Sorry for the long wait. I've been so busy so I'm really sorry. I really should be revising today but I thought I'd finish this chapter for you guys. Keep the reviews coming in :)
CHAPTER 8
It's the first basketball game of the season tomorrow and Edward, Jasper and the rest of the team have been working really hard. Alice said she'd be happy once it's all over and they've won so she and Jasper can spend more time together. Edward have been working twice as hard since he's the captain and all so we haven't really hung out for the past two weeks. You'd think because I don't see him as often then my so called feelings for him would go away. Well you thought wrong. And no-one is more frustrated at it than me.
It's really not fair. He's got more than half of the female population from our school falling all over for him; I really don't need to add to that number! Maybe it would have been better if we didn't start all over again and into a clean slate. Who are you kidding Bella!? Alright, fine! I don't regret it but it certainly didn't do me any good even if I liked it. I mean look where it's gotten me!? Falling for Edward Cullen! Its messed up I know.
"Alice are you ready yet?" I shouted. She's still in the bathroom doing God knows what. We're going over at Rosalie's for dinner. All the guys will be there too. Coach gave them the day off to relax and rest for the game tomorrow.
"Just give me one more minute Bells!" She called out from the bathroom.
"Hurry up Al!" I'm getting quite impatient. She's been in there for about half an hour!
"Jeez Bells! Impatient much?" Finally she's out.
I rolled my eyes, "Come on. They're waiting for us"
"Eager to see someone? Maybe a certain bronze-haired boy," She said with a knowing look. I haven't told Alice anything about my 'feelings' for Edward but I told you she's kinda psychic. I know what she's trying to do and that is to get me to confess to her. Sorry Al but this time it won't work. I'll avoid it for as long as I can.
So obviously I chose to ignore what she just said, "I'm sure Jasper can't wait to see you. So let's go!"
"Alright let's go!" She suddenly became perkier. I knew mentioning Jasper's name would do the trick.
When we got to Rose's room, Jasper opened the door.
"Hey Jazz! I miss you!" Alice gave him a hug. I just rolled my eyes. It's only been an hour since they last saw each other!
"Hey I miss you too baby," Jasper said directly to Alice. "Hey Bella," He added and I just nodded at him and entered the room. Emmett was sprawled on the sofa watching television and Rose was on the kitchen.
"Hey kiddo!" Emmett said loudly. Then again when was Emmett ever been quiet?
"Oh good you're here Bella! I don't know if the roast is done or not, will you please check it? I'm really not good at cooking but I thought I'd give it a shot," Rose said. That's one of the good things about being a senior. The room they give you is like a mini apartment, complete with kitchen, bathroom and living room.
"No problem," I always cook whenever I'm back at home so I know a thing or two about cooking. "Leave it in for 5 more minutes and it'll be ready."
"Thank you Bella. It's unbelievably hard to get help around here!" She shot Emmett and Jasper a dirty look.
Jasper put both his hands up as if surrendering, "Sorry Rosalie but you know I'm not skilled when it comes to cooking. I probably would have caused more damage than actual help."
"Sorry baby but there's a game on!" Emmett said whining.
"Excuses, excuses! You two just don't want to get off your fat asses!" Rose shouted.
"Uhm where's Edward?" I asked Rose. He's nowhere to be seen.
Jasper answered, "We left together but then we saw Tanya and she demanded to talk to him alone. So I left them to it."
Who's Tanya? I wanted to ask Jasper but it's really none of my business. And I don't want him to get the idea that I like Edward or something. That would be embarrassing and awkward.
"Who's Tanya?" Thank you Alice!
"She's a senior. She and Edward hooked up a couple of times last year," He explained.
Oh.
Senior. Wow. How the hell am I suppose to compete with that? Another reason why I need to get over this 'crush'. There is no way he'll notice me with all the gorgeous and older girls throwing their selves at him.
"Tanya is the closest Edward has ever been into dating a girl. But then she started going out with James, another senior so Edward steered clear. But I heard her and her boyfriend broke up over the summer. Maybe she wants him back," Rose said looking at me. I swear she knows something too about how I feel towards Edward. Am I really that transparent? I really need to get friends who aren't so freaking observant! I'm guessing she's trying to get a reaction out of me. Tough. I'm pretty good at hiding my feelings when I really want to. And right now that comes in very handy. There is no way I'm giving them the reaction they wanted. I'm guessing its jealousy.
