A/N: Sorry for the delay, again. Real life got in the way. I've been working a lot lately, went to Kings Island for my fiancé's company picnic, went to visit my family for my birthday, and had my annual Halloween party. My weekends have been non-stop go, go, go.
Thank you to all who are reading this story. I don't know why I do this, but it seems that I keep making minor adjustments to each of my Chapters. I always reread my previous Chapter before writing my new Chapter, so I usually end up adding a few things and editing to make the story flow better. I don't think any of the changes have been large enough that you would have to reread the story...it's just my own personal OCD to continue to tweek until it feels right to me.
This Chapter took a little bit longer to write because, as I said, real life got in the way again, and, also, there was so much happening in this chapter, including flip- flopping of POV's and I had a little bit of writers block...No party this Chapter. The characters refused to let me get there yet. Hope you enjoy anyways!
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or it's characters, Stephenie Meyer does. Also, the song 'This Is A Call' belongs to Thousand Foot Krutch and the song 'Pretending' belongs to The Glee Cast.
This is A Call
...She's calling out to you, this is a call; this is a call out,
'Cause every-time I fall down, I reach out to you,
and I'm losing all control now, and my hazard signs are all out,
I'm asking you, to show me what this life is all about...
Chapter 4 - Analyze This
Bella's POV
What's wrong with falling in love?
There is no reason to give up on love. Love is too beautiful to never be given a chance.
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You're not alone
Also, you have never been a child, so I doubt it was a 'child's crush'. Always an old soul. Too mature for you age. A look of love would suit you well.
Anonymous
This Anonymous is really getting on my nerves. I signed on to LiveJournal, contemplating getting some writing in before bed, but I saw that Anonymous had struck again.
After spending far to much time analyzing Anonymous' comment, I didn't even know how to respond, so I decided I'm not going to this time. When I checked the time, it was already going on 9 o'clock and I needed to get some sleep since tomorrow is going to be a long day. I guess I'm not writing tonight. I decided to just post lyrics instead:
Pretending
Face to face and heart to heart
We're so close yet so far apart
I close my eyes I look away
That's just because I'm not okay
But I hold on I stay strong
Wondering if we still belong
Will we ever say the words we're feeling
Reach down underneath it
Tear down all the walls
Will we ever have a happy ending
Or will we forever only be pretending
Will we (oh oh oh all) ways (oh oh oh all)ways (oh oh oh all) ways be...pretending
How long do I fantasize
Make believe that it's still alive
Imagine that I am good enough
If we can choose the ones we love
But I hold on I stay strong
Wondering if we still belong
Will we ever say the words we're feeling
Reach down underneath it
Tear down all the walls
Will we ever have a happy ending
Or will we forever only be pretending
Will we (oh oh oh all) ways (oh oh oh all)ways (oh oh oh all) ways be... keeping secrets safe
Every move we make
Seems like no-one's letting go
And it's such a shame
Cos' if you feel the same
How am I supposed to know
Will we ever say the words we're feeling
Reach down underneath it
Tear down all the walls
Will we ever have a happy ending
Or will we forever only be pretending
Will we (oh oh oh all) ways (oh oh oh all)ways (oh oh oh all) ways be... (pretending)
Will we (oh oh oh all) ways (oh oh oh all)ways (oh oh oh all) ways be...pretending, pretending
Will we (oh oh oh all) ways (oh oh oh all)ways (oh oh oh all) ways be...pretending
Wow! I need to stop watching Glee. It's making me all... sappy. Well, I'll take sappy over Emo any day.
After I pressed 'submit', I put my laptop away and got ready for bed. Plugging my phone into it's charger, making sure my alarms were all on, I set my Harry Potter playlist to play for the next hour. Best sleeping music ever!
As I laid my head down and got under the covers, I started to flash through the day I had...
...Alice nearly tackled me when I told her that I got into San Fran State. I think she actually started crying. This made her even more excited for tomorrows party. Soon we'll be signing up for classes and looking for off-campus apartments together. Truthfully, I was getting really excited, too, even though it still meant leaving my mom...
