A/N: Hi everyone, first I apologize for the hold up, and subsequently for the fib about posting weekly. I promise this story will never be abandoned. It may not be updated every other day but I promise to bring out updates as quickly as time will allow me. Also in way of grammar, I'm working on it and revising the other chapters. I'm on the look out for a beta, to help out with such problems, if anyone comes to mind be sure to PM me. As always if you enjoy it feel free to review if you get a chance. With further ado enjoy!

Chapter 3

Place Your Bets

"Morning Daddy," I said rollers still in my hair as I moved around the kitchen. My father sat down at the breakfast table. He grumbled a greeting not really awake from his night shift. My father was the Chief of Police in the city of Fredericksburg. He wasn't one of those donut eating cops, Charles Swan took his job seriously. So seriously, I barely get to see him. Not that it bothers me, mind you. My sacrifice is for the greater good and plus I enjoy the empty house, the quiet is soothing.

When Charlie gets home whether early in the morning or late at night, I try to have some meal for him. In his pursuit of protecting the world from evil doers he forgets to eat. Setting a plate filled with bacon and eggs in front I him I went about making my plate. "How was work?" My question directed toward the stove as I filled my plate and placed the pans in the dishwater.

"Fine," with Charlie, fine was never fine. Okay meant fine, but fine meant that things were not okay on the verge of going to shit. I waited for a moment to see if he would say anything else. As I soak the pans and went to sit at the table no questions were answered. I dig into my food silently. I had brought the paper in earlier, and saw as Charlie read it. I guess I'm not gonna find out what fine meant.

Finishing up his food almost as quickly as I had set the plate down, he continued to read the paper. Eating the rest of my food I went to clean up the kitchen. Every so often I heard the rustling of paper as my father turned the pages. As I dried my hands my presents was graced with Charlie's words. "How is school?" His gruff voice asked.

"You know the same, lying, cheating, stealing the usual," I quipped lightly. Glancing over my shoulder I saw a little smile quirk his mustache.

"Grades?"

"On the up and up, I changed classes so History shouldn't be a problem," a throaty grunt answered my news. In Swan speak that meant, You did good kid. The clock on the stove gave me the time of being a 8:35. "Alright, Dad. I'm heading out." I kissing his forehead on my way out the door. "Try and get some sleep okay?"

"Don't worry bout me, Bells," he said. I didn't have to look back at him to know he was still reading the paper.

Stopping at the door I called back over my shoulder, "can I get your word you will?"

He huffed, he was never one to be nurtured, "I will Bells, have a good day."

"I will," I said closing the door behind me. Walking out to my care I zipped up my dance jacket taking solace in the warmth and comfort the warm ups gave. It was Friday and tonight was the big game. As every friday night was. Everyone in town stopped what they were doing for high school football. This was the home game, before the home game before homecoming. Not really a huge game but still gained the title of 'big game'. It was chilly for a september day and getting a little cool. It was not fun to be on dance team when it got cold. Ms. Valentine believed in the saying 'Beauty is Pain' like it was a religion. With this thought process in mind, all the dance girls stared in envy as the Cheerleaders strutted their stuff in warm thermals. We had thermals at one time but Ms. Valentine thought it tone down the 'Vixen' persona. I beg to differ but let's not listen to the voice of reason.

So in my skimpy little dance uniform underneath yoga pants and jacket with no lining I blasted the heat in my car. The only upside about this was the sun was out. Starting up the engine I flew out of the drive and down the dirt road out of the Plantation. One of the finer points of having a family plantation, lots of land to do whatever you want with it, a not so great point it takes forever to get to school. And don't get me started on the dark and the ghosts.

Twenty minutes later I made it to school with a five minutes for my ritual. When my makeup and clothing where to my liking I repeated my Mantra and got out of my car. Today my hair was put up in a hair ponytail with gentle curls. My bangs were pleated and pinned back. Til this day I am not sure who came up with this style but whoever it was had my thanks. Our style was less complex than the Cheerleaders and their, Shirley Temple never fall curls.

"Isabella!" I snapped out of my thought to see Maggie running up to me. She had her Dance shirt on. Having quit dance team, Maggie was put on the standby team so her black shirt read 'Vixen in Training,' in red script. She had her hair up in our signature style as well.

"Did you hear? Did you hear?" She asked as she met me. Her hand gripped my hand and pulled me toward school. Before I could answer she told me the news, "we have to do Marks." That stopped me in my tracks.

"You're serious?" To my incredulous question I received a grim nod, "the hell we are!" For those of you lucky enough not to know what they are, Marks are hell. Fitness Marks were a way to tell the state if students were suffering from childhood obesity. That is fine and dandy and all but to Dance team girls it caused unneeded soreness.