"I heard they already hooked up once this year," Jasper added. He's probably right; he's his best friend after all.
"What does uhm Ta-tanya looks like?" Well I needed to say something! I was the one who brought the conversation up after all.
"Strawberry-blonde hair, blue eyes, tall," Jasper shrugged.
Oh, wait. Is she the same girl I saw him making out with under the stairs a couple of weeks ago? Most probably. Now I really am depressed. She's almost as pretty as Rose. Almost.
"She's annoying! Personally I don't want my little brother even though he's a manwhore to get involve with her again. She's got quite of a reputation in our year," Emmett said frowning. Rose was wrinkling her face in disgust and nodded in agreement.
Just then Edward came in through the door without knocking so all of us were quite startled to say the least.
He closed the door behind him and said, "Hey guys, is dinner ready yet?" He turned around to find us staring at him. "Ookkk what did I miss??"
Emmett was the first to speak, "I was just telling the guys the time you broke into our neighbor's backyard naked and Mrs. Felt nearly had a heart attack!" Wow he sure can lie.
"You dared me to! You swore you wouldn't tell anyone!" Edward was red in the face.
"You did what!?" Alice exclaimed.
"I thought he told you?" Edward said now confuse.
"Not really. We were talking about something else. I don't know why he said that," I said choking back laughter.
Emmett was laughing so hard he nearly fell off the couch, "Dude I was just fishing! I thought you'd deny it! It's completely your fault they know about it now! Don't blame me!" He said still laughing hysterically.
"Emmett! You asshole!" Edward said angrily and glared at him. Emmett sure knows how to break the ice. Previous conversation = forgotten. Edward didn't bring it up again.
"Alright little kiddies break it up! Dinner's ready so everyone help me set the table up and that includes you too Emmett! No excuses!" Rose shouted.
Everyone got up to help even Emmett who did so grudgingly. He is such a big baby!
Dinner was more relaxed; Edward ignored Emmett which was fine with all of us since we didn't need anymore argument tonight. We all know they haven't seriously fallen out so none of us bothered to get them to talk to each other.
All six of us were seating around the dining table and we were mainly discussing about tomorrow's game. Edward and Jasper was updating us on their practice and what to expect tomorrow and stuff. I'm not a big sports fan myself so I usually don't watch the game. I pretty much know the basics though.
"The wolves have been our rivals ever since so tomorrow's game should be interesting. It's the opening game after all, that's why Coach worked us twice as hard this year," Jasper said.
"They don't have a chance in hell of winning tomorrow. The team's in great shape," Edward said confidently. "And besides we've been waiting to play them again after what happened last season."
"What happened last season?" I asked curiously. I told you I don't go to the games. I'm absolutely clueless.
The rest of the guys looked at me like I just said I'm moving to Mars well except for Alice. She knows about my aversion to sports.
"Bella doesn't really attend any sporting events around the campus and I don't really bother telling her about it. It'll be like talking to a brick wall," Alice explained. I blushed. She could've said it more subtly!
"Well last time we played against them we won fair and square but their captain, Crowley said we cheated and stuff. Team got really pissed off and it just caused a big argument which led to a fight. Crowley punched Edward here which of course he returned and everybody just joined in and started fighting with each other. It took about 6 teachers to break it up," Jasper explained.
"I cannot believe you didn't know about it Bella! It was all everyone can talk about for the rest of the semester!" Rose exclaimed.
"Oh right. Sorry? I don't really listen to rumors or stuff, my brain just kind of shuts off when it comes to it," I said sheepishly. "Seriously guys stop looking at me like that!" My face getting hotter and hotter.
"Crowley is a scumbag anyway," Edward said grimly.
"I can't wait till tomorrow! It'll be really exciting!" Alice said bouncing on her seat. "Promise me Jazz that you won't join in any fights! I don't want you to get hurt!"
