Everyone's Got Problems

[whispered_envy]

I agree with Jody- I bet that's Larry that's already been released!

I'm glad you brought Melody back! I like her heaps so far!

Aden really has to start putting his family and himself first! It's obvious he would rather help others than help himself...boy do I know people in real life like that! I'm glad he made up with Mark though!

[Lise]

Two chapters for me to read...lucky me!

I loved Aden's reaction to finding out that Tess had climbed through Tyler's window. That was funny.

Mel seems awesome. Not like the messed up girl in the show.

I'm glad that Aden and Mark spent some time together. It was nice.

I, too, wonder if Larry's been released early.

Can't wait for the next update.

[wrongturntaken]

Thank you for all the comments! I love them!

I just want to remind everyone of some things that happened in 'Can time really heal?' because this is after all a sequel, and i realise a lot of people may get confused between other fics (I know i do!).

• The kidnapping did happen, Aden went to the clinic during his bail period and befriended Melody, who also recovered well.
  
• Whilst he was in the clinic, Belle began dating Angelo.
  
• Aden was sentenced to prison for three months but was released after two weeks when he was stabbed with a dirty pen knife in a prison brawl.
  
• The stabbing was not an accident and it was later revealed that Angelo had promised a lot of money to a prisoner's family if they killed Aden.
  
• It was also revealed that Angelo and Belle had broken up and Angelo had subsequently raped Belle.
  
• Aden spent a little longer in the clinic after being released from prison before he was released from the clinic as well. He seemed to be getting better and he and Belle began talking again.
  
• He then told Gavin, from the coastal news, his entire story because he wanted to publicise the effect of what he went through had on him, and to encourage others in his situation to get help. (They have managed to keep this article a secret from their kids)
  
  
• Aden discovered that Belle had been raped when he walked in on Angelo trying to do it again. He attacked Angelo and Belle told him everything that had happened to her.
  
• Belle discovered that Angelo had an obsession with her because his pregnant fiance had died and she was also called Belle and looked similar to her. Angelo went to prison.
  
  
• After a month or so Aden and Belle got back together.
  

Hope that helps anyone that can't remember anything from the last one, lol...

There should be a couple of updates tonight, I'll put one up in a minute...

[wrongturntaken]

I was gonna have more in this chapter but decided it didn't match, so this one and the one after are quite short, sorry lol.

I kind of like this one in a weird way, lol, so i hope you do too!

Chapter 15.

“Oh my God, shopping is exhausting!” Tess sighed heavily as she walked through the door carrying about a dozen bags full of clothes followed by Belle with an equal amount of. She dumped them by the sofa before taking a seat on it and putting her feet up on the table.

Belle mimicked her actions, “Where did you learn to shop like that Tess?” she panted; out of breath from the heavy weight she had been carrying.

“Grandma,” Tess answered her simply.

“Of course,” Belle sighed and Tess laughed.

“As if you didn’t enjoy it…!”

The elder woman smiled.

“That dress is gorgeous. Dad is going to love it!” Tess said and then added, “…are you looking forward to your weekend away?”

Belle nodded, “As much as I love you and Mark, it’ll be great to spend the weekend with your dad,” she looked at Tess evilly. “…alone.”

“Don’t even hint at it mum!” Tess exclaimed, immediately raising her hands to cover her ears as Belle went to pull them off.

Sorry,” she laughed. “But seriously I am looking forward to it, even if I’m a little confused.”

“Why are you confused?” Tess asked, taking her feet off the table and turning to face her mother, wonderingly.

“…because I don’t know where we’re going,” Belle answered. “All he said was to take hiking boots and a nice dress…”

“…hiking boots and a nice dress?” Tess questioned rhetorically. “I know you can be adventurous with your clothing Mum, but that’s a bit much isn’t it?”

“See why I’m confused?” Belle sighed, also removing her feet for the table and turning to look at her daughter.

