(A/N Thank you to everyone that's reading, reviewing, and setting this story as an alert or a favorite. I'd like to see more reviews, but I'll take what I can get. Seriously, I walked into this with an idea and a bad case of nerves because I didn't know if my writing was good enough or if my idea would be accepted. You all have put my mind at ease. I can't say thank you enough. Keep reading...keep reviewing...and remember I'm here if you have questions/comment/ideas. I'm also working on a sequel to this story as well a a couple more that I'll post if I get a good response to this one once it's finished. I've got a good idea for Bree...an excellent idea for Leah...and I'm trying to come up with something for Jane (I really think that girl could use some love...straighten her out a little bit). I've also considered a story similiar to this for Rosaline but I can't come up with a decent plot. I'm trying to think outside the box as far as stories go. Also...in case I forgot...there's a Q/A on my profile for this story that explains where I got some of the ideas and why I went the route I did with them. If you have anything you'd like to see added, feel free to PM me. Anyway thanks once again and let's get back to the story!!)
Nope, don't own Twilight.
CHAPTER 24-ALICE'S P.O.V.
Patrick stayed with us for two weeks. He wanted to go home earlier to be with Tori, but Carlisle was concerned with his surgical site. So we brought Tori to him. It was amazing to see how much fun she had…especially with Emmett. Emmett treated her like his own baby sister, playing with her constantly. I wasn't complaining about Tori being at our house. Patrick was all mine at night. Amber came over usually with Tori, still making eyes at Emmett. If Emmett noticed, he never acted on it.
Patrick was back on the field, on limited duty of course, four days after he came home with us. Emmett and I took him to afternoon practice. He couldn't do much conditioning with the sutures and the cast on his arm, so he was excused from morning practice. Afternoons were for learning…covering game plans, going over coverage schemes, and the like.
It turns out the Bears also have a new head coach and offensive coordinator. Seems the old one had gone to Erica and tried to 'convince' her to change her story so Shawn would be cleared and reinstated. The new one, Coach Powell, was immediately on Patrick to play for him, either as a back-up quarterback or as a wide receiver. Sanchez, the sophomore Emmett had been raving on, was stepping up and would be starting. Patrick wasn't as big a fan as Emmett. "That kid needs to grow up," he murmured to me. I smiled patiently. I don't know that much about football, so I choose instead to be supportive instead of trying to voice an opinion.
Once Patrick went home, Emmett and I spent as much time as possible helping him get whatever Pops left for him as far as chores went. Pops did cut Pat some slack, though not much. Of course Pat shrugged it off, though I wished Pops would lay off the boy. That's why Emmett and I went over. Baling hay was the worst. Patrick would drive the tractor to cut the hay. Then he would "rake it" with a different attachment on the tractor that raked the hay into a long line. Then he would drive the baler around and bale the hay. I would follow in Patrick's truck and Emmett would load the bales into the bed. Once the truck was full, I would drive to the barn and Emmett and I would unload the truck. And yes…Patrick thought my overalls were 'sexy'…especially with the tiny shirt I wore under it. Pops was impressed we were done in four days, since Pat had to quit to go to practice in the afternoon.
Two weeks before school started Patrick was taken out of the cast. His shoulder still showed the evidence of his attack, though they were fading into four angry white lines. He threw himself into training, insistent on being ready by the Bear's first game. I helped him any way I could rather it was watching Tori, doing the laundry at night, or placing my cold hands wherever his body ached at night.
This lead to some unexpected intimacy. Patrick, when he fell out of the tree and landed on his feet, jammed his knee and it bothered him ever since. Some evenings it would even be swollen. We would lie face-to face and I would open my legs. He would put his knee in between my thighs and I would close them, letting my cool skin act as an ice pack while he slept. I didn't complain, I got to watch his peaceful face while he slept. Although I did have a few naughty thoughts as his warm, bare leg radiated heat up my thighs to my…BAD ALICE!