"Principal Greene already approved it, they have to happen today." I rolled my eyes and shook my head at the little red head.

"I'm not doing it,"

"That means you get an F," Afton said walking by us not even stopping. I wanted to punch him. He didn't have to do it because he was a ringer. On the Dance team but not on the roster. I sighed as the bell rang calling us inside.

With the overhanging cloud of Marks hovering above my head my day moved pretty quickly. Don't you hate when that happens? If Tanya's party was the only thing to look forward to, the day would have taken forever. But thanks in part to the paradox of time my day sped by until it was time for Marks. I had opted out of doing them during fifth and sixth period. In my last ditch effort to get out of them I called Daddy.

"Sorry Bells, I can't do it this time." Charlie grumbled. I felt bad because I woke him.

"But Dad,"

"Grin and bare through it Bell," He said more forcefully telling me the conversation was over. "I'll call Dr. Snow and get an appointment. Now go to class Isabella," I sighed. Apparently it was loud enough for Charlie to hear, "it'll be okay kid, head to class."

"Bye Daddy,"

"Bye," Once he hung up there was no way out. When the last bell of the day rang I trudged to the Dance locker room and put on my dance clothes. Knowing that I had to wear them during the game I really didn't have the time, nor the gumption to clean grass stains off. Putting on my black lace back leotard and shrug. Neither of which was good for exercising. As Victoria and Tanya walked in, followed by Renata, Emily and Kim, which were seniors. None of which seemed to be happy about Marks.

"Emily do you have any bottoms?" I asked. Emily looked perplexed for a second before looking in her locker.

"I have carpi sweats," She called out of the door holding a pair of Victoria secret Pink cut off sweats.

"That'll do thanks," I said with a less than enthusiastic smile.

"Sure thing honey," She called getting ready. Emily used to be my sponsor when I first join the dance team. She is the reason I really got on Dance team. She had saved me from a fate worse then death, Cheer Team.

Walking in looking at me gloomily stood Chelsea. We both had the same look. This was the demeanor of one condemned. It was the 'my last ditch call to my parents didn't work', the 'my life sucks right now', the air that covered us would be of one having to see Dr. Snow, the local chiropractor. She opened her locker near mine sighing heavily.

"You think he'll have time to see us both tomorrow?" She asked as I put on Emily's Capri's I rolled them above my knee.

"He never does," I said bitterly, "do you have a meet this weekend?" Chelsea pulled out her phone looking over her schedule most likely. Chelsea, unlike me, didn't quit Gymnastics in junior high, she continued and had meets on weekends and practice on Tuesdays.

"Yep, bright and early Sunday morning," there was no thrill to her happy words. This meant that Dr. Snow would have to set her back first. Giving an aggravated sigh I banged my head against the locker. "Sorry, Isabella I-"

"No it isn't you, it's his lazy ass. It takes all of ten minutes to crack my back. He doesn't want to do it because he doesn't wanna work on Saturdays." I muttered.

"You never know, God might clear his schedule," her innocent Catholic-ness was not brightening my day.

"God should strike him down. Sloth is a deadly sin."

"Isabella, watch you mouth,"

"You gonna wash it out with soap?" I cocked a brow at her. She shook her head at me and pulled a back brace out of her locker.

"I shouldn't even give it to you,"

"But being a good catholic girl you will show me forgiveness and charity and bless me with your kindness," the sneer that came with it was probably unnecessary but today wasn't going the way I want it. Rolling her eyes at me she threw it at me.

"Bless your heart Isabella Swan," I had learned from a young age that when Chelsea said that she really meant 'Fuck you bitch'.

"Love you too, Angel."

Stripping down to put on the back brace I looked around the locker room, which is usually lively, turned glum. Marks were strenuous and everyone was going to be too tired for tonights game. I apparently wasn't the only one having a bad day. Storming into the locker room came Ms. Valentine. She was fuming mad and rightly so. We had a performance tonight and had no time to practice for it.

"I'm not even gonna say it," was all she said. Wow Pissed into silence, has Jesus come back already? "The Sergeant from the Cadet thing offered to go through your marks. I'm gonna go for a drink," that was all she said. As swiftly as she had entered she left, with a stunned audience.

"Wow," Renata said giggling a bit.

"Bet you thirty bucks she comes back Drunk," Kim said.

"Like what kind of drunk?" Kristie asked always on for a good bet.

"Fall out drunk," Chelsea sneered rolling her eyes. Needless to say prohibition was still happing in Chelsea's world.

"Naw, silly giggle drunk," Shelley insisted putting on a pair of Daisy Dukes and a tank top.

