25 Two

After the cake fiasco, in which Christa ended up eating most of it much to Bella's surprise, the doorbell rang, "Huh, I wonder who that is?" Said Bella, walking over to the front door and checking the peephole. Once she saw whoever it was, she indicated to Christa to stay quiet and tiptoed away from the door.

The bell sounded several more times, "Bella, I know you're in there." Came a deep voice, "I heard you walk over to the door."

"D@mmit." Whispered Bella, "That doesn't mean I'm gonna let you in." She said, now loud enough for him to hear.

He chuckled loudly, "I can just let myself in by unlocking the door, you gave me the key!" The lock clicked and a young man who looked a couple years older than Bella walked in.

"I really shouldn't have…" pouted Bella. Christa stared at the both of them, slightly confused. She saw a slight resemblance between the two of them, their dark hair, for one thing, contrasted with the same hazel eyes.

"So, are you guys siblings?" She asked, hoping she'd made the right assumption.

"Yeah," responded Bella, "this is my older brother, Cedrick." The young man, now known to Christa as Cedrick, smiled.

"Ah, it's the mystery girl. What's your name? Bella here has refused to tell me." He ruffled her hair playfully.

"I'm Christa, nice to meet ya." She said as Bella returned to her side, hugging her protectively.

"Nice to meet you too! Umm, Bella, what're you doing?" He asked, looking questionably at his sister who was acting like a shield between him and Christa.

"She's mine, alright? You'd better stay away from her you lady thief!"

"Jeez, it was one time! How are you still stuck on that?" Bella practically stared daggers through him, continuing to hug Christa all the while, "Well anyways, you know why I'm here right?" Bella nodded solemnly, "You haven't been responding to any of their texts or calls, they're starting to get worried about you."

"They only care about the fact that I'm not dating some rich and famous douche that they've chosen for me." Bella responded sourly, "They only 'worry' about me when it affects them."

"Oh, c'mon, that's not true! They only want what's best for you. I think tha-"

"I think that it's a load of bull." Bella cut him off, evidently frustrated.

"Um, who're we talking about?" Asked Christa, who was a bit confused as to what was going on.

"My annoying parents." Bella said, glaring over at Cedrick who was just a messenger in the matter, "They've been calling and texting me non-stop to try and figure out who you were, they don't want to be associated with," she made air quotes, trying to repeat something they had apparently said at some point, " 'someone of that class.' "

"Ah, I see." Responded Christa, slightly hurt by what these parents of hers had said.

"Aw, I don't give a d@mn what they think, of course." Chirped Bella, noticing her change in mood.

"Well, Bella," began Cedrick again, "I've come here to forma-"

"To formally invite me to a dinner with our parents, I figured as much." She cut him off again, "When? Where? Is Christa allowed to join?" She asked lazily while playing with Christa's hair.

"The summer house, Friday at six, and yes she is." Cedrick responded, seemingly used to this type of treatment from her.

"Alright see you then, bye." Bella watched him while he made his hasty, yet uncomfortable, exit.