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A/N: MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!
~\*/~
September
Marigot Bay Resort
Marigot Bay, St. Lucia
"CANNON BALLLL!"
Emmett took a running start then catapulted himself into the infinity pool we were all floating in. I had been staring at the horizon in a trance, absolutely mesmerized. The ocean was just so blue. The pool was perfect because it seemed we were floating out into the sea. Alice, Rose, Mom, Dad, Jasper and I were all drenched when our big oaf landed in the water, completely disturbing the peace. I prepared myself for the tongue lashing that Rosalie would no doubt give my idiotic brother for wetting her impeccably straight hair but it never came. In fact, she dissolved into laughter. I was shocked because Rosalie protected her hair like a mother would protect their newborn child.
It was our third day in St. Lucia and I was having the time of my life. Apparently, there aren't many tennis fans in this small beautiful country, so I'd been able to relax and enjoy some time with my family. And by 'not many' I mean there are none. There were no screaming girls or cameras or the fucking press trying to twist my words around. It was just us. I'd been on a high from winning the Open Sunday but the feeling of euphoria had since passed. I was able to just be a normal guy on vacation with the people he loved.
And honestly? That shit made me happy.
While things were calm, they weren't calm if you know what I mean. Not with Emmett and Alice around…
They were forcing us into doing everything there was to do on the island. Snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, kayaking. Basically, we were doing everything but sleeping. The cabanas we rented mostly stayed empty.
I hadn't picked up a racket since the match against Federer and I didn't plan on doing so until I got to Spain the next week. Once the new Nike contract was signed, I'd be doing some intense fitness training as well while I was there. I was taking full advantage of the time we had on the island because I didn't know when we'd have a chance to do this again. The rest of my year was jam packed and once the season began, it would get even worse. I would be living on airplanes for the most part and would have no time for the family or myself.
There was one major tournament left and that was the Masters in London. Most of the family was following me from Spain there and the pressure to win the Masters was on full force but I wouldn't think about it until I absolutely had to. For now, I would just enjoy the way Esme and Carlisle were playing in the water like teenaged lovebirds and the way Rose seemed to not care about her hair getting messed up, but was instead playing tag with her big baby of a husband in the pool.
"Are you thinking about her?"
I started and the giant inflatable tennis racket I was floating on pitched over. I went face down into the pool and the water rushed into my ears. I didn't have time to take a breath so I inhaled the chlorine filled liquid, burning my nostrils before I surfaced again. I greedily gulped in air like it was on sale once my head was out of the water and coughed up both of my lungs.
"Jesus, Alice!" I said as I dragged the wet hair out of my eyes. "You're going to give me a freaking heart attack! Weren't you just over there?" I pointed to the now empty raft she'd been on.
Emmett was in hysterics, claiming he wished he had a camera. I flipped him the bird then turned back to my sister.
"If you weren't so far away in la-la land thinking about your mystery girl then you would've seen me come over." She smiled innocently.
I shook my head at my favorite sibling and climbed back onto my racket.
"Where did you get this thing anyway? It's huge," Alice added.
"That's what she said!" my father yelled, pointing at Esme. They were sitting at the swim up bar now. It was only noon but apparently that shit didn't matter when you were on vacation. God only knows how many tequila shots my family had done already.
Mom shot my father one evil look before simply shoving him off the stool he was sitting on and into the pool.
"No, that's what she did," Esme said smugly.
Emmett was now crying he was laughing so hard and Rose, being Rose, was cheering Esme loudly.
I couldn't believe these were the people who raised me.
I tuned them all out and tried to get back to the relaxed state I'd been in. I thought about the club Alice was insisting the 'kids' go to that night. That wasn't a relaxing thought at all though because I didn't want to go. I really didn't think I'd enjoy dancing and mingling with complete strangers but Alice insisted I needed to learn how to act my age. I don't really know how she wanted me to act. I'm only fucking seventeen. While it might have been fun going out with them I felt like I would be a third wheel. Emmett would have Rose, Alice would have Jasper and I'd have… who?
No one. I'd be alone. I mean, I'm sure it would be fun and everything but-
Where's my brown eyed girl when I needed her. I wonder what she was doing right now. Does she even think of me?
I felt two tiny hands push me and I suddenly found myself in the water again. When I surfaced, I was staring at a very pissed off Alice.
"I was talking to you!"
"What?" I demanded.
"I asked if you were thinking about her."
"NO! Jeez, Alice, let it go, would you? I have." You're such a fucking liar, Cullen.
"You're such a fucking liar, Edward."
What the hell?
"I know you've been thinking about her ever since Sunday night."
"Would you keep your voice down?" I hissed. "Dad is still pissed about that article. I don't need you turning his wrath on me again!"
"That shit was hilarious," she said, giggling and placing a hand over her mouth to stifle the full blown laughter about to erupt.
"Easy for you to say. You didn't see his reaction. I hadn't even said it like that."
"Was he really that mad?" Alice asked, cocking an eyebrow as though she highly doubted that I was telling the truth.
Come on, I was an honest guy. Mostly…
"Remember when he caught Emmett and Phyllis about to use the speculum?"
"Oh, shit, that bad?"
"Yup."
"It was probably just a shock. You know how Dad can be. Besides it's not like there's anything happening… yet."
"Oh my god," I groaned. "Let it go, Al. Please? I can see the wheels in your head turning and no good ever comes from that."
"I talked to Eric after we left the locker room. He said he saw someone that looked like her rushing out and it looked like she was in a major hurry."
"What? Who is she? Where does she live? Why didn't you say anything that night?"