Three week before school started, I got a phone call from a number I didn't recognize. I shrug and answer it. "Alice?" "It's Erica." "Hey," I reply sweetly, "how are you?" "Not bad," she replies, "it's tough…but I'm managing. I never got a chance to thank you family for the help…" "You're welcome Erica," I reply gently, "I just wish we would've gotten there sooner." "I know," she replies sadly.
Silence for a moment. "Anyway," she goes on, "I got your number from Amber." "The reason I'm calling is…I need some more Bear Girls…you interested?" I squeal in delight. "What number would I be wearing?" I ask, though I'm sure of the answer. "You're still dating Pat, right?" she ask. "Of course," I reply happily. "Then you'll be wearing number three," she says, "unless you'd rather not…" "No," I jump in, "I want to be Pat's Bear Girl." "Great," she replies, obviously relieved, "we'll meet Friday…I'll call you with the time." "Great!" I gush, "I'll wait for you call." We hang up and I squeal again.
We met at Erica's house. She was a tough girl, obviously smiling through the pain. She was intent on living despite Shawn. We planned out an outfit we would wear to school on game days and getting the necessary sponsors to provide breakfast for the boys. We went over the schedule and discussed ideas for signs to put up. I had one in particular for Patrick, but I kept it to myself. I love surprises! Erica pulled out her bead kit and I made Pat a choker out of the school colors for him to wear.
This done I went to watch practice. Amber had Tori, so I was clear till I saw him this evening. I watch from the sidelines, smiling to myself as Patrick lines up at wide receiver. They run a pass play and Sanchez overthrows the tight end by a mile. "Set you feet," Pat calls as he runs back to the huddle. "Quiet in my huddle!" Sanchez barks in reply. Pat rolls his eyes.
The next play is called and the defense lines up. "Audible!" Pat yells, "Audible!" Sanchez ignores him and runs the play. The defense collapses the pocket and the coach blows the whistle before Sanchez can be sacked. "Check to the run," Pat barks as he gets back to the huddle. Sanchez ignores him. "Every play isn't a pass play," Pat continues. Sanchez turns and shoves him. "Bad mistake puppy," Pat snarls. Whistle start blowing and the offense splits to restrain Pat and Sanchez. "You think you can do better?" Sanchez snarls. "Yeah…I can," Pat says back confidently. Both turn at look at Coach Powell. "Ok," he says with a shrug, "let's find out."
"I'll take second team," Pat says confidently. Coach Powell nods. "Your funeral punk," Sanchez sneers. "First team offense versus second team defense," the coaches yell, "if you're on the first team offense, we'll fill your slot on the defense." Pat has five first teamers. "QB calls the plays," Coach Powell barks, "start at midfield." Sanchez calls his plays and the offense lines up in the shotgun.
First down, Sanchez tries to hit his receiver over the middle and Pat bats it away. Second down, a screen play gets three yards. Third down, another pass. Sanchez overthrows his receiver who was double covered anyway. "We're going!" Sanchez barks. Pat calls a safety blitz and plants Sanchez nine yards behind the line. "Damn shame ain't it coach," Pat calls to Coach Powell. Coach Brooks is grinning like a new father.
Patrick has to face most of his defense as he lines up under center. He has a starter at running back and at center. That's all he needs. First down, he hit's the tight end over the middle for five yards. Second down, a quick handoff to the fullback for three more. Quarterback sneak on third down moves the chains. Toss sweep right gets them another first down. Pat lines up again, sends the flanker in motion, and hits him up the seam for 15 yards and another first down. A draw play earns another 5. On second down, Pat bootlegs, keeps the ball, and scrambles for eight and another first down. Sanchez is livid playing Pat's safety position. Fullback up the middle gets them to the twelve-yard line. Pat lines up in shotgun, takes it himself, and scrambles to the seven. Second down, Pat hit's the tight end over the middle again for a touchdown.
I can't help but grin. Watching Pat move on the field, obviously in control, made me swell with pride. He's mine! I think. The impromptu scrimmage ends and Sanchez and Pat are talking…animated, but it doesn't look like they're about to come to blows. I listen closer. "You got a lot to learn Pup," Pat says evenly, "yeah…it's your offense…but you're suppose to win the game, not look good." Sanchez's jaw is clenched tight.