Tess laughed, “I’m sure whatever Dad’s got planned, you’ll love it.”

“Yeah, I’m sure I will,” Belle said. “Anyway, enough about me, I want to hear more about you and Tyler.”

“More?” Tess exclaimed, “I’ve told you pretty much everything already today.”

“I know,” Belle sighed, “…but I like how happy you sound when you talk about him,” she added with a smile.

Tess couldn’t help the huge grin appear on her face.

“See!” Belle yelled happily.

“Alright, alright,” Tess said, “So he makes me happy.”

“I’m glad, Tess,” Belle said. “After all those nearly serious boyfriends you had…”

“What do you mean, ‘after all’?” Tess defended. “There were three over three years!”

“Fine,” Belle gave in. “…but why is Tyler different. You seem to have fallen for him really quickly?”

“I don’t know, Mum,” Tess said, “There’s just something different about him. When we kiss, it’s so intense. I know there are things I don’t know about him yet, but I’m hoping he’ll be able to trust me in time.”

Belle smiled thinking of when she and Aden had first gotten together.

“How did you know Dad was the one?” Tess asked her suddenly.

She was a little taken aback and thought for a moment before answering, “…because of how he treated me I guess. He put me before anything else and I know what he put in to our relationship when it first started,” she tried to explain. “But to be honest Tess, I don’t know how, I just knew.”

“That’s so sweet,” Tess said. “I want what you and Dad have… …how did you get together anyway, you’ve never told me?”

Belle laughed teasingly, “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

“Now you have to tell me,” Tess commanded.

Belle smiled, “Well, I hated him for ages… …and then he started working at the diner…” she looked at Tess waiting to see a sign of impatience on her daughter’s face before continuing. She didn’t have to wait long.

“…yeah?” Tess pushed.

“…and then he climbed through my window drunk one night,” Belle shrugged simply.

Tess groaned, “Stop mocking me!”

“I’m not!” Belle defended.

“…yeah, right!” Tess argued, “I’m never going to live this down, am I?”

“I’m being serious, Tess,” her mother said, quite clearly amused.

Tess narrowed her eyes, “Is that why Dad started laughing when I told him?”

“Probably,” Belle smiled, “You really take after him, don’t you.”

“That’s just weird,” Tess pondered.

“Do you think you could have what your father and I have with Tyler?” Belle asked, turning the conversation back to its original source.

“I think we could,” Tess shrugged, averting her eyes slightly from her mother’s gaze.

“Tess,” Belle started wearily. “Since we’re going to be leaving you alone next weeked, I think we need to talk about some things.”

“Is that what they call it these days?” Tess joked, starting to feel a little embarrassed.

“You know what I mean,” Belle said.

“Do we have to talk about it Mum?”

“I just want you to know that you can talk to me about anything,” Belle insisted. “Even if you don’t think you can, don’t ever be afraid to.”

“I know,” Tess said.

“Do you think it’s something you’re going to be thinking about with Tyler?” Belle asked.

Tess shrugged, “I don’t know, I guess. Are you going to tell me not to do it, or something?”

Belle shook her head, “No, of course not. It’s your decision. Just make sure you’re positive you want to do it, because you can’t ever get that first time back,” she continued.

“How old were you?” Tess asked hesitantly, unsure if she was crossing some sort of line.

Belle sighed, “..younger than you.”

“…Seriously?” Tess said, in obvious shock.

“Yes… but it was more about rebellion than anything else and I would not recommend doing it for that reason. It should be with someone you care about and someone who cares about you,” she smiled thinking of how lucky Aden was, even if it was a bit like blowing her own trumpet. “…but if you do, do it; can you tell me please?”

Tess nodded, “I will… and thanks Mum.”

“That’s okay, I just don’t want you to get hurt, but I trust you,” Belle said honestly.

“I don’t think Dad would see it that way,” Tess half-laughed.

“I think you’d be surprised,” Belle replied.

