Some Kind Of Wonderful

Chapter Twelve: Dilemma!

The Following Morning...

The bright sun had once again rose and claimed it rightful place in the cloudless blue sky. The cool early morning breeze gently blew back the curtains. Leila stirred in her sleep when the sheer warmth of sunlight settled on her face.

She blinked the sleep from her tired blue eyes and looked around her surroundings. It didn’t take long for her to realize she was in Chase's bedroom. The pale ivory walls seemed lighter, the sunlight bouncing off the walls illuminating the room with its blinding brightness.

Leila looked to her left and was greeted with a still peacefully asleep Chase laying there in all his glory with just a single white sheet covering his manhood.

Leila bit her bottom lip and flushed crimson as the events of the previous night slowly began creeping into her mind. Just six hours ago she was lying in his arms, touching, kissing and making love.

She had willingly given herself to her best friend of seventeen years, the best friend who's currently in a relationship with her ex-best friend and sworn enemy.

How did it all come to this? How can two people who grew up together much like brother and sister fall into bed together?

Leila looked up at the plain white ceiling as if the answer she was seeking was written on it. She was engaged to be married to another man, a man who adored her vastly and here she was lying naked in her best friend's bed, with his smell all over her.

With a heavy sigh she stared at the glimmering ring on her engagement finger and felt a sudden surge of guilt wash right through her. She looked over at the six foot hunk lying beside her and chewed on her bottom lip gingerly. When had she started to feel things for Chase other than friendship?

Leila shook her head of the thoughts in her mind and quietly snuck out of her best friend's bed. She silently looked around for her clothes from the night before, which thankfully was now dry and laying on a chair in the corner of the room.

After swiftly dressing herself she looked back one last time before walking out of the bedroom and out the apartment.

****
A short drive later Leila was in the comfort of her own home. It was gone passed midday when she strolled in and noticed the house was quiet. The Callaway household was never quiet; there was always some kind of racket going on.

After grabbing a bottle of water from the kitchen, Leila made her way upstairs to her bedroom. With a dead beat sigh she pushed open the door and leaned on it closing her eyes once it clicked shut.

“Rough night?” a deep voice from in her room said causing her to jump ten feet in the air startled. With wide blue eyes Leila stared at her younger brother.

“Geez, give me a freaking heart attack why don’t you!” she scolded him placing her hand on her chest in attempt to calm her wildly beating heart.

Dayne smirked at her clearly amused. “My bad,” he chuckled but stopped once he caught Leila’s icy stare.

“What are you doing in my room?” She questioned throwing her purse and keys down on her vanity table while glaring at Dayne expectantly.

Dayne was sitting on her bed with a laptop resting on his legs. “I needed to use your laptop. I got this paper I have to finish for school.” He said with a sheepish grin.

Leila frowned. “What happened to your OWN laptop?” She asked pulling off her jacket.


Dayne pulled off his glasses and sighed, “Well, currently it’s smashed in pieces lying on my bedroom floor.” He stated shamefaced.
Leila regarded him for a moment. “You broke your laptop?” she questioned him and watched as he nodded slowly. “Why?”

Dayne scratched his head. “The stupid thing kept freezing and shut down on me while I was working. In regards to that I lost all the work I had been working on for days, and now I have to re-write a five page essay all over again.” He told her irritated. “So, I hurled it across the room, it collided with a wall and met its demise.”

Leila shook her head at her brother with a sigh. “Fine, but that doesn’t explain why you’re in my room, it’s a laptop which means it’s mobile.” She snapped which startled Dayne somewhat. Leila hardly ever snapped at her family unless something was seriously bothering her.

Dayne frowned setting the laptop down on his sister’s bed before studying her for a moment. “What’s wrong with you?” he questioned sitting upright.

Leila blinked before answering. “Nothing, I don’t like having people in my room without permission.” She snapped again.

“I’m always in your room; it’s never bothered you before.”

“Well it bothers me now!” she barked.

