Falling For My Fake Boyfriend

24. Don't Grow Up

I took a deep breath and picked apart my muffin.

"Yesterday night, he broke into my house. I immediately called the police and they took him to jail. I'm sorry you have to find out this way," I sighed.

A small gasp escaped her lips and her eyes widened.

"Is there anything else I should know about? she asked.

"I don't know if he told you this but he abused me as a child," I trailed off staring at my half empty cup of coffee.

"He what?!" she yelled earning stares from everyone in the shop.

"I can't believe him. This is not the man I married. A married a man who sweet and caring and so full of life and happiness. Not this, this monster!" tears formed in her eyes and my heart fell for her.

"I'm sorry," I said unsure of how to comfort her.

"It's not your fault, thank you for telling me."

"Oh and I want to apologize for Stephanie's behavior that day in Paris. She has never acted that way before and she's still confused of the whole situation."

"It's totally fine!" I smiled and I wasn't lying. If it any other child then I would say they were brat but it's hard for Stephanie to understand and I can relate to her. It's hard feeling so helpless and lost.

"Well, I'm going to go get a divorce!" Elizabeth smiled trying to lighten the mood.

She reached for her wallet but I managed to pull out a ten faster than her.

"Bella no, please let me pay!" she protested. After a while of arguing, she agreed to let me pay but told me that she was going to make it up to me.

"Thank for meeting me, I really appreciate it," Elizabeth smiled once we got outside.

"No problem! Maybe one day we can go for a shopping spree and bring Steph along," I suggested.

"That would be amazing!" she smiled and hugged me goodbye.

I headed towards my car blasting the radio. I know your probably thinking why I want to go shopping with my dad's wife that I'm supposed to hate but after all she is my step mother and I've never the had chance to do mother/daughter things.

I got home and Mark still was planted in the couch, it was like he was glued to it. I was too tired and emotional to see what was wrong with him so I took a shower and went to bed.

I tossed and turned the whole night thinking that I was bad girlfriend and I should see what's wrong with my boyfriend and comfort him. But he seems like he doesn't want to be bothered and if he has a problem he should come to me.

---

It was until 12:30 when I woke up and Mark fell asleep on the couch which I figured he would.

I made myself a bagel and poured some orange juice when I heard my phone vibrate in my pocket.

"Hi Elizabeth!" I answered the call. Before we left the other day, we exchanged cell phone numbers so she could reach me anytime of the day vice versa.

"Hi sweetie! Are you busy today? I was wondering if you would like to join Stephanie and I for a shopping day."

My heart skipped a few beats and I know I shouldn't be excited about going shopping with a little girl and grown woman but I feel like Elizabeth is coming a mom to me, even if it's only been two days.

"Yes I would love too!" I squealed.

"And you could bring Tristan along if you like," she said and my heart sunk just at the thought of him.