Bella's Choice (42 page)

“Of course, André. Have a good evening.”

He grinned. “I will be seeing Annie again.” This woman had become like a light in his dark world. He had told Thomas about her.

“The pretty blond?”

“Yes, she is pretty. She is nothing like all the others I’ve had. And I’ve had plenty.”

“Please, don’t remind me. Enjoy your evening.”

“I will, thank you.”

The two men had formed a friendship over the last few weeks and André was content with this. He found the man’s friendship remarkable. They shared many interests in the business field and socially, and loved to talk about the old times. As he’d had no children he was often lonely and loved to tell stories about his life and experiences, appreciating the fact that Thomas listened.

He told him about his dreams for the future, as well as his plans regarding his business. In this short time, he bared more to him than he had to any other person before. He became more content, more relaxed about his life. There was no need to prove himself to Thomas because he had his own successes and never felt like he was being judged when he revealed something of his past.

When Thomas told him about the marriage between his son and Anabella, he was stunned at first and had a difficult time dealing with what he’d done to her. He shuddered at the mere thought. Thomas had also suggested that he correct this wrong and resolve it with them. It was difficult to swallow at first, this forgiveness thing. He’d never had to worry about other people’s feelings before, but since he had met Christ, going to church and reading the Bible it was important to do. Especially if he was to continue seeing Annie.

He smiled. Now this was a woman he’d love to get to know better. She reminded him of his grandmother; a strong independent woman who started with a business when his grandfather passed away and was left with four small children. She never married again, her love for him continuing until her own death only a few years ago. But she’d built a business along with various other smaller businesses, which turned into a big name―something he was proud of. The business André inherited. He didn’t wan
t it to die down with him, because he owed it to her memory to continue what she started.

She had done such an amazing job that when he took over the reigns there was not much for him to do as everything ran smoothly, and he’d had a lot of time on his hands. It led him into indulging in a lifestyle which had at first seduced him, like a drug, until the night reality sank in.

Annie was like that and even though he’d only had one date with her, he knew he wanted to continue with their ‘friendship’. He determined she was of the same stock; very witty and as capable as his grams, yet quite adamant in wanting to keep him away. He smiled. She was keeping him at arm’s length, but he wanted to narrow that space. Whatever this was, he wanted to explore it completely.

He had already implemented big changes in his life, to be the man a woman would consider as a partner, or husband. Only months ago, these weren’t the thoughts he would have contemplated. His friends called him often, including Sandra and Jason, but he wanted nothing to do with them. They’d both left a bitter pill in his mouth. He couldn’t understand what he’d seen in them in the first place. In many ways, that fateful night did do some good in that it brought him back from an insane spiral in which he played with people’s lives, including his own. But no more.

At 8pm, he stopped at Annie’s town house and knocked on her door. Seconds later the door opened and he gasped, allowing a grin to spread over his face. She took his breath away in the simple white sundress she wore. Her smoky eyes were inviting, at the same time hiding something beautiful inside. He wanted to know what that something was. He voiced his thought, and she blushed while granting him entrance into her house. It had been a week since he’d last seen her, and he could swear she was more beautiful than before. He planned to take her out for a light meal and a stroll on the beach, but with the wind still howling he knew it would be unpleasant. He decided to enjoy her company, having her all to himself for the evening.

He did everything he could to keep her smiling, to see the dimples playing over her face, to listen to her soft laugh; it filled the air with electricity. He couldn’t help but wonder on more than one occasion how she would feel in his arms. She was vibrant and passionate about her life, and he took notice of every small detail about her. But mostly, his body was confused. With any other woman, he would have had them in bed by now and more than likely forgotten about them the moment he
stepped out the door. With Annie, however, it was a different matter.

He actually wanted more than just her body. The thing was that to date a woman like Annie was a new experience―one he actually cherished. He couldn’t believe what he’d missed all these
years, and he had to admit he was wading in unknown territory. His hands were sweaty and his heart pounded, but yet his whole body shook with excitement.

At the restaurant he led her on to the dance floor, just to enjoy the feel of her in his arms. He’d deliberately chosen this place hoping that she’d love it as well. She was a great dancer as they glided over the floor, swaying to the soft romantic music playing. What played, though, he had no idea. He didn’t want this night to end. At one point she stumbled, but that only gave him an excuse to intensify his hold on her.