"It's business," Pat continues, "you want to play at the next level, you don't throw every down. You prove you can move the ball…control the tempo of the game…and the scouts will beat down the door to get to you. A state championship ring doesn't hurt either." Sanchez nods. "These guys respect me because I've earned it…not because I was given the position." "So what do I do?" Sanchez ask in low but accented English. "Listen to the ones that know what's going on," Pat replies. "We don't expect you to know it all. As long as you don't lose the game for us, the defense will win it for you." Sanchez shrugs. "You're gonna be alright," Pat say softly, "just quit trying to do too much." Pat slaps him on the shoulder pad and they jog back to the team.
I watch the rest of practice, a stupid grin on my face. Patrick gets back on defense and I can't stop staring. He's all over the field...happy, free, and glad to be back in pads. He stops occasionally to give Sanchez some pointers, which are taken much better now. I can see now why Emmett was raving on Sanchez…he can at least hit an open receiver. The defense looks even better than I remember them. I see Will and Pat standing on the sideline, their back to me, and I can't get over how they look familiar. Like Emmett and Jasper. I smile at that. I can finally remember Jasper without my heart threatening to tear itself out of my chest.
After they break from practice I go to hunt. Two elk and I'm full. I make it home right after dark and go shower. I throw on my usual: cotton shorts and a t-shirt. Same thing I wear to bed with Pat in the summer. I wear the warmer stuff in the winter…so he won't get too chilled. Not that he complains regardless. I hum happily as I dry my hair and pull it up. I throw Esme a wave as I run the short distance to Pat's house.
Pat is of course waiting for me, moving to the window as soon as he hears it open. He pulls me close to him, giving me a nice, long kiss. I can't help but smile in response. Yes, my throat still burns…but now it means something different. It means two things: that he's alive and I want him. I wrap my arms around him, mindful of my strength, and he pulls me closer to him. We shuffle to the bed, never breaking contact, and Pat eases me onto my back, lying on top of me. I wiggle under him, purring.
Damn I want him. He shifts on top of me, pulling a leg around his waist as his mouth goes to my neck. His neck is next to my mouth, but it doesn't increase my thirst. I pant in his ear as my fingers delve into his hair. I feel him harden against me and I gasp. "Easy Pat," I whisper, "don't push." He groans but complies, moving to lie beside me. "Sorry," he gasps, "but you're just…amazing." I smile shyly.
"How's the knee?" I ask. He looks down. It's swollen slightly. "Here," I say, opening my knees so he can slide it in place. He complies and I give his knee a gentle squeeze with my thighs. "It feels…odd, for lack of a better word," he says thoughtfully. I give him a puzzled look. "You feel cool to me," he says, moving my hair out of my face, "except where my leg is. The closer I get to your…well, you know…the warmer I feel." I smile at this. "You like?" I ask. He shrugs. "I'm looking forward to finding out," he says shyly. "Soon," I promise. "No waiting till marriage?" he asks. I giggle. "That a proposal?" I ask. He shakes his head but replies, "Not yet…" I touch his cheek. "Anymore thought about joining my family?" I ask.
He exhales a large breath. "If it's the only way," he replies, "I'd do it tonight." "But it's not," I say softly, prompting. He nods. "I don't know Alice," he finally adds, "if I can have you and stay human…for my family…I feel like that's what I should do." I give him a gentle smile. "Nobody is pressuring you Pat," I say gently, continuing to stroke his cheek, "I just want you to know the option is available." He nods.
"I do need an answer for something else," I say, biting my bottom lip. He nods. "Go on," he prods. "If your life was in danger," I reply, "and there was absolutely no way you could be saved…would you want us to change you? Or let you pass?" He thinks about it for less than a second. "Change me," he says firmly, "I can't be with you if you're dead."
I stop smiling. "Patrick, I don't want you to suffer because of me," I reply softly. He gives me a small smile and shakes his head. "I'm sure I'm going to be one of your kind one day," he says absently, "I just would rather it be planned. That way I Pops, Mom, Amber, and Tori are taken care of." "What do you mean?" I ask.
