Bella POV
"Bella! Stop under rotating coming off that vault! You're going to hurt yourself and your gonna cause deduction!"
Breathing hard, I nodded my head at coach. I was exhausted. Class had started two weeks ago and between going to school full time and training six days a week, I was pushing my body to the limits.
My classes started at 8 every morning and varied times from there, but were always done by 12. Then from 1 to 6, sometimes 7, I would go to the gym. Since it was a college team, we were allotted an hour in for studying and break in that time frame. I would go back to my dorm , take a shower, study for a little bit, then pass out. I was basically living off of power bars and Gatorade.
The only days I got a break were Sunday, and Thursdays. On Thursdays, practice didn't start till 2, then went to 5. It was also my slowest day in terms of classes. I was done by 10:30.
Thank God for small miracles
Looking at the clock on the wall, I saw that it was a quarter past six. Meaning I could go home. I looked to the coach and he nodded, already anticipating my question.
As I walked towards my locker, one of my team mates, Angela approached me
"Hey Bella, some of the girls are gonna go grab a bite to eat...wanna join?"
Although I was grateful for the invitation, I shook my head.
"No thanks Ang. I have some studying to do..But thanks for offering..Rein check?"
"Of course."
I pulled on my hoodie and put on a pair of shorts. Walking out of the gym I grabbed a cab and headed back to the dorms.
I had gotten quite good at hailing cabs. After a few failures, Alice took pity on me.
I thanked the driver and got out. Trudging back to my room, I opened the door and threw my stuff on my bed before throwing myself on my bed along side my crap.
The bathroom door opened and Alice walked out in robe with a towel wrapped around her wet head.
"Bella! I feel like I haven't seen you in forever"
I laughed
"You saw me yesterday Alice"
"Well yeah, but I haven't reallllly seen you. We need to do something this weekend! Isn't it your birthday Saturday?"
She got this really excited look on her face and I groaned.
"Yes, it is, but there is only one thing I plan on doing on my birthday."
"Really? And what would that be? You better not say sleep because ones 18th birthday is not a day to sleep!"
While sleeping the whole day sounded delightful, that wasn't what I had planned.
"No, that't not my intention, although it sounds like a great plan to me...after practice, I just wanna wander around the city till around sunset..Then I wanna go to the Skydeck at Willis tower."
I know I sound like a tourist, but I love city lights. I love the way the buildings light up the sky and being that high up gives the best view. The last time I was here, we got to go, but it was during the day.
"But Bella it's your 18th birthday"
Alice whined and crossed her arms. I seriously thought she was going to stomp her foot like a child.
"Exactly Alice, it's MY birthday. I'm so tired that I probably couldn't handle much more. Please just leave it alone."
I had learned that when Alice wanted something, she normally made it happen. One way or the other. The last thing I needed was for her to be pushing me to go out or do something absurd.
"Fine, but as your best friend, I will be attending and I will be taking you shopping for an outfit then for dinner! I don't want to hear any Ifs,ands, or buts! I can take you to the Skydeck any other day of the week!"
I rolled my eyes. She had dubbed herself my best friend on the third day of knowing me. Although, I couldn't really deny it. I didn't really pay much attention to people and really the only other friends I had, were from the gym.
"Whatever Alice. I get done with gym around 1 that day."
"Perfect! Just come back here and take a shower then I'll take care of everything else!"
Without waiting for a response from me, she threw on the outfit that had been sitting on her bed and went to do her hair and makeup.
I assumed she was going out with her boyfriend. I had never actually met him, but Alice had no problem telling me about him. His name was Jasper and he was six years older than her. He had two cousins that were basically his brothers and they spent alot of their time together. Alice was completely head over heals for the guy. They had only been together for about six months, but according to her, "when you know,you know"
After the failure that was my mother and fathers relationship, I didn't believe in love. I believed it was there in the world, but not for me. If Alice was happy, than I was happy.
When she got out of the tiny bathroom we shared, I claimed the shower and washed away the sweat from the day. Halfway through my shower, Alice popped her head in.
"Bella, i'm leaving. Don't forget tomorrow! I'm so excited!"
She shut the door again and i'm assuming she left the room.
I quickly finished up with my shower and dried off before putting on some sweat pants and a tank top.
Picking up my phone, I pressed Jakes contact. After the third ring he picked up.
"Hey Bells"
I smiled
"Hey Jake...what's up?"
"Nothing much, just thinking of a certain brunette bombshells birthday thats tomorrow"
I could feel the blush on my face. Jake had always been a smooth talker.