Dayne’s frown if possible deepened. “Something’s bothering you, what is it Lei?” he said standing up and moving towards her.

Leila looked away from him, averting her eyes so he couldn’t look into them and see that something was bothering her. “Nothing,” She mumbled quietly moving around her room pretending to busy herself.

Dayne however didn’t buy it. “Bullshit, I can see it written all over your face. What’s on your mind?” he asked. “Maybe I can help?”

“You can’t, so drop it.” She told him sternly.

“So something is wrong?” Dayne questioned only to get a heavy sigh from Leila.
“Look, even if I wanted to tell you I can’t, so can you please just drop it?” She said yanking off her boots.
Dayne crossed his arms over his chest and glared at his older sister. “Suit yourself, but if you change your mind you know where I am.” He said and watched Leila nod.

“I’m going to take a shower. You break my laptop and I will kill you. I have all my coursework on there for Uni, so guard it with your life.” She said pointing at him.

Dayne nodded picking up said device and holding it under his arm. “Righto,” He smirked and was about to walk out of the room before he came to a sudden halt.
“Oh, by the way I have some news.” He said with a smile.

Leila turned her head and looked at him expectantly. “They’re releasing Jaiden.”

Leila gasped. “Are you serious?” she asked taking a step toward her brother. “What happened?”

Dayne nodded pushing up his glasses. “Lana dropped all charges.” He told her and watched as Leila blinked in confusion.

“Why?” She questioned curiously.

Dayne shrugged and looked away from his sister. “ … ”

Leila arched a perfectly shaped brow. “Dayne, what did you do?” She asked placing her hands on her hips.

“I paid her a little visit last night and confronted her. Can you believe she had the nerve to ask for a hundred-thousand dollars to retract her statement?” Dayne said with a look of disgust.

Leila narrowed her eyes. “Dayne, tell me you didn’t--”

“No, are you crazy!” He said shaking his head furiously his blue eyes narrowed.

“Then how did you get her to drop the charges?” Leila asked curiously. Dayne smirked knowingly.

“Well, I went over there and confronted her about the allegations she made, and stupid as she was she didn’t deny any of it. Instead she offered to strike some kind of deal, Jaiden’s release in exchange for hundred-thousand dollars.” He said and grinned. “See little did she know that I was taping our entire conversation.” Leila’s lips turned upwards slowly.

“So let me guess, you blackmailed her into dropping charges or you would turn the tape in?” Dayne nodded and Leila shook her head amused.

“Wow, D, I think you have seen one to many action movies.” Dayne chuckled.

“Oh come on, that was totally 007 of me.”

Leila rolled he eyes, “Whatever, I don’t care as long a J is out. I’m going to have a shower, be sure to be gone by the time I come back.” She said picking up her fluffy pink towel. However she halted when he mobile began ringing.

Dayne picked up the device and looked at it before looking up at Leila. “It’s Chase.” He said holding it out to her.

A dark shadow fell across Leila’s features, she shook her head slowly. “Um, just leave it. I’ll call him later.” She mumbled rather dejectedly.

Dayne noticed the saddened expression in her eyes. “Are you guys still not talking?” he questioned.

Leila looked up at him. “Um, yeah we are. We’re fine.” She stated with a shrug.

“Then why are you ignoring his calls?” Dayne said holding up the ringing cell phone.

Leila opened her mouth to retort but jumped when a deep voice interrupted her. “Who’s calls?” Jaiden asked leaning on the doorframe.
Dayne and Leila looked at their brother dishevelled appearance and exchanged looks. “Dude you look like shit.” Dayne said with amusement.

Jaiden scowled at his brother. “Gee, thanks, let’s see you spend a night in a disgusting cell and see how great you look in the morning.” He retorted sarcastically. Dayne smiled toothily in return.

“It’s good to have you back, kiddo.” Leila said giving her brother a hug and a slap upside the head.

“Ow! What the hell Leila. What was that for? He groaned with a scowl rubbing his head.

“For being an idiot, maybe next time you will think twice about sleeping with every skirt you see.” She scolded him.