"Calm down, Mr. 'I'm-not-thinking-about-her-I've-let-her-go'. See! Who did you think you were bullshiting? Anyway, he didn't know her and he wasn't sure it was even her. That's why I didn't say anything."
"Well, why are you saying something now?" I asked exasperated.
"Because I feel like it, biatch. But really… I have a feeling you'll find her soon."
"Not with my luck," I huffed.
"Don't say that. Think positive." She mock punched my shoulder. "Edward, what happened with Jacob that night? I heard Dad whispering something to Mom. I know something went down."
My jaw clenched at the mere mention of his name, but I relaxed it deliberately because I didn't want to let him affect me on my vacation. I hadn't spared the jerk a single thought until now and even that was one too many. How someone could be so annoying I didn't know but he sure knew what buttons to push.
"He was just flapping his gums as usual. I was gonna shut him up but Dad stopped me."
"That was probably what he wanted. Nothing would've overshadowed your win more than you spending the night in jail for assault." My sister looked horrified at the mere thought.
"You know they don't really wash those overalls properly, right?" She shuddered as if repulsed. "And that orange color would've clashed terribly with your hair! I wonder if they would've let me bring you something nice to wear. Ohhhhh… like those low rise, stone washed jeans! You look so cute in those…"
Was she serious?
I couldn't believe Alice was standing there planning my prison outfit. The last thing I needed was to look cute in a damn jail. I'd end up being somebody's bitch. I knew there was no doubt Jacob would someday do something to send me over the edge, but a little faith from my sister wouldn't hurt. Did she really think I'd end up in prison? Knowing her though, if I did get locked up she'd just hound the guards or flash them while Jasper wasn't looking to get her way. She had a quality about her that just made people cave into doing what she wanted. She'd go all wide-eyed and pouty lips and shit.
While she was tapping her finger against her mouth talking about the thread count of the prison sheets, I dipped underwater. Twice now she'd caused me to drink the nasty pool water and guess what?
It was payback time.
I shot both of my hands forward quickly and wrapped them around her ankles. Not giving her time to react, I gave a sharp tug. I heard her shriek all the way under the water.
It was deafening.
I swam away from Alice underwater so she wouldn't have time to counter attack. I made it all the way to the other side of the pool before I surfaced. I thought I was pretty brilliant, but of course I'd forgotten that Alice wasn't just my favorite.
She was everyone's.
Two strong hands gripped me under my arms and hauled me out of the water. Before I could even think or yell for help, I was airborne and landing in the pool with a hard splash. I surfaced just in time to hear Mom yell, "POOL FIGHT!"
The next thing I knew the whole family was in the water. But you couldn't really call it a fight since they were all attacking me…
One had my feet, another had my arms stretched above my head and two of them were tickling me mercilessly while the rest cheered them on.
"Uncle! Okay UNCLE!" I yelled, tears from laughing so hard flowing down my face.
"That's what you get for messing with me," Alice said with no remorse. "Who am I?" I clamped my mouth shut and didn't answer. I knew what she wanted me to say but I refused to say it. Her tickles increased while I writhed.
"WHO. AM. I!"
"Okay, okay! You're 'The Awesome Big Aligizer Bunnykins!'"
"And don't you forget it!" she commanded, as the rest of my family erupted in boisterous laughter.
Alice's nickname really was the most insane thing ever created. It started out when Em and I were kids and our favorite pastime was wrestling each other. Alice decided one day she wanted to be part of it, and so GI Bro and I (The Edinator) told her she needed a 'wrestling' name. She came up with Big Al… ironic since she is as small as a midget. Well… Big Al beat the crap out of The Edinator and GI Bro all while talking about how cute our outfits were. She was everywhere at once, tackling me and tripping Emmett. She moved so fast she looked like the Energizer Bunny. Over the years, Big Al and the Energizer Bunny merged into one and the same… TA-DAH… Big Aligizer Bunnykins
They continued their torture even after I'd given in. While I twisted and turned, trying to escape their grasps there was only one clear thought in my mind.
This was the best vacation ever.
~\*/~
"I am not leaving four buttons undone, Alice! I'm not a fucking gigolo." My dear sister was insisting that I leave my shirt halfway opened so my chest hair could poke out. Apparently, it's sexy and all the babes would be all over me.
I didn't want the babes all over me.
I only wanted one.
"Dude, if you had a thick gold necklace you could totally pull it off," Emmett chimed in.
"Shut the hell up, Gigantor. I'm not going all Deuce Bigalow at the club." Emmett was such a pain in my ass sometimes, but I guess big brothers were entitled to that shit. I knew he'd be more than pissed by the end of night, though. Every guy with a pulse was going to be all over his wife the way she looked.
Poor sap didn't even realize.
"Or," my beloved brother continued, "we could get you some platform shoes with goldfish in them. Oh, and a walking stick! Haha! You could be Pimpward!"
"Fuck you!"
Emmett was just cracking himself up. I let him have this small little pleasure though, instead of telling him to shove it.
When Rose walked into the room, even Alice whistled. It looked like her dress was painted onto her fucking skin.
Emmett was so getting into a fight tonight.
"Al, there are minors present but if there weren't, I'd tell you exactly what I plan on doing to you in a dark corner at the club tonight. Or a light one for that matter," Jasper said, while he leered at my sister.
God, I think my brain just exploded.
"Where are Carlisle and Esme?" Rosalie inquired. "They're not back from dinner yet? I just got a call from Royce and Nike sent a copy of the contract for us to go over before we sign. I don't like the terms."
"What's wrong?" I asked immediately. I didn't want to lose my fucking contract. Once I got that first payment, I was giving Alice two-hundred grand to open that shop she always wanted. Plus, I wanted to buy Jazz a Jag. Emmett had stolen the IS's keys right from under his nose.