"Yeah yeah. Just another year older. I feel so old."
"Yeah, because 18 is so old. I can practically feel the wrinkles that are forming on your face.'
"Oh whatever. You know what I mean..Well maybe not since you're younger then me...Still wearing diapers Jake?"
"Shut it Swan! Just think, when your going over the hill and turning 50, i'll still be in my youthful 40s!"
I smiled. I missed Jake. Part of me missed my life in Forks. But I couldn't stay there. Most girls there got pregnant right after high school, married their high school sweetheart, and then they would go on to be 40 year old town gossips still partaking in petty drama that should've evaporated after high school. No, my life was here now.
After talking with Jake for about half an hour, he promised to call tomorrow and I told him goodnight.
Snuggling further into my blanket I made sure my alarm was set and I drifted off into a dreamless sleep.
Bright and early the next morning I bounded off to the gym. I wore my favorite leotard and put my hair into a nice braid. Walking into the gym, I put my stuff in my locker and walked over towards the floor.
where is everyone?
The lights shut off for a second and then when they flickered back on my entire team ran out with balloons and confetti singing "happy birthday" at the top of their lungs. Even the guys team was there.
I blushed to the high heavens but I couldn't help the smile that graced my face.
When they were done with their singing a bunch of the girls came and gave me a hug.
"Alright alright, fun times over...Happy Birthday Bella"
Coach Banner broke up the impromptu party and the girls got to cleaning up the small mess. As I walked towards the tumbletrek, Mike, one of the gymnasts on the guys team, came up to me.
"Hey Bella"
Mike was nice enough but he reminded me of a puppy. An annoying puppy.
"Hey Mike'
"Happy Birthday...Do you have plans?"
I internally groaned.
"Yeah, my room mate has something planned for us."
"Oh, well, i'd love to take you to dinner some time..I mean if thats alright with you.."
I sighed
"Yeah, I'm always busy, but if I ever get a break then we'll see"
Keep in mind, I said this knowing I wouldn't have time.
I continued my walk and hopped up on the tramp. Doing a few exercises I couldn't help but be excited for my plans tonight. I looked at the clock.
Only four more hours
At 1 on the dot, Coach let us out. I couldn't have been happier. I practically skipped out of the gym, into a cab, and back to my dorm. When I got there I opened the door and jumped in the shower. Mentally deciding what I was gonna wear, I quickly went through the motions and got out.
Opening the door I came face to face with the little pixie.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY"
"geez Alice you're gonna alert the whole damn campus"
She just shrugged. She handed me an outfit and I raised my eyebrow in question.
"Just put it on...its comfy and cute."
I knew there would be no arguing with her so I put on the white shorts and the coral colored shirt. She handed me a pair of white sandals that I slipped on before going to brush my teeth. I dried my hair and decided that was as good as it gets.
I walked out and Alice jumped off her bed. She clapped her hands.
"Yay, you're ready, let's go!"
I followed her out to where a cab was already awaiting and we jumped in. She told the driver where to go and off we went.
Seven stores and too many fitting room trips to count later, Alice had bought me what she declared the perfect outfit. It consisted of white high waisted linen shorts with a blood red silk shirt that gathered around the neck. Then, much to my dismay, she got me a pair of wedges that matched the red shirt.
We made our way back to the dorm and she sat me down and went to town on my hair and makeup.
why all this was necessary was beyond me
She had straightened my already straight hair and put on some light makeup. The finishing touch was blood red lipstick. It was a little bold for my tastes but, I was too tired to argue.
I put on the shorts and tucked the shirt in like Alice instructed. Once I had my shoes on Alice declared that I was ready to go.
After yet again another cab ride, we pulled up to a fancy looking restaurant.
"Alice, I thought I said no fancy restaurants!"
"Oh hush..This dinner is a treat from my parents! They're happy I have a new friend and they told me to take you out to a nice dinner. So, you're going to go in there and enjoy the meal!"
I huffed at her and got out of the car.
Walking in, Alice gave her name to the hostess and we were seated right away.
I had to admit, the inside was beautiful. It was decorated in warm brown hues and reminded me of a tuscan villa. We looked over the menu and I rolled my eyes.
I can safety say that I think I can afford water.
I glared up at Alice and she ignored me.
Damn pixie.
I ordered the ravioli and sipped my water.
"Well eat some bread Bella, I'm sure your hungry"
I stared at the bread like it was gonna poison me if I touched it.
Too many calories Bella.
Alice looked at me expectedly so I grabbed a piece and picked it apart on my plate as she rambled on.