...Next, I sought out Rose to talk about the details of the weekend. First, I asked her if Alice and I could come over right after school to get ready for the party. Rose reminded me that tomorrow is the first baseball game of the year. Being head cheerleader, she kind of had to be there. Well that changes things. So Aly and I would be hanging around, watching the game, and then the three of us would hurry to get ready when it was all over.
Second, I told her who all Em was bringing and that he promised to DD as long as we have some sort of after-party at her place to make up for it. She was excited about this idea. Rose started planning out some drinking games. That should be interesting.
Lastly, I asked her if we could make a whole weekend out of it, per mom's rule to get me out of the house. I told her that it would probably only be Aly and I still over Saturday night. Rose said that was fine. She seemed just as excited about this as the "after-party"...
...When I got home, mom was having a 'bad' day, so she was holed up in her studio. I could tell just by the smell of skunk that hit me when I pulled into the driveway.
The cruiser was missing, so I knew dad was probably hanging back at the station. After our talk last night, a 'bad' day was most likely inevitable. Dad usually spent a little extra time working on days like this. Mom hated looking weak in front of him.
After dropping off my backpack, I went and knocked on the studio door. Mom let me in and gave me a big hug. We didn't need any words. I could see the tear stains all over her cheeks. She also looked really pale compared to yesterday. I'm guessing she spent probably as much time in the bathroom as she did in her studio today. After about ten minutes, I finally broke the silence and asked if she was sure she wanted me gone all weekend. She said she had to let me go, even if we both weren't quite ready for it, yet. This weekend would be the first of many trial runs, of sorts, before I leave for school.
The next thing I knew, mom was rolling up another joint. She asked me to throw a towel at the bottom of the door and to open the windows. After lighting one end, she took a couple hits and passed it to me.
Mom and I got high together every once in awhile. It doesn't phase me much anymore. The first time she handed me one of her joints, I thought it was a test. I mean, my dad is the Chief of Police. Mom said that she would rather my first time getting high be with her and that it would be our little secret.
Little did I know that Emmett and mom had a little secret of their own. Em seemed to have scored weed off our mom on multiple occasions. I found this bit of information out this past summer, the same weekend that Aly met Jasper. The four of us high was priceless.
When we got to the point where we couldn't smoke anymore, mom snuffed out the roach and I went to make some food for myself. Mom, of course, said she wouldn't be able to hold anything down today. I decided on something easy; Mac & Cheese. I didn't think I could make anything too much more elaborate with the buzz I had, but I was starving. I don't know how mom does it all the time. I ate; more like scarfed. When I was done, I excused myself, giving mom one more hug and kiss, and head to my room. Smoking usually makes me tired, after the initial buzz wears off...
And now here I am, staring at my ceiling, listening to my Harry Potter soundtracks, winding down from a pretty good high, wondering what the weekend will hold for me. I really need to let loose and have some more fun in my life. Mom was totally right when she said that I needed to stop hiding out at home...Anonymous was right when they said I was hiding who I am. But I'm done with that. I cannot live a life of regrets.
With that epiphany, I finally passed out. Tomorrow will be a good day.
It was finally Friday. At the beginning of the week, when I suggested this party, I was kind of dreading this day coming. Now, I am actually pretty excited for tonight. I'm in the mood for some celebrating. I haven't drank for the sake of having a good time in over a year.
After spending a little extra time saying 'bye' to Mom this morning, I left for school with one more bag than usual, filled with enough clothes to last me a week.
Classes flew by, and before I knew it, Aly and I were sitting on my tailgate, waiting for Em to show up.
"Tonight is going to be epic. The party of the year!"
"Al, it's only the beginning of March. The year has barely started."
Before Alice could defend our party's awesomeness, Emmett pulled up next to my truck in his Toyota Highlander. "Hey, Baby B," Em said through his window. Jasper was sitting in the passenger seat, while Paul and Jared were in the second row.
