A/N: Well, I know you don't want to read about excuses, but I swear, I've had many MANY good reasons for not writing recently. Seriously, I'd pretty much like to take back almost every nasty thing I ever said about my teachers. Teachers have tons more homework than students and I never realized that. I don't know how many more ways I can create review games and study sessions for my students before they take their tests in two weeks. TWO WEEKS… I can't believe these government officials expect teachers to cram everything into the first 5 and a half months of school. It's unrealistic AND everyone (students and teachers alike) are burnt out….
Okay, sorry… my ranting is over….
On a happier note, my parents came down to Florida to visit for a week. I am always so thankful to have the amazing parents that I do. They come visit me and want to spoil me even though I'm not a little girl anymore. I guess I did something right as I grew up to have them still "love and adore" me…. (hehehe)
Anyway… I won't give anymore excuses besides those. I will promise that this chapter will have some lemons, some hints as to who the stalker could be, some more creepy moments, and a lot of length. I feel I owe you all a nice, juicy, and long chapter… so without further delay…. LET'S DO THIS….
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing Twilight related… well, that's not true… I own the books, and the books on CD, and some posters, and a calendar, and some autographed pictures from magazines… but I'm not Stephenie Meyer, so technically speaking, TWILIGHT is just my obsession, not my possession…
BPOV
After that last basketball game, Edward hardly left my side. I was scared and new presents were being sent almost daily from my "admirer". Dad was taking everything to the police station. My stalker had sent me bouquets of roses each with cards that were cryptic. They stated that I knew them and that I would be coming to them for comfort "soon". I received a diamond tennis bracelet, an amethyst ring, a friendship bracelet, a bracelet with my name engraved into it… It seemed that my admirer thought they would win my affection by burying me in gifts.
Alice, Jasper, Emmett, Rose, and Edward were constantly surrounding me at school. It seemed that they were being overprotective. I hardly doubted that anything would happen to me at school, in front of everyone… right?
Edward got permission (and a special hall pass) from Coach James that allowed him to walk me to and from each class. He left his classes two minutes early each period to get to my classroom and walked me to my next class. This caused him to be late many times, but thankfully, Edward's grades didn't seem to be suffering.
My life was in shambles with the exception of Edward. I was so stressed I was biting my parents' heads off at home. They would try to say something nice to me, and I would snap at them, causing them to retreat far from me most nights. Edward would call and make sure I was safe. He even joked about sneaking into my room at night while I slept to keep me safe. I would joke back that maybe he was my stalker and we would laugh.
Jacob and his father would come over regularly for dinner. Jake would look at me funny and he seemed to know what I was thinking without speaking. Each time that he got ready to leave, he pulled me into a hug and promised me that he would do "everything in his power to keep me safe".
I would be lying if I said I loved the attention. I couldn't stand it. And each day it seemed as if more and more people were whispering about me behind my back. Students I had never met gave me pitying glances in the hallway. Everyone seemed to know what had happened the night of the last basketball game even though Coach James came in the next morning to paint over the words once the police gave their approval.
I no longer spent time in Coach James' office. Everyone agreed that there was no way to protect me in there. Therefore, I had to resort to staying after school one day a week with Edward and Emmett beside or near me in a computer lab as I compiled stats from the remainder of the season.
"Hey Bella, you're making sure that my stats are the best, right sis?" Emmett's booming laughter filled the room.
"Oh yeah, I would totally do that. Then, when everyone at the banquet hears how amazing you are, they'll kick me out of Washington for padding the statistics. Fat chance bro." This caused more laughter and Emmett sulked slightly.
"Yeah, Emmett… If Bella changed your stats, everyone would know, because you suck!" Jasper's attempts at trash talk always made me giggle. He was always so cautious of others' feelings that his smack talk seemed to fall flat a lot of the time.
"Yeah, well… You should have Bella work on padding your stats from Alice, because from what she told me last night, you aren't gonna score no matter how much she coaches you."
All of us stared at my brother in shock. I couldn't believe he just went there. Edward went over to Jasper and placed a hand on his shoulder trying to calm him down. It seemed to be working, at least for the time being.