"There's nothing wrong, I just don't like the terms. I don't think the way they have the payment schedule set up is fair. They only want to pay one mil up front. That's bullshit."
"Um, Rose… you do realize you just said they want to pay me one MILLION dollars off the bat, right?"
"If your contract is for twenty-five, we're not settling for less than five up front. It should be five, ten, and then ten again. If they don't agree to that, we'll walk. I'm sure Adidas would just love to have you back. But I have to speak to Esme and Carlisle about it first. Don't worry. They'll agree."
"Whatever you think is best. You're the hot kick-ass lawyer after all." And because I wanted to get on my brother's nerves, I kissed his wife right on the lips.
She giggled.
"Dude!"
"What, Em? Weren't you the one just calling me Pimpward?"
I escaped from the room right as he was about to catch me in a headlock and ran right into Mom and Dad returning from their dinner out.
"Whoa…" Carlisle laughed. "Slow down there, son."
"Sorry. Rose wants to talk to you guys about the Nike contract."
"Oh, they sent it?" Esme asked.
"Yeah, Rose is going all tough bitch on them. She wants more money."
"Well, of course she does," Mom replied as if I should've known that. "But we can talk about it tomorrow. You guys just have fun tonight. No alcohol abuse please. Call a car service when it's time to come home if you guys are too drunk to walk to the ferry."
"Roll out!" Emmett said from behind me in the voice of Optimus Prime. I hadn't heard him sneak up on me. My brother lifted me up and threw me over his shoulder like I was a sack of feathers. He kissed Mom noisily while I pounded him on the back, trying to get him to set me down.
"Let me go!" I ordered.
"If I let you go, I'm dropping you on your head…"
"Emmett, you better not wrinkle his shirt. I'll make your ass swim back here to get him a new one," Alice said as she breezed past us.
Emmett finally set me down when we were outside the resort gates and we all started walking towards the ferry. Marigot Bar was on the other side of Marigot Bay and I wasn't swimming to the club although apparently some have done it. Once we were on the ferry, the view was like nothing I'd ever seen before. The way the coast was lit was fucking awesome, and this is coming from someone who's been in New York City at Christmas time.
After the ferry was securely docked we exited holding on to each other tightly. Emmett clung to Alice like she was his one and only lifeline.
It was freaking hilarious. As if Alice could really stop him from falling.
My poor brother was made fun of by his wife and brother-in-law the entire walk to Marigot Bar. He, of course, insisted he was trying to keep his sister from falling, but we all saw through that shit. He'd been holding on for dear life.
When we finally arrived, I noticed the place didn't reflect its name because it was much more than just a bar. Although there were several bars outside close to the alfresco seating, I could hear the loud music thumping from the 'inside'. There were no walls and you could see straight through the place. Past the dance floor (which was already packed), there was a sparkling illuminated blue pool that several people were floating in. You could hear the steady hum of chatter and it wasn't obnoxious and loud. It was actually kind of relaxing.
There were two empty tables to our left, and we got settled into one. The moment my ass hit the seat a woman named Amber came to take our drink orders. Shit, I'd thought we'd have to fend for ourselves. At least there was decent service.
The waitress was obviously flirting, but the ridiculous way she had her hair piled on top of her head was a total turn off.
I liked it when girls had their hair down. And I liked brown hair; she had black. Plus, her hair didn't smell like strawberries.
Get a fucking grip, Cullen.
What's her name returned with a tray full of Tequila shots along with everyone's personal drink of choice. I could tell this night would result in my family being VERY DRUNK, but if they needed it, why not?
And that shit was just funny to watch, too. I couldn't wait for GI Bro to start his rendition of 'I'm too sexy' and start stripping.
"On the count of 3," Alice bellowed as she picked up her Tequila shot. "One, Two… Three!" she yelled as we all clinked our shots and downed them. Ugh, I could feel it burning down my throat, but oh well.
Emmett had somehow managed to drink his shot, and chase it with the Whisky he ordered and was done by the time everyone else had realized what was going on.
As soon as Alice had her Rum Punch, she gulped it down and hauled Jasper to the dance floor. Not five minutes later, I could see where Em had Rose bent over and was grinding into her from behind. They'd all left me alone to fend for myself. I was doing just fine and I planned to just sit back, relax and let them enjoy themselves. Then when it was time to go, I'd just say I had a blast and I could go back to my Cabana and pass out.
"All alone?"
I sighed.
I really wished that Amber lady would leave me alone. I looked up and was about to tell her my girlfriend would be arriving soon so I wouldn't be alone for much longer. Maybe that would be enough for her to leave me alone. But when I looked up it wasn't Amber that was standing there.
She was very pretty, beautiful even. In the light of the club her eyes looked almost brown. Her long hair was dark almost to the point of being black but not quite. She was wearing a short little white dress that clung to her curves and boy was she curvy.
"Yeah… my family abandoned me."
"Well, that's not nice," she said in what I could only assume was a St. Lucian accent. "Maybe I can make it better. Would you like to dance?" She held out a delicate looking hand to me.
Well, I wasn't gonna be rude since she was being all nice and shit.
I took her soft hand and she led me to the dance floor.
"What's your name?" I asked her.
"Martine."
"You live here? I mean, here on the island?"
"Yes," she answered simply.
We made our way to the dance floor, where Em, Rose, Alice and Jazz were dancing (if you could even call what they were doing dancing. It was more like sex on hardwood). Emmett spotted me with Martine and gave a subtle head nod and then grinned like the buffoon that he was.