"Emmy Bear!" I ran to Em as he got out of the car. I missed my big bro. Giving him the biggest hug I could muster, I heard a few snickers from inside the car. I don't care if I embarrass him in front of his friends. With his own baseball season started already, I know I won't really see Em again until my Graduation, unless I get the chance to go to some of his home games.
I was actually surprised that Em and the boys were able to miss practice today and coach made tomorrows practice optional. Em said he was still going to try to make it tomorrow, since it's a late practice, but it all depends on the hangover. They have a big double header on Sunday, so I guess his coach was letting his starters have a breather. They are 10 and 2, so coach told them they earned their free weekend, seeing as it is the only weekend until the end of the season that they do not have a game on either Friday or Saturday.
"So, Brother, I have big news." I hadn't been able to tell Em about my acceptance yet. When I stepped back a little from our hug, he gave me a look to continue. "I, um, uh... I kind of have a reason to celebrate tonight, too. I just got my acceptance to San Fran State."
Emmett rushed me for another hug, but not just any kind of hug. He squeezed me tight, lifted me up, and twirled me around until we both were dizzy. "You're fucking shitting me, right? Congrats, Bells! I'm so proud of you!" He turned a little so he was looking at Alice, "You're going to keep her out of trouble, right, Al? Oh, what am I saying? You'll probably be the one getting her into trouble."
"Hey! I resent that." Alice came over with a big pout on her face.
"I'm just kidding, Alley-cat. You know that." Em grabbed onto Alice and brought her in for a Bella sandwich.
Not sure if it was Paul or Jared, but one of them cleared their throat loudly. I guess all this lovey-dovey sibling stuff wasn't their forte.
"So, guys, you remember my sister, Bella, and this is her best friend, Alice. Bella, Alice, this is Jared and Paul. And I know y'all know Jazz."
Alice was all of a sudden shy. She was practically frozen with her mouth partially open. I think I even saw a little drool dribbling at the corner. I guess I found her kryptonite. A quiet Alice is almost an improbable occurrence.
I guess I should save her before she starts to feel any humiliation from her current state in front of Jasper. "Hey, boys. I hope your trip here was good. It was nice of you guys to come out and keep my brother company. Can't imagine hanging out with a bunch of high schoolers will be that much fun for you guys."
"We'll be alright, Bells. Don't worry about us." Jasper said, leaning over the drivers seat. Jared and Paul nodded their approval.
"Alright. If you're sure." I turned back to Em, pulling the money out of my pocket. "So, here's the $50 you asked for. I know you're better at the whole 'what alcohol to purchase' aspect of the party than I would be, so I know I shouldn't have to tell you what to get, but could you get me some Jack and at least a 2 liter of Diet Coke?" I ended with my irresistible puppy eyes, the ones that insured I always had my dad and brother wrapped around my finger.
"Whiskey, Bella? Really?" Alice finally opened her mouth. I guess I usually drank whatever she was drinking when we went to a party, which was usually something fruity... or beer. I didn't really enjoy either one. Mr. No. 7 has been a pretty good acquaintance of mine throughout my mom's treatments/recovery. He helped numb the pain and give me some semblance of feeling happy.
"Yeah, whiskey. I always get sick on the fruity stuff." That was true. It never settled in my stomach right. "Anyways," I said slowly as I turned back towards Em and the rest of the guys, "Boys, we have to go cheer on the Varsity guys baseball game and wait for Rose to be done with her cheer-leading duties. Em, you're going to have to stop by the house for a minute and pick up the coolers. I didn't want dad to get suspicious if I would have brought them with me to school. They have cups and tablecloths for the picnic tables already in them. Meet us at Rose's no later than 7:30. That will get us to the beach by 7:45-8:00-ish, and people should start arriving after that."
"That sounds good, B. I needed to talk to Mom anyways. We'll see you in a couple hours." Em gave me another hug, then got back in his SUV and took off.
"Come on, Aly. Let's go watch some baseball." This should be fun.
