CHAPTER 2 – PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

"Dad?" Bella said when Charlie answered the phone.

"Yeah, Bella."

"Could you do me a favor?"

"Sure, hon. What do you need?"

She placed her briefcase on top of her car as she unlocked the door, trapping her cell phone between her cheek and shoulder.

"I'm supposed to take Seth to his first tee ball practice tonight, and I'm not going to be back in time. I got caught up in a meeting. Would you mind taking him? I'll be there before the end of practice."

"No problem. He's at the house anyway. Sue just called to tell me how excited he is about tee ball. What time does he need to be there?"

"They practice at six. Emmett Cullen is his coach. Seth will know who to look for."

"What time will you be back?"

"I'm just leaving Seattle now. I should be there by 6:30 or 7:00."

"Why don't you plan on eating at our house after practice? We'll feed Seth before I take him."

"You don't need to do that, dad. I'll be fine."

"Bells, let us take care of you tonight."

She fought back the tears and swallowed to get control of her voice. She still wasn't used to allowing others to help her.

"Ok. I'll come over for dinner after practice," she whispered.

"Great! See you later, kiddo."

"Bye, dad."

She hit the end button and put the keys in the ignition. A single tear trickled down her cheek and she quickly wiped it away before she started to drive.

As she drove, she thought about her life in Seattle, before the accident.

She and Jake had graduated from UW. Her degree in CIS had landed her a job with a small firm that designed web pages. After Seth was born, they allowed her to work three days a week from home and two in the office.

Jake started to work for a larger company. He went to school at night, working on his masters. Every minute that he was home was dedicated to her and to Seth. He'd been a good father from the very first day. He was thrilled when she told him she was pregnant.

"Jake, I think we need to talk about something," she'd said, hesitantly.

"What's wrong?" He looked at her face, taking in the pallor and the fear that seemed to etch her features.

"I forgot to take my birth control pills when we visited Forks a few weeks ago."

"And?"

"I need a pregnancy test."

"Really," Jake said, jumping up from the couch and grabbing his car keys.

"Jake…"

"I'll be right back," he shouted as he raced out the door.

He was only gone a few minutes. He ran back into the living room, thrusting two tests into her hands.

"Let's find out!"

"Seriously? You are this excited about the idea that I might be pregnant? But, Jake we just finished school and started new jobs."

He laughed. "Bella, a baby with you would be a blessing, no matter when it came."

When she walked out of the bathroom with the test, waiting for the time to pass, he kissed her. After the plus sign showed up, he lifted her off of her feet and spun her around.

"I'm gonna be a daddy!!"

She would always be grateful that Seth had come along when he did. Jake had experienced fatherhood and left her with a wonderful son.

When she looked up, she realized that she was driving down the street where they had lived. The house looked the same, other than a little growth in the trees they had planted.

How did she end up here? She pulled into the little park at the end of the street and turned off the engine. A few tears had managed to escape and they rolled down her cheeks.

She hadn't stayed in Seattle long after he died. Billy and Charlie both thought it would be best if she were closer to home, where they could help her. Trying to return to work had been the deciding factor.

After only six weeks, she had returned for exactly two hours. She ended up in the bathroom, crying. Her boss, thankfully, was very understanding. Before she knew what had happened, he had made all of the arrangements for her to work from home permanently, coming into the office twice a month for staff meetings. That made the decision to move back to Forks much easier.

Charlie helped her sell the house and he moved her back into his house for a while. It was cramped, but Charlie and Sue were there, and that helped her deal with the crushing loneliness she felt.

She took a deep breath, pulling herself back together. She hadn't cried this much in a long time. It must be the tee ball, she thought. It's making me think about Jake more than I usually do.

She turned the key in the ignition and popped the car into reverse.

"You need to get home. Seth has tee ball practice," she told herself and she started the engine.

"It's okay to miss me, Bella. Someday, you won't think about it as much. You'll move on."

She jumped, shocked at the words she thought she had heard. Shaking her head, she drove out of the subdivision and back toward the freeway.

**********

"Emmett, I can't come to the practice tonight."

"What? C'mon Edward. I need my assistant coach. It's our first practice."

"I have a patient who I'm admitting to the hospital. I can't leave until she is settled for the night. I'm sorry."