"I promise sweetheart. There won't be any fight I swear," Jasper said and leaned in to give her a peck on the cheek. Aw.
"Alright all this mushiness is making me nauseous guys! Save it when you're alone. Jeez it's so hard to be around couples all the time!" Edward said complaining.
"You're such an ass Edward. You're just jealous. You really need to find a proper girlfriend," Rose looked at him then threw a meaningful look to me. I felt myself getting redder and redder. My face is probably the same colour as a tomato. Kill me now please!
I coughed and got up the table, "Everyone finished? I'll start washing up," I said and started putting the plates in the sink.
"I'll help you," I was surprised to hear Edward volunteer.
The rest of the guys went back to the living room to watch tv.
It was quiet at first except for the tinkling sounds of the plates and cutleries.
"So you really haven't been to see any basketball games here in campus?" Edward asked.
"Not really. I'm not really into sports that much," I answered honestly.
"But you'll come tomorrow though right?" He said looking at me. I looked at him and regretted it in an instance. Once again I got lost looking into his bright emerald eyes. Snap out of it Bella before you embarrass yourself!
"Uhm yeah. I don't think I've got a choice anyway," I said laughing. "Either Rose or Alice will drag me anyway." There's not a chance I'd miss this game. After all Edward asked me to come. Well technically he didn't asked you straight out to come see it, he asked if you're going to. I can pretend can't I? So shut up. Oh God here I go again arguing with myself.
"If you don't want to then don't let them force you Bella," He said with a tinged of sadness in his voice. Why sadness? I wonder.
"No of course I want to," I said eagerly. I don't want him to think I won't be there to support him or anything. After all that's what friends do right? Friends-shfriends! You like him! You'll be there because he will be. Simple as. "I'll be there to support a friend," I looked at him and smiled. He looked lost in thought for a second but he smiled back. It's really not fair he can dazzle people like that especially me.
"Good. I guess I'll find you around the bleachers tomorrow cheering for me," He said with a wink. It's all I can do not to hyperventilate right now. Ugh! Can you hear yourself Bella? You sound pathetic. The more rational or whatever part of my brain was saying. Seriously there's so many voice inside my head right now I can't keep up with it! I'm really going insane aren't I?
"Ha ha. Don't be too full of yourself Cullen. I'd be cheering for the whole team not just you! Sorry to break it to you but the world doesn't revolve around Edward Cullen!" I was pretty pleased with my response. At least I said something and it wasn't embarrassing or stupid. I mean considering what frame of mind I was just in 15 seconds ago.
"Now, now Bella that's just a nasty thing to say! You're breaking my heart here!" He said clutching his chest for a more dramatic effect.
I rolled my eyes. We finished washing up so we went back to the living room to join the rest of the group.
We chatted for another hour then we all decided to have an early night. The guys needed their rest for tomorrow and I personally was really tired.
It's the day of the game and Alice and I are on our way to meet up with Rose and Emmett so we can go and grab the good seats before anyone else.
None of us have seen Jasper and Edward all day since they've been up early and have been doing last minute practicing for the game. They really take these games seriously.
Alice is bouncing up and down as usual. She's wearing Jasper's letterman jacket. She was ecstatic when he gave it to her last night. Apparently it's a big deal.
"So Emmett how come you're not in the basketball team?" I asked out of curiosity.
"It's more of Edward's sport really. I prefer football," He said shrugging. I completely forgot he's the captain of the football team.
I looked around and saw loads of people are already here and there's more coming in now. I looked at my watch and there's about 10 minutes left till the game starts.
The hall is buzzing with excitement. The cheerleaders came in and all you can hear is guys whistling.
"That's Tanya, the one blowing kisses to everyone" Rose whispered to me.
Yep it's the same girl I caught Edward making out with. My heart sank. She's definitely Edward's type: gorgeous, confident and a cheerleader. I'm neither any of them. Stop bringing yourself down! You don't know for sure what his type is! Well it's been pretty clear for the past years! It's not as if he'd ever been with the quiet bookworm type, has he?? Oh my God I can't believe I am arguing with my self in my head again.
"Bella?" I felt someone shook me and snapped me out of my thoughts.
