Bella's Choice (31 page)

“Mmm…” he groaned.

“You must excuse my sister, but she is correct, she isn’t the kind of woman you are used to,”
Leon said.

André raised his brow in question. “And how would you describe my taste in women?”

“Slutty and cheap,” he replied with a playful grin. “My sister is neither a slut or cheap.”

André chuckled. Yes, that pinpointed it; slutty and cheap.

He sank back into his seat and looked at the glass, which was still half full, the ice dancing around in the confined space―his thoughts still bothering him.
Don’t you think it’s about time you find someone other than the slutty and cheap variety? Look at what you did last night.
His conscience spoke as it had all day, leaving him filled with guilt and remorse. He tried to drown his sorrows as much as possible, but so far it hadn’t worked one damn bit. Again he looked at his glass, then at his shaky hands now resting on his knees. No matter what he tried, his thoughts couldn’t get away from what had taken place last night. He was miserable and felt downright angry with himself. He had messed up, big time. He rose from the table and walked away, bumping into a few chairs and people without a second glance toward the group, or his drink.

“Where is he going?” Annie asked the moment she joined them again, watching the back of the retreating man.

“Don’t know,”
Leon replied, turning his attention back to the current conversation.

“God has an appointment with you, Mr. Herbst,’ she muttered softly, then told her brother she was leaving.

Chapte
r Thirteen

E
arly the next morning, Aldrich cleared his schedule for the day and informed his assistant when he would be back. Afterward, he took Anabella to the Canal Walk Mall to buy some much needed clothing. Because she refused to return to her house, she had nothing to wear apart from the clothes Monica had borrowed her.

At first she protested, but he refused to listen and dragged her from shop to shop indulging her with dresses and accessories she had no idea when she would wear. Then, he went on t
o buy her casual clothing, piling the heap that included lingerie―holding the scraps of material in front of her―on to the counter while she smiled throughout. His eyes totally betrayed how much he loved buying these particular items for her, never once asking if she even approved of some of the colors he had chosen. With him, the whole shopping experience became an adventure as they lingered at shop windows, admiring the many offers on display.

Lastly, he took her to buy swimwear and yet again she protested, explaining that many of her things were stored at the dorm and it was unnecessary to buy more, but he turned a deaf ear as he piled more things on the counter. With each purchase, his credit card worked overtime. She couldn’t thank him enough, and couldn’t help but feel guilty at the unfortunate expenses, until he finally reprimanded her.

“Stop thanking me, Bella. I do it because I want to. If I want to buy my fiancée dresses and the like, she should just accept it with a smile. Okay?” He lifted a dark brow, his body language brooking no resistance from her, but she still caught a glimpse of a lopsided grin he was trying to contain.

“But… still, this is too much,” she protested, even if it was poorly.

“Nope, it isn’t, sweetheart.” His stance softened as he brushed her jaw with a thumb. He stared into her very soul with those blue eyes. She couldn’t miss his sincerity. His compassion touched her and with watery eyes she looked back at him.

“I love doing this for you, it makes me feel needed, because finally there
is
something I can do for you; so please let me enjoy this.”

Well, if he puts it that way, how can I resist him,
she thought, nodding as her face slowly turned up a bright smile.

“Let’s get out of here,” he said, placing a kiss on her forehead.

Both their hands held packages that were bulging to its limits. All proof of the marathon shopping spree they’d had.

“Finally,” she quipped with a heavy sigh when they got to the car, her feet aching in the slip-ons she’d worn.

Aldrich gave her a lopsided grin as he pulled out of the parking lot.

Upon arriving at his house, he gave her two suitcases, and after careful consideration she packed many of the clothing away―the ones more fitting for the beach―and hung the rest in a cupboard. Just after 3:00pm, they left the city behind and were on the ro
ad. They passed Blouberg beach with its marble-white sand and luxurious apartments overlooking the ocean, and on to his house down the west coast toward Paternoster.

Before leaving, she had had another hour long counseling session with Mrs. Smit, and for the most part she’d felt vulnerable and exhausted, not willing to let go of the anger and bitterness toward her parents. How could she forgive them? It was hard, and she told her counselor as much. She just couldn’t do it. Animosity and rage filled her with bile each time the subject was mentioned, giving her acid burn, which she drowned with gulps of water. The betrayal hardened her to understand any reasoning.