He rolls onto his back, sliding his knee out from between my legs and exhales again. "I don't want Tori to have what's most likely her destiny," Patrick explains, "marrying some guy like Pops and having to claw out a living here. I want her to be able to do whatever she wants to. That's why I work so hard now…so maybe she won't have to." I smile at him. "Patrick," I reply, "is that why you play with absolutely no fear?" "Because you don't want Tori to end up like your mom?" His mouth sets in a tight line. "That's part of it," he admits.
We're quiet for a several minutes. "Know why I play with no fear?" he asks. I shake my head. "Because I don't have any," he replies. I turn to look at him. "When you're eleven years old…and your dad comes home drunk and tries to kill your mom with a hammer…and you're the one standing between her and him…fourth and inches just doesn't look all that scary." I touch his arm, feeling my bottom lip beginning to tremble.
"You know why I don't think you're a monster Alice?" he ask. I cock my head to ask the silent question. "Because I've seen a real monster," he says harshly, "and I can guarantee you something…you ain't one." I don't respond. He stares up at the ceiling. "Mom swears she married my dad simply to get out of here," he says to the ceiling, "and I don't want Tori to have to do that." "She won't Pat," I whisper, turning over on my stomach to look at him, "I'll make sure of it if you don't." He smiles at me. "I love you Alice," he says softly. I smile. "I love you Pat," I reply.
"Seriously," he says as if I didn't say anything, "I never thought I'd find someone I wanted to spend the rest of my life with…especially not this young. I wasn't even trying when you came along." I touch my finger for his lips. "You give me just as much as I give you," I tell him, "please don't forget that." He sighs and nods. "So," he says, changing the subject, "do chicks dig scars?" I grin impishly at that. "This one does," I reply with a wink, my smile widening when he winks back.
"Oh," I think quickly, "I'm going to be your Bear Girl!" He smiles at this. "Great," he says quickly, "I'll have the cutest Bear Girl on the team." I roll my eyes at this. "Don't give me that shit," he says firmly, "I will." "If you say so," I say absently. "Alice," he says, placing a hand on my hip, "you are beautiful…the most beautiful girl I know. Trust me, ok?" I nod, then smile. "I just don't know what you see in me," he says absently. "I do," I reply, "want to hear my families theory?" He shrugs, then nods.
"Remember me telling you Bella was Edward's singer?" I ask. He nods again. "Edward thinks that fate made Bella his singer to get his attention…otherwise he wouldn't have paid her any attention." Patrick nods. "Her scent…just like yours…got our attention…but what we do with that is up to us." I frown. "Emmett drank his…who knows what could've happened if he hadn't." "Seems dangerous," Patrick comments. "It is," I reply, "but so worth it." He smiles at that. I raise up, lean over him, and kiss his lips. I love these lips. So warm, so soft…so human. I inch myself closer to him, finally hovering over him. I break it off before it can get anymore serious.
"Can I ask you something?" Pat asks. I nod. "I notice Edward every time he mentions his and Bella's human relationship that they weren't so…physical," he says slowly, "why?" I smile. "Edward had never been with a woman," I explain, "he didn't know if he could trust himself not to hurt Bella." Patrick looks thoughtful at this. "And you…since you're been married…know what to expect?" he ask. I nod as I gaze down at him.
Patrick is obviously uncomfortable. "What's wrong Pat?" I ask gently. He shakes his head. "Nothing really," he admits, "I was more worried about making you uncomfortable asking." I smile. "Most women don't like to discuss there past sex life," he explains, still clearly uncomfortable. "I was married," I clarify, "it's not like you don't know I made love to my husband." He nods. "Does it bother you?" I ask. He shakes his head. "I would be more worried if you hadn't," he says. I laugh in response. I kiss his forehead. "Get some sleep sweetie," I whisper. He nods and yawns. "Don't let Pops catch you," he mumbles. I giggle then kiss him again. He rolls back towards me, puts his knee back between my thighs, and falls quickly asleep.