“You don’t think he’d rip Tyler’s head off?”

“He likes Tyler, so as long as he doesn’t hurt you…” she trailed off. “…but I’d advise you to never bring the subject up in your father’s company. Just go through me if you want any help or advice or anything, even protection.”

“Mum!” Tess exclaimed.

“I just want you to be safe, Tess.”

“I get the message now… Talk to you about sex,” Tess summed up. “But can we change the subject now?”

“Sure,” Belle laughed as they heard some similar but louder sounds coming in through the door and saw Aden and Mark entering the living room.

“I see you two have made up,” Belle commented.

“Yeah, we sorted things out,” Aden told them.

“Good.”

“I’m starving, why don’t we go to the diner for dinner?” Aden suggested.

“Sounds good,” Belle agreed, glad that everyone seemed to be on good speaking terms now, especially as she saw Aden and Mark chatting animatedly in a way they hadn't in months, as they all went to leave the house.

I'm hoping to get the next chapter up tonight too, and the one after that may be up either tonight or tomorrow...

Please comment, it really does help for quicker updates!

[LAURZY!]

That was such a good update

Loved Belle and Tess' talk, i really like Belle as a mum. I'm glad she didnt hit the roof that Tess was thinking of sleeping with Tyler, she makes a very good mum

Really really great, cannot wait for more!!

[xknomex]

LOVED that chapter :D It was written so well!

I love Belle talking about Aden its soo sweet same with Tess talking about Tyler!

Cant wait till the next chapter!

xx

[Jody]

Belle mimicked her actions, “Where did you learn to shop like that Tess?” she panted; out of breath from the heavy weight she had been carrying.

“Grandma,” Tess answered her simply.

“Of course,” Belle sighed and Tess laughed.

So Amanda is apart of the kids life(I'm guessing that was reference to Amanda). Even if shes not apart of the story it's still nice to know.

Belle and Tess were lovely in this chapter. I enjoyed it so much. We need more scenes like this. I love Tess wanting to have what her parents have. And Belle supporting her with Tyler. They have such a good relationship. I love that she is being supportive of her daughters relationship but at the same time protective. The scene was funny, sweet, and meaningful at the same time. Once again, loved it.

Good to see Mark and Aden doing so much better.

Please update soon.

[Taniya_K]

Aw! That chapter was brilliant. I love Belle as a mother. She's kinda cool Lol at her talking about her and Aden going away, and the whole sex talk with Tess. Her reaction was exactly what I thought it would be. And I agree; Tess should definately NEVER bring it up in front of Aden.

Cannot wait for more!

xoxo

[wrongturntaken]

Sorry it took so long, turned out to be longer than i thought it would be. Hope you like it!

warning: Very Racy fluff!

Chapter 16.

The next week passed relatively quickly and without any more incidents of mistrust or broken promises. Tyler and Tess had had a couple of dates and their relationship was going well. Mark and Aden had also been getting on well. Aden had even made it to watching a couple of Mark’s practices.

It was Friday evening when Aden and Belle left for their anniversary weekend away.

“Are you sure the kids will be alright?” Belle asked worriedly as they sat driving in the car.

“They’ll be fine, Belle,” Aden sighed, “They’re old enough to look after themselves. Besides Irene’s around if they have any problems. Stop worrying,” he added as he rested his hand on the one of hers that was tapping nervously on her thigh.

“Okay,” Belle relented. “I can’t help worrying.”

“I know, honey,” Aden smiled.

“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”

“Not yet, but we’re almost there,” Aden said.

“…but we’ve only been in the car ten minutes!” Belle exclaimed in surprise.

“Well, we’re not going very far,” Aden explained easily.

It was another ten minutes later when Aden pulled the car over down a side track road and in to a well hidden car park.

They both got out of the car, “So what are we doing here?” Belle asked, putting her hands on her hips.

“Camping,” Aden answered her simply.

