in a hoodie and jeans. With dark eyes, wavy brown hair, and facial scruff; yeah, I can see it.
“Love, it’s halftime, want to get some junk from the concession stand for everyone?” Edward brings me out of my Jared trance with pure love and devotion showing in his eyes.
“Yeah,” I say, overly enthusiastic. I’m trying to hide the fact I was checking out Jared with my husband right next to me. I’m going to hell.
Edward pulls on my hands, helping me up, and something passes between him and Jared. I look at Jared as his eyes bounce to Edward, who’s staring at him with a raised brow, and Jared smirks, leaning back.
I feel the tug as Edward pulls us through the crowd, but I can’t help but feel confused. “What was that?”
Edward turns to me. “What was what?”
I scoff. “With Jared.”
He rolls his eyes. “Nothing, Bella.”
I want to argue with him; I know he’s lying. I don’t know why he would, but I don’t like it. We never lie to each other. But I’m tired, too tired for this fight. It’s probably nothing; maybe there was nothing, and I thought I saw something out of sheer exhaustion.
“Okay.” I take a few items as he takes the rest and we go back to our crew.
The kids are having fun. Wyatt is curled up with Edward on his lap trying to fight sleep as we cheer. In the last quarter, down to the last thirty seconds, Damon scores the final touchdown, winning the game by a single point.
Edward jumps, startling Wyatt in his arms, hooting and hollering. “Give me my money!”
Emmett high-fives Edward as they collect from Jasper and Carlisle. I shake my head as we gather our things and the kids. Jared leaves, giving me a hug and telling me he’ll see me Monday.
We head over to wait for our boys, Sam and Katie with us. Katie is in her cheer uniform, and Sarah is clamoring for her attention. She gives it to her with happy enthusiasm.
I bite my bottom lip, worried that the boys might be fighting because the juniors beat the seniors, but when they came out Lucian, Mike, and Damon have their arms slung around each other, laughing.
My heart swells at the pride that’s clear as day on Damon’s face. I haven’t seen that in a long time.
All our children are at their destined locations for the night as we prepare for dinner. My hands shake as I put the finishing touches on the pot roast. Wanting to keep the atmosphere light, I decided to wear a plain t-shirt and leggings with flats and asked Edward to wear something similar. My hope is if they see that we’re relaxed that the appearance of the lavish lifestyle won’t intimidate them.
Damon is pacing around the house, straightening already straightened things and wiping his brow. I want to take him in my arms and tell him everything is all right, but I can’t promise him it will be. I can’t even convince myself as their arrival time grows closer.
Edward is already setting the table and taking sips from his drink. I wish I had something for my nerves.
The ringing doorbell echoes off the walls, sounding like the bell toll before an execution. I let Damon get the door as Edward and I stand in the background. I cling to him; my life raft.
The door opens, revealing a petite girl with long dark hair, a good foot shorter than Damon. Her eyelashes frame her eyes, giving a childlike innocence. It’s ironic that she looks so young and my son looks older. Next to her is an older man with wrinkles around eyes that scan our home with skepticism. He’s clearly been in the sun more often than not; his skin is overly tan and pitted with scars.
“Hey, Trisha, welcome.” Damon’s voice is smooth and unwavering, his previous nerves gone.
“Hi, Damon. This is my dad, David. Dad, this is Damon.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Mathews. Um, Trisha.” He gently takes her hand and walks over to us. I put on a welcoming smile and pray.
“This is my Mom, Bella, and my Dad, Edward. This is Trisha.”
I take her outstretched hand. “I’m so happy to meet you. Thank you for agreeing to have dinner with us.”
Edward rubs my back. “Yes, thank you. We’re pleased to have you here. My wife has pulled out all the stops for dinner, making her famous pot roast with all the trimmings.”
Trisha smiles, pulling her hand out of Damon’s as she turns to her father, who eyes us with contempt.
“Mr. and Mrs. Cullen, this is my dad, David Mathews.” He reaches out to Edward, who shakes his hand with a controlled smile.
He ignores my outstretched hand; I keep my smile in place, though, and direct everyone to the dining room table.
“Would you like a drink?” Edward’s voice is abnormally controlled.
David is oblivious to my husband’s tone as he gives a sardonic grin. “I bet what you drink is only the best, too.”
Edward’s shoulders tense as he smiles, taking a sip and making a show of it. “Of course.”
“Sit, please. I’m going to get the food.”
“I’ll help, Mom.” Damon follows me to the kitchen.
