Chapter 10
Bella tossed and turned in bed, going over the events of the evening. She had never meant to go that far with Edward, but somehow it just happened. She was amazed at how she was able to let go and just enjoy all the new sensations. If it felt that good with most of their clothes still on, oh my, she thought.
Edward had been so sweet to remind her that she was still a virgin and that he would never tell anyone what happened. He had held her close, whispering assurances that everything was alright. When he walked her to her door he had pulled her in for another deep kiss, this one was gentle and sweet. He told her he would see her on Monday as he had a family obligation and couldn't attend the football game with her.
"I will see you on Monday Bella, thank you for tonight, it was so special" Edward had said before placing another soft kiss on her lips and walking away.
As Bella continued to toss and turn she was thinking about the football game, her promise to Jake and how he made her feel. She knew now that although Edward had taken her to a place she had never experienced before, Jake still held some kind of greater power over her. Each touch from Jake sent shivers through her body, she wondered if she could control herself around him. If she could let Edward take her to that point, what might happen once she was alone with Jake? Bella finally fell into a restless sleep.
"Bells?" Charlie called out slowly opening her door. "You awake Bells?"
Bella sat up slowly in bed, looked at the clock and said "Is it really already noon Dad?"
"Yes it is Bells, guess this first week of school and your being out late last night took a lot out of you?" Charlie answered with a little chuckle.
"Umm" was Bella's reply as she snuggled back into the covers.
"Just wanted to let you know I have paperwork to finish up at the station so I am leaving now." Charlie said as he turned to leave her room. "Oh, I will probably see you later at the football game, bye."
At the mention of the game Bella was wide awake. Damn, did Charlie plan on attending because of Jake? How was she going to sneak away with him if Charlie was around. Damn, damn, damn. Maybe it is better this way, no, she wanted to be alone with Jake, but maybe not, her thoughts were all a muddle.
Slowly she made her way downstairs and started a fresh pot of coffee. She still had plenty of time until the game. She made herself some toast and sat down at the kitchen table. Jake, today is my secret date with Jake, that thought made her smile.
At 3pm, as promised, Bella heard Tyler's horn honking, she rushed outside to meet the same group as yesterday. Everyone was all smiles and happy greetings, even Angela, although her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. Bella hoped that one day soon she and Angela could have a nice long talk and really get to know one another.
Whereas Bella had been excited about yesterdays game and date with Edward, it didn't come close to how she was feeling about seeing Jake today. Would they be able to sneak away, what if they didn't win, would that effect the date, would Jake respect her if she said stop, what if he tried to take it too far, would he have condoms, would she allow herself to go that far? Her thoughts were going at a rate even she couldn't keep up with.
"BELLA!" Tyler scream, "Damn girl where are you, we are here and I have been calling you like ten times." He laughed and grabbed her arm, "come on before my favorite seats are gone."
Bella glanced down, sure she was red from the thoughts she had been having. Tyler just smiled and gave no indication that he noticed anything.
Tyler had warned her that today's game would be an even bigger event than yesterdays basketball game and he had been right. Bella couldn't believe how many people were in attendance. It seemed like the whole town was there to cheer on the Spartans, and of course, their star quarterback, Jacob Black.
The players had yet to put on their helmets, so Jake was pretty easy to spot. Tall, handsome, and so impressive in his uniform. Bella thought there was no way he would be able to spot her among all the people but she watched him as he scanned the bleachers. When his eyes met hers, they both felt the electricity instantly. His look was intense, a small smirk at the corner of his mouth. Bella let out a full on smile, her eyes twinkled and she unabashedly waved at him. He nodded his head in acknowledgement of her and continued to stare. She felt herself blushing as he would not release her from his gaze. This is what it feels like to be wanted, desired, sought after, those were her thoughts and she knew she felt the same about him. In that instant Bella knew she was in trouble. If she were to be alone with him she knew she would be unable to resist him.
The game began as Bella sat in a trance, wondering what happened to her this week that had changed her enough that she was contemplating losing her virginity to a boy she slapped the first time she met him. She kept telling herself to remember that this was just a game, that she was just a toy to the boys that rarely saw a new girl in their midst. It was one thing to go as far as she did with Edward, but could she stop if Jake wanted more? What if she was the one that wanted more? Was she ready?
It wasn't until everyone was on their feet screaming that Bella snapped out of her mini-coma. She watched the ball that had obviously been thrown by Jake spiral towards a player that was almost at the end of the field. The ball landed firmly in his hands as he crossed the goal line, touchdown! The crowd went wild and Bella was happy to be laughing and cheering along with everyone else.
As the game continued Bella attempted to concentrate, not let her thoughts wander again. Tyler was explaining the game, trying to have it make more sense to her, she was so engrossed that she didn't even see Charlie until he sat next to her and put his arm around her in a half hug.
"Hey Bells, Tyler, you all enjoying the game?" Charlie smiled at them both.