The song changed and Alice started bellowing out the words to Just Dance imitating her best Lady Gaga voice, which ironically isn't that far off her normal voice. My whole family were now purposely dancing like fools and screaming the words out at the top of their lungs.
Emmett was mocking Al by replacing "Just Dance" with "Al-ice" every time the chorus came along. Not wanting to be outdone Al took this as the perfect opportunity to be more of a show pony than usual and took to the floor as though there was a spotlight shining on her. She really was a fantastic dancer when she wanted to be, and now everyone had cleared room for her.
"AL-ICE," bellowed Em again. Finally when the song came to an end we all applauded Ali's dancing efforts and Em was grinning like a tool until Rose distracted him.
We all continued to dance happily with each other, and I kept stealing glances at Martine while we were swaying to the beat.
As soon as the music changed from some thumping calypso to Nelly Furtado's Say it Right, Martine purred, "I love this song."
Oh shit.
She snuggled impossible close to me, her back to my chest.
Do not get a woody, I instructed myself. You will not get a woody.
When the base line of the song started, she swayed her hips left and right while pressing against me. Her bare back pressed against my chest. My breath caught as I felt her skin to skin.
Mission 'Avoid Wood' had officially failed not ten seconds after its launch.
I left my hands hanging down at my sides unsure where to put them. Martine decided to grab them, bring them around and place them on her tummy. I closed my eyes 'cause I was trying hard, really, really hard to not press up against her. Every time I tried to move away she'd just step back and pull my hands tighter.
Fuck it.
I'd basically been a stiff (haha) board up until now but there was no reason why I shouldn't just let loose and enjoy myself. I was on vacation after all. So I began to dance with her. We really didn't move from the spot we were in. We just… swayed. I lowered my head to her shoulder because she smelled fucking awesome.
Fruity almost.
She released my hands and hers traveled up to my hair. Her fingers ran tentatively through it and I closed my eyes again enjoying the sensation. I moved my hands to her hips and pushed her body close to mine. Her nails scrapped across my scalp and my fingers dug into her hips.
God, that felt good, I thought, as my mind began to drift and the smell of strawberries invaded my senses. I inhaled ignoring the citrus smell attached to the strawberries. My breathing sped up. All caution thrown to the wind as I moved my body closer to hers.
I knew it would be awesome when I finally got my Brown Eyed Girl to touch me. I held her even closer, not wanting her body too far from mine. We spun around, Arthur Ashe Stadium completely empty but for us. It was where we had first met and now we were back again. Just the two of us this time.
She turned, pressing herself to me. Her hands slid up my chest and around my neck. Her eyes were alight with fire and passion. I stopped moving and just savored in the way she felt wrapped up in my arms and basked in the silence. We stood in front of the umpire's chair while I ran my fingers through her hair. I trailed a hand down her spine and felt her shiver under my touch. I got impossibly harder when I felt her tremor and smiled that I was affecting her, too. I felt her rise on her toes to whisper in my ears. "This is nice."
"I know. You feel so good, Brown Eyed Girl." I ran my fingers down her arms feeling the heat permeate off them. I wanted to feel her… all of her. My Brown Eyed Girl owned me. I couldn't believe she was suddenly in my arms.
And she chuckled lightly. "My eyes are hazel, silly," she said more clearly.
I was confused.
That wasn't her voice. Brown Eyed Girl's was supposed to be higher. Tinkling almost. This voice was deeper. It was nice but it wasn't hers.
I opened my eyes and held her back slightly, appalled when I stared into a different pair of eyes from the ones I'd just seen in my head.
I was losing my fucking mind.
"Sorry," I said and released her hastily.
"What's wrong?" she asked me, looking confused.
"Nothing. Just… sorry."
I weaved through the other people on the dance floor, took a deep breath of fresh air once I was by the tables. What the hell had just happened? I found one of Emmett's unfinished rum and Cokes and downed it quickly. Anything to fight the urge to scream and rip my hair out of my head. I was losing my damn mind. She had invaded my senses after only few moments with her and now no other woman would ever hold a candle to her.
"Edward?"
"What? Oh, hey Jazz."
"You all right?"
"Yeah… um I'm gonna head home. I'm not feeling too good. Tell the others for me okay?"
"Yeah, 'cause we're really gonna let you go back to the resort by yourself." He laughed sarcastically. "Give me a sec and I'll grab them."
"No, you don't need to do that, man. I'm not a baby."
"I know that but we're in an unfamiliar place and I'm not letting a member of my family roam around the island by his self. We're not in the states."
"What are you two arguing about?" Emmett wondered.
"Edward's ready to go and he thinks we're letting him go home by himself."
"Dude, you just got here."
"I know Em. I'm feeling out of it right now and I'm leaving. See you guys tomorrow."
"Jazz, tell Rosie I cut out early. She can kick my ass tomorrow. I'll take this nut job home." Emmett started to walk forward then turned back to Jasper. "Oh, and break that fucker's nose if he looks at Rose or Alice again," he added as a second thought.
"Em…" I started
"Let's go, bro. You can tell me what the hell is wrong with you on the ferry."
Emmett slung his huge arm around my shoulder and we walked to the doc. I knew I could talk to him and he wouldn't make me feel like shit or a moron. I also knew my brother was fiercely loyal and would never betray my confidence.
I sighed then leaned over the railing. I stared out into the dark water as I spoke.
"I think I'm going crazy."
"Yeah? I thought that ship sailed a long time ago, Ed," Emmett said as he mirrored my movements. I couldn't help but laugh. I knew he would make me feel better.
I told him about what happened back at the club and about my Brown Eyed Girl. At the rate I was going, the whole family would know by the time we got to Australia. I'd already told Mom and Alice. He listened quietly while I told him the whole story, never interrupting me. Unlike Alice who'd asked me a dozen questions when she'd finally badgered it out of me.