"So, we need to find you a boyfriend...I'm thinking tall,dark,and handsome"
I outright laughed at her.
"And do tell when i'll have time to have a boyfriend Alice..They're high maintenance and most relationships don't work out...which means they're a waste of time..And I don't have time to waste...Not everyone can have the perfect relationship like you and Jasper"
I looked at her pointedly and she stuck her tongue out at me.
very mature pixie
"All i'm saying is you need a life."
"Gym is my life ali"
"But wouldn't it be nice to have someone to see after practice? Someone to cheer you on? Do little things for you?"
A part of me admitted that would be nice. But I just couldn't bring myself to day dream about it. I was used to no boyfriends. Sure I go male attention, I didn't work my ass off in the gym to not have a nice body, but to me I was still just plain.
"Thats what I have a best friend for"
I smiled at her and her face lit up at my name for her.
Our food came out and I picked at my food. It was divine, but it was full of calories. About an hour later Alice decided it was time for desert. I laughed at her enthusiasm. While she ordered, I excused myself to the bathroom.
Looking in the mirror I looked at my full stomach.
Careful on your intake Bella
I mentally scolded myself. I'll just have to watch what I eat the next couple days.
After washing my hands and adjusting my outfit, I walked back out to the table. Sitting opposite of Alice I eyed her warily. She had this giddy expression on face.
"What did you do?"
"I have the best surprise ever. It's going to be amazing, but we need to go. Like right now!"
Suddenly the waiter came back with her card. She tucked it into her purse and stood up. Grabbing my bag, I followed her out of the restaurant.
"Are you ok to walk?"
She looked at my shoes.
"Yeah i'm fine...lets go."
I followed her a couple blocks before I started to drill her about where we were going. The damn pixie just ignored me. After about ten minutes of walking and me complaining, we arrived at a dock.
Looking over at her I raised an eyebrow
"Is this the part where you kidnap me and sell me into the international slave trade?"
"Don't be silly. You're wearing the entirely wrong outfit for that."
She said it so seriously that I couldn't help but chuckle.
She grabbed my hand and pulled me down the long dock. It was dark so the only light was from the overhead lights. She stopped in front a long speedboat. Well, at least thats what it looked like. There was a captain complete with the white hat and everything standing there. He helped Alice get on board and then turned to me.
Alice looked at me expectantly and I sighed. Grabbing the older mans hand I stepped onto the boat. He smiled and wished me a happy birthday.
I mumbled a thanks and took a seat at the front of the boat next to Alice. The boat gently left the dock and then we were speeding off into the night. I enjoyed the quiet and the fresh air that the lake provided.
After about ten minutes, the boat stopped and Alice turned to me.
"Ok, so I know we didn't get to go to WIllis Tower, and I know you wanted to see the city light up, sooo..."
I turned around and from where we were, I could see most of the city. Not only that, but the light reflected off the water. Illuminating the area around me. I was in love with the view.
After taking in my surroundings, I turned to Alice and broke my no touching rule.
I threw my arms around her and gave her a giant hug.
"Thank you Alice. This is the best gift any one has ever given me."
I meant it. I couldn't express how much it meant to me.
Looking back at the city, I knew I was infatuated. The city had taken my heart and I knew that my life here, was only beginning.
Edwards POV
I had a migraine from hell. I half expected my fucking head to explode at any minute.
The Russians were the thorn in my fucking side and I would give just about anything at this point to get rid of them.
Carlise, had made the mistake of offering them a trade. He would continue to let them partake in their slave trade, as long as none of it crossed into his territory.
Really, it was more of a warning. Carlise owned more territory then they would ever hope to have.
We don't deal with human trafficking. We told them to keep that shit out of Chicago. But of course, that idiot son thought he was invincible, and decided to push the limits of how much we could get away with.
Did they think I wouldn't notice the missing girls? All fitting the same profile and gone with out a trace? The problem being that we couldn't act on it yet. Carlise had a gun shipment that was about to go through Russia. It needed to get through without any problems in order to arrive on time.
The longer we wait, the more girls that go missing. That mothafuker was doing it this on purpose. He knew about the shipment. Where he's wrong, is thinking that there weren't other ways to get our shit.
My office door slammed open and my oaf of a brother walked in
"Whats kickin chicken!"
I rolled my eyes at his stupid greeting. He dropped him self into the chair in front of my desk and I felt the floor shake. I thought the chair was going to break.
Jasper followed him in, laughing. Like a normal person, he sat down in the chair next to Emmett. He than proceeded to prop his feet up on my desk while popping hard candies into his mouth.
