All things Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer; I just like to play with her characters.

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HUGE thanks to my betas and prereader – darcysmom, twimom817 and EdwardsMyObsession1971. These ladies make everything better.

Never Let Go

Chapter Eleven

It sucked watching my Dad and Edward walk away. They were both miserable that I wasn't with them. Maybe now that Mom and Phil were engaged, it was time for me to seriously think about returning to Forks. I could easily finish up the school year and spend part of the summer with Mom and then go to Forks in time to try out for Volleyball and for school to start.

Dad and Edward would be ecstatic. Yet at the same time, it made my heart hurt because I'd worked so hard for everything I had here in Phoenix – the volleyball team, choir, dance, piano lessons. Did I really want to change that? Was it selfish of me to want it for just a little bit longer?

My decision was made for me a few days later. I walked into the classroom for Choir, and Mr. Harris was grinning from ear to ear.

"Bella … can I have a minute?"

"Umm, yeah, I guess so."

Mr. Harris handed me an envelope and waited while I opened it.

"You've been invited to a prestigious summer music camp. Only the most promising musicians are invited every summer. It's in Sedona, and I know it looks expensive, Bella, but don't you worry about that."

I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I had indeed been invited to a summer music camp. I did a double take when I saw the price. It was nearly $700 for a week.

"Mr. Harris … there is no way. Seven hundred dollars … we can't …"

"Bella … like I said, don't worry about that. You read over what they've sent and decide. You've been given a scholarship to attend if you'd like to go."

My eyes must have bugged out of my head because Mr. Harris let out a hearty chuckle.

"I'll talk to my Mom and think about it."

Later that afternoon, my volleyball coach caught me in the locker room as I was packing up my gym clothes and getting ready to walk home.

"Bella, I'm glad I caught you. You're planning on playing on the team next year aren't you?"

"Umm, yeah. I mean, I was planning on trying out again if that's what you're asking."

Coach laughed.

"Bella, you don't have to try out again. You're one of our best players. I don't think that's changed since December. I was just curious if you were interested in going to a volleyball camp this summer?"

"Oh. Umm … well that would depend on when it is, I guess. I've been invited to a music camp this summer too, and I think I want to go."

Coach waved me into her office and handed me the information for the volleyball camp. From the dates on the flyer it was doable, but it would take up quite a bit of my summer.

"We're also going to do a week long workshop the last week of July with the ASU Volleyball team. It's not mandatory, but it's helpful."

I jotted the dates down for that on the paperwork Coach had given me, and I promised her I'd talk to Mom about it. I'd also have to talk to Dad about it. I knew he'd be upset if I didn't come to visit for the summer, but given the year I'd had – he'd want me to do it.

Edward was a whole other ball of wax. I wasn't looking forward to that.

I had piano lessons after school, and I knew that Sam would be waiting on me if I didn't hurry. I briskly walked to Phil's house, only stopping to wait at the intersection to cross the street. I had so much churning in my head. I longed to call Edward, but this was the one time I needed to talk to my Mom before I talked to Edward.

I had problems focusing during my piano lesson and Sam reprimanded me more than once.

"What's gotten into you today, Bella? You're usually so calm and focused, this is so unlike you."

I unloaded on her – I told her everything. I figured if nothing else she was an uninvolved third party and her advice could potentially be invaluable.

"Wow, Bella. This music camp sounds like a big deal, but I know that volleyball is a big deal for you too. I bet that you could figure something out. Maybe you could go to Forks right after school gets out and stay for a couple weeks and then come back right before you have to leave for music camp."

"Hmm … I didn't think about that. Then I could be in Forks for Edward's birthday. He'd love that."

"I bet he would. Talk to your Mom, I'm sure she'll tell you the same thing. Keep in mind, sometimes wonderful opportunities aren't offered twice, so you should take the chance while you have it."

"Thanks, Sam. I appreciate your advice."

"You're welcome, Bella. I think we'll stop our lesson here for today. We'll pick up again on Thursday."

I thanked her again and promised to keep practicing in my workbook.

Phil had left me a note saying that we were going out to dinner tonight and that I should wait for Mom and him to get there. I pulled out my homework and flipped on the TV for background noise.

I'd finished most of my homework by the time Mom and Phil got home. They both wondered why I was doing homework instead of practicing with Sam. I promised I'd tell them over dinner, and I did just that.

"Bella, that's great, sweetie. I think Sam has a great idea, and you shouldn't worry about your Dad being upset. He's so happy you've got all these things in your life."

"Do you really think he's okay with only a little over two weeks?"

"Yeah, I think he will be but you won't know for yourself until you call him."

Phil took us for ice cream after dinner to celebrate, but he let us take it to go so I could get home to call Dad and Edward.