Feeling the life pulsing through him, she looked up and smiled, the dimple enticing. He lowered his head and kissed her softly. At first he felt her tense, but when he moved his lips to capture hers, she relaxed into him. He sighed in relief, practically standing still in the middle of the dancing couples.

“I really like you, Annie Blignaut,” he mused a while later.

She looked up at him puzzled, before she pushed him away and left his arms without a word.

He saw her emotions change from contentment to bewilderment, and he knew it was foolish, but that one kiss convinced him he’d do anything to have her. Later, when he dropped her off at home, she invited him in for coffee. They sat and drank in silence, listening to a DVD of Dana Winner. When he put his empty cup down, ready to leave, she stopped him and said softly, “I had a great night tonight.”

He smiled, appreciating the fact, but he felt uneasy since she looked away, avoiding his eyes.

“But this can’t work, André. I’m on the rebound after a bad and painful divorce. I’m not looking for and don’t want a relationship at this moment.”

Dread filled him, but he sat quietly and listened to her, watched as painful emotions washed over her beautiful face. This was the first time she’d spoken about herself. He really didn’t want to lose her friendship.

“My marriage fell apart after I found my husband in the arms of a co-worker and friend. That led to more discoveries of his unfaithfulness and betrayal.” She became quiet, almost distant, but continued obviously shaken. “You see, he infected me with a sexual disease and I’m still under observation, my medical bills are extremely high, and I don’t want to saddle any man with my problems.”

André gasped softly as he looked at her, a band of protectiveness clutching at his heart. He wanted to be with her, he wanted to remove all obstacles from her. He hated this man.

“Right now, I don’t trust any man with my heart. It’s just too painful,” she continued softly as a tear ran down her face.

He knelt before her and took her cold hands in his in comfort. “Don’t push me away, please. I want to be your friend. I want to be here for you.”

She placed her head on his shoulder and sighed heavily.

André rubbed her back softly, allowing this moment to bring them closer, feeling her sobs.

“I don’t want to burden you, André, you deserve better than me.”

“No, never,” he protested, “it’s actually the reverse. I need you more than you will ever know. I need your strength and faith to continue on the path I have begun.” He sat back on his haunches and lifted her face to look at her directly. “You see, Annie, I was like your husband,” he admitted. He didn’t think tonight would be the appropriate time for a heart to heart, but he knew he couldn’t lose her. Not when he’d just found her. He felt her cringe in pain, but he gripped her hands when she wanted to pull away. “Please, let me explain before you judge me.” Silently he waited for her permission and when she agreed, he told her a little about his life, including what led to his change. He could feel her body react in shock and she became anxious, pulling her hands out of his, but he sat in front of her, willing her to understand―to give him a chance.

“I can’t do this, André, no
t again.”

“I would never expect that from you. All I ask is to be given a chance to show you how much I’ve changed. I have asked to speak to the young lady in question, as well as her husband, and when they agree to see me, I want you to come with me. Please, Annie.”

For a long time she watched him, then averted her eyes momentarily to look at her hands before meeting them head on again.

“Okay, André, but as friends, nothing else.”

“Thank you. You don’t know how much that means to me. Just don’t leave me, please.” Funny how it seemed he was begging, he detested people who pleaded for something; had always thought it a sign of weakness. But now that he found himself on the opposite side, he was the one pleading because he needed this. He needed her and if she was willing to give him friendship, he would take it any way he could to prove to her that he had indeed changed. He smiled and whispered, “Thank you, Annie.” He wanted to kiss her, but she placed her hand on his chest and pushed him away. Reluctantly, he let go and got to his feet, knowing it was time to leave.

“Good night, Annie,” he bid, and left.

Chapter
Seventeen

A
week passed from the time his father had talked to him as Aldrich watched his wife hunched over an assignment, which was due the next day. The right words continued to escape him every time he wanted to talk to her about forgiveness. Whenever the subject was mentioned, she would become silent. It bothered him that she couldn’t grasp the necessity of it.

Mrs. Smit advised him that it would be best to get this over with quickly, as it would help Anabella put it behind her. She struggled with her parents’ betrayal and the perpetrator’s actions, but in order to get the closure she craved, she had to forgive. He knew this from bitter experience. He hated the man who’d killed his wife, ranted about it for a very long time until he found the closure he needed. Unforgiveness was like a parasite that would grow and squeeze the life out of you, until there was nothing left. Now, to expect her to meet the man who was part of the problem was difficult to do, especially as he knew how she felt about the situation.