"Does this look like a living room? No. This is an office"
They both ignored me. Before my door could shut, my father glided into the office.
He looked at his two eldest sons and shook his head. He slapped the back of their heads before sitting on the couch on the corner of the office.
Probably shouldn't mention the busty blonde I had spread eagle for me in that very spot this morning.
I smirked, thinking back to the girl. Sally or Emily or something along those lines.
My dad spoke and his whole demeanor changed into business mode.
"We need to do something about James."
The Russian son that spends most his time over here running things for his father.
"We need that gun shipment."
HE looked at me and I sighed knowing he was right.
"I don't care how you get it, but I want the guns, and I want the trafficking gone. I want it done yesterday."
I pulled at my hair. This wan't going to be easy. The Russians were tricky sons a bitches.
"È un problem?" Is that a problem?
I wanted to yell that hell yeah it was a fucking problem. But I knew better. This was my boss. Not my father talking. Though these days, was there even a difference?
"Lo tratteremo"
We will handle it.
He nodded then got up and left the room as quickly as he came.
I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. Looking up at my brothers I smirked.
"Looks like we need to pay James a little visit"
As if on the same wave length, we got up at the same time and walked out the door.
Walking into the parking garage, we walked towards my 1967 restored Dodge Charger. She was fucking beautiful and she was the only girl I needed in my life besides my ma.
I pulled out a few guns. Nothing fancy just standard and walked over to where Jaspers G-class Mercedes. I opened the drivers side and looked at Jazz.
"Move over bitch boy"
"It's my car asshole"
"Yeah well I drive better."
He rolled his eyes and hopped over the center console. Emmett was already sprawled out on the back seat.
such a child
Throwing it into reverse I pulled out and sped off towards the strip club I knew he would be holed up in.
As we drove Jaspers phone rang.
"Hey baby"
I rolled my eyes. His little pixie girlfriend.
"The boat? For what? It'll be dark by then...but-...fine i'll make the arrangements."
He hung up after his little lovely dovey goodbye.
I looked over and made a whipping sound.
"Shut up asshole."
"What does she need a boat for?"
"Its her room mates birthday and she said something about city lights and water and I just gave up trying to comprehend her plan."
I shook my head. Alice was a breed of her own. She got most the things she wanted by talking alone. Most people just wanted to shut her up. She was pretty cool when she wanted to be, but too clingy for me.
She had been going on and on about her room mate for weeks. Apparently she was some uptight dancer or gymnast or something. Esme, loving that shit, apparently knew who she was and wanted to meet her.
Shaking my head to clear my thoughts I pulled up to the trashy strip cub and parked. Making sure I had everything I would need, I jumped out, my brothers following me.
We walked through the doors and I was assaulted with the smell of stale beer and the sight of big tits bouncing through the air.
Ignoring the looks of want we relieved, we headed straight towards the back. We told the big guard to tell James the Cullens were here.
After about 15 seconds I was getting impatient. Finally the door was opened and we were allowed back. James was sitting behind his desk smoking a cigar while some busty blonde put her top back on.
If you can classify that as a shirt.
Once she left the room James looked over at us.
"Boys, what a pleasant surprise. What can I get ya? Blonde? Brunette? Red head?"
He wiggled his eyebrows and I tried my hardest not to gag at the thought of touching anything that had been near his grimy paws.
"You know that's not why were here. You need to stop with the bull shit James. Carlise and you had an agreement."
He laughed
"If that was your definition of an agreement, then you need to go back to school...If I remember correctly, you have a very important shipment coming to my side of the pond...you just need to turn your head if you want it"
I wasn't laughing.
I stalked up to his desk.
"Listen here fucker, that isn't your side. It's not even your fathers. Carlise owns that fucking dump of a city and we both know it. Either get your shit together or the next visit won't be so friendly and it won't be me here. It'll be my father."
For a brief second I saw a flash of fear pass through his eyes.
Thats right fucker. Be scared.
I walked back to my brothers and pulled out my gun. I blew a shot directly next to his head, leaving a hole in the wall.
"Next time I'll move my aim a little to the left. And we both know...I don't miss."
Slipping my gun back into my waistband, I left the room. My brothers following.
When we got back to the car I let Jasper drive. Emmett spoke up from the back
"You think he'll stop?"
I shook my head
"No. That was too easy. He was expecting us which means he has another plan. Now we wait for Colin to tell us his next move."
Colin was someone Carlise had put in place years ago. He was so far involved in that organization, no one knew he really worked for us. But it was for times like this that he was put there.