In the kitchen, I hand things to Damon in silence. The tension from the initial meeting has already told me how the rest of the evening will be. Our eyes meet, and I see the scared boy wanting me to reassure him. I can do this for him, even if all positive thoughts are out the window.
“Hey, everything will be fine. He’s probably waiting for the other shoe to drop, but there is none to be dropped.” I smile, praying this comforts him.
He nods, waiting for me to take the lead with the main course to set on the table.
“This looks amazing, love.” Edward kisses the back of my hand.
I smile, giving a small thank you.
“Yes, Mrs. Cullen, this looks almost too good to eat,” Trisha compliments as she fidgets with her sleeves.
Her father rolls his eyes. “I’m surprised there isn’t a staff to be doing these menial things.”
An awkward chuckle escapes my lips as I take my seat. Edward takes a long sip of his drink before smiling. “You would think so, wouldn’t you?”
His statement hangs in the air as I dish out the pot roast.
We tuck in with happy eating noises and gentle sips of drinks, but all good things always end.
“As much as my naïve daughter wants to believe you don’t plan on pressing charges, I want to know what your agenda is.”
Damon's face flames as I stare into the man’s eyes with heat. “There is no agenda. I wanted to get to know you and your daughter; we’re going to be in each other's lives, now. I thought it would be nice to get to know one another and start a rapport.”
He scoffs. “Sure, because a rich family like yours doesn’t have something up their sleeve.”
“Dad!” Trisha’s voice is thick with embarrassment.
“You’re so naïve, and such a whore. If you want the baby, it’s going to cost you.” His gaze bounces between me and Edward.
I’m beyond disgusted with this man. I can barely reign in my anger.
“We aren’t after the baby,” my husband grits out. “Whatever you need, we will help and provide for you, I assure you, Trisha.” Edward ignores David’s scoffs and eye-rolling, only addressing her. “We’re just here to help where we can. I hope the horrible mistake my son made that put you in this situation will not hinder him being involved with the pregnancy and the baby’s life.”
Damon clears his throat. “I know I’m young, but that doesn’t mean I can’t help. More than just money, I can be there for everything, if you’ll let me.”
I grab his hand, giving him a reassuring smile before smiling at Trisha. “We just want to help give this baby a good, loving life.”
Trisha smiles. “Thank you so much.”
The rest of the meal is spent getting to know her more as her father continues to make snide comments about our wealth. When he wasn’t commenting on that, he was demeaning his daughter. I had to hold both Damon and Edward back from pummeling him. I wanted to let them, but I wasn’t sure how much influence he had on Trisha. Until we can assess that, we have to play nice.
Damon escorts Trisha and her father out, while Edward and I clean up the kitchen.
“That was…” I snort, placing the dishes in the washer.
Edward laughs. “Yeah.”
Trisha
BPOV
Our house is in chaos as we head out for the game between the junior and senior teams. This is as big as any rival team game; bragging rights are important, according to our teenage boys. We’re decked out in school colors and the boys’ jersey numbers. Some are wearing Lucian and Mike, and others have Damon. Esme and I are wearing all their numbers on our shirts.
It’s divided in our house now that Damon is the captain of the junior team and Lucian is the captain of the seniors. I hate it because they’re both stars in my eyes. But, in reality, my mind isn’t even in the game, into cheering and being happy that we have this family time. No, it’s on tomorrow night and the unspoken fight between me and Edward.
It’s not just the fight; lately, there just seems to be such a disconnect. We had this moment of strength when we agreed to take in Julie, but then it was havoc. It’s been non-stop for me at the center, and he’s been at work constantly; we’re barely able to make time to be with the kids. I wonder if they know how much I love them. They’re the reason I work so hard.
But that doesn’t leave much time for us. It hurts that all our conversations are about work or what Damon has done, and what’s happened with him breaks my heart. I don’t want to watch my son struggle the way I did. I know there’s a difference; I had his brother, and my family didn’t have the money that we do now. I won’t abandon him in his time of need. I’ll make this dinner tomorrow perfect for Damon. I’ll show the girl and her family that we’re not these horrible, rich, snobby people, just people, and we’re in this together. I mean, we’ll share a grandchild.
We arrive at the school and unload the vehicles. Sarah grabs Julie and runs over to a group of kids. Edward holds Lily and Maddie’s hands as I take Wyatt and Masen and head to the bleachers to get a spot close to the field. I need to keep an eye on the girls and their friends that seem to be more boys than girls. We see the rest of our family already taking up a third of the front row with spots reserved for us.
“Give me my little man.” Esme takes Wyatt from me as Masen goes over to where Jackson and Emmie are playing with chalk.