Anabella concentrated profoundly on the laptop, her fingers rattling non-stop over the keyboard. Open books were strewn over the desk; all about sport injuries and the impact it has on an athlete’s body. Although in the best physical form, she was tired, weariness lined her mouth and eyes, though she wouldn’t admit she was dead on her feet.

Again, he thought it best to take her to the beach house for the weekend, just to have a break from her hectic schedule. From the time they married, not a day went by that she wasn’t busy, scurrying around to keep up with the hectic pace. He had no doubts about her love for him as she reminded him often about that very fact, but at night when he wanted to cuddle she would already be fast asleep. He sighed. He couldn’t blame her, her schedule left her with no downtime, and her strong will and determination in giving everything to both was commendable, but he felt left out.

“How about we go to the beach house this weekend, sweetheart?”

She looked up, beaming him a smile. “That sounds wonderful but I can’t. I have that function to attend. Maybe next time?” she replied, once again concentrating on her laptop.

“It’s only Saturday morning, we can leave right after that,” he insisted and walked over to her, stopping her hands by holding them together.

This time she glanced up, frowned momentarily, and then he was blessed with another smile. “That sounds wonderful.” She sat back and sighed, her shoulders slumping as she relaxed for a few seconds.

“It does. You leave all your books at home and spend some time with your husband, how does
that
sound?”

Wrinkling her forehead and pouting her mouth, she giggled. “Is my husband lonely?”

Aldrich grinned sheepishly. “Yes, I am. I feel left out,” he complained, crouching before her so that they were at eye level.

She leaned in to kiss him and said, “That really would be wonderful, because I miss my h
usband, too.”

When their lips touched, he groaned appreciatively and asked, “How long before you’re done?”

“Give me an hour tops, and you will have my undivided attention.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.” She leaned forward and kissed him―a kiss filled with sweet promise―and when she let go, he whimpered but said nothing more. Instead he rose and walked to his desk to continue with the case he was working on.

“You want me to meet with the man who attacked me?” she seethed. Stunned shock was evident on her face as
she rose from the chair where they were sitting on the patio and walked around in agitation. The breathtaking view now forgotten as he finally steered the conversation toward his father’s request.

They arrived just after one at the beach house, and enjoyed the afternoon playing on the beach and making love. By then, they were both relaxed so he shuffled her outside―with much protestation―and made them a late supper, which they ate in contented silence.

On their way to the beach house, she’d talked about forgiveness and what Mrs. Smit told her about it; how it would influence your life if you didn’t find closure and that in principle she agreed with the concept. Until now, that was. Trembling with rage, she continued to pace.

Aldrich watched, his own hands clenched tightly, holding his breath in anticipation. Her face was flushed, her eyes cold. He had never seen her like this before. He had prayed about this for the last few days, knowing that this was important to her. And if he was honest, he knew she’d be angry, but this rage was so uncommon for her he could only watch and wait, giving her the time she needed to work this out on her own terms.

However, he had something to add. “Dad said he wanted to speak to us both, Bella, that he has apparently changed.” He gulped, not sure he believed it himself. “He wants to set things right.”

“Never, you hear me!” she shouted and ran into the house.

Moments later, he heard the bedroom door shut with a loud bang and sighed. He knew this would happen. There was no way that she would get past this without any help. She had accepted God’s forgiveness for her own life and was growing strong in her faith but yet, at this juncture, she couldn’t forgive. The damage that these people had done to her was catastrophic and she still refused to talk to her parents.

He walked to their bedroom and opened the door. She was sitting on the bed, her hands covering her eyes as she rocked back and forth. He could hear the pain in each sob and his heart ached for his beloved. When he took her in his arms she leaned into him, her body shaking. “I am sorry, Bella. I am so sorry for what they did to you but, sweetheart, as long as you hold on to the anger and bitterness, the longer and stronger the chain that keeps you bound will be. You want to get rid of that, don’t you?” He waited awhile for her reaction, rubbing her back in slow rhythmic strokes. When she lifted her tear stained eyes he swallowed.

“Yes,” she replied quietly, “with all my heart I want to be rid of this but, Aldi, it hurts.”

“I know, sweetheart, I know. That day is imprinted in my mind. I wanted to kill that man and your parents for what they did to you.” He brushed her hair from her face, cupped it and looked at her with all the love he possessed.