Making a mental note to get the message to him, I looked up at the setting sun. This was my city. It would be wise for him not to forget that.
The next morning I woke up to go to church. Fucking Italians and church. But if you wanted to eat Esmes feast that she made every Sunday, you had to go to church. If not, than you couldn't eat. Of course missing family dinner is considered a sin to her, so here I was getting up with the damn sun to go to church.
I pulled out one of the Armani suits from my closet that seemed never ending. Black slacks and a blue shirt.
I took a quick shower, brushed my teeth and walked out the door after getting dressed.
I had given up on trying to tame my hair years ago. It had a mind of its own and on more than one occasion I had considered chopping it off. But of course that never happened.
I got in the charger and revved the engine. Whipping out of the parking lot I got the church and parked. Walking in, I found my family.
Honestly, how I got into the church was beyond me. The church clearly isn't a real church because if the land was holy, then I would've shot into flames by the time I was 15.
I rolled my eyes at the priest.
Once the service was done we all got into our respective cars and headed back towards my parents house. Pulling in alongside Emmett and Rose, I hopped out and headed towards the house.
Two hours later found everyone sitting at the long dining table stuffing their faces. My mom was grilling Alice on her friend Bella.
"Is she italian?"
My father looked up at this.
Alice nodded her head.
"Yeah, I don't know how much but she is. I think she understands it or something."
Mom went back to asking her questions
"So she trains how many days a week?"
"Six. Plus she's a full time student. I don't know how she does it"
"I want to meet her! She sounds like such a sweet heart. I saw her during one of the competitions they had playing on t.v a couple months ago. She's quite beautiful"
This caught my attention. Any beautiful girl was enough to pique my interest.
"Well, she's always at the gym, but she told me I could come watch anytime I wanted. So we could go check it out if you wanted to!"
Ma smiled and nodded her head.
"I'd like that Alice"
She smiled back at ma and went back to eating. Hm. Beautiful girl and a gymnast.
The many ways I could fuck a gymnast started running through my head.
Smirking to myself I realized I needed to meet this girl and get her into bed as soon as possible. The possibility for great sex was too enticing to pass up.
I looked to Alice and knew she was my way in..
Let the games begin.
Today could go to fucking hell for all I cared. I'm surprised I haven't pulled out my Desert Eagle and shot someone.
At this point I was considering it. Consequences be damned.
I had woken up this morning to find out that another girl went missing. Meaning that fucker James had broken the agreement yet again. Than, I find out that one of my low level guys, had got picked for a hefty drug trafficking charge.
I knew he wouldn't talk to the feds, but he still lost part of a shipment. And that was unacceptable.
To top it off, my father decided to come into my apartment, not my office, but my apartment,at six thirty in the morning and wake me up. On a saturday. He felt the need to inform me that since another girl went missing, I clearly did not do what he asked when going to talk to James, and now he was going to have to handle it.
Boo fucking hoo. He actually has to get off his throne and take care of something.
Walking into Starbucks I groaned.
The line was atrocious. Just another thing to add to my already horrible mood.
It was seven forty five on a saturday. What in the hell are all these people doing here.
Looking in front of me, I took notice of the person in front of me. Short,long brown hair, and dressed in faded sweat pants and a t shirt.
hmph. Didn't people know how to dress anymore?
Looking down at my phone, I read some emails while waiting in the line from hell.
Slowly but surely, we were moving along.
Ten minutes later the only person in front of me was the girl-at least I think it was a girl- dressed in the shitty clothes.
She ordered some complicated drink and I rolled my eyes.
Finally getting up to the cashier, I ordered a plain black coffee. Walking over to the counter, I went back to waiting.
When I heard my named get called, I grabbed it and turned.
Right as I turned, I felt someone collide with me. The next thing I felt, was the sensation of hot coffee all over my suit.
My Armani suit.
Gritting my teeth, I looked to see what fucking idiot had decided to make my day even worse.
I saw the girl that had been standing in front of me. Her eyes were wide as she took in the state of my now ruined suit.
"I-I'm sorry"
She stuttered the words as she grabbed some napkins.
Ignoring her out stretched hand I threw away the cup and looked at her with fire in my eyes. She started speaking and before she could finish, I cut her off.
"I'm so sorry, did you want-"
"Could you be anymore incompetent? How did you make it this far in life if you can't even walk in public properly."
Looking her up and down again I sneered and added
"Well, based on your clothing, I would say you haven't made it very far in life. Maybe you should consider going back to whatever street corner you came off of."