“So much for the warm welcome I was expecting.” He grumbled and shot his brother an icy glare when he heard him chuckling.

“You had us all worried sick about you. If it weren’t for Dayne you would still be stuck behind bars.” Leila snapped at him. “Honestly, Jaiden, I don’t know how you can be so stupid. I hope you remember this the next time you even consider sleeping with a college student.” She added before angrily storming out of the room.

Jaiden blinked in confusion and looked over at Dayne. “What the hell is up with her?” he said jerking his thumb over his shoulder at the door his sister just stormed out of.

“No idea.” Dayne shrugged shaking his head before he started walking toward the door. “Oh and you welcome by the way.” He said as passed by his younger brother and slapped him upside the head with a smirk.

“Ow…you fucker!” he growled between clenched teeth before he punched his brother’s left shoulder blade.

Dayne laughed heartily. “You punch like a bitch!” he said as he exited the room.

Jaiden frowned. “Kiss my ass, you prick!” he yelled after him.

“Sorry to disappoint you bro, but I don’t swing that way!” he hollered back.

“Dick!” Jaiden said following him out of the room.

“Pussy!” Dayne threw over his shoulder amusement evident in his voice as he stepped into his bedroom with a grin on his face.

Jaiden went into his own room next door to Dayne with a matching smile on his face. “It sure is good to be home.” He mumbled and closed his door with a content sigh.

And just like that every thing was back to normal…so he thought!

*-*-*-*-*
One month later...

Isabelle sat at her vanity table applying the last touches to her make-up. She smiled happily at her reflection in the mirror. Lately she and Jordan had been going through a rough patch in their marriage. They had been arguing non-stop about any small thing, mainly about Jordan always working and not making anytime to spend with her or his family.

After another argument the night before Jordan promised Isabelle that he would take a night off and plan something special for them both to spend some quality time together. To say she was excited was an understatement; after all she hadn’t seen her husband for more than five minutes for he took off for hours at a time. She missed him terribly.

She stood from her vanity table and looked at herself in the full length mirror. She was wearing a red silk dress with matching red stilettos. Her long silky chestnut brown hair was cascading down her back in loose bouncy curls. She looked at the clock on the wall and sighed excitedly, it was five minutes to nine and Jordan told her to be ready by nine. She made her way downstairs to wait for his arrival. Five minutes later Leila, Dayne and Jaiden walked through the front door laughing.

“Oh…wow, Mom you look fantastic.” Leila said with a smile on her face while Jaiden and Dayne whistled. Isabelle smiled at her kids blushing.

“Thanks sweetie.”

“Where’s dad taking you?” Jaiden asked grinning.

Isabelle shrugged. “I don’t know, your father said it was a surprise.” She said excited her blue eyes sparkling. Leila and the boys nodded.

“Well have fun; you guys deserve it after this past month.” Dayne told her and watched as Isabelle nodded sadly. The kids gave her a kiss and they all disappeared upstairs.

Another twenty minutes later Isabelle was still waiting for him, she was sitting on the sofa watching the clock shaking her foot impatiently. Maybe he was stuck in traffic or something.

The time had now crept to fifteen minutes past ten and still no Jordan. Isabelle was sitting on the sofa her legs tucked under her, her shoes laying on the floor haphazardly. She was swishing white wine in the glass and staring into it intently.

At Eleven o’clock Isabelle gave up hope that he was going to show up. She had finished half a bottle of chardonnay waiting for him. Her dress was wrinkled, her hair was flat and her mascara was smeared and all the while all she could think was how he could stand her up like this? He didn’t even have the decency to call to tell her he wasn’t going to come.

“Mom?” Leila said walking into to the living room where she found her mother sitting where she left her three hours ago. “Are you back already?” she questioned sitting beside her mother.

Isabelle looked up into her daughters eyes and tried to muster up a smile. “No honey, I didn’t leave to be back. Your father didn’t show up.” She said fighting to keep her voice from breaking and shedding the tears that threatened to fall.