Our banter would go back and forth for about an hour while I worked diligently. I ended up staying after school three times the week of the banquet, to put finishing touches on the stat booklet. By Saturday, all the stats, including some stats from the school's history and players from before I was born. The packet of stats included all-time leaders in scorers, rebounds, assists, foul shots… It was almost 20 pages long when I added the stats from just this year.
The next night, we all arrived at the school for the banquet. Alice had given me a gorgeous purple dress to wear, and she came over with Edward to do my hair. Our families came to the school together, allowing Edward and I to walk in hand-in-hand. (A/N: There is a picture of the dress on my profile for those of you who are interested.)
I got quite a few looks from some of the other players and I immediately shot daggers at Alice. I can't believe that I let her dress me for this. I must look like an idiot. Edward and I made our way to seats quickly and I laid my head on his shoulder.
Soon, the coaches came up front to the little platform to begin the award portion of the banquet. The seniors were getting their awards first. Then letterman were recognized, including Edward, Emmett, Jacob, and Jasper. They all went up the stage and received their letters. After they sat down, Coach James called me to the stage. They were giving me a letter and letterman's jacket. I couldn't believe it. It wasn't normal. I guess my situation was getting me quite a bit of pity.
I went back to my seat and ducked my head slightly. I really didn't like it when people would look at me. I talked with my friends and Edward while we ate the small meal provided by the boosters. As soon as we were finished, the team began heading to the gym for a quick pick-up game. Fathers, brothers, and the coaches were going to play against the team.
I sat with my mother, brother, and Esme. We watched as Carlisle played with the guys. After about an hour, PJ became a little fussy. Mom decided it was time to go. I stood with mom and gathered up all our stuff. I called to Edward to tell him I would see him the next day.
"Bella… why don't you wait inside while I go get the car and get PJ strapped in. That way you don't freeze. It's pretty chilly out there." Mom touched my shoulder softly.
"That's okay mom. I don't mind the cold." I was lying and my mother knew it.
"I insist that you stay inside. You'll get sick and then you'll be miserable. Wait by the door, I'll be right back."
I watched from inside the glass doors as my mother took my brother across the parking lot towards our family car. I was content in life despite all the drama. My little brother was proof that good things happen to good people, and as conceited as I sound, I knew I was a good person.
I saw my mother shut the door after getting my brother in and walk to the front of the car. I figured I would walk to the end of the sidewalk and meet her at the edge of the parking lot. The air was biting as I stepped out. I took a step gingerly and noticed that there were spots of ice on the sidewalk.
I watched my feet intently and walked slowly towards the edge of the parking lot. I was so consumed with my feet that I never heard anyone approach me until two arms wrapped around me from behind. I lost my balance and began to fall, but the strong arms helped me stay upright. I relaxed slightly, assuming that Edward had just come to say good-bye when a damp cloth was placed over my mouth.
I went to scream at Edward when the world went black.
?POV
She was just in front of me. She was ignorant to my presence and I was pleased. I was parked just beside the school and could easily get her into my car before anyone would notice her missing. The chloroform was easy enough to make with a chemistry lab at my disposal here at school. She would be mine and there wasn't anyone who could stop me.
I watched her amusedly as she watched her feet as if they would disconnect from her body and run away. It gave me just the right opportunity. Her mother was barely in her vehicle and I could get her in my car before anyone would notice her missing.
I wrapped my arms around her and relished in how warm and soft she felt. She relaxed and I knew she must assume I was her tool of a boyfriend. I quickly placed the cloth on her mouth and her gorgeous body went limp in my arms. I lifted her quickly and pulled her to the dark area where I had parked. I heard her mother's car start as I placed this sex kitten in my front seat. I shut the door and went around the to the driver's seat.
Her mother was pulling out of the parking space. I started my car and pulled quickly from my spot. I was on the road by the time I heard her mother honking her horn, waiting for her daughter to emerge. I laughed when I thought of how they would wait in vain. Bella was mine!
A/N: okay, this chapter took me almost ten days to write…. I'm very sorry, but work is just unbelievable. I love you all dearly, and hope that you will be pleased with how this chapter turned out. Talk to you all soon. (I hope). (SIDE NOTE: FCAT testing starts in six days now.... scary... pray for my students to be with it and wanting to succeed. pray for me and my sanity and that i still have some when it's over).