Dad was thrilled when I told him about the music camp.

"I don't care how much it costs, baby girl. I think you should go."

"Mr. Harris said I was offered a scholarship. I'm not sure if it's partial or what. I can find out tomorrow."

"What about the volleyball camp? I'm sure there is a cost for that too, Bella."

"There is, but Phil said he'd like to take care of it if that's okay."

I could hear my Dad grumbling.

"Bella … I'm your father, I'd like the opportunity to take care of it. Let's see what we're going to have to pay for the music camp and go from there. Maybe Phil will split it with me."

"Thanks, Dad."

"Anytime, baby girl. I guess Edward is next on your call list, huh?"

"Yeah. I hope he's not too upset that I won't be there all summer."

"He'll be glad that you'll be here for his birthday, besides, Edward is going to baseball camp and will be gone himself."

I talked to my Dad for a few more minutes, giving him the dates of my summer camps and the schedule for the end of school. He promised to book my flight for the same day I got out of school. No sooner had I ended the call than I was quickly dialing Edward's number.

"Hello?"

"Hey."

"Bella! Hey, Boo! I was just thinking about you … were your ears ringing?"

I giggled.

"No, actually they weren't. Were yours? Because, I was thinking about you too."

"Nah. I do miss you like crazy though and it's only been a few days."

"I miss you too," I whispered.

"What's going on, Bella? You sound … off."

"I'm a little overwhelmed and a lot worried."

"What? Why?"

I told Edward all about the summer music camp and the volley ball camps in July. He was quiet for a few moments after I finished my spiel and I could feel the panic setting in.

"I … I don't know what to say, Bella. I think it's awesome that you've been invited to this music camp. It sounds really cool. As for volleyball camp, I figured that was a given. I mean, I don't know how they run sports stuff there, but I have a pretty good idea how they run it here, and I figured that they'd want you to participate. Especially after how well you played in that championship game. You were amazing, Bella, and that is the simple truth. You deserve to go."

"You're not mad?"

"No, Boo. I'm not mad. Disappointed, yeah, but it's not like we'll never see each other again."

"No. I'm actually flying to Forks for a couple weeks before music camp starts. I'll be there for your birthday."

"Really?"

"Mmmhmm. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Edward grew quiet again.

"Edward?"

"Hmm?"

"You're being quiet and I don't know what you're thinking," I murmured.

"I was just thinking that I didn't want a repeat of last year's birthday. You were miserable, Boo, and it hurt to see you like that."

"There won't be a repeat, Edward. I promise I won't let anything get to me. I'd like to think that I've changed quite a bit since last summer."

I sighed, thinking that everyone had been underestimating me lately. First, Mom and Phil thinking that I couldn't handle the news of their engagement. Second, Edward worrying about a repeat of his birthday party. It wasn't that it was bad – Rosalie had just been extremely bitchy that day.

"You have, Boo."

Edward's tone when he agreed was worrying to me. It was a tone that told me he wasn't completely happy about what he was agreeing with. I decided to change the topic back to my visit.

"So you're really not upset that I'm only coming for a couple weeks?"

"No. Besides, Boo, it's unrealistic for me to expect you to be here all summer when I'll be gone for baseball camp. I got into the same one I went to last year in addition to the prestigious one in California. Jazz is going with me."

"Are the Newton's okay with that?"

"Yeah … I'm only part time there anyway."

Edward and I chatted about a few other things. He told me he was looking forward to the end of the year sports banquet and I told him I was looking forward to mine too.

"If you moved back to Forks, we could go together to the sports banquet."

"Edward …" I groaned, dreading that we were dredging up that argument again.

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding!" He chuckled.

"Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?"

"I'm right here, Bella. As much as it hurts, I finally understand why you need to be there with your Mom."

I could feel the lump in my throat and the tears welling up in my eyes. I didn't want to speak in fear that my voice would betray me. I didn't want him to know that his realization had brought me to tears, but I did want him to know how much it meant to me.

"Thank you," I whispered.

"You're welcome, Boo. That's what a best friend is for."

After that he lightened the conversation and before I knew it, we were both yawning and it was well past our bedtimes. We promised to talk again soon and ended the call.

The following day at school, I talked to Mr. Harris about the music camp. He said that I was offered a scholarship that would pay for ninety percent of the tuition. The remaining ten percent would be covered by the music boosters. Heidi and I were the only students from our school invited to the prestigious music camp and the booster club was only too happy to cover the $140 that both Heidi's and my scholarships wouldn't pay.

Mr. Harris was ecstatic when I told him that I was excited to go. He happily handed me all of the paperwork I had to fill out for my scholarship and promised me that he'd write me a letter of recommendation.