"Ye-Yeah?" I said and saw it was Rose. She looked concerned.
"The game is starting," She said. I saw the other team has been introduced. The Wolves. Well they certainly look unfriendly. All you can hear now is loud boo's coming from the crowd. Emmett the loudest of them all.
"Emmett sit your butt down!" Rose hissed.
"Here comes our home team The Lions! And the captain - Edward Cullen!" screamed the commentator. The crowd went wild and started chanting Go Lions! The girls were screaming for Edward! It was complete madness!
"Is it always this crazy?" I asked Rose.
"Yeah pretty much!" She said laughing.
I focused myself back to the teams and saw Edward looking around. He saw us and waved. The girls behind us shrieked so loud, the people nearby including us had to cover our ears.
"Flipping heck! Shut the hell up!" Emmett boomed and that shut the girls right up.
Rose smirked and cuddled next to Emmett. I laughed and focused back on the game. It already started and Edward was the first one to score. Needless to say the crowd has once again gone crazy. I found myself screaming as well alongside Rose and Alice.
The scores are really close. The wolves are ahead by one point and there's only a minute left of the game. Everyone is standing up and holding their breath. Jasper has the ball and there's 3 large guys closing in on him so there's no way he can shoot.
38 seconds.
Jasper's moving around but the guys are moving in sync with him. They've completely have him trap. He needs to pass the ball soon if they want a chance in winning.
24 seconds.
The crowd is completely silent. All eyes are on Jasper. Alice is bouncing up and down not from excitement but from anxiety. Emmett is cursing under his breath. Rose and I just watched anxiously.
14 seconds.
Jasper went to his right but quickly passed the ball to his left, confusing the 3 guys. Edward caught it and immediately went to shoot the ball before the opponent team closed in on him. The ring is pretty far away. The crowd held their breath.
5, 4, 3….
The ball went in and the crowd went berserk. Edward was pumping his fist in the air and the whole team went to hug him. The opponent team looked shocked and angry, shaking their heads. I can see their Coach shouting at them.
Alice turned to me and hugged me really tightly and we both started bouncing up and down. What can I say? She's rubbing off on me! And our team just won! So give me a break!
Emmett shouted, "Hell yeah! Wolves stink! Lions are the best!"
The crowd was shouting in agreement. The team let Edward go. The wolves captain, Tyler Crowley (Rose pointed him to me during the game) was making his way to Edward. The crowd immediately went silent. Probably expecting a fight. I held my breath.
Crowley looked serious, "Don't think you won completely Cullen. There's still the championship game. And you'll be sorry," He walked away smirking. He didn't even let Edward get a word in. He really is an ass.
"Whatever you asshole!" One of the team members shouted.
"Loser!" Another one added.
The crowd started shouting obscenities to the other team including Emmett of course.
The cheerleaders tried to calm the crowd down by doing a cheer which seemed to work. Few more minutes later the team exited the hall along with the cheerleaders.
Everyone also started to make their way out of the hall.
"So did you enjoy you very first game Bells?" Alice asked linking her arms with me and skipping.
"Yeah! It was really fun. I really got into it. Who knew watching sports isn't that all boring?" I said smiling. I truly enjoyed it. The spirit from the crowd is infectious!
"Crowley is a pompous bastard! Someone ought to punch the hell outta him! I'd be more than happy to do it!" Emmett said loudly causing some people to look at us.
"I'm sure Edward would beat you to it. He completely hates his guts remember?" Rose said.
We waited outside the building for Edward and Jasper to congratulate them.
Jasper came out and Alice threw herself at him. Jasper hugged her back laughing.
"You were great out there Jazz," Alice said looking him straight in the eye.
"Only cos my lucky charm was out there," He said staring back at her.
I had to look away everytime they do this cos it feels like a private moment between them. It makes me feel really uncomfortable cos I feel as if I'm intruding into something really personal which is really silly since they're not doing much except stare at each other, still. Sometimes I think it's definitely as worst as witnessing Emmett and Rose have a full on make-out session right in front of you.
Emmett was talking to one of the team member. Rose was beside me rolling her eyes at Jasper and Alice.