"I say we have a pool!" Tanya laughed, the mood lifting as we walked out of the Locker room taking bets. I had five bucks on flirting with the mascot drunk.

"Come on Ladies, it's just a few push ups," the ROTC Sargent chided. My spine felt out of wack and I was only required to do 5 so why the hell was I counting to 30.

We had only been out on the football field for twenty minutes or so and I wanted to throttle the elderly Sargent. I don't care how many year he was in the Army I was going to hurt him. Victoria, having about as much strength in her arms as an infant, was still on 15. Her face red from breathing hard and I could tell she wanted this to end. We already down crunches. That was perhaps our downfall. Chelsea and I had done 10, the minimum. Renata had broke out 55 like a champ and everyone else fell somewhere in between. Well that didn't fly for the ROTC commander. It would appear that because his cadets could break out 50 each we weren't trying hard enough.

Looking up at Tanya's intense expression and I was getting pissed. She was somewhere passed 40 but in her own little world. When a minute had been called all of the dance team fell to the ground. Emily was face down in the grass and Kristie had her arms folded sitting on the grass. Renata and Shelley didn't seem to be phased by the occurrences. Kim was staring at her hands as her hot breath came out in smoky clouds in the chilly temperature. I'm pretty sure Chelsea was dropping her good Christian values as she muttered things under her breath I'm pretty certain they weren't prayers of good faith.

"That was good girls," he said in a soft voice as if the pain in my back and hands would heal with them.

"Thank you," Renata said in a sweet voice. There was a laugh from some girls in red tee shirts were laughing laying in the grass. I cut my eyes over at them. Most of them were the burly type, each giving us the look of 'puny woman'. Straightening up, I sat up straight stretching my back. Bring my hands over my head I pulled them skyward, my spine snapped, crackled and popped back into to place. I gained the attention the girls and they all gave some look of disgust. Along side the girls was a group of thin looking guys. They all stared as well. There was another group of guys but they weren't paying me any mind as they called out their numbers. A guy holding a clipboard actually turned and applauded me. Seriously?

Rolling my eyes I laid flat on my back staring up at the sky.

"Vixens," the sergeant called over to us. Turning my head my eyes came into contact with the side of Victoria's ass. Just over the small curve of her ass was Mr. Normans. He was staring at it as if it were god's gift to man. Looking at her behind then looking up at the snarky little blonde angel. He was really some type of freak, he was looking at her like some sort of pervert. Did he really just wink at me? Seriously?

"Hunter, Victoria," The boy with the clipboard called.

"13," Victoria called at leaning up on her elbows from her position on her stomach. There was laughing from the girls. I wanted to walk over and slap the little dark haired bitch. I was stopped by the sergeant yelling her name. "Jessica Dane!" he shouted she quieted.

"Sorry, Sargent." She said looking at the ground. Serves you right bitch, I thought but once being hit by Chelsea by my leg, I realized I had in fact said that out loud.

"Well its true," I reasoned sitting up on my elbows.

"Santos, Tanya,"

"46," Tanya said picking at the grass.

"Wow," A stick of a kid said said causing Chelsea, Victoria and I all to look at him. His face went from awe to smug in five seconds flat. "You know from a Tutu," he shrugged.

"It's a Dancer, half-wit." She corrected gently like talking to a child. Her eyes turned to slits glower at him. If there was anything Victoria took seriously it was dance. I had known Victoria since fifth grade and even then she was in advanced ballet classes. Not only did she take several dance classes she took after school Ballet at Ms Athendora's. She was the living example to the words, Life is spent dancing, and she'll be damned if someone made fun of it.

Needless to say she was already pissed. With as much respect and devotion Victoria gave to her craft it was returned with an equal amount of apathy. ROTC kids don't much care for us much less respect us. To them we were weak little girls opting out of gym cause we don't want to sweat.

"Stanley, Jessica," He called out for a second time. With each time I got annoyed with Jessica, she had somehow opted out and I swear when I get my hands on her, she'll pay. Once the blonde kid had remembered that she wasn't there he moved on to my name.

"Swan, Isabella," the kid with the clipboard said. His flicked up to me as a smile curved over his lips. I sat up completely, looking up at him. He watched me with some sort of familiarity. I think I had seen him before. He had short blond hair that seemed to be cut to close in some spots where his pale scalp was shown. His eyebrows were raised as he looked at me showing off his noticeably blue eyes. He was tall and lanky and had a dopey smile on his face. As I looked at him he watched me still smiling like I was Santa on Christmas.

"33,"

"Good job," he chided. I rolled my eyes at him.

"Why thank you," I sneered laying back in the grass.

