Chapter 1
A New Season; a New Team
EPOV
AN: I own nothing except the original characters and some amazing memories of Boston, Toronto, and Montreal. My Bella is not based on Kristen Stewart. Instead, I have based her on Sierra Boggess, a Broadway performer.
"Welcome home to Boston, Mr. Cullen!" Those were the words I heard my new manager, John Farrell, speak to me as I walked into Fenway Park. I had, of course, been to Boston and Fenway before, when my old team, the Seattle Mariners, had played them. However, as much as I had felt at home in Boston thus far, it would never be my true home.
But I am getting ahead of myself. My name is Edward Anthony Cullen. I am 30 years old, and I am a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. I am originally from Toronto, Canada, but my mother, Esmé, is a Canadian citizen and my father, Carlisle, is an American, who moved to Canada after falling in love with my mother. I have three younger sisters, Rosalie, Alice, and Lauren. All of whom cannot be with me as I have my first home game with my new team.
I walked onto the field and immediately knew why many Americans loved this park. It was beautiful. You could almost feel the history of the park running through your veins. I could see the history in the seats. It was breath-taking. While I was standing there, I felt a huge hand clap my shoulder. A heavily accented voice boomed,
"Eddie! Welcome to Boston! Did you rest enough while you were home?"
I recognized the voice immediately, David "Big Papi" Ortiz.
"You know I hate being called Eddie, BP. Yes, I did. Although, everyone isn't too happy with me, since we beat the Toronto Blue Jays, which is my hometown team."
He laughed, a deep belly laugh.
"It was a good game, though, right?"
I smiled.
"So, how much longer until we have to be back in the clubhouse?"
He looked at his watch, "About 30 minutes. We can go ahead and go; I am sure that you'll want to interact with some fans before the game."
I nodded; I had a whole new fan base here in Boston to win over.
I quickly got dressed in my new uniform, along with a new number, number 20, which happened to be my birthday. I also called my parents to let them know to try and catch the game if they could. The Red Sox were playing the Baltimore Orioles. They wished me their best, and then I headed out to interact with the fans.
As soon as I step out to see them, I saw a young woman with gorgeous reddish-brown hair. I couldn't get to her fast enough. However, just as I reached her, she walked away with an older gentleman that I assumed to be her father. So, I just signed autographs and took pictures with fans, who were interested in a new pitcher. I hoped that I would be able to see the young woman again, but I knew that was impossible with a baseball field that could seat about 37,000 people!
Back in the clubhouse, Farrell announced the starting lineup. I was surprised to learn that I would be the starting pitcher. As the newbie, I felt as though I couldn't compete with the veterans of the Sox. But, I certainly wasn't going to complain. I went to the dugout, and watched/listened as fans started to get louder and louder, getting ready for the game. Finally, it was time for the beginning of the game.
As I watched the people gather for the first pitch, the national anthem, and other opening ceremonies before the game, I noticed the young woman from earlier. So, I tapped John Farrell and asked,
"Who is that young woman?"
"I have no idea, Edward. I think she's going to sing the National Anthem."
I was disappointed, then, I heard it,
"If you will please rise, and remove your hats for the singing of our National Anthem, performed tonight by Miss Bella Swan."
I stood, removed my hat, and heard the most angelic voice sing the American National Anthem. I could have sworn tears came to my eyes, but I held it together. As soon as she finished, I tapped John again,
"Find out where she is sitting, and let me know! I have to talk to her."
He laughed,
"I'll see what I can do, Cullen."
Then, the starting lineup was announced.
"Number 20, your new pitcher, Edward Cullen!"
My career as a Red Sox pitcher had begun, and I hoped I would get to meet Bella, too.
Seventh Inning Stretch
I had been pitching for 7 innings straight. I made a deal with Ferrell, if I continued to pitch, and didn't disappoint him, then he had to let me meet the elusive Bella. He relented. I was never more excited to end a baseball game in my life.
Top of the Ninth Inning, 2nd out
The score was 3-1 with the Red Sox winning. I was pitching my best, even if the Orioles got one run. There were two strikes against this particular Orioles player. To be honest, I don't remember his name; frankly, I didn't care. He stood in my way of meeting Bella.
So, I pitched one of my fastest pitches, over 95 miles an hour, and he missed. The Red Sox had won! Everyone on the field ran toward me, and together, we cheered. Then, I heard it…the song played at all Red Sox wins at home, "I Love that Dirty Water". I had never heard the song before, but all the veterans of the team told me about it at Spring Training. I watched as the crowd sang along.
The song seemed to drag on, but I finally saw people leave. I couldn't find Bella in the crowd, mainly because we all went back to the clubhouse to clean up. I was ready to meet Bella.
Then, I saw her, decked out in Boston Red Sox gear from head to toe. I walked right up to her, and held out my hand,
"Edward Cullen, a pitcher for the Red Sox, pleased to meet you."
She blushed,
"I'm Bella Swan."
"You did a fabulous job at singing the National Anthem tonight."
She blushed again,
"You know, despite being a vocal performance major, I'm still not used to people complimenting me on my voice."
I smiled,
"It's the same being a major-league baseball player."
She laughed, it seemed to break the tension in the room.
"Bella, I must admit that I saw you earlier when you were with your dad, I assume. You are simply stunning. Is there any way I can ask you out to lunch sometime since dinner will be impossible during the season?"
She smiled again; I was beginning to enjoy her smile. It was so perfect.
"Of course, Edward. I'll check my schedule. But, for now, I'm sure my dad is wondering where I am."
"Before you go, Bella, can I have your phone number? You can text me when you're available, and I'll set it all up."
She somehow pulled a piece of paper and a pen from her purse, and started writing furiously. Then, she folded the paper in half, handed it to me, and walked away. When she did, I read her note,
860-234-0913, Go Red Sox! 20 may be my new favorite number 3 Bella
AN: If you want to hear "Bella" sing the National Anthem just search Sierra Boggess National Anthem on YouTube!