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Chapter 10

I pack up all my books and notes and place them in my bag. Then I hang around the office a bit later than usual. Not because I'm waiting for something from Edward.

I just want to be available in case someone drops by with a chemistry question. Or swoony note. Whatever.

But I don't get anything. And I don't want to admit how bothered I am by not getting anything today. I grab all my stuff and walk to my car in a huff. I'm actually blowing out puffs of air in an annoyed fashion like an angry balloon.

Get used to it, Bella. He's probably bored with this little flirtation because you haven't knocked on his door for a booty call.

Wow, that was bitter. When did I become like this? Right, when the police knocked on my door and told me what happened to my mother. That's why I can't get any and, I can't get any because I'm so bitter. A sad, sexless paradox. When I need a pair-o-dicks. Okay, just one...but I'm pretty sure it's big enough to qualify as two normal-sized cocks judging from the bulge he's packing in those thin pants he's always wearing. I can almost see the veins.

Sweet Jesus. I don't have time for a "self massage" before practice tonight. Besides, I should stop thinking about him when I'm...doing that. But...well, he probably wouldn't mind, right? Right. He should be flattered.

But really, it's me that should be flattered. He's taking time out of his day to send me thoughtful notes. Even after I told him no. Either he's desperate (which is impossible because he's amazing looking and apparently brilliant), or he actually likes me. Me, a total judgmental loner.

So maybe he's crazy?

Gah. I can't take it anymore.

I call Alice on the way home because it's time. She can't be mad any longer. She's had her mandatory forty-eight hour cooling off period. This is part of our friendship contract. It's written out and everything. Alice takes things very seriously.

"Alice."

"Have you changed your mind?"

"Hello to you, too."

"Seriously. I've been worried that you've blown your chance by saying no."

"Well, I think he might still be into me. He's been sending me stuff."

"What!" she shouts. I actually move the earpiece away from my ear. That was louder than the explosion when Jasper tried to create a mixture to make an invisible cloak. Seriously, I need to take away that man's Harry Potter books. "What did he give you? Be descriptive. And text me pictures, too. "

"First, a piece of turquoise. And a note."

"Turquoise? What the fuck? Is he into southwestern jewelry or something?"

"No, it was because I said his eyes were like hydrated copper aluminum phosphate, and he actually knew what it was. It was really hot."

"Holy shit. He's a science nerd, too? And you're not currently fucking his brains out?"

"Yes, and no. And he's a paleontology major."

"Damn, like Indiana Jones?" she asks all dreamy-like. "I'd still hit that hottie professor hard."

"No, that's archeology. And you're totally right about Harrison Ford. Anyway, paleontology is a little different. Think Ross from Friends."

"Ooh, that's still hot. Though I'm more of a Chandler girl."

"Alice..." I groan, "stay with me here. I think...I think it might be working. His other gift was a picture of his family and another note. He writes the sweetest things on them. Like I have a beautiful smile, and he knows about Seth and-"

"So have you decided to get over this stupid baseball boycott?"

"I, um, want to but-"

"Bella, seriously. I get it. A baseball player contributed to the ruining of your mom's life and yours-"

"Players. Plural." I interrupt. "Because my mom was a, well, you know. And she ruined Charlie's too. And nearly Seth's-"

"But it wasn't Edward. And you may not live happily ever after, but you need to take a chance. Because really, you're not living...you're just existing. And that ends my case."

Alice will be the best lawyer ever. She can persuade anyone to do anything.

"I...I'll try."

"When?"

"Tonight. I'll talk to him tonight at practice."

"Good. I'm proud of you, Bella. But don't blame me if things don't work out. I, Alice Mary Brandon, in no way take responsibility for any-"

"Got it, Alice. I'm well aware of your standard disclaimer."

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I'm way too nervous as I'm changing to go to practice. I toss the booty shorts that say ASU on the ass that Alice suggested I wear into my drawer. Hah. Like I'd even wear that to practice. At least not until next month when it's not so cold. My ass will look better without icicles hanging from it.