Lily and Maddie clamor to Esme as well, leaving Edward wrapping his arm around me and tucking me into his side.
I relax into him, relishing this moment. It feels like forever since we could just relax with one another and enjoy something together. There doesn’t seem to be an end in sight for our stress.
The game finally kicks off with the juniors on the receiving end. It’s not long before we’re up screaming for the boys. Emmett and Edward are cheering on Damon, and Carlisle and Jasper cheer on Lucian. Good Lord, they all have money riding on my boys.
I look over at Sarah, who seems to have a fan club of at least four boys, all wearing jerseys.
“Don’t worry about them. They’re just hanging with her hoping to meet the famous Cullen brothers.” Sam snickers.
I turn to her. “What?”
She leans closer to me. “For the sixth graders, Lucian, Damon, and Mike are gods. So, when they found out Sarah is their little sister, they started to hang out with her, hoping she’ll introduce them.”
I chuckle, looking at them again. I can see how Sarah dismisses them as she practices cheers with Julie and another girl. I shake my head, paying attention to the game again; the seniors are up by one point halfway through the second quarter.
Unexpectedly, I see Jared scanning the crowd, looking lost. I raise my hand, calling out to him. “Jared?”
Edward curses next to me as Jared walks up to us with a lazy smile. “Hey, boss.”
“Hey, Jared, what brings you out here?”
“Lucian invited me,” he answers, looking sheepish.
“That’s great. Come sit with us.” I move over and so does Sam to allow him to climb up and sit with us.
Jared is a great guy and such a Godsend to me. He has truly made my day-to-day work so much easier to get through. He has a knack for smoothing things over, especially if he’s dealing with women.
The female staff at the center are obsessed with my P.A. I side-eye him; he’s dressed in a hoodie and jeans. With dark eyes, wavy brown hair, and facial scruff; yeah, I can see it.
“Love, it’s halftime, want to get some junk from the concession stand for everyone?” Edward brings me out of my Jared trance with pure love and devotion showing in his eyes.
“Yeah,” I say, overly enthusiastic. I’m trying to hide the fact I was checking out Jared with my husband right next to me. I’m going to hell.
Edward pulls on my hands, helping me up, and something passes between him and Jared. I look at Jared as his eyes bounce to Edward, who’s staring at him with a raised brow, and Jared smirks, leaning back.
I feel the tug as Edward pulls us through the crowd, but I can’t help but feel confused. “What was that?”
Edward turns to me. “What was what?”
I scoff. “With Jared.”
He rolls his eyes. “Nothing, Bella.”
I want to argue with him; I know he’s lying. I don’t know why he would, but I don’t like it. We never lie to each other. But I’m tired, too tired for this fight. It’s probably nothing; maybe there was nothing, and I thought I saw something out of sheer exhaustion.
“Okay.” I take a few items as he takes the rest and we go back to our crew.
The kids are having fun. Wyatt is curled up with Edward on his lap trying to fight sleep as we cheer. In the last quarter, down to the last thirty seconds, Damon scores the final touchdown, winning the game by a single point.
Edward jumps, startling Wyatt in his arms, hooting and hollering. “Give me my money!”
Emmett high-fives Edward as they collect from Jasper and Carlisle. I shake my head as we gather our things and the kids. Jared leaves, giving me a hug and telling me he’ll see me Monday.
We head over to wait for our boys, Sam and Katie with us. Katie is in her cheer uniform, and Sarah is clamoring for her attention. She gives it to her with happy enthusiasm.
I bite my bottom lip, worried that the boys might be fighting because the juniors beat the seniors, but when they came out Lucian, Mike, and Damon have their arms slung around each other, laughing.
My heart swells at the pride that’s clear as day on Damon’s face. I haven’t seen that in a long time.
*AFOC*
All our children are at their destined locations for the night as we prepare for dinner. My hands shake as I put the finishing touches on the pot roast. Wanting to keep the atmosphere light, I decided to wear a plain t-shirt and leggings with flats and asked Edward to wear something similar. My hope is if they see that we’re relaxed that the appearance of the lavish lifestyle won’t intimidate them.
Damon is pacing around the house, straightening already straightened things and wiping his brow. I want to take him in my arms and tell him everything is all right, but I can’t promise him it will be. I can’t even convince myself as their arrival time grows closer.
Edward is already setting the table and taking sips from his drink. I wish I had something for my nerves.
The ringing doorbell echoes off the walls, sounding like the bell toll before an execution. I let Damon get the door as Edward and I stand in the background. I cling to him; my life raft.