"Young, Emily,"

"Nine," There was a laugh coming from the more burly young males. Wasn't it just his luck that Mr. Normans decided to speak. His existence in life is so low that no one even paid is words any mind.

"Great Job," the kid with the clipboard said ignoring his fellow cadet.

"Yeah right," he continued not wishing to be ignored.

"You best keep your comments to yourself," Emily said coolly. All of us dance girls knew that that meant shut up. Apparently, the little blonde rat felt the need to comment again.

"What am I offending you, your highness?" He said standing up and bowing.

"Look here lord douche," I said getting annoyed with him "why don't you stay over there with your sausage feast and keep quiet."

"Or you'll what? It's not like you can take me." Well there wasn't much I could say to that. Looking over his muscular facade, there would be now way I could fight him, sure ball bust him but that's it. Rolling my eyes I looked up at the sky.

"Oh, I wouldn't want to add on to your inferiority complex," I mumbled. Victoria giggled, her laugh followed by her signature snort.

"What's so funny Bella Ballerina?" At this rate I wasn't sure if he was speaking to me or Victoria. Either way he had sufficiently pissed both of us off. I cut my eyes over at him while whatever Victoria was doing seemed to not be as threatening.

"Alright that's enough," a strong voice said from his group. I looked over and saw Jasper. He was sitting in the grass looking stoic as ever. Funny, he doesn't talk to me for the week that we sit next to each other and now he chooses to speak? Mr. Normans seemed to want to say something but I stopped him.

"What? Are you gonna defend my honor Major?" my sneer didn't seem to phase him in the slightest.

"Naw he doesn't want to see, Normans get spanked by girl," Grunt said, making his group laugh (with the exception of Jasper who doesn't have emotions.)

"Like hell McCoy," Normans shouted over at the laughing, "I could beat her in anything, except being easy." I'm not sure how or when but I was up on my feet then tackled to the ground and giving a whimper in pain. Said pain was running through my back like lightning through a rod.

"Renata get your fat ass off of me," I groaned struggling to keep my pain under control, breathing through it holding back tears.

"No, remember one more time..." she trailed. I rolled my eyes and sighed counting to ten. I'm pretty sure that 'one more time' rule only applied to Lauren but okay then.

"Alright that's enough," The Sergeant said. Seriously dude, where were you five minutes ago, when the derelict was talking shit? "Now, this is PT Marks, if you want to beat one other do it in a mark."

"Seriously?" Renata asked the vibration of her voice going through her body and down to her butt messing with my spine.

"That's how we do things in JROTC," the boy with the clipboard said.

"That's stupid,"

"Renata get the hell off of me!" I shouted.

"Not til you're calm," At this moment Chelsea came over and whispered something into Renata's ear. Probably saying that my back hurt like shit so please get off of me. From what I could see of her face Renata seemed to realize and get off of me.

"Oops," she said getting off of me.

"Oops, oops is all you have to say to me?" I said trying to straighten out my spine actually feeling my disks click. Looking over at her annoyed.

"How was I suppose to know?"

"Why would you do it anyway?" I seethed.

"Don't get snippy with me, Swan." She answered, if my back didn't feel so weird I would fight her.

Standing up I stretched my back the cracking no coming. I think she might have put it back into place.

"Well I'll be damned," I said adjusting my spine. Arching my back, I doubt checked. I was positive she had popped the little bubble pain that was no longer laying on my spine. Taking a look at Renata, she was talking to Emily. As if she knew by some psychic sense she looked over at me with a knowing smile. That cheeky little bastard. She knew didn't she? Or did she? Not wishing to wrap my head around Renata's sneaky little ways I walked over to the Sargent and Normans.

"So what does the pretty little dancer want to do," So I really needed to think about this. He was obviously stronger than me. Push up were out and I sure as hell wasn't going to do more crunches. I'm sure I could do more lunges then him but did I really want to do more than physically necessary of those? Hell no, all that was left was running. Looking down at his legs I wondered how racing him for a mile would go. He had strong legs, they were bulky so I wasn't sure how fast he went. Perhaps it was a bad idea to do this.

"Are you going to check me out all day or pick?" He asked I rolled my eyes. Returning my eyes to his face I rolled my eyes at the smug smile he had on his face.

"Running," I shrugged. At least if I was going to lose I might as not over exert myself.

"Okay," The sergeant decided to speak finally. "Short distance Running, from one end of the field to the other," and with that he left. Damn, when he said short distance I thought he'd say a hundred meters. I'm so gonna get my ass whipped.

When I made my way to the the end of the field I felt a presence at my back walking a little too close for comfort. "what do you say we make this more interesting?" Mr. Normans whispered into my ear. Jerking away from him I turned only to realize how close we were. You know that bubble of personal space, sir I do believe you are breaching it.