“Camping?” she exclaimed incredulously. “You’re not serious?”

“You love camping,” he stated with a small smile.

“I loved it when I was a teenager,” Belle almost laughed, raising an eyebrow to him.

Aden ignored her comments. He got their bags out of the back of his car and grabbed her hand, leading her off in to the bush.

“I guess this explains why I needed hiking boots,” Belle said. “…but where does the dress come in?”

“You’ll see,” Aden answered.

They continued on a clear pathway for about twenty minutes before Aden said suddenly, “Close your eyes.”

“What?” Belle asked, slightly out of breath as she leant against the tree next to her.

Aden moved to stand behind her and covered her eyes with his palms instead, “Okay walk forward a bit,” Aden directed and she reluctantly did as she was told. “Now look,” he said, freeing her vision so that she gasped at the sight in front of her.

She was stood on a cliff top looking out at the blue ocean, there was a small sandy beach a way below them, “Wow,” she breathed gently at the view.

“Now turn around,” Aden told her.

She did as she was told to see a luxury hotel, complete with a swimming pool. “You said we were going camping?” she laughed.

“I lied,” Aden answered. “Come on.” He led her forward and they got the key to their room and had their bags brought in for them.

“I’ve never even heard of this place,” Belle said in awe as she looked around.

“That’s because they prefer to advertise it by word of mouth rather than commercially. It’s pretty new as well, so that’s probably why word hasn’t spread to the Bay yet,” he explained. “Come on,” he held out his hand for her to take as they walked in to the entrance.

*

“How did you afford this?” Belle asked; walking around the room they had just been told was theirs. Aden tipped the bell boy before heading over to wrap his arms around his wife as she looked at the view outside the doors that led on to their balcony.

“Doesn’t cost much when you know the owner,” Aden shrugged.

“Who’s the owner?” Belle asked curiously.

“Melody,” he answered simply with a nervous smile and Belle laughed

She turned to look at him, “So does that mean we have the best room in the hotel?” she asked suggestively.

“The very best,” Aden answered her, closing the gap between them as he pulled her towards him and slid his hands into the back pockets of her jeans. “Especially seeing as we are going to be spending a lot of time here…”

“Is that so?” Belle answered him cheekily.

“Yes; and there shall be no arguments about it because you won’t win,” Aden said firmly, moving in to kiss her and tugging gently on her bottom lip.

“Well, I guess I shouldn’t even try then,” Belle relented in mock seriousness before responding to the kiss and moving her hand to wrap around his neck.

He smiled as she let him undo her flies before suddenly grabbing hold of his wrist, immediately stopping his actions. “Actually you know what, let’s go to dinner first,” she suggested.

“Belle…” he whined.

“It’s your fault for making me buy a new dress, Aden. I’m dying to wear it!” she told him and he pouted, “Look on the bright side, you’ll get to take it off later,” she raised her eyebrows suggestively and smirked.

“Fine, let’s go,” Aden did up her flies for her and then grabbed her hand. “There’s a restaurant on the beach that’s part of the hotel.”

“Aden, the whole argument I just made would be pointless if I went out without actually getting changed and putting the dress on,” she laughed.

“Well, maybe I could help you with that,” he suggested slyly.

She shook her head, “Patience is a virtue, Aden.”

“Or a curse,” he muttered.

“Why don’t you wait for me outside at the bar, I’ll meet you when I’m ready.” Belle suggested.

“Okay, as long as you don’t take longer to get ready than the time we actually spend at dinner,” he moaned.

“Yeah, yeah,” she said. “Now leave.”

“Hang on. I just want to change in to a shirt and some nice trousers. These are dirty from walking through the bush.”

Belle sighed, “Well hurry up then.”

“I’ll try,” Aden poked his tongue out at her, making her laugh at his childishness. It was so rare for them to be able to behave so immaturely because they always had to be the grown ups of the situations when the kids were around.