"The scholarship paperwork is just a formality, Bella. The review committee only wants to see how badly you want this and that you're willing to do what they require before they formally approve it and cut a check. You'll need three other letters of recommendation. I'm sure the volleyball coach would be more than willing to write you one – all you have to do is ask."

I nodded.

"Think you can come up with the other two?"

"How about my piano teacher?"

"That will work and perhaps your dance instructor?"

I grinned.

"Thanks, Mr. Harris."

News about Heidi and I being invited to the music camp must have spread through the teacher's lounge because both my English and Spanish teachers asked if they could write a recommendation for me. I figured it couldn't hurt to have a couple more than I actually needed.

I saw Coach during gym class and I talked to her about the volleyball camp. She told me there were scholarships available and that I was welcome to apply but competition was stiff and it wasn't a guarantee that I'd receive one so it was better to explore other avenues to pay for it. I nearly hyperventilated when I saw the price. $850 for two weeks of camp. That seemed a bit steep to me, but then again, I'd never been to any kind of sports camp before. I did feel bad about it, knowing that Phil volunteered to pay for it. Maybe it would be better for him and Dad to split it after all. Coach gave me a stack of paper work that I needed to fill out both for the scholarship and for the camp itself. I needed to have a deposit mailed in by June first.

Phil didn't seem fazed at all when I told him and Mom how much volleyball camp was that night over dinner. He said he'd be more than happy to write a letter of recommendation for the scholarship committee if it made me feel better.

"They may offer you a partial scholarship and that's better than nothing, Bella."

"I guess."

Before I knew it, the evening of the end of year sports banquet was upon me. Mom was working late, but promised to get there as soon as she could so Phil said he'd take me. I was so thankful that Phil was willing to step in when Mom wasn't available but I knew deep down that he'd have been there anyway. He'd admitted on more than one occasion that he'd always wanted kids of his own but never found the right person. When he met Mom, he admitted he was a little intimidated by the fact that she had a teenage daughter. He had visions of a mouthy, out of control teenager and he was happy to learn that I was quite the opposite.

"Thanks for bringing me tonight, Phil."

"No worries, sweetheart. I'm happy to be here."

We took our tickets to the cashier and got our hands stamped before we made our way through the buffet line. Phil was on his second helping of fried chicken and mashed potatoes when Mom came scurrying in.

"Oh, good! I guess I haven't missed anything yet?"

"No, Mom. But if you're hungry, you better get some food before it's all gone."

Not long after Mom sat down with her plate, the Athletics Director took his place at the podium. Most of his speech was pretty boring, but I sat up and paid attention the minute he mentioned volleyball. Everyone on the junior varsity team received a trophy for winning the regional championship. Coach made a speech and congratulated us on a fantastic season.

"Now … for the award you've been waiting since December for … the Most Valuable Player. This award is for the team member most dedicated to the well-being of the entire team. This year's MVP award goes to … Isabella Swan. Bella, you've been an invaluable asset to the team this year and the rest of the volleyball staff and I couldn't think of a more deserving player. Congratulations."

I was dumb struck as Phil turned to me and clapped me on the shoulder. Mom's mouth hung open in disbelief – like me, she hadn't believed it was my name they called.

I stood and walked numbly to the podium. Coach shook my hand and handed me an enormous trophy as well as my Letter.

"You don't need to make a long speech, Bella, but a few words would be good."

I spoke into the microphone and thanked my teammates and coaches citing that I wouldn't be half the player I was without them. I thanked the Athletic Director and the volleyball boosters and quickly returned to my seat.

I don't remember anything else that was said or any other awards that were given at the banquet. The chatter around our table was just a blur of voices – everyone trying to congratulate me all at once. The two voices I loved the most were the only ones missing. Suddenly, I just wanted to go home.

As soon as the last award was given I was out of my seat and on my way to the parking lot.

"Isabella Marie! What in the world has gotten into you?" Mom asked as she trailed behind me.

"I need to get home, Mom, I have a couple calls to make."

I called Dad as soon as I got home but I only got his machine. I left him a message asking him to call me as soon as possible and then I called Edward. Carlisle answered a little out of breath, but at least he answered.

"Hey Carlisle! Is Edward home?"

"Hi, sweetheart! I'm sorry, Edward's not home … he and Esme are at the sports banquet. They should be home here in a little bit."

"Oh gosh, I forgot that Edward's banquet was the same night as mine."

"Oh? How'd it go?"

"I got Junior Varsity MVP for Volleyball."

"Congratulations, sweetheart! That's fantastic, I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks, Carlisle. Would you mind keeping it to yourself? I want to tell Edward about it if you don't mind."