She looked up at me with defiance in her eyes and the next thing I knew, she had lifted her foot and shoved it straight down into my foot and then took her giant cup of coffee and poured some of it on my shoe.
"There, now you not only need a new suit, but you need new shoes as well."
Before I could say anything she stormed out of the coffee shop.
Taking a deep breath, I tried to remember that I couldn't just go shooting up a street corner.
Clutching my phone to point of destruction, I walked outside into the chilly morning air.
That stupid bitch is going to make me late. She not only ruined my suit, but the shoes too.
I could feel where she stomped on my foot. It was throbbing a little, but no where near the worst I've felt.
Looking over to the bodyguard that I knew was standing on the corner, I nodded towards my apartment.
Like I said...Today was a horrible fucking day.
After changing my clothes and gunning it down the streets of Chicago, I arrived at my mothers restaurant. Parking around back, I walked towards the office in the back.
I liked coming to this office because of the food that was within my reach.
I sat down in my office with five minutes to spare. Any minute, my idiot brothers and my father would be coming to discuss what to do about the Russians.
At eight thirty on the dot my door slammed open, hitting the wall as my massive brother once again bounded into the office and threw himself into the chair opposite mine.
"What's crackalackin"
I rolled my eyes and looked up as Jasper and my father entered. Jasper, choosing to stand, and my father sitting in the chair next to Em.
He cleared his throat before speaking.
"This needs to stop. The girls that are going missing are bringing more attention to the area. James is purposely taking the girls where we do alot of business. He is not only breaking the agreement, but he is coming directly onto my territory and doing it. Thats how we lost some of our shipment."
Well that explains why one of or guys got picked up. We're careful and 99.9% of the time, we fly under the radar.
I nodded my head and then spoke
"What do you wanna do? The shipment has passed through Russia and will be here any day. That solves that problem. The only other being that I haven't gotten word from Colin yet."
"He is pre occupied. He can't get away, but he's looking into it."
I sighed. Without knowing his endgame, we didn't have many options.
"I've arranged for a meeting with his father. He's coming in on Tuesday. Depending on what his father says, prepare to take out the problem if it doesn't go well."
He looked directly at me and nodded. I nodded back and Emmett clapped his hand together.
"Fuck yes! I can get some target practice in"
My dad hit the back of his head.
"Stop being so trigger happy"
I smirked...If only he had heard my thoughts earlier.
Before anyone could speak, the door opened and my mom strode in, as elegant as ever. Even if it was nine in the morning.
"My babies...all here working so early in the morning on a weekend...I really wish you wouldn't"
"Honey, work doesn't stop just because of the day of the week"
Ma scowled at Carlisle and went back to messing with Jaspers hair.
He was failing miserable at getting her to stop.
"Ma I'm not five, I know how to do my hair"
"Apparently not! Have you heard of a brush? It's almost as bad as Edwards!"
"Hey! My hair is perfect, thank you very much...It gets all the ladies"
I heard Emmett mumble something that sounded like "sluts" and I glared at him.
Dad interrupted our banter
"As much as i'm enjoying this family time, I'm starving."
He stood up and adjusted his suit. Grabbed my moms hand, they walked out and the door shut with a soft thud behind them.
"What's on the agenda for today Eddieboy"
Emmett grinned from his chair as I continued to glare at him.
"Don't fucking call me that."
I stood up and put my gun back into my waistband. Jasper looked up from his phone,
"I have a favor to ask...Alice and I got into an argument last night and I wanna do something nice for her...So I was thinking of putting her favorite flowers in her dorm"
"Why would you need our help to put flowers in her dorm?
Emmett was right. That wasn't a three person job.
Jasper rubbed the back of his neck
"Well, I was thinking of using a couple dozen, so it would be faster if I had help."
This is why I don't do relationships.
But he was my brother so I rolled my eyes for the millionth time today and agreed.
Boy what a mistake that was.
When Jasper had said a couple dozen, what he meant to say, was the whole fucking shop.
We went into the flower shop closest to campus and Jazz bought every long stemmed rose they had. He put them in the Tahoe and we drove it to campus and luckily got a parking spot right by the dorm.
After bribing the attending at the front, we got in and twelve dozen roses later, we were standing in the middle of a room the size of my closet with no idea what to do with the roses.
"Didn't you fucking think this through? Where are you going to put them all retard!"
I turned away and surveyed the room. On one side, it looked like the 80's threw up all over it. There were more neon colors then in a night club on the wall. On the other side, it was exactly the opposite.