“But I had to let go of that hatred and it wasn’t easy, I’ll admit, but just as we have received the redemption power of the Cross, he received it as well. God applies the same rule to everyone, and he expects the same from us. We can’t confess we love Him if we cannot forgive a brother in Christ.”

She cried once again, and in a hushed voice he whispered endearing words to her, kissing her while his hands brushed against her to keep her relaxed.

When she lifted her face again she was more at peace and she nodded in agreement. “Okay, I will meet him.”

“Thank you, sweetheart. I will call Dad tomorrow and he will set it up, okay?”

“Okay.” She brushed a wayward tear away. “I love you, Aldi. I cannot do this without you.”

“I will be there, me and paps.”

“Thank you.” She leaned in and lifted her lips. He accepted them with all the devotion he felt for her.

“You know what I’m in the mood for?” he finally said.

“No, but I can take an educated guess.” She chuckled.

He laughed softly, asking, “Am I that predictable?”

“Yes, you are, Aldi. Come, let me satisfy that sweet tooth.”

“Followed by more dessert?” he concluded, wiggling his eyebrows.

She laughed. “Always, Aldi.” Her face was bathed in a soft shade of pink, and he chuckled.

She was still beautiful to watch and now that he had her body as wel
l, it was just that much more wonderful. She was everything he had ever wanted in a woman. Passionate, sweet, headstrong, never a quitter and sexy ―which still reminded him of his favorite dessert. And he could never get enough of that.

Anabella had been quiet ever since they’d arrived at Thomas Hagin’s house a week after they got back. Thomas was relieved when Aldrich phoned and informed him to go ahead with the meeting. He knew his daughter-in-law was struggling tremendously with this and for her to agree to it meant it had taken a lot of courage, which he admired greatly.

Silently, she sat in the chair, her hands clutched together, her face pale and her emerald eyes wide. Both men watched and admired her bravery at the same time. Aldrich could see her
mind was racing. She’d been reluctant to go that morning, making excuses, but in the end she’d gone. From the time they had returned, she had peppered him with questions―sometimes difficult questions―but the Lord always came through with an answer.

Anabell
a couldn’t believe what she was about to do; face the man who had wanted to buy her and rape her, all to get his own way. A man she couldn’t stand from the moment she’d seen him. Memories rushed back of the time she met him, chastising herself for being so dimwitted that she hadn’t recognized him on that fateful night. That she had walked into that trap and barely escaped was part of her reluctance to forgive. Ever since Aldrich had spoken to her, she’d spent time with the Bible trying to find reasons not to go through with this insane thing. She argued her best case before the Father, but He kept on reminding her that it was His grace that would lift her up, that He would never leave her or forsake her.

Then this morning, she read again: “I know the plans I have for you,” declared the Lord, “plans to prosper you and bring you no harm, plans to give you hope and a future.” She knew by now that her future was laid out perfectly before her, and that this hurdle had to be passed over so that she’d continue with her life. For the last time, she cried about this, feeling cleansed when she uttered the words of forgiveness in the silence of the study. The weight that rolled away from her was visible on her posture. Her heart felt lighter, unhindered by any restraints; it had simply vanished.

She steeled herself the moment the doorbell announced his arrival. To face this man was one of the hardest things she had had to do, although she still wanted to run and hide. She had faced many things in her young life, but this was by far the toughest. Yet, she felt a peace settle within her that she couldn’t describe, a peace that enveloped her with grace and she could feel herself relax into the comfortable chair.

She watched as the man in question walked into the living area, a blond close at his heel, and she wanted to huff in disgust but remembered her manners.
This isn’t about him, but me,
she thought.
I need to do this for myself.
She watched the older man greet Aldrich, then introduce his friend as Annie Blignaut.

Thomas greeted them with a warm smile and asked them all to have a seat. Just then their eyes met and she swallowed.

The man definitely had changed, there was something different about him, and the blond wasn’t clinging to him. She merely walked over to Anabella and shook her hand, then sat down in the chair next to her with a gracious smile, whereafter she turned her attention back to the man.

He was still standing there, looking uneasy. He’d lost weight Anabella noticed, the neat, short trimmed style showing even more gray. His eyes were filled with remorse and guilt as he walked in her direction, and then knelt before her.

Anabella wanted to run at his proximity, but a firm hand on her shoulder helped her to stay put and when she looked up, Aldrich was next to her with a reassuring smile on his face. She smiled in return, but couldn’t keep the tremble from her lips. The corner of her mouth twitched nervously.