The door opens, revealing a petite girl with long dark hair, a good foot shorter than Damon. Her eyelashes frame her eyes, giving a childlike innocence. It’s ironic that she looks so young and my son looks older. Next to her is an older man with wrinkles around eyes that scan our home with skepticism. He’s clearly been in the sun more often than not; his skin is overly tan and pitted with scars.
“Hey, Trisha, welcome.” Damon’s voice is smooth and unwavering, his previous nerves gone.
“Hi, Damon. This is my dad, David. Dad, this is Damon.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Mathews. Um, Trisha.” He gently takes her hand and walks over to us. I put on a welcoming smile and pray.
“This is my Mom, Bella, and my Dad, Edward. This is Trisha.”
I take her outstretched hand. “I’m so happy to meet you. Thank you for agreeing to have dinner with us.”
Edward rubs my back. “Yes, thank you. We’re pleased to have you here. My wife has pulled out all the stops for dinner, making her famous pot roast with all the trimmings.”
Trisha smiles, pulling her hand out of Damon’s as she turns to her father, who eyes us with contempt.
“Mr. and Mrs. Cullen, this is my dad, David Mathews.” He reaches out to Edward, who shakes his hand with a controlled smile.
He ignores my outstretched hand; I keep my smile in place, though, and direct everyone to the dining room table.
“Would you like a drink?” Edward’s voice is abnormally controlled.
David is oblivious to my husband’s tone as he gives a sardonic grin. “I bet what you drink is only the best, too.”
Edward’s shoulders tense as he smiles, taking a sip and making a show of it. “Of course.”
“Sit, please. I’m going to get the food.”
“I’ll help, Mom.” Damon follows me to the kitchen.
In the kitchen, I hand things to Damon in silence. The tension from the initial meeting has already told me how the rest of the evening will be. Our eyes meet, and I see the scared boy wanting me to reassure him. I can do this for him, even if all positive thoughts are out the window.
“Hey, everything will be fine. He’s probably waiting for the other shoe to drop, but there is none to be dropped.” I smile, praying this comforts him.
He nods, waiting for me to take the lead with the main course to set on the table.
“This looks amazing, love.” Edward kisses the back of my hand.
I smile, giving a small thank you.
“Yes, Mrs. Cullen, this looks almost too good to eat,” Trisha compliments as she fidgets with her sleeves.
Her father rolls his eyes. “I’m surprised there isn’t a staff to be doing these menial things.”
An awkward chuckle escapes my lips as I take my seat. Edward takes a long sip of his drink before smiling. “You would think so, wouldn’t you?”
His statement hangs in the air as I dish out the pot roast.
We tuck in with happy eating noises and gentle sips of drinks, but all good things always end.
“As much as my naïve daughter wants to believe you don’t plan on pressing charges, I want to know what your agenda is.”
Damon's face flames as I stare into the man’s eyes with heat. “There is no agenda. I wanted to get to know you and your daughter; we’re going to be in each other's lives, now. I thought it would be nice to get to know one another and start a rapport.”
He scoffs. “Sure, because a rich family like yours doesn’t have something up their sleeve.”
“Dad!” Trisha’s voice is thick with embarrassment.
“You’re so naïve, and such a whore. If you want the baby, it’s going to cost you.” His gaze bounces between me and Edward.
I’m beyond disgusted with this man. I can barely reign in my anger.
“We aren’t after the baby,” my husband grits out. “Whatever you need, we will help and provide for you, I assure you, Trisha.” Edward ignores David’s scoffs and eye-rolling, only addressing her. “We’re just here to help where we can. I hope the horrible mistake my son made that put you in this situation will not hinder him being involved with the pregnancy and the baby’s life.”
Damon clears his throat. “I know I’m young, but that doesn’t mean I can’t help. More than just money, I can be there for everything, if you’ll let me.”
I grab his hand, giving him a reassuring smile before smiling at Trisha. “We just want to help give this baby a good, loving life.”
Trisha smiles. “Thank you so much.”
The rest of the meal is spent getting to know her more as her father continues to make snide comments about our wealth. When he wasn’t commenting on that, he was demeaning his daughter. I had to hold both Damon and Edward back from pummeling him. I wanted to let them, but I wasn’t sure how much influence he had on Trisha. Until we can assess that, we have to play nice.
Damon escorts Trisha and her father out, while Edward and I clean up the kitchen.
“That was…” I snort, placing the dishes in the washer.
Edward laughs. “Yeah.”
Trisha
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