Whereas Alice had pictures and colors, the other side had a few medals and a bunch of books.
The walls were plain except the few medals hanging and the desk was neat and tidy, save for a few gatorade bottles, with a laptop and papers on it.
Looking at the clock on the wall, I saw that it was already twelve thirty. I had wasted all my morning on this shit. Enough was enough..
"Look im-"
Before we could say another word, the door burst open and Alice walked in, efficiently knocking over three of the vases that had been put on the floor.
She was rambling on but once she hit the vase, she paused and looked over at us. She looked at the roses, than at jazz, and then she squealed at the top of her lungs and launched herself at Jasper.
"Jesus Christ Alice, if you had screamed any louder, I think the space station would've heard it."
Looking over at the door I saw a girl walk in in nothing but a sports bra and sweat pants.
After checking out the six pack that this girl was sporting, I noticed the ratty sweat pants.
When my eyes made their way up to her face I ground my teeth together so hard, I thought I was going to chip one of them.
It was her.
The girl that had ruined my very expensive suit and shoes this morning. Not to mention, I didn't get my coffee.
She narrowed her eyes at me and as if in some sort of comedic movie we both yelled at the same time while pointing at the other,
"YOU!"
Both breathing heavy, we were locked in a stare down. Both of us refusing to look away before the other.
As we stared at each other, some things were starting to dawn on me.
The same bitch that ruined my day, was Bella. The girl that Alice had proclaimed as her best friend and Ma had bragged about being the best woman's gymnast in the country.
The same girl I had thought about sleeping with.
It's your own fault for planning to sleep with someone you had never even met. Gymnast or not.
Setting my mouth into a hard line I couldn't help but be even more frustrated.
There goes the great sex.
Did I mention that my day fucking sucked?
Bella pov
Stomping my way through the gym, I threw my bag at the edge of the viewing area, not bothering to put my stuff in the locker room.
My weekend had been horrible.
At Fridays practice, we were informed that since we had been training for a little over three weeks, coach wanted to see how we were doing competition wise.
So he called for an in house competition. In a weeks time.
So that was why, I was here on a Sunday at eleven in the morning instead of sleeping or doing homework. I needed to work on my routines.
Then, Saturday morning.
Just thinking about it made my blood boil.
After once again not getting any sleep the night before, I had the awful encounter with the devil himself.
Seriously, all he was missing was the horns.
All I did, was accidentally run into him.
And ruin his suit.
Yeah well, he was an asshole and he deserved to have his shoes ruined too!
After storming out of the shop, I arrived at practice, only to discover that Coach was also in a bad mood and he decided to take it out on us.
We spent basically all of practice conditioning. The rips on my hands had rips.
It was gross.
Running into Alice on my way up to the dorm, I was filled in on all the drama that was her and Jaspers argument.
Really there was no fight. It was just Alice throwing a fit over Jasper canceling their date.
When she reached our room, she opened the door and hesitated, then she proceeded to squeal at the top of her lungs.
Following her in, my nose was assaulted with the smell of roses.
I can just feel the headache now.
When I looked up, I was met with green eyes and wild hair.
After this morning I would probably recognize that hair any where.
As if realizing who I was at the same time, we locked gazes and neither of us was backing down.
After a solid five minutes and Alice yelling at us to tell her what was going on I glanced at the very confused faces of the three other people in the room.
Not bothering to put my stuff down I had stalked out of the room and went to stay with Angela for the remainder of the evening.
I had gone back some time around ten.
Alice was no where to be seen but the roses were laid out across her dresser and her desk.
I laid in bed and set my alarm for ten in the morning, knowing that I was going straight to the gym.
When I woke up the next morning I threw my hair up and slipped on a red leotard, grabbed a few Gatorades and my bag.
Forty five minutes later and here I am.
I was the only one here besides coach who was in his office towards the back of the building.
Since he had called for the competition, he told us that he would open the gym on Sunday if we wanted to practice.
I was clearly the only one getting out of bed on a Sunday.
After doing a few warm ups on the tumble-trek, I moved over to the uneven bars.
Clearing my head of the horrible weekend I had, I let myself get pulled into the world of gymnastics.
Be sure to tap towards the ceiling and keep your shoulder angle open. There is a tendency to pike and pull in on the bar.
Half an hour later and I was repeating check lists in my head as I perfected different combinations.
Once the flyaway 1/2 to your stomach is solid, start looking for the bar and adjusting the tap to bring yourself closer to the bar.
I was in the middle of a Geinger when I heard my name squealed in a high pitch voice from the front of the gym.