I settle for some jeans and a sweatshirt because that's what I usually wear and if Edward likes me, then he has to like me like this. Of course I'm wearing my best jeans that make my legs look great because I'm not stupid. I'm definitely not wearing what Alice calls my "mom jeans."

Seth is ready and so am I. At least I'm ready to go to practice. I have no idea what to do when I get there. Like what I would say? Hey Edward, and then crook my finger at him? Right. Maybe I'll stand by the dugout and wink at him. That always works in the movies.

I get more agitated and nervous as we get closer to the park. Seth is looking at me like I'm crazy or something. Yes, sweetheart, I am. I think it has something to do with the cobwebs covering my vadge. I might be allergic.

When we park in the lot, I bang my head against the steering wheel to clear it. Of course I honk the horn when I do this. Luckily we're early and no one is around.

"Are you okay, Bella?" Seth asks. "I can stay with you if you're feeling sick." He's holding his bag with a very earnest face. I know he'd rather practice than do anything else, but I also know that he loves me like I love him. He is such a sweet boy that I haven't minded putting my life on hold for him. But I think that maybe I can have more than this. And I need to try.

"I'm fine, Seth. Go warm up with Coach Emmett. I see him over on the field."

I glance around and I don't see Edward, which makes my stomach lurch. And I thought it would only hurt if I saw him. Sigh.

Jasper pulls up next to me though, and I greet him and Riley.

Riley runs off to hug his dad and starts playing catch with Seth as Jasper and I walk to the dugout. Jasper keeps looking better and better every time I see him. He's wearing normal jeans and a long-sleeved tee that makes it seem like he might have muscles. There's not a geeky tee or cloak to be seen. Maybe his chance with Alice will come sooner than later. And maybe he won't have to drug her to do it. I covertly take a picture of him to send to Alice.

"Jasper, take this as a compliment - you look like a grown up today. Alice would approve."

He smiles and says, "Thanks, Bella. I've had all these clothes around, I just didn't really care about how I looked. But now that I want Alice, I need to show her I care."

"Yeah, I think I understand. More than you know."

I go sit on the bleachers, and Jasper goes to help Emmett. Other kids and their parents arrive and I start collecting contact information because I'm team mom. After listening to one mom complain about her son's dad and how I shouldn't even call him about the game schedule because he doesn't pay child support, I realize that Edward still isn't here and it's the middle of practice.

He didn't show.

I suck down and swallow the disappointment. It tastes like loneliness.

Emmett calls me over a few minutes later. "Hey, I could use a hand. Edward can't be here tonight. He's got an important dinner tonight."

The loneliness in my throat just turned to bile as I think of Edward out with someone else.

Emmett continues, "And here, before I forget, Edward gave me this to give to you." He pulls out a small envelope from his pocket. "He wanted to give it to you, but this interview came up suddenly."

I don't know what makes me happier - the fact that I have another note or that he's on an interview, not a date. I grin widely. Emmett notices.

"He's a good guy, Bella. And I've never seen him go to all this trouble before. Go ahead, open it. I can work with these guys by myself for a few more minutes."

I open the envelope. There is a folded note and a small card. I open the note first.

Dear Bella,

So what do you think of my family? They're dying to meet you. (I may have mentioned you a few times.)

Element #3 - I've had two serious girlfriends in my life - both relationships ended amicably. I don't sleep around with groupies. I don't sleep around, period. When I care for someone, I do it with my body and my mind. I'd like for you to let me in. Both ways.

I should also tell you that I've seen you before that time in the bar. I've been interested in you for a while now, but I was shy about asking you out. (Turns out I had good reason since you turned me down.)

So this is my last pitch...three strikes and I'm out, as you know.

I want to know you better. I want to talk to you. I want to date you. I want lots of things.

And now you're up.

Waiting patiently by the phone,

Edward

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A/N:

Thanks to everyone who has reviewed and alerted this story. Lots of you are here because of The Lemonade Stand. Welcome. Thanks to marriedtothecoach for her awesome review.

Cosmogirl makes this readable and is always there to hold my hand.

Twilover76, rtgirl, and les16 all preread this because they are lovely. Go read their stories if you aren't already.