I used to go to all the Boys' Varsity Baseball games with my dad when Em was on the team. Dad used to go to all the home games ever since he graduated from High School. He used to be the Spartan's #1 Fan. Of course he has no time for that now. Chief Swan is too busy helping provide for and take care of me and my mom.
Edward's POV
It's the Top of the 9th. We are up 2 to nothing.
Mike got a nice double in the 5th and Tyler followed him with a home-run. Not one Wolf had been on base until the 6th inning. It was in the 6th inning that I noticed a certain brown-haired beauty sitting in the stands. Because of this, I guess I was trying too hard to get this next douche-bag out, and ended up walking him instead. I swore the last ball hit the corner of the plate, but the Ump saw it differently. He almost tossed me when I started dropping a couple 'F' bombs. Oops.
When I calmed back down, I was able to strike out the next guy in just 4 pitches. Uley was up after him. He got a piece of my curveball, but it went straight to Connor at Shortstop. He was able to set up a quick double-play to Mike and then Ben to end the inning.
I still had a...No! I can't even think the words. I just needed to finish this inning. 3 up, 3 down.
"Let's Go Spartans, Let's Go!" Clap, Clap, Clap! "Let's Go Spartans, Let's Go!" Clap, Clap, Clap! "Let's Go Spartans, Let's Go!" Clap, Clap, Clap! Ugh! Cheerleaders. I never understood why we had cheerleaders at our baseball games. I thought that was only a football thing. Football got the cheerleaders, basketball got the dance team at half-time, and baseball had the peanut and hot dog vendors... Oh well.
Alright, time to get down to business.
Ty got into position, giving me the sign for a slider. I shook my head to deny it. I want to throw the heat. It didn't take long for Ty to understand that. He gave me the right sign and I gave him a half nod back, accepting the call.
I set my stance, lined the stitches up with my fingers, got my grip just right, brought my leg up and my arm back, and I launched it.
"Strike One!" They didn't even swing.
Ty threw the ball back to me. He gave me the sign for the curve this time. I decided to accept it. Once I was set, I threw the ball.
This time they swung, but... "Strike Two!" The ball just barely missed the tip of his bat.
Tyler wanted me to finish this guy with a fastball, and I agreed. I threw the ball with all I had.
Swing and... "Strike Three! You're out!" The words every pitcher loves to hear. I laughed a bit when I saw Ty shake his gloved hand after the pitch. Oops.
Clearwater was up next. Ty and I decided on a curve to start off. The second the ball left my hand, I knew it was hittable. Seth swung, but only clipped it. The ball shot straight up. Tyler ran to get under it as he called out, "I got it! I got it," making sure Ben or I didn't try to go after it, too. We didn't need a collision, followed by an error, at this point in the game. The ball finally dropped back down, right into his glove.
"You're out!" YES!
Most of the team yelled out, "Nice catch, Ty!"
Black stepped up to the plate as their last batter, hopefully. I really wanted to get this guy out. He's the reason there was a brawl last year. Well, I guess I started the actual fight, but if he could just learn to shut his damn mouth, it would have never happened. I had one ball get away from me; it just happened to almost hit him in the head. He swore up and down to the Ump that I did it on purpose. When he started to charge the mound, I met him half-way and clocked him before he even saw it coming. The benches cleared and I ended up with a 3 game suspension. Coach Clapp wasn't going to allow any of that this year. Not with scouts paying extra attention to detail.
Tyler wanted me to throw the curve, but all I wanted was to give Black the pure heat. He finally gave me the sign I was looking for.
I threw the pitch. Crack!
"Fuck!" I yelled to myself. Black got a good piece of it and I watched the ball sail down the Third Base Line. "Go Foul! Please, go Foul! Go Foul! Please." I whisper-prayed.
I felt a tiny gust of wind right before the Ump yelled, "Foul Ball!"
Thank you, baby Jesus! Ty got a new ball from the Ump, then called a timeout to meet me on the mound.
"Alright, Cullen, calm down and get this fucker out! You've got this. Let's try the curve this time. I know he has trouble hitting it." Ty slapped the ball in my glove, hit my ass with a 'good game', I gave him my 'thanks', and he turned to make his way behind the plate again.