"Fine. I'll ask one of the parents to help me for tonight. But, don't think you are getting out of this!"

"I'll be ready on Wednesday. I promise. I just can't leave this patient. She's scared right now."

There was silence for a moment.

"You're a good man, Edward. Just make sure you make it on Wednesday."

"I will, Emmett."

He closed his cell and dropped it back into the pocket of his lab coat, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Mrs. Fredricks could be admitted without him, but he felt a certain kinship with her. He had told her this afternoon in his office that her blood work and tests didn't look good, and that he thought she might have a serious disease called Ulcerative Colitis. They needed to admit her to run some more invasive tests and give her a transfusion. Her life hung in the balance.

"Dr. Cullen, can we treat this?"

"Yes. I think we caught it early enough to treat it. If you respond to the treatments, you should be fine."

"Good. I need to be healthy. My youngest daughter is having her first baby in July. I'm going to be a grandmother again!"

"How many grandchildren do you have?"

"This is only my third." She glowed with excitement.

"Well, then, we need to make sure you're on your feet and ready to help with a new baby."

She'd taken his hand. "Thank you, Dr. Cullen."

He smiled at her and patted her hands with his other hand.

"You're welcome."

She had reminded him so much of his own mother, Esme. He knew at that moment that he wouldn't leave her side until all of the tests were completed and he had discussed the case with the head of gastroenterology at Northwest.

He pulled his cell phone out of his pocket again as he headed toward her room.

"Mom?"

"Hi, Edward. What's up?"

"I just thought I'd call and see how you're feeling today."

"Pretty well, considering."

"You didn't look good when I left the house. Feeling sick?"

"A little. But, Rosalie has been here today. The kids are staying with a friend. She's been an angel."

"I'm glad you've had her today. Is she staying for a while?"

"No. Your father just got home and Emmett is going to practice, so Rose went to get Lia. I'll be fine, Edward. Don't worry."

"I'm glad you're okay."

"Are you okay, Edward?" She must have heard the worry and strain in his voice.

"Yeah, mom. I'm fine. I'll see you at home tonight."

He ended the call and walked into the room where Mrs. Fredricks was waiting.

**********

"Hey, Chief Swan. How are you?"

"I'm good Emmett."

"Seth, my man, why don't you go throw the ball with Bryce until we start practice?" It was only 5:40 and Emmett was still unloading equipment from his Jeep.

Seth bounced for a second, looking at Charlie. He nodded and Seth ran to Bryce without a second look.

"Is Bella okay, Charlie?"

"Yes. She just had to work late and asked if I'd bring Seth to practice."

"Good. I'm glad she's doing all right."

Charlie looked at Emmett, his face falling a little. "Yeah, all right is about as good as it gets, I'm afraid."

"She's still having a hard time, isn't she?"

Charlie shrugged his shoulders. "I can't figure out how to help her. She seems almost happy at times, but she just won't allow herself to really appreciate life now. It's hard to watch. I thought by now…"

Emmett patted Charlie's arm. "She's lucky to have you, Chief."

Charlie laughed. "Sure she is. By the way Emmett, thanks for making sure Seth would be on your team."

"I was happy to do it. He and Bryce hit it off the day of sign-ups. I haven't been able to talk Bella into bringing him over to play, though."

Charlie shuffled his feet. "She doesn't do a lot of socializing right now."

"Maybe when she gets to know us, she'll come over. Rose would love it." He turned to walk to the field. "Hey Chief, would you like to help me out today?"

"With what?" Charlie looked suspicious.

"My assistant coach can't make it. I need some help with the kids."

"Who's your assistant?"

"My brother, Edward. He's at the hospital with a patient. He couldn't get away tonight."

"How's he doing? Is he settling into his new job? And, how is your mom doing?"

"Mom is doing better than dad expected. The chemo has been hard, but having all of us here is good for her. Alice and Jasper come every weekend with Jasmine. And, Edward will be fine once he gets settled. It's better than sulking in New York for the rest of his life."

"Sulking?"

"Yeah. Bad break-up. It's good he isn't there right now. He just found out that his ex is engaged. It's eating him up."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"We all hope he moves on soon. None of really thought she was right for him, but we didn't say anything. You know what I mean?"