*

Twenty minutes later and Aden was still on his first drink at the bar. He’d been chatting to the bartender to keep himself occupied as he waited for his wife. When he heard her call his name, he knew that the wait had been worth it.

She was wearing a knee length, silk, red dress, with a thin halter neck strap. The breast section was white and had a light floral pattern but accentuated her cleavage nicely. She had worn her hair down and it was coming down in waves framing her face softly. As always she had done her make up subtly but noticeably so that her eyes were the most obvious part of her look having laden them with black eyeliner and Mascara, as well as a light brush of purple eye shadow. She wore simple white strap heels, although was carrying a pair of flat sandals in her hand, obviously thinking ahead to walking on the sandy beach.

“Who’s that?” the bar man commented breathily, looking at the woman now approaching them.

Aden smiled smugly, “That… is my wife.”

“Lucky man,” the bar man said.

“I sure am,” Aden said, trying to straighten out his white shirt so that he could just try and be in the same league, dress wise, as her.

“Hey handsome,” she said as she reached him.

“Hi gorgeous,” he answered her holding out his arm for her to slip hers through.

She smiled at him as she did so and they headed down the cliff side steps to the beach restaurant.

Aden held out the chair at the table chivalrously for her and she sat down before he took the seat opposite her.

The sky was dark now with stars twinkling in the clear sky. The sound of the waves from the sea with the gentle but warm breeze filled the atmosphere with peacefulness unachievable of anything besides nature. Aden took Belle’s hand from across the table and entwined his fingers with her, smiling at her softly and gazing in to her eyes.

“I love you,” he told her softly.

She returned his smile, “I love you too.”

He released his hand from hers and sat back to pick up the menu, “Shall we order?” he asked.

“Sure,” Belle said happily, leaning back slightly in her chair too.

They ate their dinner in a relaxed manner, chatting occasionally, comfortable in each other’s company as they always were.

“Can I give you your present now?” Aden asked nervously when they had finished eating.

“…but our anniversary’s not until tomorrow,” Belle said, although she couldn’t help the excitement that had edged in to her voice.

“I know, but everything just seems perfect tonight,” he explained. “I want to apologise for acting like a jerk this last week…”

“Aden, don’t think about that,” Belle interrupted. “We’re here now, and everything is fine.”

Aden smiled gratefully, “Thank you.” He reached into the inside of his jacket pocket and pulled out a long rectangular box before pushing it across the table.

She opened it gently and gasped at the contents, “Wow, Aden it’s gorgeous!” she exclaimed. It was a black coloured and white diamond bracelet with a cross over design.

“You like it?”

“I love it,” she told him honestly, leaning across the table to kiss him in thanks. “I would say I’d put it on but I’d be afraid of it getting broken later,” she smirked suggestively at her comment.

“Yeah, maybe I ought to keep it safe for now,” Aden said with a small smile, reaching across the table to close the box and take it back.

Belle smiled, “I do have your present down here but I think you might prefer it when we get back to our room…”

“…really?” Aden said excitedly, “Well then let’s head back now.”

“Sounds good to me,” Belle answered him quickyly; standing up and taking Aden’s hand as they made their way back to their room.

*

“You look…” Aden started before Belle’s lips crashed against his and her hands clawed to take off his jacket, which was flung across the room to rest on the floor in the corner.

He kicked the door closed and responded hungrily to the kiss, placing his hands on her waist and pulling her in close to him. He slowed the kiss down as he felt her hands running up his back and then upturning the collar of his shirt.

She smiled teasingly as she broke away from him and walked backwards towards the bed, “By the way, you have to un-wrap me to get to your present…”

“So you’re my present?” Aden asked her, a low growl entering his voice.

“Not exactly,” she answered slyly as she sat down on the end of the bed and crossed her legs.