"Sounds like you've got it bad."
"Got what bad?"
"Well, you saw her for like a minute and already it seems like you can't function without her. Kinda reminds me of how I felt when I was chasing after Rose. God, I still remember how she looked walking out of that courtroom. You know I got like six parking tickets just so I'd have an excuse to keep going back there?"
"You're an idiot."
"Shit… got me the hot wife, though, didn't it? Dude, you're not going crazy. You've just got a crush and it seems all weird and shit 'cause you don't know who she is. And if I'm not mistaken, it's your first crush. Of course you're gonna feel different. Just try and concentrate on something else for a while. You've got big shit going on right now. You've got to focus on them. Did you know if you make the semis at the Masters you've got a shot at finishing top three this year?"
I looked at my brother incredulously.
"I counted the points. Anyway, dude. Focus on your game. I bet you'll find her when you least expect it."
~\*/~
October
Madrid, Spain
"We're going to have to move."
I looked at Dad like he was crazy. We'd just finished signing my new Nike contract and were heading out to the car. We had to take Rose to the airport so she could fly home. She had a busy week in court scheduled so she couldn't hang with us in Spain.
Mom was silent by my father's side.
"Why would we have to move?"
"Son, do you have any idea how much taxes you'd have to pay on twenty-five million dollars if we stayed in the states? Your US Open winnings were reduced by more than half after we paid the taxes and staff. We have to pay Felix's upcoming salary out of that too, not to mention their bonuses. We're going to have to start looking for a place in Monaco or some other similar country."
"Wait, what about the family? Rose and Em can't move; she's based in Washington. And what about Jasper? Alice? I'm not leaving the rest of my family behind. If we need to pay taxes, we pay taxes."
"We don't have to decide today, Son. The first payment is scheduled for after the Australian. We have plenty of time to sort things through."
"Mom?"
"I agree with your father." She sighed heavily. "You'd lose too much and you've worked too hard."
They could talk about it all they wanted.
I wasn't fucking moving.
~\*/~
Sanchez Casal Academy Barcelona, Spain
Where the hell was Alice? She'd been sitting on the sidelines throughout my training session and now she was gone. I'd already hauled all my shit together after I'd taken my shower and was ready to leave. Dad was on his way to pick us up and he hated when we weren't on time.
I sent her text to let her know I'd meet her at the door.
I grabbed my bags and started making my way through the training complex. The place was huge and it would take me almost ten minutes to get to the rendezvous spot. I said hi to the people I knew and ignored those who I didn't. Of course, there were stares, but I didn't let that shit get to me. I was just going to have to get used to it. There were two girls standing in a corner, whispering and giggling. I suddenly felt uneasy and I didn't know why. It wasn't as if I'd never been around girls before. I tried my best to avoid them while I walked, but one of them looked up then called my name.
She was bold. I didn't even know the girl.
"Uh, hey," I said. I mean, it's not I could've ignored her. And she was pretty hot.
"I'm Tanya and this is Lauren."
"Hi."
"We were just heading to the cafeteria. Wanna join us?"
"Sorry. I'm heading out. Maybe some other time?"
"Sure." She pulled a piece of paper out of her pocket and wrote something down on it. "Here's my number. Give me call the next time you're here."
I took it with no promise of calling her. "Nice to meet you," I said then walked away.
The giggling resumed as soon as I was five feet away from them. After I'd stuffed the paper in my Wilson bag, I sent another text to my sister. I finally made it to the door but stepped back when it swung open. I was shocked to see two of my old trainers walk in.
"Hey Sven, Darren." I nodded at each of them. While they were my competition's trainers, I had a tremendous amount of respect for them. Sven had helped me so much when I'd been coming up in juniors. He's the one that taught me how to control my temper (mostly) on court and focus more on the game. While I always considered Carlisle my coach, I'd had a lot of help from others as well.
We couldn't take all of the credit for my success so far.
Darren was just a gentleman. His presence alone kept you calm. There was just something about him that made you want to impress him. I know it sounds all fruity and shit, but the sound of his voice alone could lull you out of a rage.
"Hey man." Sven extended his hand and I shook it. "How are you holding up after the big win?"
"It's been a whirlwind to tell you the truth. I'm still trying to get used to it."
"I know it'll be rough the first few months," Darren said. "But if anyone can handle it, it's you. I know we're no longer on the same team, but I just wanted to let you know we're both really proud of what you've accomplished."
Damned if they were making me feel good. And they way Darren said accomplished was awesome.
"Yes. I'm not supposed to be giving you advice but keep up the good work… and watch that temper." Sven whispered the final part and winked at me. I smiled as I remembered his parting line before every match. He'd always told me to watch my temper.
"That means a lot and it was really good seeing you guys."
"Good luck at the Masters, kid. And make sure you're hydrated."
"Got it," I laughed. Old habits die hard.
I was glad they didn't take the whole competition between the two sponsors too seriously. I really liked Sven and Darren. I owed them both a lot for helping me with my game.
"Hey, bro. Ready to go? Dad said he'd be here in about five minutes. "
"Hey, where were you? You know, Alice, you really didn't have to come to my practice session."
"What?" Oh no... I'd offended my sister. "I always go to your first practice." And she pouted. God, I hate it when she pouts. She can make you feel bad about things that aren't even your fault, it's that powerful.
"I didn't mean it like I didn't want you here," I said as I walked through the door leading outside. "I just don't want you to feel obligated. You know Jazz doesn't like it when you're away." Yeah, that's it, play the Jazz card to bail me out of my own verbal screw up.