Charlie nodded, uncomfortable with the topic they were discussing.

"Well, you'll have to make sure he gets here next time," he said, trying to lighten the mood. "I'm not as young as I used to be, but I can give coaching a shot."

Emmett laughed and tossed an equipment bag to Charlie. "Do you mind setting up a tee at home plate?"

"Sure thing."

Charlie and Emmett got caught up in coaching thirteen children. Neither of them noticed when Bella pulled up to the field.

She looked at the two men helping the kids to hit the ball, and laughed when she realized one of them was Charlie. She flipped her cell phone open, snapped a photo and sent it to Sue.

Her phone rang within seconds.

"What is that all about?" Sue asked, laughing.

"I have no idea. I just got here and realized that dad was out there helping Emmett coach the kids! I thought you'd like to see it for yourself."

"I'm glad you sent me the picture. He can use it to brag. Charlie is so excited about Seth playing ball this spring."

"I'm glad he brought him to practice for me," Bella said, laughing. "But, I never expected him to be playing ball, too!"

"Yeah," Sue laughed. "He's much better at coaching the flat screen from the comfort of his Lazy-Boy!"

They talked and laughed for a few minutes before Bella climbed out of the car and approached the field.

"I'll be there soon. Thanks, Sue."

"You're welcome. Bye."

Bella closed the phone and looked up, searching the field for Seth.

He was playing at first base. His body was crouched forward, hands on knees, waiting for the next person to hit the ball.

She laughed, pushing back the feeling of sadness that threatened her. Jake would have been so proud.

Charlie noticed her walking toward the field. He waved.

"Hey, Bella. We won't be much longer."

"No worries. I'll just wait over here."

She joined a few other parents who were waiting on the bleachers. There were a few that she recognized from around town. They all waved at her, and she waved back, sitting down quickly.

Her mind started to wander as she watched the practice. She thought about the meeting she had been in and the web page she had been assigned.

She'd look up every now and then to check out what was happening on the field. She giggled a few times, especially when the little girl in center field laid on the grass, her head on her mitt, and refused to get up to play.

She was watching Seth run after a ball when a silver flash caught her eye.

A sporty convertible had pulled into the parking lot. She watched as the door opened and a good-looking man with messy copper colored hair stepped out. He approached the field where the kids were still practicing.

She recognized the sharp jaw and the straight nose. Ray Bans covered his eyes, but she was certain that they would be a stunning green.

It was Edward Cullen.

Oh, no, she thought. She could feel the blush on her cheeks. She'd had the biggest crush on him in high school, but had never been able to form a coherent sentence around him. She wondered if one of the kids on the field was his, if one of the women behind her on the bleachers was his wife.

She felt like an awkward eighteen year old again. It was embarrassing.

"Edward! You made it!" Emmett called out.

"I told you I wasn't backing out," Edward said, laughing.

"Come on over here and help these kids hit the ball."

Edward jogged over to home plate, and immediately started helping the little boy who was up next to hold the bat in the right way. He helped him swing and hit the ball, and clapped when he did.

He was amazing. And gorgeous. Even better than he had been in high school.

She caught herself staring at him and he looked up, as if he felt her eyes on him. He looked right at her.

She dropped her head forward and looked at her hands, feeling a little surge of guilt. Admiring another man felt like she was being unfaithful to Jake. And, being caught in the act was mortifying.

Edward felt the eyes on him. He was used to it. Women seemed to stare wherever he went. But, this time felt different. Someone was burning into him with their gaze.

He couldn't concentrate on the little boy with the bat who was standing in front of him. He had to look up.

His head turned automatically, his eyes moving toward the bleachers. He was caught in the stare of a pair of deep brown eyes. He looked beyond the eyes, to the woman sitting there.

Bella Swan. He couldn't believe it.

She had been so funny in high school. Every time he spoke to her in Biology, she would blush and stutter. He'd secretly had a crush on her, but had never acted on it. Then, when they were seniors, she started to date a guy from the Quileute reservation, Jacob Black. He'd missed his chance.

There were a few extra fouls when they played basketball that winter, Jake playing for his school and Edward playing for Forks High. Jealousy had a way of making a guy misbehave.

