Who's the real you?

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

December 2008

Belle woke in bed, she glanced over at her phone as it laid on charge on her bedside table. She smiled a little at the sight of two new messages. She reached over and picked up her phone before clicking open the messages.

Both were from Channing.

Merry Christmas, Hannah.

Hope you and the kids have a lovely day.

Belle let a smile creep across her lips as Alytain stirred beside her.

Merry Christmas, Channing. The kids love Christmas, it's a big thing in our household. Hope your not spending it alone.

Belle looked at the last sentence, she backspaced it.

Merry Christmas, Channing. The kids love Christmas, it's a big thing in our household. Hannah xox

She hit send before putting her phone down on the bedside table.

Belle looked down at the man lying beside her, Alytain had always promised he'd be back home for Christmas and every year he had kept that promise. So, why did Belle feel like she wished he wasn't here for Christmas?

Belle carefully stepped out of bed.

"Stay."

She heard his grumbly morning voice "It's Christmas, Alytain."

"I've got a present for you."

Belle rolled her eyes "It's under the sheets, isn't it?" she tossed her glance at him as she reached for her robe.

Alytain opened his eyes as he stared up at his wife "When isn't it under the sheets?"

Belle had gotten sick of the same ol' jokes from her husband, she knew this routine. Belle used to give into his jokes but now she wanted to not have him touch her ever again "I thought what you gave me last night was my present."

Alytain watched as Belle stepped towards the closed bedroom door.

"Which no doubt the kids and my dad heard."

"Hey, don't blame me."

"You're the loud one, Alytain."

Alytain smirked, he took pride in letting the world know he was sexually active.

Belle and Alytain looked over at the closed bedroom door as they heard a knock.

"Sweetheart, the kids are downstairs."

"I'll be down in a sec." Belle called out before shifting her gaze to Alytain "It's Christmas, Alytain." She stepped closer to him before kissing his lips softly.

Alytain pulled Belle down on his lap and wrapped his arms around her, he kissed her with passion "It's Christmas, Belle."

The two of them sat in each other's arms for a moment.

Having Alytain's touch around her felt different, it wasn't gentle like Channing's, nor did it feel like genuine love like Channing's touch did.

"Their waiting." Belle whispered as she slowly pulled away from Alytain.

Alytain kept a hold of her hand.

"Come downstairs." She gently pulled her hand out of his grip before making her way to the bedroom, she pulled open the door before stepping out and closing the bedroom door behind her.

Belle made her way down the stairs; she could see her kids excitedly trying to open the presents as Bill tried to convince them to wait. She made her way towards the lounge room, she dumped herself down on the lounge as Bill kept his opinion to himself.

"What about dad?" Meredith asked.

"Coming." Alytain's voice floated down the stairs.

Bill watched as Alytain jumped over the lounge and seated himself comfortably next to Belle.

"Go mad." Alytain laughed.

The three adults watched as the kids ripped open their presents.