"Whatever. He's a grown man and I'm a grown woman. He understands that I like supporting my brother-"
"Do you smell something?" I cut my sister off abruptly.
I knew that scent.
I'd committed it to my brain but… she couldn't possibly be there.
Could she?
"What? I don't smell anything. But anyway, Jasper is okay with me being here and if he could have swung more time off he would've made the trip, too. Besides-"
"Don't you smell strawberries?" I cut her off again. I swear I knew that smell.
Alice gave the air a tentative sniff. "Oh, yeah. I do. So what?"
I was no longer paying attention to my sister but instead scanning my surroundings. She had to be around here somewhere. I heard a car door slam and my eyes zeroed in on the cloud of brown disappearing into the driver's seat of a car. It was parked across the street, the second row back.
Stop, I told myself harshly. She can't be the only girl in the world that smells like fucking strawberries. Shit, it could've been anyone. Your family is going to commit you if you don't grow some balls and sanity, Cullen. I needed to get a damn grip on myself. How could a simple smell trigger this reaction in me? I mean it's not like I saw her.
But then I did see her.
Holy shit!
My heart burst open with happiness in my chest when I caught sight of her excited face as she pulled out of her spot. All I could see was her. Then my fucking heart cracked when I realized she was heading in the opposite direction away from me.
No…
No…
FUCK.
"NO!" I yelled. "Over here!" I waved my arms frantically and jumped up and down.
Crap, crap, CRAP!
She was getting away.
Again.
"Edward! Watch out!" Alice yanked me backwards by my Wilson bag. I'd been about to step into the street and run after her car, not giving a shit that there were other vehicles in the road.
"What the hell are you doing?" my sister demanded. "You could've been killed!"
"It's her." I dropped my bags. "Alice, it's her…" The car stopped at the light waiting to exit the complex. "I've got to get to her. She's… she's fucking leaving. Alice, I can't lose her again!"
I couldn't let her get away.
So I ran.
The line of traffic was moving and I knew there was no way I'd get to her but I had to try. I mean, damn it! She was right there! Had been right fucking there and I missed her.
"Edward!"
I kept on running.
"Edward Anthony Cullen!"
I jerked my head around at the tone my sister used while still in motion and found that she was chasing after me. A terrible move on my part since my feet got caught up, and I went sprawling face first into a patch of grass.
Thank God, it hadn't been concrete.
"Oh my God! Edward, are you okay?" she asked concerned, though I could hear the humor in her voice. I groaned and turned on my back.
Son of a bitch!
I'd lost her.
Again.
~\*/~
November
O2 Arena. London, England
I missed my father already. He would have been there right now, trying to pump me up.
I'd made it to the finals of the Masters and was wishing like hell my father could be there. In ten minutes I was going to take on Novak Djokovic for the third time this year. I already knew I could beat him; shit, I'd done it at the Open. But it just didn't feel right not having my father there.
"I know I'm a poor replacement for Dad," Emmett said. I'd obviously been talking without realizing it again. "But I guarantee you, bro; no one out there is going to be cheering for you louder than I am."
"I know you've got me, Em. I just wished Dad wasn't sick and could be here ya know? Have you spoken to him at all? How's he feeling? He took my fucking phone."
"He's fine. He just doesn't want you to keep calling and worrying about him. He wants you to keep your head in the game. He knows Jacob's around here somewhere and he doesn't want you getting into any shit."
"What the fuck is he doing here anyway? He can't play so is he just here to watch? What a moron. I bet he thinks I'm gonna lose. Maybe that's why he's here. Bet he plans to gloat or some shit. I got this, Em. Let's go. I can't stay in here anymore."
We exited the locker room and walked down the halls. Em would only be able to walk me as far as the tunnel that goes into the court but it was nice having his company for the rest of the way. I knew my dad was right and I needed to focus but my thoughts kept drifting back to him hoping like crazy he'd get better soon. I'd considered Carlisle to be invincible and I hated the fact that he was suffering.
"Dude, look at these chicks," Emmett said from in front of me. I didn't realize my pace had slowed down thinking about my dad. "If I wasn't married and these tasty morsels weren't under aged, I'd definitely let one of them be my Hero."
I laughed at my brother's perverted ramblings while I read the print on the first cut out I saw. It was a life-sized picture of some girl named Jessica Stanley. Apparently, she was the junior number two and part of this 'Looking for a Hero' ad campaign. I took three steps back to look at the cut out I'd passed in my haze while thinking about Carlisle. Angela Webber was the junior number three. I wondered who the number one was and why'd I'd never heard of these girls before.
I'd left the junior rankings almost two years ago and maybe with things happening in my career so fast, I just wasn't paying attention. But this was a really smart way to spread word about the up and coming players of the WTA, I thought, as I walked forward to look at what I was assuming was the cut out of the number one. It was a known fact that Women's tennis got less attention than Men's. And while we were standing in the halls doing the interviews with these cut outs in the background, the people at home would notice them and hopefully watch their matches. Maybe they'd have commercials from this same campaign playing during the breaks. It was a pretty smart move.
"This one's way hotter than the other two," Em said as I finally made it to him. I couldn't answer him though, 'cause I'd lost my fucking breath.
"Edward, what the hell? That hurt man." Apparently, I'd dropped all my shit on my brother's foot but I didn't give a flying rat's ass.
She was staring right at me.
It was her.
There were no words that could possibly describe what I felt in that moment. I'd finally found her. She was real. And she was fucking gorgeous, even better than I'd remembered. My memories did not do her justice.