She dropped her head quickly, blushing. She still blushed when he looked at her, and for some reason, that made him feel good. Once again, she was hiding behind her long chestnut hair.

He hadn't even thought about why Charlie Swan was helping Emmett to coach tonight. He suddenly realized that Bella must have a child on the team.

"Uncle Edward, I'm next," Bryce yelled, breaking into his thoughts.

Bella waited for Seth to grab his bat and his mitt when practice ended.

"Did you see me hit the ball, mom?" he asked excitedly.

"I did. I knew you'd be good at it." She smiled at his excitement.

Charlie approached them, a grin on his face.

She looked at Seth and winked. "So, how did Grandpa Charlie do today?"

Seth started to giggle and Charlie grabbed him, throwing him over his shoulder. "Hey, I wasn't that bad!"

Emmett came to thank Charlie for his help, with Bryce and Edward trailing behind him. Bryce grabbed his uncle's hand, pulling him forward.

"Uncle Edward, you have to meet my friend Seth and his mom. He's my best friend!"

Edward raised his eyebrows and laughed. "Really?"

"Uh-huh. He's going to come play at my house on Saturday. I asked him and he said he will."

Bella looked up at Seth hanging from his grandpa's shoulder. "Is that so?"

"Please, mom? He says they have a pool and we can go swimming."

Bella looked at Emmett, who just smiled and nodded.

"Emmett, you really don't have to let him come over. I haven't even talked to Rosalie about it."

"Rose told me to ask you if you'd come by on Saturday, the boys just gave you a perfect excuse."

"I'm sorry, Emmett. I have a client meeting in Port Angeles. I'll be gone for most of the day. Seth was going to spend the day with Charlie and Sue."

"But, mom…"

"Bella, can I take him over for a while?" Charlie asked. He was such a pushover.

She rolled her eyes and Seth knew he had won. "If you'd like to."

Seth and Bryce both cheered.

Edward laughed, reminding Emmett that he was there.

"Bella, do you remember my brother Edward?"

"Of course. We were lab partners in high school."

"Hi, Bella. It's good to see you again."

"Hello, Edward."

He reached out and shook her hand. Her palm tingled and warmth flowed up her arm.

It was silent for a few moments, until Edward finally spoke.

"Seth is quite the little ball player. I bet his dad's been working with him."

Emmett was standing behind Bella, making a slashing motion across his neck, trying to warn Edward, but it was too late.

Bella gasped and Charlie froze. She swallowed hard, trying to control the tears that flowed so easily when she thought about Jake. Edward couldn't understand what had just happened.

"Nope," Seth said. "My daddy died. Grandpa Charlie helps me."

Edward couldn't believe he had just caused Bella pain. He was sure Jake would be around, watching his son play ball. His cheeks colored and his face fell.

"I'm so sorry, Bella. I didn't know."

"It's okay," she whispered. "You weren't living here when it happened. How could you have known?"

They all talked for another minute before separating to go home. Charlie kept watching Bella out of the corner of his eye, waiting for her to fall apart. She held it together nicely, wiping at her eyes only once.

Seth ran to Charlie's cruiser. "Can I ride in your car, Grandpa?"

Charlie looked to Bella for permission.

"Sure. I'll be right behind you."

She climbed into her car alone and finally lost the control she'd been clinging to. A few tears slid down her cheeks as she drove to her father's house.

Edward climbed into his car. He watched as Seth ran to Charlie's cruiser and Bella climbed into her own car.

He felt like a complete ass.

His phone rang and he reached into the pocket of his jeans, flipping it open.

"Damn, Em, you could give a guy some warning."

"Sorry, Edward. I didn't get a chance."

"Well, now I feel like a horrible person!"

"She knows you didn't mean it, baby brother."

They talked about the next practice for a few minutes.

"I'm glad you came to help, even if you missed half of the practice."

"You're welcome," Edward said, laughing. But, he felt sick to his stomach when he thought of the look on Bella's face.

_______________________________________________________________________________

A/N Thank you for reading my story!

I'll be posting as quickly as I can. I'm finishing another story, so I'm going back and forth between the two.

Question: If there were a thread at Twilighted about this story, would you come and play there? I'd hate to start one and then just listen to the crickets when I was there, alone…

Don't just lurk – talk to me. Please… ;)