"Hey Dad, it's a bit complicated but the atmosphere is so exciting!" Bella gushed as she leaned into her fathers hug.
"Yeah, that's Forks for you, lots of team spirit, what are you kids doing after the game, no drinking, right Tyler?" Charlie almost growled.
"Um, no sir, we were thinking about going out to first beach, there is going to be a bon fire." Tyler answered.
"I don't want you going out to the reservation." The look that Charlie gave her was enough of an explanation. "Wait here and I will take you home after the game, I need to walk around and make sure everyone is behaving, see you later Bells." And with that Charlie got up and left Bella to figure out how she would get to Jake without him seeing her.
Bella must have had a pained expression on her face because Tyler leaned in and asked her what was wrong. Bella reluctantly explained she was supposed to meet Jake later. Tyler raised an eyebrow but didn't say a word. She wondered what he must think of her, Edward yesterday and Jake today, good thing she didn't tell him she was seeing Mike tomorrow. Tyler said the half time show was starting soon, maybe he could get Jake's attention and have him meet her. Not knowing where her father might be she declined, telling him thanks but she could not take the risk of being seen anywhere near Jake.
Bella excused herself and went in search of the ladies room. She needed to think this through. Jake was sure to be angry and had every right to be. Charlie's cop instincts were right on point. How could he have known that she planned to see Jake tonight? As she stood on line waiting her turn she noticed the two girls, what were their names, right, Jane and Stephanie. Bella watched them unnoticed and wondered again why they had looked at her with such pity. She decided now was as good a time as any and walked up to them both. Bella placed herself at their sides, thereby blocking any escape they might have as the line for the ladies room was snaked between guardrails.
"Hello girls, we need to talk" Bella said in a low toned voice that showed she was not taking no for an answer.
To say the girls looked shocked would be an understatement. Both their chins dropped to the ground and they let out little cries of surprise.
Bella crossed her arms in front of her chest, stuck out her chin in a defiant motion and asked, "which one of you wants to tell me what the hell is going on".
The girls looked at each other and then at Bella, then back at each other. They were scared, Bella could see that now, maybe it wasn't pity she had seen, maybe they were afraid of her.
"Well?" Bella asked again her impatience showing in her tone.
"Ah, well" the blonde started, Bella couldn't remember which one she was.
"It's not, um" the other one said.
Bella grabbed both their elbows and pulled them closer. "What do I need to know" her voice dripping with condescension.
"Not here, too many people" the blonde says. The other one just nodded, looking around like she expected to see someone and was visible shaking with fear.
"Where?" Bella asks then adds "we are doing this now, so tell me where."
Both girls indicated with their fingers and started to walk in the direction of the parking lot. There behind a large truck the girls finally stopped and turned to face Bella.
Bella just glared, if she had any doubts something was amiss before, she knew it now. The blonde looked at Bella and then down at her shoes, not quite daring to look at Bella directly.
"Um, Bella, I am um, Jane and this is my best friend Stephanie, we never meant to provoke you, we just, well, gosh this is not easy. I mean, we, well we have both dated, um Edward." Jane's voice dropped so low at the mention of Edward's name that Bella barely heard it.
"So you two are angry that Edward is dating me now? Bella shot back, the tone of her voice harsh. It was bad enough that Lauren wanted to threaten her, now these two, Bella didn't know how much more she could take.
"No, no, no, it's nothing like that Bella", this time Stephanie answered, "Bella if anything we would like to warn you, but we're scared, if he finds out, if you tell him it was us, we would be, I mean, it would just be the end of us, really the end". Stephanie took a deep breath and continued, "this isn't easy so I am just going to tell you straight. Edward is a manipulator, he dates you only until you have sex with him, then he dumps you".
Bella couldn't believe what she was hearing, how dare these two try to stop her from seeing Edward. What made them think that she would even believe their lies?
"You two are ridicules, Edward has only ever been kind and generous to me." Bella said her anger very apparent now. She was just about to walk away thinking they were just jealous when she saw the tremendous fear in both their eyes.
"Bella, please, we beg you, don't tell Edward what we have told you, there's more, please listen" the tears were flowing down both their faces and Bella felt her anger leave her body as she realized the girls were in real pain. Jane continued "Bella, Edward managed to film us, um, I mean, like when we were having sex, he has it saved on his phone, he showed us, threatened us if we ever told anyone" Jane looked into Bella's eyes needing her to see the seriousness of it all, "if we ever warned anyone he was with, he would put the video on the internet and expose us to everyone."
Bella felt all the air go out of her lungs as she bent over and tried to catch her breath. "Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god" was all that came from her lips.
Bella thought back to last night, if he filmed her, could he have filmed her, if he did it would surely look like real sex, oh my god, oh my god, oh my god. The look on Bella's face gave it all away. The girls knew they were too late.
"Oh Bella, we are so sorry, we have been so scared for you." Stephanie cried out as she placed her hand tentatively on Bella's back.
"Not, real, sex, but, close, did, not, see, camera, oh, my, god." Bella pushed each word out with difficulty.