He walked toward the bed and knelt on the floor before her, watching as she slipped her shoes off expertly. He he took hold of her ankle gently and unfolded her legs before reaching his hand up under her dress, caressing her thigh softly with his forefinger and thumb whilst making her tremble from the tickling sensation as he found the top of her stocking and pulled it down over her foot. He repeated the actions with her other leg, kissing it from the knee down with soft butterfly kisses as he gazed adoringly up at her as though worshipping a goddess, which, in his opinion, he was.

She sat up properly on the end of the bed, leaning forwards slightly to undo the buttons of his shirt as he took advantage of her closeness to run kisses down her neck, making her breathing slower as she savoured his touch.

She ripped the shirt off of him hurriedly, closing her eyes and tilting her head back as his hands slid against her thigh under her dress, making her tense as his lips connected with her cheek before he whispered softly in her ear, “I love you.”

She rubbed her cheek against his, still with eyes closed, to communicate a repositioning of their heads so their lips could meet. She opened her eyes for a moment as they stopped all movement and just gazed at one another. He swallowed nervously before his lips parted hers and he gently slid his tongue in and out. He kissed her slowly at first, hearing small moans escape from her as she ran her hands through his hair before suddenly launching herself at him, straddling his bare torso and pushing him back so he was lying on the floor.

She repositioned herself slightly so she was comfortable in her position of power; a knee on the floor on either side whilst Aden was caught firmly beneath her. She laid on top of him, as he held her waist to keep her steady, so that they were both horizontal, although their faces didn’t quite meet as she slid her right hand underneath herself and to the top of his trousers.

“Belle…?” Aden insisted softly and she immediately knew what he meant. She hurriedly undid his flies and slid down his trousers, leaving his boxers as he undid the bow behind her neck that had been keeping the dress up. She sat up letting it fall loosely off of her to reveal the sexy black and lacy lingerie she was wearing underneath.

“Wow,” Aden breathed. “I guess this is my present,” he added as Belle looked pleased and moved off of him for a second for the dress to come all the way off, revealing the bottom piece of the set, the same as the bra except there was a little less material to see and the underwear served no other function, especially not concealment, than to tease. Something Aden, apparently, found extremely sexy as he forcefully rolled her over so that he was on top and caught her lips with his own again, this time applying a little more pressure as she pulled him closer to her…

*

“We didn’t use the bed very much did we?” Belle said as they both rested on the floor, laid next to each other with the quilt they had pulled from off of the bed to cover them.

“We’ll use it tomorrow night... or day,” Aden told her tiredly but with a smirk all the same as she hit him playfully on the chest with a flat palm. “Tell me you don’t want to?” he asked her rhetorically.

Belle laughed slightly before returning to her quietness.

“Hey, are you okay?” Aden asked worriedly, turning over on his side to look at her.

“Yeah,” she sighed. “It’s just hard, you know.”

“I know,” he said, rolling back on to his back to look at the ceiling.

“Do you ever think about that day?” she asked the question he knew was coming. It came every year and every year his answer was the same. But it was an unwritten law in their marriage that they wouldn't talk about it other than in these two sentences. Only because there was no other need to and both needed to remind themselves that they would never be able to forget.

"All the time."

Belle sat up and Aden watched her as she took off her wedding ring and read the engraving on the inside, “In memory of our creation,” she said sadly.

Aden sat up and moved next to her, wrapping his arms around her and covering her with the quilt as she shivered slightly. “It’s okay,” he whispered softly, running his index finger across her cheek and pulling a strand of hair outside of her face. The first three years of their marriage at this time that strand of hair would have been wet with the stain of tears, yet after that it seemed there was no more to shed.

“I know,” she said quietly, looking at him. “I’ve got you.”

Aden smiled, “Always.”

Belle's Bracelet

I hope you enjoyed it! Please comment!

Next chapter: Flashback... (whole chapter will be one)

[Lise]

Loved that. Always love your racy fluff!

The bit at the end was sad. I have feeling that they lost a baby but I could be wrong.

Love the bracelet!