While her legs were facing one direction, her upper body was turned towards me. Her head was just slightly cocked to the side and all her hair was pulled tightly into a ponytail, exposing the long curve of her neck. Her left hand was on her hip while she gripped her racket tightly in her right. She had it resting on her right shoulder. While the other two girls and been grinning like maniacs, she was serious. She looked dead fucking serious.
And those eyes…
The gorgeous eyes that had been haunting me for months were staring right at me. I got chills. I literally got the chills while I stood there staring at her cut out.
"Emmett…"
"Edward? What is going on with you, man? You're about to step on to the court…"
"Em, it's her! Don't you remember? On the ferry… I was telling you… the girl… at the Open… the one that… Fucking A, Em! It's her!"
"Seriously? She's the one that's got you all tied up? I can see why. Dude, she's fucking hot."
I stopped paying attention to my brother and just stared at the vision in front of me. She was so gorgeous.
My girl.
She was a player.
She's a number one player.
It was her.
She really did exist.
My girl.
My Brown Eyed Girl.
And she had a name.
It just rolled of my tongue like it was some exotic language…
Isabella Swan.
~\*/~
After Alison Lang had announced game, set, match in my favor, the first thing I did when I got back to the locker room with Emmett was pull out my laptop. Isabella didn't have a wiki profile though and it seemed her player's profile on the WTA's site was still under construction. Other than the fact that she was the junior number one and named Isabella Swan, I still didn't know a damn thing about her and that pissed me off.
I needed to find a way to contact her. I'd thought for sure I'd be able to find something online. This was the first time the internet was letting me down. But wait, I thought, dread curling in the pit of my stomach.
What if she didn't want to be found? What if she didn't want to see me? It' had been months and who knows what she was up to now. What if she had a boyfriend? I'd just have to get rid of him, I thought instantly. What if she'd seen that stupid article and thought I was some crazy prick that was in love with her after only seeing her for two minutes? Course I was, but I didn't want her to think that.
What on earth would I say to her if she called me out on that shit? Had she been embarrassed? Had all her friends fucking picked on her because of my stupid actions?
Why was I asking myself all of these fucking questions when I didn't know if I'd ever see her again? I was driving myself insane. This girl was tearing me apart.
But the hair, and the strawberries, and the EYES…
But then it dawned on me that if I just had a little more patience, I could see her again in a few months' time. That's all I needed, I told myself. All I needed was to see her one more time. Then I could thank her in person like I've been dying to do and I could move on.
I didn't want to move on.
I wanted to get to know her. Everything about her. What she liked, what she didn't like, her favorite food, what she used on her hair to make it smell so delicious. Her favorite spot to be kissed. What it felt like to hold her in my arms. I wanted to know every inch of her inside and out.
She was the junior number one, I thought abruptly, and then laughed. Emmett looked at me like I was fucking psychotic and that wasn't a far leap. Told you, they will commit you to the asylum one of these days if you don't watch your step, Cullen. This girl was affecting in ways I didn't even understand and if I were Emmett, I'd think I was losing it, too.
She'd be in Australia.
As the junior number one, she'd have to compete in the girls singles Championship, right?
So, a plan started formulating in my mind. I'd just be patient. It was true what Em had said. I'd found her when I'd least expected it and picturing her face throughout that match with Novak had helped. He'd been out for my blood after his Open loss to me and he didn't go down without a fight. Every time I thought it was over, every time I thought about just letting him have the match those pretty brown eyes flashed through my mind.
She made me fight.
It was her face I pictured when I'd slammed down that hundred and thirty-two mile an hour ace on match point.
I hadn't had my dad there with me but I'd had the help I needed. I had my brother.
I had the 'fight' in me.
And I had my beautiful Brown Eyed Girl.
~\*/~
December
Victoria, Australia
Felix was going to kick my ass. I'd been a lazy bastard and hadn't been spending as much time in the gym as he would've liked. I'd probably packed on a few pounds and I knew as soon as he got his hands on me, that fat would be turned into muscle immediately. Felix didn't take any shit from me, so I decided to get a head start the day after we got to Australia.
My body was cursing me out and groaning just in anticipation of the torture waiting for me.
Dad had gotten over his virus thankfully and we'd spent some time in the gym together. It was just the three of us for now. Mom was at the loft we were renting. The rest of the family would come down during the second week of the Open, except for Alice, of course. She was due to arrive in a week so she could be with me during my practice sessions and training. I felt really bad about her taking time from her life and planning her new shop to come and support me, but at the same time I knew it wouldn't be the same without her.
She'd been absolutely ecstatic when I'd told her about finally figuring out who my girl was. Alice like the awesome sister that she was threw herself into research to try and help me find my girl. She said she had found out some things but refused to tell me over the phone.
I couldn't wait for her to get there.
"Pressure's on, Son." My father patted me on the shoulder once I'd finished my bicep curls.
"I know, but I'm not thinking about it. I know I'm good enough now and I want this… badly."
"I know it's not often that people have three good tournaments in a row, but I think you can do it. Just take it match by match. Listen, you've got almost three weeks to get ready and I know you'll be fine. It doesn't matter how far you go or don't go in this tournament, Edward. We're all fucking proud of you. What you've done already it's just… mind boggling. So, one match at a time, all right, kid?"
"Got it. We can do this, Dad."
~\*/~
January
Melbourne Park
"I'm gonna need more water. How the hell did I only pack two bottles?"
"Where's the vendor? I'll get it for you."
"Thanks, Al. Um, it's right in front of Margaret Court Arena."
"Okay. What court are you gonna practice on?"
"They said Hisense is empty. I better go secure it before someone else takes it. You'll be okay by yourself?"
"Bro, come on… who am I?"