"Bella, you are ok, only real sex counts" Stephanie said rubbing little circles on Bella's back.
"What?" Bella asked with a crazed look on her face.
"Real sex, as far as any of us, and there are plenty, can figure out, it's like a competition to them, seeing who can get more girls, at least that's how we think it works, and only real sex counts" Jane said quietly.
Bella still bent over, still trying to wrap her mind around everything she was hearing had almost missed the one word that now jumped out at her with vengeance.
"Them?" she asked.
"Yes, Bella, them, Edward and Jacob Black, he is in on this too." Jane managed to say before she screamed as Bella fell to the pavement, she had fainted dead away.
Jane and Stephanie looked at each other, their first instinct was to run, but they could not leave Bella laying on the ground. They were scared, but who could they ask for help?
"Tyler, go get Tyler, Stephanie" Jane urge her friend.
Stephanie was off running as Jane pulled Bella's head onto her lap and combed Bella's hair away from her face with her fingers all the while murmuring, "I'm so sorry Bella, so sorry".
Stephanie was frantic, she did not know if Edward was here, if she should alert security or get a teacher, but she trusted Jane and went in search of Tyler. Luckily he always sat in the same section and was easy to find. As she approached him, one look at her face and he was already standing up.
"Bella?" he asked. Stephanie only nodded. Tyler grabbed her hand and they began running in the direction of the parking lot.
"What happened?" Tyler asked as they made their way out of the stadium.
"Fainted, I think, passed out cold, just fell over, Jane is with her" Stephanie managed to explain in choppy sentences.
"Fuck" Tyler screamed "what did you two do to her?"
"We told her what she needed to know." Stephanie said.
Tyler didn't ask anything else as they approached Bella and Jane, Bella was still out and Jane was sobbing as she continued to comb Bella's hair with her fingers.
Tyler reached down and checked Bella's pulse on her neck, he was able to find it, he took Bella by the shoulders and gave her a little shake, "Bella, honey, please wake up, I'm here, I won't let anyone hurt you Bella, please."
Bella remained limp and unresponsive. Tyler asked the girls how long she had been like this, they assured him it had only been 5 minutes or so. Unsure what to do and not wanting to get the girls involved any more than they were, he picked Bella up and told the girls he was taking her to the medics and they should go to their seats. He also told them he wanted a full explanation and would be seeing them soon. He carried Bella back towards the stadium.
As Tyler approached the medic station the two medics leapt up telling him to place her on the portable table set up under the tent shelter.
"What happened" they asked Tyler at the same time.
"She just passed out maybe 5 to 7 minutes ago, not sure why, maybe too much excitement, not sure if she ate anything, really just don't know." Tyler knew he was rambling but could not stop himself "um, you need to radio Chief Swan, this is his daughter." Tyler could feel his nerves taking over, how was he going to explain this to Charlie?
One of the medics began to look Bella over, attaching a blood pressure cuff and taking her pulse. The other got on the radio and told dispatch to send Chief Swan to the Medic Tent immediately. Tyler paced back and forth, his eyes never leaving Bella.
Within minutes Charlie came walking towards the tent, he first saw Tyler and instinctively knew that this had something to do with his Bella. Charlie began to run the last few yards.
"Bella!" he screamed at Tyler. Tyler motioned towards the medics working over someone laying on the portable table.
Charlie was beside himself, he didn't know how to react, this is his only child and she looks lifeless, white as a ghost, and he felt the tears roll down his cheeks. As quickly as he lost it, Charlie regained full control, wiping the tears from his face he goes into full police officer mode.
"What," Charlie clears his throat and tries again, "What is her situation?"
They explained she passed out, that her pressure is low, her pulse steady but weak, they ask if he knows any reason she might have passed out, did she take medications, is it possible she hadn't eaten today?
Charlie assures them that Bella, although accident prone is healthy and on no meds, he wasn't sure if she had eaten because he had left the house early. He swings around and asks Tyler if he knew if Bella had eaten anything. Tyler said not since he had been with her this afternoon.
Charlie gets anxious when the medics call for an ambulance but hides it as he knows they can do more for her at the hospital. What could have made Bella pass out?
The approaching ambulance siren and the stretcher being brought to the medics tent gets the attention of the stadium. Soon it seems everyone is aware that the Chief's daughter is in trouble. A hushed quiet goes over the crowd as Bella is wheeled away to the waiting ambulance. Charlie follows behind and the crowd sympathizes with their beloved Chief of Police.
Tyler turns towards the field and catches Jake's pained expression. Jake looks at Tyler asking him without words what happened. Tyler can only shrug his shoulders as he turns and walks away. Jake cannot believe that Bella was being taken away in an ambulance, what's even more unbelievable is the pain he is feeling over that fact. He is having trouble breathing and his chest feels like it going to explode. Get it together Black he admonishes himself, you have a game to finish, the score is not important now.
Even saying those words to himself he knows it to be a lie, Bella has become much more than just a score.