"And you said Emmett and I are bad!" Rose said nodding at them two who are still gazing at each other's eyes.
I just laughed and I was about to say something when Emmett called me.
"Bella come here for a sec. I want to introduce you to some people," I went over shyly. I'm really bad at meeting new people, I'm sure I've mentioned before.
"Guys this is Bella Swan. Bella this is Peter and his girlfriend Charlotte," Emmett said nodding at a tall guy with brown hair who's got his arm around a pretty blonde girl. They smiled at me and I smiled back.
"Nice to meet you," I said politely.
"Yeah you too," Charlotte said and Peter nodded.
"That's Garrett and Kate," He pointed to another beautiful couple. I feel really intimidated surrounded by all of these beautiful people. Both of them smiled warmly at me in which I returned.
"And this one is Brett Harrison. Edward and I have known him since we were young. Our families are friends," Emmett explained and nodded towards a tall blonde guy. He's very good-looking. Not as handsome as Edward though. Shut up. I can't be biased.
"Hi Bella. It's nice to meet you," Brett said and held out his hand.
I shook it and smiled at him, "You too."
"Where's Edward??" Emmett said impatiently.
"He's still getting changed. He should be out in a minute," Brett explained. "There he is," He nodded towards the doorway.
"Edward! That's my little brother! I'm proud of you! You showed that pathetic piece of shit who's the boss," Emmett boomed.
"Shut up Emmett. You're embarrassing! Rose put your boyfriend back in a leash before he hurts someone!" Edward said jokingly.
"Bye Edward! I'll see you at the party," Tanya said walking out of the building winking at him. I felt a pang of jealousy pass through me. It's completely ridiculous. I've got not right to be.
"No can do little brother! We've got a party to go to!" Emmett said loudly ignoring Tanya. Some people are already gone. There's only me, Rose, Emmett, Edward and Brett left standing outside.
"What party?" I asked.
"The after party. We always have it after we win a game. It's only for team members and cheerleaders. And their friends of course," Brett answered. "So are you coming?"
"Am I invited?" I said raising my eyebrows.
"Of course you are! I'm inviting you," He replied.
"Come on Bella. It'll be fun," Rose said.
"Sure I'll come. If that's okay with Edward," Edward looked annoyed so I thought I should check with him. Does he not want me to go?
"What? Of course it's okay. I'd love it if you come Bella," He said and smiled at me. I immediately relaxed. I thought I did something wrong.
"So what are we waiting for then? Come on! Jesus you guys are dramatic!" Emmett said shaking his head. He put his arm around Rose and both of them walked away.
Now I'm left to walk with Brett and Edward. I gotta tell you, it's very awkward. Even more so than walking with Edward alone.
"So I take it you two have met?" Edward said breaking the silence.
"Yeah. Emmett introduced Bella to us while we were waiting outside for you," Brett answered.
"Congrats by the way. You guys were great out there," I said.
"It was the best opening game ever that's for sure. Edward was determined to beat them. So well done bro," Brett said grinning.
"Thanks Bella. Brett it was a team effort. It's not just me. Everyone contributed," Edward said rolling his eyes.
"Always the humble man eh Edward," Brett said and the ice is broken. Thank God.
"Humble? Edward? You're kidding right? I always thought Edward is an ego-maniac," I said sounding shocked.
Brett started laughing, "She got you there bro!"
"I'm so glad you think so highly of me Bells," Edward said feigning hurt.
We continued talking and laughing like this until we reached the sports hall where the party was being held.
Brett is a very nice and easy going guy. He's in Emmett's year and the three guys have been best friends since their parents introduced them to each other when Emmett and Brett were 8 and Edward was 7.
I found myself really enjoying his company. He stuck with me throughout the night. And we just talked about random stuff. He's very easy to talk to and there were no awkward pauses. Edward always comes over but somehow someone always interrupts and takes him away so we didn't really talk much. I was disappointed cos I was hoping I could spend more time with him.
If Brett wasn't there then I would've left the party hours ago. Alice and Jasper were nowhere to be seen and Rose was busy trying to keep Emmett under control. He's had too much to drink and was louder than usual which is saying a lot. After most of the teachers left, someone snuck in some alcohol and also spiked the punch.
