Page 141 of Changing Rules

What did I do to cause her to hate me? Yes, I stabbed her in the back by sleeping with Kevin, hoping to hurt her for all the pain she caused me, but that was long after her betrayals began. She couldn’t stand me from the moment I was born.

It’s like ocean waves lapping over sand, washing away all footprints. All the good memories I have of my mother have disappeared. Only doubts and pains remain.

When the coffee is ready, I pour a mug and fix it the way I like. I hold it in both hands, soaking in the warmth and inhaling the strong aroma. A rush of energy surges through my me, setting my whole body on fire. Instantly, the heartache is replaced by memories of Xander’s hands on my skin, imbuing me with peace and tenderness. After our incredible night, it was so hard to watch him go this morning for an early practice.

As I’m taking my first sip, the front door opens then closes again. Then Xander’s greeting Milo, who’s jumping around him, yipping happily.

“I kinda hoped you were still in bed,” he murmurs when I get to the foyer.

I shake my head.

“Have you seen the pictures?”

I nod. “Tom sent them to me.” I don’t mention my mom’s texts.

“Have you eaten?”

“I’m not hungry. I made coffee.” I drag my feet back to the kitchen.

Coffee in hand, I sit in my old spot at the kitchen table. Xander joins me a moment later. He crouches in front of me, his hands on my knees.

“How are you really? This morning was probably a bit stressful.”

“A bit?” I let out a bitter laugh and bow my head. “There’s a picture of us all over the internet. Our secret is out, and I didn’t even have time to prepare for it.”

“I’m sorry, babe.” He rubs his hands over my legs.

One fucking picture, and my calm and moderate life has come to an end. Though maybe this has more to do with my mother than the online trolls.

“What do you have planned for the rest of the day?” I ask, raking my fingers through his damp hair. He smells like a mixture of soap and his distinct sandalwood scent.

“Planned to spend the day with my girl. What do you have in mind?”

“I want to see my mother.”

His eyes practically bug out of his head, and his mouth drops open. “Why?”

“I want to ask her a question. It shouldn’t take long.” I scoot forward in my seat, and he shifts back to help me stand. “I want to do it alone.” I rinse my mug and put it in the dishwasher. “I can handle it, but…I don’t think I’ll be okay after. Will you come and maybe wait in the car?”

“Anything for you.” He pulls me to his chest, wrapping his arms around me tightly. “When do you want to leave?”

“I need to change, and then I’d like to go. Is that okay?”

“Absolutely.” He kisses my forehead. “What do you want to talk to her about?”

“I need to know why she hates me.” I slowly untangle myself from him, and he takes a step back.

It’s the right thing to do, for me and my future, even if I’m scared to know the truth.Hertruth.

I knockon the door then step back, taking a deep breath and squaring my shoulders. I give Xander a weak smile. He’s waiting in the car like he promised. It means everything that he trusts me to deal with her on my own.

It’s going to hurt, but I’m ready to see her.

“Isabella?” Eyes the same color as mine pierce through me as my mother opens the door. “Can’t say I expected to see you again.”

“We need to talk.”

“Really?” She barks out a curt laugh. “As if we have anything to say to one another.”

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