Not expecting anyone else to be in the gym, I broke my train of thought and when my hands released the bar, I missed it and fell straight onto my stomach.
Efficiently knocking the wind out of me.
Taking a deep breath and pulling myself to my feet I looked over my shoulder and saw Alice running towards me.
"Oh my god Bella are you ok?! I'm so sorry I yelled your name but I was so excited! I knew I'd find you here! You look so cool on those bar things!"
She finally took a breath and I just stared at her trying to catch my breath.
Apparently my silence wasn't good enough because she started talking again.
"I wanted to come check on you! You ran out of the room so quickly yesterday and you haven't been answering your phone"
"Yeah, sorry, it died and I didn't bother charging it till I went to bed"
"So what was with you and Edward last night? He was in a shitty mood the rest of the day"
I rolled my eyes. The last thing I wanted to talk about was that jackass. But I knew she would keep asking till I told her so I quickly ran through the story about our encounter at the coffee shop.
Her eyes got wide and she bust out laughing.
"Oh my God Bella, you actually poured coffee on him? That's hilarious"
I didn't really see the humor in it.
"Yeah well, he deserved it. But I can't sit here and talk Alice...I have to get ready for this competition at the end of the week so..."
"Really?! You have one already?! Can I come and watch? Please please please Bella"
She looked up at me wide eyed and I sighed
"Of course you can come Ali...Just...Don't be embarrassing."
She jumped up and down and smiled
I walked back to the bar and looked over.
"I'll see you later Alice..Be safe"
"OK! Don't wait up..It's Sunday so you know what that means...Bye!"
Ah, Sundays were a busy day for Alice which was why I was so surprised to see her.
She would go to Church with Jasper and his family, then afterwards, they would all go back to his parents house and eat. I didn't think it took all day to eat, but according to Alice, Jaspers mom prepared all the food from scratch while everyone mingled and then they would sit down and stuff themselves till they could barely walk.
Just thinking about all that food makes me want to purge myself
I looked at the gym around me and smiled.
This was my home. This is where I felt comfortable.
I thought about the next year in my head.
The Olympics were next summer. So on top of my college competitions, I had to compete in the USAG official competitions so that I could qualify for trials.
Once I qualified to even go to trials, I needed to qualify for the US team.
Then its off to London.
After about an hour, Coach came out and decided to help me with my floor routine.
It was a spin off of one of my old routines. Higher difficulty and a few more stunts than before. It wasn't my hardest or my most impressing but I knew that if I performed it well, it would lead me to win the in house competition.
Once I had put in some work on all the events, I looked at the clock and saw that it was already three o'clock.
I decided that I had been here long enough and went to go get my bag as Coach rambled on.
"You need to be in top shape Bella. The prospects for this years Olympic team are strong. I know I haven't been your coach for as long as the other girls, but I think we'll work well together."
I looked over and nodded. He was right. Most girls that make it to the Olympics have had the same coach for most of their life.
The gym I came from, I was one of those girls. But I was more than happy to get away from my old coach. There were very few people that I hated, he sadly, was one of them.
"Don't worry coach, you and I will be in London next summer."
I gave him a smile before walking out into the city.
I needed to be in top shape. He was right. I thought back to the food in my dorm.
Shaking my head I realized I needed to watch my calorie intake more closely.
Getting back to the dorm, I threw out anything I deemed unhealthy.
I got on the scale in the bathroom and waited as the results showed up.
123.5
Taking a deep breath, I looked in the mirror. First at my face, than turning sideways, I looked at my stomach.
It could be flatter Bella.
Putting my shirt back down, I walked out to my room and looked at the medals on the wall.
I wanted, no needed, there to be a gold Olympic medal hanging right there.
I was determined to do whatever it took to get it.
The following Friday I was beyond anxious. Tomorrow was the in house competition and after putting in a lot of good work over the week, I felt pretty confident I would do well.
I was in a great mood actually. I had gotten my test scores back from my Italian language class and my comparative politics class and I got an A minus on both of them.
Granted, I had studied my ass off for them, but I got the results I wanted so I couldn't complain.
Looking over at Alice's side of the dorm, I realized she hadn't been around much this week.
She had text me earlier saying that she would be at the gym tomorrow to cheer me on for my competition.
I had to admit, it would be nice to have someone there.
Most of the people on the team had family in Chicago, so they would be there to watch.
Seeing as I had no one, knowing Alice was going to be there put a smile on my face.
Setting my alarm I rolled onto my stomach and let sleep take over.
Tomorrow was going to be a long day.