It's Not That Easy

Chapter 34 - Consequences

Friendship- my definition- is built on two things. Respect and trust. Both elements have to be there. And it has to be mutual. ― Stieg Larsson

Chapter 34 - Consequences

Edward's POV:

"Soooo, where did you two lovebirds go?" Helen asks before we even drop our bags. She also didn't wait for an answer, before she started handing things to Addyson. "You look like you had fun, but you are behind on making a few decisions. We still have to choose first dance and father/daughter songs."

"Happy to see you too, Helen." She shrugs and hands Addyson a list, I assume are songs, telling her she has already made a list of some really great wedding songs. "You mean we as in me and Addyson? Or are you part of this we?"

She turns her body away from me and continues, "The florist sent pictures for three different bouquets made with calla lilies. Wendy called twice, but she won't be available until Monday. Also, your mom made an appointment for a second fitting for Tuesday after your last class."

"Wow, sis you've been busy."

Even though Addyson looks a little overwhelmed looking at the list of music and the notes that Helen has made involving different small fires that need to be put out, it wasn't until Joel walked into the room before I felt tension. It wasn't emanating from Joel it's coming from Addyson.

She reaches for my hand, and I feel her guide me over so I shield her from Joel. "Edward, did you enjoy your little trip?"

"I'm glad to be home."

"So, where did you and Addy end up going? Anywhere fun?" He stops looking at me, and tries to make eye contact with the person who is gripping my hand to the point of pain. "Addy?"

"We were in Boston," I tell him and try to make light of the tension that is building between them.

"Really, you flew all the way home just to get back on the plane to fly to Boston with Addy?"

"Hold on. Guys, let us at least put our bags in her room before the interrogation."

I shut and lock the door behind us. "You want to tell me what's going on?" She shakes her head. There's a knock at the door and Joel's phone slides between the gap. As I read the opened page, Addyson hangs her head. "You need to talk to him. You need to fix this, don't hide behind me." I capture her lips, kissing her for luck, and she leaves the room to face Joel.

Helen stands in the doorway with a frown. "You know, you guys are all alike. Treating females like they're helpless without you. I forget sometimes Joel is one of you guys, until something like this happens, and then he looses his shit just like the rest of you." Her arms are folded as she glares. "It's not like she was completely alone. You knew where she was and so did the Hasnis."

"What happened in Boston? Did she settle everything?" She asks, discerning my support.

"Everything went great. She met with a detective before I got there, but she was amazing to watch as she talked with the prosecutor. I'm proud of her, really."

Joel's voice is irritated and muffled as she speaks to Addyson in the next room. Blocking out their conversation I come back to Helen. "I understand why she went alone, but I still don't like that she did it. Before you get yourself in a little tizzy, it's because she was sneaky about it."

"Considering the environment around here, don't you think she needed to be sneaky? Until just a few weeks ago, she barely went to the bathroom alone. She needed to do this to prove to herself that she is stronger than her circumstances."