"What do you have in mind?" I asked crossing my arms. All that did was make him looked at the front of my leotard. This guy is really a pervert.

"How about a bet?"

"How about no?"

"Aww come on Bella, are you scared?"

In all honesty I was. There was probably a large chance I would lose. If we bet it was an even greater chance I would be humiliated.

"No, just disinterested," I said in a sweet voice going to where the Boy with the clipboard was standing.

"Is Bella-" I swung around glaring at him as we were almost face to face. He stopped his chest bumping mine, whether he meant to do it or not I didn't care.

"Isabella, that is my name. I know that it might be hard for you to understand since you're a crack baby and all but if you call me Bella again I will have to be forced to ensure you do not have any little ingrates of your own." I turned my back to him, hearing the snickering of someone. Who? I don't know, nor give a shit.

"That's a lot of talk for some who's about to lose." I rolled my eyes and stood at the starting line. "Come on, one bet, I'll even make it worth your while."

"And, how, oh annoying one, will you do that?" My sarcasm seemed to humor him all the more.

"If I win you get to be my slave for a week," some of the people who had gathered around made some noise of either shock or enthusiasm. Raising a brow at him I looked at him incredulously.

"How is this making it worth my while?"

"I'll even include sexual favors," some girls in red shirts giggled.

"You're serious?" My voice coming out in a deadpan tone. Sure the guy was fit but I can't imagine looking at that face in post-coital bliss...or bliss of any kind. I think I just had baby barf.

"You're taking it to far James," The boy with the clipboard snipped. Placing a smirk on my face I looked pleasantly up at the boy. Which upon noticing the height difference perhaps he was more of a man.

"Don't worry about it," I began before looking at the smug bastard, "I've handled Tic-Tacs before." A chorus of riff and 'oh burns,' rang through the air. Mr. Normans or James rather, looked not too pleased as his face nearly went purple with rage. He must really have some sort of complex. "And what do I get it If I win, ye of little length?" I pressed as he grew more angry.

"Whatever you want," he hissed out of tightened lips. For some reason his pain brought a genuine smile to my face. What could I do to further entertain my self? What to do What to do?

"If I win," I trailed in thought and like a light bulb lit up I had the perfect demanding task. "If I win you have to dress as fairy and grant everyone's wish with a wave of your wand." Laughter erupted from around us. Though his face had yet to calm itself he nodded, wordlessly. "Oh," I whined pouting at him, "no smart comments to add Mr. Normans?"

"Can you just get to it already?" I was going to make another joke but I let it slide as I got ready.

"Okay its a race to the end of the track at the other field goal. Now I want a good clean race. No fight, biting, hair pulling, tripping or letting of any blood. On my gun shot it'll be the start."Wait his gunshot? My attention now drawn to our misshapen ref I saw him pull out his phone. Oh thank god.

"Alright get ready," following his instruction I leaned on my left leg. Imagine my surprise when I saw James get down on all fours in a track position. Guess who is going into slavery? "Set," I'm so screwed! Upon hearing the gunshot I ran for my life. The hell if I was being anybody's slave. The fear that I was going to be under the assholes thumb pushed me on further. The only time I had ran this fast on fear alone was running into my house after dark. Finally, The yellow came into view and I ran passed it. Soon I slowed down to people yelling. I turned around and saw James coming up behind me nearly knocking me down coming up to me.

He leaned down, his hands on his knees as he huffed out breathes. I stood there for a second. I wasn't breathing heavy but my legs were numb as my heart beating in my ears and knees. As my heart rate slowed my adrenaline levels followed clearing my mind enough to realize what I had just pulled off. My attention was drawn to my competitor. His striking blue eyes met mine as I smiled to him.

"I do believe that makes me the winner," my breath came out in breathy tones. His face turned a shade of red almost purple once more. Victory tasted sweet but that look on his face made me feel so much better, "oh I'll be sure to collect my wishes on Monday." Correction the look on his face now made me feel so much better. It was a cross between wanting to strike me or strangle me. But when push came to shove the look on his face was that of a loser, a smug little bitch being brought down to size.

Taking my walk of triumph I walked back to the dance girls who were cheering. I was applauded by some Cadets to which I promptly did a bow before taking my place with the dancers. From being hugged by Victoria and Tanya I saw the guy with the clipboard, Grunt and Major. They were laughing and calling to James, well the other two were. Jasper, on the other hand, face seemed emotionless and he clapped his hands twice. I rolled my eyes at him. He was such an ass.