There was no way I was saying her ridiculous nick name again, so I just laughed and playfully shoved her on her way. "How many do you need?" she called when she was a few feet away.
"As much as you can carry," I hollered back.
I walked past Rod Laver Arena and was itching to go inside. The roof had to be opened 'cause it was a fucking day and I could hear loud shrieking wafting out of the stadium.
Hmm
Maria Sharapova must be practicing.
I was guaranteed to play on Rod Laver this year though, so I knew I just needed to be patient. I was the third seed in this year's Championship, so I would get to play on all the big courts.
While I was walking to Hisense, I texted Mom and asked her to make Penne a la Vodka for dinner later. I loved that shit and she always put extra Vodka in the sauce. I didn't know what else she put in it, but it was always ten times better than the shit they served at the restaurants.
"Edward!"
I turned to the direction my name was being called from and saw my sister sprinting full out towards me, arms empty.
"Edward! I found her! Edward…" Alice came to a screeching halt in front of me, nearly mowing me over in the process. I held out my hands to try and steady her because she looked like she was about to pass out. Alice then bent over, slapping both hands to her thighs to catch her breath. I had no fucking clue what she was talking about but my heart rate accelerated none the less. I placed a hand on my sister's shoulder which was heaving up and down with the action of her lungs. She finally straightened and looked me in the eye.
"Jeez, Al, are you okay?" I asked.
I could see she wanted to bounce, jump up and down, clap her hands and all that other shit she was notorious for but was too damn tired to do it. I was actually a tiny bit worried with the way she sounded like she was hyperventilating but my fears were erased when a huge smile ran across her features.
"Edward," she said still breathless. "I found her. I just saw her!"
"Saw who?" I began to ask and then my heart picked up double time, because I finally understood what had my sister so excited.
It could only be one person.
"Isabella, you moron! She was headed towards court eight. GO! Oh Edward!" she added while I unceremoniously started dropping my Wilson and Nike bags. I didn't want to meet her all weighed down and shit. I bet if I had a mirror I'd checking my profile, too.
When had I become such a fucking pansy?
"Remember DO NOT call her Isabella. She likes Bella, okay?"
"How do you know this?"
"I looked up her player profile on the WTA site which YOU should've done. GO before she pulls a vanishing act again."
"What? I looked up her profile, there was nothing there."
"Well, it's up and running now. She also had one on the ITF site. Did you check that one? Of course not," she finished at my blank stare.
How the hell had I forgotten the ITF site?
"Alice, can you like… you know lurk in the shadows or something? Just in case I screw this up?"
"You won't screw it up, Edward, or I'll disown you. Go! That girl risked her entire career when she spoke to you on that court. Do you think she would've done that lightly if she didn't already care for you?"
I nodded because I knew my sister was right. Isabella had risked everything for me and I didn't understand why. I have no idea what would've happened to us if she'd been caught but apparently she hadn't cared. How the hell had she ended up a ball girl in my final anyway? None of that shit mattered now though. I was finally going to have a chance to thank her in person. I couldn't wait to see her.
Those eyes… That hair… her voice…
I grabbed all my crap and ran to nearest court, throwing everything inside. I didn't want to leave my shit out in the open and have some fucker steal it.
"I'll walk with you as close as I can get. If you need me just cough or something. Wait, that won't work… okay, I know! Give me your phone."
Alice grabbed my Blackberry Curve when I handed it over and she quickly typed something in.
"Here." She thrust the phone at me. "Keep it in your pocket. I typed in SOS. If you need me, just press send."
"Thanks."
"You ready?"
"I'm ready."
"Um, I don't think you're ready, Edward," she said, standing up on her tippy toes to look me fully in the eye.
"What the hell? Who are you? Carlisle?" I laughed remembering how my father had tried to psyche me out at the Open.
"You look a little green."
"I'm okay," I assured her. "Let's go."
"Where is Carlisle? If he catches us…"
"He's not due in 'til noon. I'm working with Andrew…"
"We better make it quick anyway."
I nodded at the people who greeted me as we walked towards the opening to the outside courts, trying to look calm. I was anything but, though. The anticipation was fucking killing me, but I didn't want to go running up to her like a mad man and frighten her. I couldn't believe I'd found her! Well, I didn't find her Alice did but still. After all these months even after seeing her cutout, I was really starting to believe she was a myth and I'd pretty much imagined all the shit that I saw. And now, she was just a few short feet away from me.
We turned the corner and my heart nearly fell out of my chest at the sight of her.
And then I noticed she wasn't alone. She was standing there with someone.
The anticipation and excitement that had been building up in me was replaced by shock. After the shock came dread and after the dread came the anger.
Yeah, there was definitely fucking anger.
She was there.
The girl I'd been looking for, for months. The girl that had occupied almost my every thought.
Isabella
Bella
But the celebration that I'd been preparing was replaced by an all consuming rage that nearly choked me. He lifted his hand and went to push a lock of hair escaping her ponytail behind her ear and I felt blood pooling in my mouth from biting my cheek.
Mine
Isabella hadn't flinched.
She's still fucking mine.
"Edward…" Alice cautioned.
I'd taken an involuntary step forward, but I didn't pay attention to my sister because I was seeing fucking red.
I'd finally found her and she was there.
My Brown Eyed Girl.
My Brown Eyed Girl was there.
The only problem was, she was there… standing with Jacob fucking Black.
~\*/~
A/N: *sigh* I know you hate me right now and I understand. The next chapter is complete so it shouldn't me too long a wait. I'm a complete and total bitch for leaving you with two cliffies in a row. But please let me know what you thought of the chapter. Loved it? Hate it?
Please press review and let me know.
Let me know what you think.
Myr xxx