Leila frowned in confusion. “What do you mean he didn’t show up?” she questioned. “Did he call to say he wasn’t coming?” Isabelle shook her head slowly. Leila once again noticed the look of hurt and disappointment in her mothers blue eyes. She had been having that look a lot lately.
“Do you want me to call him?” She asked and Isabelle’s head snapped up.

“No!” she said quickly shaking her head. “I’m sure he remembers the way home, he’ll come when he’s good and ready.” She told her eldest.

Leila reached up and pulled her mothers hair out of her eyes. “Is everything okay, Mom?” She asked concern edged in her voice.

Isabelle smiled taking her daughters hand in her own and nodding rather dejectedly. “Yeah, he must have a lot of work to do or something.” She assured her and looked down at herself chuckling. “What a waste of a dress, I’m better get out of this and head off to bed.” Isabelle added standing up from the sofa. “Its getting late honey, you should go to bed.” She said before kissing her daughter’s head before walking to the door.

“Mom…” Isabelle turned to look at her daughter. “You still look beautiful.” She said smiling. Isabelle returned her smile with one of her own.

“Thanks baby, goodnight.” She said and disappeared out of the room leaving Leila in the living room.

Jordan cursed under his breath when he noticed the time was passed midnight. He pulled his car into the drive way and killed the engine before stepping out of the car with his briefcase in hand.
He unlocked the door quietly and stepped into the house and was greeted with darkness and eerie silence. For the past month things at the office had been hectic which left him no time to spend with his family.

Jordan made his way upstairs toward his bedroom but stopped when he noticed a dim light under the door. He figured Isabelle was either up waiting for him or had fallen asleep while reading.

He sighed heavily before pushing the door open all the while praying Isabelle had fallen asleep, as he really didn’t want to argue with her after he had a stressful not to mention long day at work. He knew without a doubt she would be angry at him for not showing up for their ‘Special Evening’ but surely she would understand that he had to work, and work was important, especially if she wanted him to keep putting food on the table.

Jordan stopped in the doorway when he was greeted with an empty room. No Isabelle. He held his breath for a second his brown eyes darting around the room. He moved further into the room and heard the water running in their on suite bathroom.
He was in the middle of unbuttoning his shirt when the bathroom door open and Isabelle stepped out clad in a tiny red towel, her body glistening with droplets of water. Her eyes were rimmed red and black from her mascara that had smeared from her shower.

“Hey.” He said quietly pulling off his shirt and discarding it on the back of a chair. He knew she was pissed because she usually ignores him and gives him the silent treatment.

“Hey.” She said back an octave over a whisper. She walked to her closet and pulled out a cream night dress with matching underwear and disappeared into the bathroom closing and locking the door behind her.

Jordan looked at the door for a second and sighed “Great.” And fell backwards on the bed waiting for the bathroom to be vacated. Five minutes washed by and Jordan was falling asleep waiting for Isabelle to get out of the bathroom.

Yawning he got up from the bed and knocked on the door quietly. “Isabelle, baby, can you please unlock the door so I can take a shower?” he asked through the door.

The door unlocked and opened revealing Isabelle in a slinky nightdress her face cleared of any make-up. She brushed past him the scent of her coconut body lotion whiffed in the air as she passed him. “You okay?” he asked leaning on the doorframe while watching her.

Isabelle didn’t look at him; she just uttered a half-hearted “I’m fine.” while pulling off her jewellery.

Jordan sighed heavily and ran his fingers through his hair. “Is, I’m sorry about tonight-“

“Don’t-” she cut him off staring ahead. “Your empty apologies aren’t going to better my mood Jordan.” She said icily.

Jordan straightened closing his eyes. “Look I know I made a promise but-”

“-Something came up, right?” she asked shaking her head. Jordan took a step closer to her.

“Isabelle, please. What do you want from me?” he said tiredly.

“Nothing, I don’t want anything from you.” She said making a move for the bed but Jordan grasped her arm and stopped her.