"I believe that-!" One of the cheerleaders prompted as the audience answered, "That we will win!" Keeping a happy disposition on, I stopped myself from scoffing at the cheer. It was really kinda shitty, in my opinion but we didn't have that good of cheerleaders. They stood on their little boxes waving their pom-poms and saying cheers, as if they were actually helping moral. They weren't. Sure, we were winning but that would be thanks to our defensive line up.

Shaking the dance teams mini pom poms I looked over at our Defensive line up. Sitting on the bench in all of his glory was Tyler. He was our middle tackle and had so far taken out one of the other times wide receiver. Needless to say I was proud. He looked over and caught me looking at him. I waved my pom pom at him. He gave an easy smile raising a hand to me. Our moment caught the attention of Coach Clapp who hit him with the clipboard. I giggled until our coach yelled.

"Hells Bells!" Slurred a very inebriated Ms. Valentine. Another reason we had nicknames, when she was drunk she forget our names. Somehow her mind still worked in nicknames, go figure. "Pay attention if you put half the effort into smiling that you do in flirting you would look so constipated!" She shouted forgetting of course she had a bullhorn. Not only was she forgetful drunk she was confrontational as well.

Today I could officially say she was on my shit list. Showing up to the game after the first quarter while the rest of us had to be here an hour before the game, was how she got there. She stayed there by not allowing us to wear out warm ups and let us freeze in our uniforms. Lets not add now treating this game like practice and scolding us in front of practically the whole town. But now she had gone to far my anger over bearing my need to count to ten.

Just as the snide comment left her lips I stopped our little side line dance. Stepping out in front, facing Ms. Valentine head on, pissed till no end. Putting my hands on my hips and a smile (that made me look more plastic than anything) I shout partially in her face. "Hello Boys in black and red beat the Broncos till they're dead!" Giving her another smile I turned my back to her and took my place back in line. I could hear members of the the spirit team cheer while I got some laughs from the Vixens. Something in the corner of my right eye caught my attention. Tanya, to my right handed something to Kristie, on my left. Facing Kristie I saw she shoved money into the front of her top. Tilting my head toward Tanya she sighed.

"You know you cost me twenty dollars...again," she said annoyed.

"It isn't my fault she is a angry drunk,"

"She is just trying to get to you." She said lifting her pom poms over her head giving a little cheer, "Go Rouges!" She shouted at the crowd, getting them rallied before returning to me. "Plus everyone knows you dance better angry."

"Since when did this become a rule?"

"When you and Lauren-"

"I know I know," I lamented, "she's just a bitch."

"Who? Lauren or Valentine?"

"Bombshell, Hellcat this ain't social hour get your heads in it!" The Drowsy Chaperon shouted now through her megaphone.

"Both," we said before laughing.

So it would turn out that we won, 34 to 13. To that end I lost five dollars to Tanya who was a very rich woman now. Ms. Valentine flirted with the other's coach and we haven't seen her since. Tanya's bet of general hook up made her about 39 dollars richer.

"Hey sexy," a husky voice said wrapping his arms around me. I smiled looking up at him. He was smelt of shower soap and a bit of grass.

"Hello Handsome," I cooed turning around in his arms. His dark eyes looked down at me nearly looking through me. There was something different about him that made me nervous. Not something scary or evil but...more. I didn't like it. His smile seemed a bit wider, his eyes...I don't know sparkled? "What is it?" I asked slowly.

"My mom is over there, I would like to introduce you to her." Now I had already met his mother. Our town wasn't all that big. In fact I'm pretty sure that his mother and my mother were friends at some point. This was different. When he meant introduce he meant to debut me has his girlfriend.

"Are you sure, I-"

"Come on Isabella, she really wants to meet you." Translation: I want to make this official.

"Actually honey I have to go to see Charlie," the lie had came pretty quickly. Yes there was a squad car. They came to all the games, for protective reason. More of a better safe than sorry thought process. But as I pointed to the cop car Tyler didn't know that, "and he has to go back to work soon, maybe another time?" I asked pulling out of his arms.

"Isabella why-"

"I'll see you at Tanya's party okay?" I said standing my my tiptoes to kiss his chin and jogged off toward the patrol car. I'm pretty sure I heard him call me but I didn't answer. No good would come out of me meeting Mrs. Crowley. I don't do parents, it just doesn't happen for me. As soon as I walked up to the car the drivers side opened.

"That was quite the show Isabella," Officer Benito head popped out with a bright smile. I rolled my eyes. Being the youngest of the force I'm pretty sure he took going to the games so he could watch the cheerleaders. And with his tall, dark and handsome looks he could easily get any of them.

"Why thank you, glad to know you were watching the pretty girls inside of keeping us safe."