In the end, comprehension dawned on her as Aldrich explained once again the benefit of forgiveness. To walk away meant that she had to put this behind her and move forward, and she couldn’t do it shackled to them. She had to cut the cord, and for a while she remained quiet, pacing the floor as she contemplated it, finally accepting the truth. She forgave them, releasing herself from the bond that connected her to them and accepted the redeeming love of Christ in her life. The wonder of it all pushed tears over the edge, and for the first time in many years, her mind wasn’t clouded with her past. Every muscle in her body responded as she relaxed, relenting to the power of the Cross. With that, a new perspective filled her. She was more determined to accomplish her goals.

As they drove, they spoke about her plans and agreed that she should continue with her swimming career. In order to continue, she had to send a message to her parents informing them that after everything they’d done to her and put her through, they hadn’t won, that she and only she controlled her destiny.

Although her training schedule would be more demanding this year, she felt only peace in the discipline it brought into her life. Mr. Clark always demanded her full attention and agreed that she could train at the pool after Aldrich explained what had taken place. They’d given him a few details, and he’d agreed that she needed time to heal properly. One lesson she’d learned through all of this was that more people cared about her than she had previously assumed.

Thinking of her studies and the funds needed due to the sudden changes since Saturday night, Aldrich brought up the subject first; varsity. It seemed that the Hagin men were determined to have their way in this part of her life, and Aldrich informed her that his father had paid for all her classes in advance that morning. When she prepared to argue the point, Aldrich silenced her with a mouth-watering kiss. Now who could argue with that? Although they almost drove off the road in the process, but both chuckled as he got the car under control, speeding away on the long stretch.

She loved this man dearly, couldn’t think what she would do without him. He’d turned her whole world around, making it possible for her to be the person she wanted to be. After Saturday night, she had felt helpless for the first time in her adult life but with everything falling into place, it gave her the safety and independence to move forward. This in turn placed her more in control over doing what she loved.

Anabella enjoyed varsity life. She was constantly surrounded by energetic students, the frantic rush to complete her assignments and even the late nights. To give it up would strip her from something important, something she knew she would regret for the rest of her life. Her life had changed much since she returned from the States, finding friends who
supported her, with the added bonus of older couples she trusted as they added their insight and wisdom. Aldrich gave her safety and comfort and encouraged her with positive words. For the first time, she felt she belonged―not looking in but as part of a group. It was a great feeling.

Watching him as he steered the powerful machine, she couldn’t help but admire the gorgeous man sitting next to her. Her love for him shone from her green eyes.

When she asked about the beach house, he said it was a two hour drive, giving her no details of what she could expect. He had seemed distracted while he packed the trunk; a sadness emitted from him and when she asked about it, he just gave her another kiss on the forehead. His silence became more apparent the closer they came to their destination. She knew he’d talk when he was ready, but clearly, he had to work it out himself first.

The silence gave her the opportunity to watch the scenery around her. His hand stayed glued to her thigh, while one of her fingers traced the muscle on his hand in an attempt to lift the tension with comfort.

“I am so glad you talked to Mrs. Smit this morning,” he finally said with a smile, breaking the silence between them.

“She is a wonderful person and I’m glad you introduced us. I could talk about my past freely without any judgment from her. She said she would phone me daily while I’m on vacation.” With a sweep of her eyes over the lush fields, she said thoughtfully, “I never thought I needed the Lord as much as I did. I have a peace within me I never experienced before.”

Their eyes met briefly before she continued. “I didn’t grow up with any spiritual guidance in my life; no one ever talked to me about the Lord. When she spoke about Him, I could feel the love she has for the Lord. Her conduct is different than that of Christians I have observed, and her unconditional love for all people left me surprised. It emanates from her.”

Her eyes moistened, and he squeezed her hand.

“She has become a pillar I can now lean on. Just as you have become irreplaceable in my life, I cannot imagine getting through this without her, either.”