"Sure thing, Bella. I hope you don't mind if I tell Esme though." He chuckled.

"Of course you can tell Esme! I couldn't ask you to keep it from her."

It felt so good to talk to Carlisle even if it was only for a moment.

"I guess we'll be seeing you here in a couple weeks huh?"

"Yup. I'm flying up as soon as school gets out. Class is out at noon and my flight leaves at three. I arrive in Seattle around six."

"Can we pick you up at the airport, or does Charlie have that taken care of?"

"Umm, I'm not sure. You'd have to check with him on that."

"Okay, sweetheart," he chuckled. "I better let you go, you take care, and we'll see you in a couple weeks."

I said goodbye and hung up before I realized that I hadn't asked him to have Edward call me back. I smacked my forehead and cursed myself for being so stupid.

Frustrated, I grabbed a pair of pajamas out of my dresser and went into the bathroom to get ready for bed. I'd just finished brushing my teeth and turned out the light when I heard my phone ring.

"Hello?"

"Hey Boo! I just got home and my Dad said I missed a call from you. Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, I just wanted to tell you something, that's all."

"Oh. What did you want to tell me? Because, I have something to tell you too."

I was intrigued and a little worried all at the same time. I had to admit, I was dreading the day that Edward would come to me and tell me that he didn't want to wait for me anymore.

"It's nothing but good things, I hope." I said quietly, hoping I wasn't exposing my fear.

"Bella … it's definitely good. Don't worry, okay? Now what did you want to tell me?"

"Umm, well tonight was our sports banquet …" I trailed off.

"Mmmhmm … and?"

"And … I was awarded MVP."

"Holy shit, Bella! That's awesome! I'm so fucking proud of you, Boo!"

I couldn't help but giggle at Edward's expletives but his pride shined through.

"Thanks, Edward. You know that means the world to me."

"I know, Bella, and I mean it."

"I know. So what did you want to tell me?"

He laughed. It was the most wonderful sound and I wished more than anything that I could have been there to witness it in person.

"I got MVP too."

"Shut up! No way! Edward! That's awesome!"

I was so proud of him, and I felt a pang of guilt that I hadn't been able to watch a single game, yet he made a consorted effort to come down three times to support me. Suddenly I felt like the worst friend ever.

"Bella? Are you okay? I was just asking how the rest of the banquet went and you kinda zoned out."

"I'm sorry, Edward … I was just thinking."

"About …?"

"What a shit I am. You've been here for concerts and a volleyball game, and I haven't been there to watch a single game you've played."

"It's okay, Bella."

"No, Edward, it's not okay and I promise, somehow, someway I'll make it up to you."

"Boo, you don't have to make anything up to me. You give me everything just by being in my life."

I sighed.

"How do you always manage to say the sweetest things?"

"I'm not sure, but I mean them from the bottom of my heart."

"I can't wait to see you – only a couple more weeks."

"I can't wait to see you either, Boo. I really miss you. I wish I could have been there to celebrate with you tonight."

"I wish I could have been there with you too, Eddie."

"Bella … I really hate it when you call me that." He chastised.

"I know … that's why I do it. You'd miss it if I didn't."

"You're right, I would," he chuckled.

"I've got to go, Edward, it's late and I'm hoping my Dad will call me back."

"Okay. Talk to you soon. Bye, Boo."

I picked up the book I'd been reading and tried to pass the time while I waited for Dad to call me back but he never did. Not that night anyway. The next morning, the phone woke me up. Dad was just as excited about my award as Edward was, and he too was sorry that he wasn't there to see me accept it.

The last couple weeks of school passed by in a flurry of studying and finals. I had a dance recital the last weekend of May to rehearse for and I did my studying in between rehearsals.

My recital went well. It was short and sweet. There was to be another recital at the end of the summer but I wouldn't be participating in it because I wouldn't be around to take dance classes over the summer – much to the disappointment of my instructor.

I was so relieved when finals were finished and all that was left of my freshman year of high school was a few days in which all we did was turn in our books, clean out our lockers and pass around our yearbooks to be signed.

I packed my suitcase the night before and filled my backpack with a few things I'd need to keep me entertained on my three hour flight to Seattle. As soon as the final bell rang on the last day of school, I sprang out of my seat – my steps a bit lighter knowing that I was on my way to one of my favorite places in the world.

A/N: High School … ahh, good times. Bella has finally found her niche in school and found a steady rhythm in her everyday life. Edward seems content in his life too, although he hates that Bella isn't around every day. But don't worry … these two will find each other somehow …. Next up ... a little time in good ole' Forks!

Again, I apologize for the flub in posting last week. Barring any problems in editing chapter 12, we're on schedule for next week. See you then!

I'd love to hear your thoughts ….