"Nothing happened," He said shrugging and holding on to the door. cause that isn't disconcerting.

"What I'd like to know is does the chief know you dance like that?" The dance he was referring to was the spectacle that Ms. Valentine had swore up and down would be the talk of the town. So far it was. What she believed the song Die Young should be performed was no better than a raunchy music video. It was about five steps above stripping. Every man's eyes no matter what age were glued to us during the last few minutes of half time. That would have been fine should I want that kind of attention. I don't. Guess I should be happy that Charlie doesn't come to my performances. He'd never let me out of the house again.

"No," I answered simply, "do you want to tell him?" His eyes went wide and he shook his head. There was no way he bring this up without mention his eyes were plastered to my body. Daddy would not be pleased.

"No ma'am, I value my life." I thought as much.

"Is Daddy really that scary?"

"Hell yeah, speakin' of which I gotta head back in. You going home?"

"No, Tanya is having a Victory Party."

"Now which one is she?" He said a smile curving on his face as he looked passed me toward the field.

"She is not available,"

"Got any that are?"

"Sure, how long would you like to be in jail?" I smirked making him roll his eyes and suck his teeth.

"Damn, Swan you're just like your mammy." With those few words the air had gone from playful to morose. "Aw, Bella I didn't mean to-"

"It's fine," I assured him in an un-reassuring voice, "I'm flattered to hear I'm like her." He nodded, his wide grin faltering into a slight frown.

"Well I gotta go check in, see you around."

"Counting on it, say hi to Dad for me?"

"Will do, you stay safe at the party, watch your drink, watch the guys, if we get a call to the station you shouldn't be there." He said giving me the usual spiel before getting in the car. This time I didn't argue I just nodded as he pulled away. I watched as the car pulled away before going out to the parking lot. Most of the crowd was leaving along with the players and cheer squad. As I walked to Tanya's car, someone shout.

"Good job out there,"

"Yeah you were amazing," when I saw them they were players from the Broncos.

"Thanks so much," I said nodding before making my way. But they didn't seem to hear me or some because they said their praise again.

"That was hot,"

"Way to go Vixen,"

"You did really good,"

"Yeah thanks," I said really hoping they would stop. I wasn't like Jessica or Renata, I didn't need praise to make me happy. As I approached Tanya's little black Camry I saw Chelsea, Afton, Sam and Emily standing there. As I approached I saw Sam visibly fuming. His nostrils flared in the most aggravated way, Emily pulled his arms around her and speaking softly to him.

"It's okay, honey," she chided reaching up to his face and smiling softly at him. Sam, a whole foot bigger than his girl, looked down at her pissed seemingly beyond words. If I didn't know better I would think he was going to eat her.

"And how is that Em? I swear to God if one more of those-"

"Shh, they won't I'm yours remember." Emily cooed softly in his ear. Oh gag me with a spoon.

"Wouldn't put your face like that Isabella," Chelsea stage whispered leaning on the trunk looking at me with a bored look, "it might get stuck that way."

"It'd be an improvement," that tell-tale nasally tone was one I had grown familiar with.

"Wow Lauren, did it take you long to think of that one?" I sneered at her rolling my eyes. Standing there in her cheer warm-ups, much warmer than my ass and much more annoying, was Lauren. Self proclaimed school queen and the most whiniest bitch I know, Lauren Mallory was that cheerleader in school that not only fit the stereotype but was fucking proud of it. With her posse following her like white on rice, each looking at us like we were some poor peasants. With her overly highlighted blonde hair and enough makeup to cover a drag queen for a week, Lauren was in a word pathetic.

"That was quite a stunt you pulled, you think you were being funny?" Crossing her thermal over her chest, this caused me to be jealous of the warmth she had all through the game.

"I don't know what you mean," My voice came out about as dry and disinterested as I felt.

"I'm sure we don't need to remind you that it is the job of cheerleaders to give the cheers, right?" Some girl to the left of Lauren began to instruct as if I were two. Her name escapes me and I don't really give a fuck who she is in retrospect.

"Then why are you?" My retort was not met with good tidings. Her face pulled up into her own personal 'bitch face'.

"You think you're so smart," that whiny little priss said leaning forward and pointing at me. I eyed her finger, painted in school colors and wondered, If I break it, does that count as a fight?

"With her grade point average?" Afton rose a brow looking over at me. Tilting my head to glare at him.

"And who the fuck asked you?"

"I was just stating fact," he said easily giving me a cavalier smile.

"I'm talking to you, Bella!" Lauren shouted, Afton and I looked over at her. Before I could correct her Afton spoke up.

"What's your point?" His voice dry and uncaring.

