Who's the real you?

Chapter Thirty - Six

June 2008

Several months had flown by and Hannah couldn't believe it, she felt like her and Channing were becoming more than just beach buddies. Before they separated their ways on their morning run, they'd grab something at a local café before slowly parting away.

Hannah could feel a hint of love towards Channing, she wasn't sure if it was because she had felt like she genuinely she had someone she could turn to or if she was enjoying being seen as herself.

Hannah let her red lips form into a smile as she checked her appearance in her vanity mirror, she looked respectable as she studied the outlines hidden under her smart casual knee length black dress. She felt sure of herself as she stared up at her reflection.

Hannah grabbed a cardigan from her draw before putting it on. She reached for her heels hidden on the bottom of her cupboard before picking up one of the small handbags buried on the floor of the cupboard.

Hannah took a deep breath before exhaling her butterflies.

Belle stepped out of the bedroom she was starting to share with her husband again, she had the perfect lie for him and a lie she knew he'd always believe as she stepped down the stairs.

She noticed her husband and their two kids sitting in the lounge room, enjoying whatever Alytain thought was appropriate for his children when in reality, neither of his kids cared for it.

Alytain noticed his wife from the corner of his eye, he gave a wolf whistle as he shifted his attention to her.

He watched as she dropped her heels on the floor.

Belle rolled her eyes "Make sure you feed the kids dinner, both of them. Alytain."

Alytain watched as his wife leant over slightly as she stepped into her heels before adjusting herself comfortably as she stood up straight "I love you in this, I know they will."

Belle kissed Harley's cheek as he squirmed at his laptop, she kissed Meredith's cheek as she took too much interest in her colouring book.

Belle felt Alytain's hand touch her hand, she lowered her gaze to him. She felt him pull her onto his lap before wrapping his arms around her waist.

"I have to go." Belle whispered as she stared into his eyes, she could see how much time has changed him. A man who had let the world take advantage of him until he found someone to take control for him, she could see that even deep down he was just a sad man who needed permanent stability.

Alytain rested his chin on her shoulder "Well, if their going to be difficult than show them what you can do on your knees."

Belle rolled her eyes as she pushed herself up from Alytain's lap "Your disgusting."

"Come on, I like when you're on your knees."

"Goodbye, Alytain."

"Babe." He hesitated letting go of her hand.

Belle looked back down at Alytain.

"I love you."

"I know." She slowly pulled her hand out of his grip.