Aldrich was pleased that she enjoyed her sessions with Mrs. Smit, and was happy that he had introduced them. He remembered while Anabella had been in
America that when he had phoned the counselor, she’d said, “You’re her motivation, Aldrich. She loves you very much and this isn’t a fleeting emotion, or a school girl crush. She genuinely loves you.” When he’d heard this, he was filled with great joy.

Now a plan had already started to form in his mind about his next move, and he hoped that he could do it soon. He could sense the changes in her, the manner in which she now spoke was relaxed and easy. Prior to these sessions, her acceptance had been hesitant, not sure of herself in many areas. Of course, her parents had done a fine job in breaking her down. He could hear a new determination, an energy radiated from her that changed her perspective. Her parents would never win this battle for her soul because she’d made her choice. Now all he could do was to stand with her and help her to grow in this newfound security. When she tapped on his leg to gain his attention, he glanced her way; a tentativeness marked her features.

“If I may ask, how do you know her, Aldrich?” Anabella had wanted to ask him, but could never find the right time and now that they were talking about Mrs. Smit, it was the perfect opportunity.

“She once helped me through a traumatic time in my life,” he replied, shielding himself from her inquisitive stare.

Again, the sadness became apparent. Anabella sensed it immediately. And again, his mind drifted to a place she wasn’t invited, his eyes fixed on the horizon.

“Will you tell me about it one day?”

“Yes… one day.”

He seemed almost distant, and she left it at that.

“From time to time, I still go and see her, and over the years we have become good friends. Her home is always open to me,” he said as an after thought.

He wanted Anabella to heal first before he would talk about his own past. However, going back to the house wasn’t easy as it held so many good memories for him, memories he’d shared with Pauline before it had all come crashing down around him. To take Bella there would not only rekindle those memories, but would also create new ones. Although he would deal with all his emotions as and when they surfaced, this was having an effect on him. He felt strange in taking another woman into that sanctuary, but yet it was filled with new possibilities. When he’d built the place, he’d had so many dreams that were never accomplished and for a long time he’d felt cheated, even betrayed. But it was time to move forward and create new dreams with this young woman beside him. A woman who had changed his world the very moment she’d stepped into his.

Respectful silence filled the car as they watched the scenery pass in a green blur; vineyards lined the land, their branches heavy with clusters of ripe grapes. Workers were scattered between the vineyards, harvesting them. The countryside itself looked beautiful, colored in different shades of greens with patches of wild flowers in between. From time to time, the scenery would change, and Anabella could make out the white sand that emerged from areas of field flowers and tall grass. The sky was painted in shades of light blue, sparkling without any filthy smoke choking the sky as in the mother city. The tranquility outside streamed inside the vehicle and filled them with contented peacefulness.

Eventually, they slowed down, and at the next turn-off Aldrich turned left on to a gravel road. A large, white board was erected in the field and read,
PARADISE RESORT
, in big, bold, black letters confirming that they had reached their destination. With a keen interest, Anabella watched as Aldrich drove slower on this road that stretched before them like a big, white snake baking in the sun. The road was well maintained with extensive marshes edging it on both sides, hiding the ocean just behind the hills.

Approximately twenty minutes later, they descended a hill and the clear, blue waters of the ocean stretched out in front
of them as far as the eye could see. Water lapped on to the beach in soft whispers, and seagulls played just above its watery line. Peace cloaked the area in soft colors, inviting all to be one with it. It was breathtaking. Anabella noticed a large, log house further down from where they were. Nearby, a few trees framed it with pointing fingers toward the sky, enhancing the white sand and the house naturally.

The car came to a complete stop. Impatiently, Anabella was the first one out with an excited yelp, her sandals left inside in order to appreciate the warm sand. A dreadful mistake she soon learned. The white sand was deceitful in hiding the scorching heat within its bosom, and before long it became too much forcing her to search for the nearest covering for her feet.

Looking around for Aldrich, she noticed he was still inside the vehicle, his attention riveted on the house. When she waved at him, he slowly opened his door and got out, and when he joined her in front of the car, their fingers connected immediately, intertwining in a tight clasp. Standing there, they fixed their gaze on the panoramic view. It was truly breathtaking. A soft breeze was present and it carried the smell of the sea toward them.