"No one asked you faggot!" Now Lauren is stupid. Very stupid. SO stupid in fact that even though Afton's hand, that could be clearly seen groping his girlfriends ass, didn't stop her from saying that. Afton looked at her with wide incredulous eyes.

"Is she serious?" He asked looking at all of us.

"Yeah, she's a stupid as she looks."

"That's mean Isabella, no one is stupid."

"There is always an exception to every rule, Angel," Renata said walking over to us, Alec and Tyler in tow.

"Hey, good game man." Sam said calmer but still visibly tense.

"Thanks man, they really put up a fight this time." Tyler said putting his arm around me.

"They're defense is shit though," Alec said putting his head on Renata's shoulder.

"Yeah but you had that handled, didn't baby?" Renata giggles kissing his cheek.

"Don't you know it." He said gripping her hips hitting her tickle spot. Causing the usually calm being to burst into hysterics.

"Hey! Are you ignoring-" cutting her off I raised my hand to her.

"The grown ups are talking," realizing she had been put in her place, Lauren's face darkened. Snatching my hand away from her face, Lauren made the wrong move of clawing my hand as she gripped my hand. As easily as she grabbed me, I twisted my wrist wrenching hers in return.

"Cut it out you too!" Tanya voice shouted into my ear pulling my shoulder back and away from Lauren. I pulled Lauren with me having her stumble toward me.

"Isabella let her go!"

"Fuck no she put her hands on me, I-"

"Isabella now!" Pressing the sharper corner of her nail into my shoulder blade I yelped letting go of Lauren. Whipping around and away from Tanya I put my back into Tyler. Large arms wound their way around me pulling me into his hard chest. His breath ran across my neck as he bent over while his lips ghosted over my neck.

"Calm down babe it's okay," he cooed in my ear the stubble on his cheek grazing my lobe. But I just couldn't relax. My heart pounding in my head rushing past my temples. The warm sensation of anger rushing through my veins causing my heart to race. Against the stillness of Tyler's body I could feel myself shake as I tried to calm myself down. Perhaps if I was being logical I would know that there was nothing to be so angry about. But fuck being a logical person, the bitch put her hands on me.

My breath started to come out in harsh pants as I tried to calm myself down. Tyler, on the other hand, was helping at all. His whispers of sweet nothings was actually going to make me punch him instead of relax. Trying with all my might not to go on the impulse I closed my eyes and think of anything distracting. Ballet positions, football stats, how to make chicken fried steak, the list of Jane Austen books by year written, hell I'd trying anything to drown out Tyler. After a minute it didn't work because I swear to God that he said he loved me."Tyler?" I gritted through my teeth.

"Baby, don't worry, she's just jealous." If I had a dime for every time I heard that...

Before I could tell him to just the hell up like I wanted to I heard Jessica's voice. The voice of a girl who from some fucking reason wasn't at Marks and dumb ass showed up ten minutes before the game started with student council. "Tyler why don't you drive her over, you know calm her down."

"Sure,"

"Here I'll get her bag," Chelsea said? Why the fuck she want to help me? Swear the chick doesn't like me. Opening my eyes feeling more handled since Tyler stopped talking I saw the Lauren and company had vacated the premises. So did most people actually. Sam and Emily had left as well as Chelsea, Renata and Alec. Only Tanya stood there now and a very quiet Jane that stood looking down at the pavement. Suddenly Chelsea popped up again from my right side holding my duffle. Looking over at her from the cradle of Tyler's arms she nodded at me.

"You gonna be alright there?" She asked.

"I'll be fine," at my words her eyes squinted a bit in suspicion, to which I raised a brow at her. Whether she believed me or not is not actually my concern I just want my stuff so I could get out of here. Tyler unwrapped an arm away from me holding an arm out to Chelsea to deposit my my bag. She handed it over but looked over at Tanya. Tanya shrugged shaking her head. What the fuck? I wanted to ask why all the secrecy. I didn't get what I wanted because Tyler used his arm to lead me away to his car. His long strides dragged me along further reaching his ford four door. He let me go having me standing in front of the passenger door before leaving to walk to the driver side.

Throwing the door open and getting in, I went to buckle up before I found lips on mine. Surprising? Yes. Irritating? Sure as shit, above and beyond the call. Pushing Tyler's body away I stared at him. What the fuck is his problem? I'm sure that my thoughts were displayed easily on my face. Or at least I thought so. But by the looks of satisfied bliss on Tyler's face he couldn't tell. He smiled at me before sitting back in his seat. His large hand landed on my knee as he spoke gently. "You know you're beautiful when you're angry." And that was the beginning of things to come as he put the car in drive.