"Brett! I need your help. We have to get Emmett out of here before a teacher comes in and find out he's drunk," Edward said loudly over the music.
Brett, Edward and I went over to where Rose was trying to stop Emmett from getting up.
"Oh thank goodness you two are here! Get his ass out of here before we all get into trouble! He is such a doofus! I can't believe he drunk so much tonight!" Rose said clearly very annoyed and frustrated.
Brett and Edward went on either side of him and helped him up.
"Em will you try to act normal and sober for just 2 minutes so we can get you out of here?" Edward asked.
"Sure thing pretty boy! Anything for my little brother," He said slurring. Oh dear. This is going to be harder than we thought. He's completely out of his head!
"He's in so much trouble tomorrow! Right Bella and I are going to go check if there are any teachers around. Edward keep your phone on. Bella will call you when it's clear," Rose said and dragged me out.
"Okay hallway is clear. Call him now Bella," Rose instructed and I did what I was told.
"Hey Edward. Hallway is clear you can bring him out now," I said.
"Okay thanks Bells," He said and he hung up.
Three minutes later we saw Brett and Edward supporting Emmett up. I feel really sorry for them two. Emmett doesn't exactly weigh like a feather.
Thankfully we didn't come across any teachers on the way to their building. It was one hell of a work trying to keep Emmett quiet though. Some people we passed kept glancing our way because he kept shouting out random things.
It was really embarrassing and Rose was furious.
Once we got to his dorm room Rose thanked us and said she's got it under control.
"Brett you should go get some rest as well," Edward said.
"Sure thing. I had a good time tonight Bella. I'll see you around" Brett said and hugged me.
"Yeah I did too. Goodnight Brett," I said and hugged him back.
He went inside his room which is just two doors down Emmett's.
That left Edward and I. We went out of the senior's building and started walking towards ours. He looked completely worn out.
"You look exhausted. You should go get some rest too Edward," I said concerned.
"I'm fine. I'll go to bed once I walked you to your room," He turned to me and smiled slightly. Even that tiny smile made my heartbeat go faster.
"You don't need to do that. I'll be fine. Seriously you need some rest Edward," I said. It's really sweet that he wanted to walk me but he looked ready to pass out.
"Don't be stubborn Bella. It's nearly 1 in the morning. It's dangerous for a girl to be out by herself at this hour," He said. I rolled my eyes cos he sounded like my dad.
"Seriously Edward we're inside a school not some little town full of weirdos and serial killers. I'll be fine. Besides it's only a five minute walk from your building," I argued. We'll pass his dorm building first so if I have to push him inside then so be it. I can take care of myself.
"Whatever Bella. I'm still walking you back," He said firmly. He can be really stubborn as me when he wants to be.
We reached his building and I stopped.
"Go in Edward. You can walk me back some other time when you don't look like you're about to pass out. You're exhausted okay so stop arguing already and go get some sleep. I'll text you when I get in to let you know I didn't get abducted or something okay. Now go," I said sharply.
He looked like he was about to argue but I cut him off.
"Edward go please," I went and hugged him and I felt him hug me back. We stayed like that for a couple more seconds before I let go unwillingly.
"Goodnight Edward," I said.
"Night Bella. Don't forget to text me," He said seriously. I rolled my eyes.
"I won't," I watched him go in satisfied.
Truth be told, I hate walking alone at this time of night. It gives me the creeps but I won't admit that to Edward. I started fast walking and sighed in relief when I reached my dorm.
I opened the door quietly careful not to wake Alice up. I got my phone out and texted Edward – I'm in my room. Didn't encounter any serial killers or got abducted by aliens ;) Goodnight Edward x
I went to the bathroom and washed my face and changed out of my clothes. I saw that my phone have one unread message. I opened it and saw it's from Edward.
I'm glad :) Sweet dreams Bella xxx
I had a grin on my face after reading his text message. The kisses at the end probably didn't mean anything but a girl can dream!
I probably won't be able to update in another 2 weeks or so cos I've got my GCSE's next week until June! So I'm very sorry guys. Hope you guys understand and won't abandon the story!
Please review :]