I took a couple deep breaths, set my stance, and threw.
"Strike Two!" Ty was right. He can't hit the curve.
One more, Cullen. Don't freak. You can do this.
I threw another curve-ball and Black fouled it off. He did the same with the next two curve-balls I threw. I tried a slider. It started high, but fell below his knees.
"BALL!" Didn't fool him at all. That ass had the balls to smirk at me. I mean, fuck! It was still only a 1-2 count. Nothing to smirk at, douche!
I just wanted to finish this. I gave up on the curve and the slider and requested the 2-seam fastball this time.
Deep breath. Feel the stitches. Tighten the grip. Set stance. Wind up. Throw.
Swing. Miss. "STRIKE THREE! You're out!" This time I smirked at him. That's right fucker!
"Fuck you, Cullen!" Black did not look happy. He threw his bat and looked like he was about to walk his way to the mound. Just walk away, Cullen. It's not worth it. Walk away!
"THE SPARTANS WIN! THE SPARTANS WIN! Cullen with a no-hitter. The first this school has seen in over a decade," the announcer's voice rang out over the entire field. I fucking did it!
My team had ran out onto the field to surround me before Black even had a chance. I think I even saw Ty shove him relatively hard on his way to the mound.
When the initial celebration was over, both teams went for the 'end-of-the-game handshakes'. When I got to Black, he grabbed my hand tight and leaned in, "This is not over, Cullen." He said my name with venom in his tone. "I heard about the match tonight. I'll see you there." With that, he walked away. Shit!
"Come on, Cullen. We have some celebrating to do!" Before heading to the locker room, I took one last look towards the stands. They were empty now, no doubt because everyone wanted to get home to get ready for the beach party. I was hoping to see her face one more time before tonight.
I wondered why she was here in the first place. She never came to sporting events, unless they involved her brother. I liked having her here, though. Yeah, I messed up a little after I saw her, but I was just surprised. After that, I played better than I ever have before. I want to believe it was because she was here. I wanted to impress her.
I remember once, during my Freshman year, Varsity was short on pitchers late in the season. A few of the guys were out with the flu or something like that. I was asked to move up from JV to Varsity for a couple games. The first game, they didn't need me. The second game, however, they called me in for middle relief. We were up 5 to 3 in the 7th inning. The starting pitcher had just walked one player. The next batter came up and hit a home-run to tie the game.
I was so nervous pitching against these older guys. I felt like it was up to me to save the game. They let me throw a couple warm-up pitches before the next batter came up. All of them were completely outside. I couldn't get myself under control. The Ump called "Batter up!" I took a deep breath and before I threw my first pitch, I looked up into the stands. Bella was sitting there with the Chief, wearing Emmett's practice jersey. Seeing her there calmed my nerves. I don't know why.
When I brought my gaze back to the 6'4" mammoth of man standing at the plate, my jaw dropped. I hadn't hit my growth spurt, yet, so I was still just a little thing. Almost a whole foot shorter than him. I would be lying if I said he didn't intimidate me.
My first pitch was a fastball, low and inside. It was also the first strike thrown in this inning. I was shocked. So was the rest of my team. And their team, too. Even better, all I threw were strikes and quickly ended the top of the 7th. Coach was impressed.
Emmett got a 2-run home-run in the bottom, and coach used our closer for the rest of the game. He said he didn't want to push our luck. We won the game 7 to 5.
I like impressing people. I wonder if I can impress her tonight.
Bella's POV
Seeing Edward out there today was just like Freshman year. He was absolutely amazing...
"Isabella, I think I love you!" Alice yelled from the other room, succeeding at pulling me from my reminiscing. What the hell is she rambling about now?
"And why is it that you love me so much, Al?" I was in the bathroom, finishing putting on my make-up. It was the first time I wore any type of make-up in weeks. I didn't wear it much in the first place, just when I was dressing up. I finished my mascara on my left eye, took one last look at my whole face in the mirror, before joining Alice and Rose in Rose's bedroom.