“No, don’t you do that, talk to me.” He demanded looking down at her. Isabelle didn’t meet his gaze; she looked over his shoulder her anger blazing in the depths of her blue eyes.

“What is there to talk about? It’s always the same things, ‘I’m sorry, I got held up at the office, it will never happen again, I promise’.” She said trying to take a step away from him but he only pulled her closer. “Your promises don’t hold the significance it use to.” She said with a shrug.

“Jesus Isabelle, I’m working, you’re acting as though I’m out screwing around or having fun.” He said with a deep frown. “What am I supposed to do, I have a job.” He added.

“Yeah, you have a wife too. In case you haven’t noticed Jordan, which I know you haven’t, we haven’t spent more than five minutes together in the past month.”

Jordan sighed. “Isabelle, I have a lot to do at the office. I need to focus.”

“No Jordan, it seems you’re focusing on everything but us. And I’m sick of it.” She snapped hotly.

“What the hell do you want me to do, quit my job so we can be together every second, would that make you happy?”

“No Jordan, I expect you to make me somewhat of a priority in your life. You’ve been so wrapped up in your ‘job’ that you seem to be forgetting that you have a family.”

“I haven’t forgotten that I have a family, I’ve just been busy. My job is important.”

“I’m not saying that it isn’t. But you’ve seem to have got your priorities mixed up.” She said yanking her arms out of his grasp and glaring at him.

“Isabelle, my first priority is to make sure I can put food on the table, so I can look after my family. How can you not see that I’m working my ass off to make sure you guys get everything you want? The house you’re living in, the cars you drive didn’t just fall out of the sky.”

“Jordan you are the boss, the company will not fall apart if you take a little time off to spend with your family.” She retorted. “We live in the same house and we don’t even see each other, doesn’t that bother you?”

Jordan rolled his eyes. “Yes, Isabelle, it bothers me. But I have no choice; I do what I have to do. You think I enjoy sitting in an office till early hours in the morning?” he asked.
“ Honestly, I don’t know anymore. Over the past month we have become more and more distant, you don’t even bother to come home some nights Jordan!”

“Yeah, because, I’m so tired I fall asleep in my office.”

“So you say.” She muttered icily.

Jordan arched a brow and glared at her. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” he spat angrily.

“I think you know.” She said in the same manner.

“Are…are you accusing me of cheating you?” he asked his usually light brown eyes turning dark.

“I don’t know what the hell you’re doing anymore; it’s been over a week since the last time you touched me in any way and you don’t even seem to care.”

Jordan’s jaw visibly tightened the muscles twitching. “I do care; I just don’t have the time or strength at the moment.” He said through gritted teeth. “That does not mean that I’m cheating on you. How the hell can you think such a thing?”

“I don’t know what to think anymore, it just seems as though you’re avoiding being here, and just don’t understand why?”

Jordan’s fists clenched and unclenched by his sides, “You really want to know why I avoid coming home Is, it’s because of this. I’m so sick of coming home and listening to you wining and bitching all the time. I’m sick to death of arguing with you.” He spat callously.

Tears sprang to Isabelle’s eyes but she fought with all her strength not to cry in front of him. “Well, if you’re so sick of me then maybe we should just call it a day!” she snapped hurt.

“Maybe we should!” He retorted in the same manner.

Isabelle’s eyes widened as she started at him in disbelief. The two just stood in their spots staring at each other until Isabelle nodded before she turned and walked out of the room leaving Jordan alone staring at the door.

&*&*&*

HEY!!! I’M BACK. First of all I want to start by apologising to all of you for making you wait a reeaaalllly long time for this update.

Just in case you were all wondering, I had my baby. A beautiful and healthy baby boy, which is partly my reason for taking so long to write/update this story…I really do feel awful.

Anyways, what a turn of events huh? I bet none of you expected this. Ha ha ha

I hope you all aren’t too angry with me, and whose who are pleeease forgive me? *Does puppy dog eyes*

Review and you shall get another update…soon!

Happy holidays!!