"Because you know me so well." Alice was riffling through my bag at the clothes I brought.
"Al, I could never deny my fashion major best friend a chance to dress me up. I am your Bella Barbie, tonight. 'You can brush my hair - And dress me everywhere - Imagination, that is your creation'," I sang, warranting a chuckle from Rose. Maybe we can be friends. It's looking good so far.
"Bella, are you sure you want to open those floodgates? You are going to be her roommate for at least the next 4 years. You know she's going to think she can dress you everyday." Rose had a point there. This might be a bad idea.
"If Alice thinks that I am going to class in anything but a t-shirt and pajama pants everyday, she has something else coming to her. I'll move into the dorms in the blink of an eye, right, Aly?"
"I know. I know," Alice sulked. "But, I get Friday nights to Sunday afternoons, right?"
"No, Al, you don't. You get to dress me only, and I really mean only, when we are going to a party or a club or something of that nature." I know this is never going to stick. Alice's puppy dog eyes are more lethal than my own. I just hope I can hold my ground on the whole PJ's to class thing.
"Okay, that's fine," She didn't really sound fine with it. "Alright, enough with future talk. Let's get you dressed. Tonight is going to be A-mazing!"
The three of us were just finishing getting ready when we heard the doorbell ring. Rose practically flew to her front door, yelling "I've got it!" on her way. Rose opened the door to reveal Em and the rest of the boys. "Right on time. Come on in. We were just finishing up."
Alice grabbed me by the elbow and dragged me back into the bedroom. "B, do I look alright? I mean, is this the right outfit? Should I change?" This was new. Alice rarely second guessed her own outfit choices.
Alice was wearing this beautiful light grey cashmere tunic sweater-dress, paired with dark grey leggings and black ballet flats. She's only wearing flats because it is impossible to wear heels at the beach, which I had to remind her of at least 10 times while she was dressing me. The neck of her dress is drapey and can be worn a few different ways. Right now she had it in cowl-neck position.
"Aly, you know you look great. This is what you plan to do with your life. You've always been an amazing dresser!" I knew she was just self-conscious because of Jasper. Maybe just a little more sex appeal and she'd feel better. "How about you bring the neck of the dress down to off-the-shoulder? Just a little skin and you'll be driving all the guys crazy." I knew she only cared about one guy tonight, but I didn't want her to think it was so completely obvious.
"You know what, Bells? I think you're right." She then started to go into her dress to disconnect one of the straps on her bra and then adjusted the neck of the dress so her right shoulder was exposed.
"Perfect, Al. Now let's go. We have some celebrating to do."
Edward's POV
I just pitched a no-hitter the first game of the season against our biggest rivals! How awesome am I?
I decided to forgo taking a shower in the locker room after the game because I wanted to head straight home and get a few swings at the heavy bag before the fights tonight. Knowing I would probably end up facing Black, whether it be in the final round of the match or after the whole thing is over, I wanted to make sure I was ready. If I loosen up a bit, there is far less chance of me injuring myself. My arm was already sore enough from pitching, but if I just kept it moving; kept the adrenaline pumping, I'll be able to do more damage to my opponents later.
"Edward, sweetheart, give it a rest," my mother called down the stairs. I guess I was down here longer than expected. I looked at the clock which revealed it was already going on 7. Shit! "Dinner is almost ready. Get in the shower before the smell makes me lose my appetite."
"Yes, mother!" I chuckled. I have been known to clear a room after working out down here.
After unwrapping my gloves, I ran up the two flights of stairs, to my room, and into my bathroom. A nice hot shower sounded perfect. Keep the blood flowing.
The warm water felt amazing on my muscles. I felt no pain in my shoulder, which was good.
Hopefully, I won't have to use my arms very much and I will be able to knock them out with a couple good kicks. That would be ideal.
After washing my hair and body, twice, I turned off the shower and got dressed. I decided a nice black t-shirt, some loose-fit jeans, and my Chucks would be a good enough outfit for tonight. I can move pretty well in jeans and we take off our shirt and shoes, anyways.
I was dressed and ready when I made it to the dinning room, right on time, too. Mom had just put the food on the table. Spaghetti and garlic bread. Mmmm mmm! One of my favorites. "Mom, this looks delicious." I went over to her and gave her a big and a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you." Always a momma's boy...even if... Never mind.
Dad had unfortunately come home while I was in the shower. "Yes, Esme dear. Everything looks amazing."
"Why, thank you, gentleman. How are my two favorite men doing today?" Mom said as she took her own seat.
I always let dad go first. Age before beauty and all that jazz. "Oh, well, actually, today wasn't a very good day. One of my patients has really been struggling the last couple of days. I hope they pull through. We think they might be getting sick and their immune system is having a hard time fighting the bug. It is quite frustrating, to say the least. They were doing so well though-out their recovery." Dad was always very good about not revealing too much to us about his patients because of Doctor/Patient confidentiality. Not even if they are a he or a she. I know he gets attached to them and always hopes for full recovery from every one of his patients, but we all know it can't always happen. Cancer is unpredictable and so is how different people handle the treatments. If this person doesn't recover, dad will feel responsible and he will mourn them in his own way...by getting drunk every night in his home office, for a month, at the very least. I've seen it far too many times.
"What about you, Edward?" I could hear the cracking in mom's voice as she tries to change the subject. She really does have too big of a heart. She cares about people she doesn't even know.
"Um, well, my first game of the season was today." Here it comes...
"Edward Anthony! Why didn't you tell us? I would have come to support you." Ugh! I felt bad about not telling mom, but couldn't care less about not telling dad. I knew he was too busy to show up and I didn't want mom to have to sit alone. I know. Horrible excuses.
"I know you guys are busy. It wasn't a big deal. We have plenty more home games that you can come to. I'll put the schedule on the fridge for you, if you want." Now I was just rambling.
"So, did you win?" It hasn't gone unnoticed by me that Daddy Dearest hasn't said a word to me since we sat down to dinner. He said his sad story and started eating his spaghetti in silence. I don't even think he's even paying attention the conversation anymore.
I roll my eyes as I glance at my father, then turn my attention back to my mother. "Yeah, we won 2 to nothing. I pitched a no hitter, actually."
My mother's face brightened up as she squealed in delight. "Oh, hunny, that's amazing! I'm so proud of you." At least one of them is.
"Thanks, ma! It was a great game. We were actually against our biggest rivals, too. We all played an awesome game."
The rest of dinner went by quickly after that. I knew I was running late, since I decided to have that extra workout after the game. "Uh, mom? I'm sorry to eat and run, but some of the guys were wanting to celebrate our win. I won't be home too late."
"Oh. Okay, sweetie. Love you! Have fun and stay out of trouble, please."
"Will do, momma. Love you! Bye, Dad." Ugh! The man frustrates me to no end. I went and put my dirty dishes in the dishwasher and ran out the door.
I looked next door as I got into my car and saw Rose's car and Bella's truck in Rose's driveway. Huh. That's interesting. I checked my phone for the time and it was already 8:15. Maybe they all went in Alice's car?
Why am I analyzing this?
After starting my car, I drove as legally fast as I could to First Beach. I think a half hour late is really stretching that whole fashionably late business. Oh well. Nothing I can do about it now.
When I arrived, there were cars everywhere. It looked as though the whole Junior and Senior class showed up. I finally found a spot to park a little ways down the road. It took me another 10 minutes just to walk back to where the party was. Yup! Really late now.
As I walked up to the group of my peers, I yelled, "Edward Cullen has arrived! The party may now commence!"
A/N: So, the Chapter started to get really long. Longest one yet. I decided this was the best place to stop. Obviously, the party and the fights will be next...maybe the after-party, but that may become it's own Chapter. We'll see.
Please, review and give me some constructive criticism. I need it. I hope the next Chapter doesn't take so long.