A bit of a shorter chapter, but I was determined to get something out by Valentine's Day. I want to thank all of my readers, especially those outside of the USA. Thank you for supporting this story and my writing. Enjoy chapter 3!

Chapter 3–Hang Up

The end of practice couldn't have come soon enough. I had popped enough acetaminophen to get me through the rest of the day, despite what Edward recommended. I had already messed up enough by slipping on the wet floor. I needed to prove that I was willing to work as hard as anyone there, no matter the cost.

Coach had us all line up to get our new uniforms. Crisp white featuring a plum W on the chest, a matching stripe one inch above the edge of my skirt. I hobbled along, carrying each new garment with great care. I couldn't afford to get them dirty or lost. This was it until we could order competition uniforms. Those were my favorite—the bling really made the team shine and add an extra layer of confidence. I gently slipped each piece inside my bag, ready to hobble home.

"Don't think you're going to get out of here alone." Bridget caught up to me, not that it was difficult. "Which dorm do you live in? I'll drive. We need you on mat tomorrow." Finally, someone who knew what I was going through. We put on our extra layers, bracing the rain. It was a light drop which could turn into a downpour any second. I hustled to her navy Highlander. As soon as we were inside, it began to pour.

"Right on time," I said with a chuckle. "Hansee Hall, north side of campus." She shifted to reverse, ready to drive and there he was, walking out to his car. Even under a raincoat, you could see the sharpness of Edward's features. No wonder everyone lost their cool around him—his perfection was difficult to hide. I caught my breath as he looked at me before climbing into his Volvo.

"Great, now you're under his spell too," she laughed. "I guess it'll be a matter of time before we all are. He's something else, that's for sure." I had to agree. This was a problem I couldn't avoid. Now that I knew his sister was right down the hall, I had to watch my words. You've had plenty of practice with that in the past.

Bridget pulled up to the building, as close as she could get me. "I'll pick you back up tomorrow at 10:30. I'll bring you a salad to inhale before practice." I couldn't believe she was so nice to me. She barely knew me at all, yet she was there, stepping it up like we had been on the same squad for years. She stopped my internal monologue. "I know you would do the same for me if it was reversed. Don't think anything of it." I grabbed my stuff and went inside, gasping for air at the pain. I was never more thankful for an elevator.

As if on cue, Alice poked her head out of her door as I stumbled down the hallway. "Hey girl, how's the ankle?" I fumbled for my keys, pushing the door open with my shoulder. "I didn't mean to intrude, but he is my brother. He just wants everyone to heal properly so you can get back out there with the team." She watched me unpack my gear, oohing at the plastic shielding the stark white shirts and skirts.

"It's fine. I wouldn't expect any less of him," I looked up as Alice handed me a few empty hangers. I thanked her, setting the skirts on my desk. "He's just doing his job." Each uniform carefully placed on their hanger, I stuck them in the closet. Alice had grabbed a bow, pretending to place it on the crown of her head. She squealed with delight, reminding me of the first time I got to complete my look with a bow. Every piece falling into place was like a suit of armor. It guarded you against the glares of other squads, the jealousy of girls who weren't on the team, and the jadedness of your squadmates you were eternally competing with. "You would make a great cheerleader, Alice."

"You think so," she asked excitedly. "I would have liked to try, but my schedule wouldn't allow for it. A girl can dream though." Alice set my bow down and headed towards the door. "Let me know if you need any help!" She waved goodbye as I sank into my chair.

I had the rest of the day to stretch, work on my flexibility, and tell my excited family the bad news. Thankfully they were super encouraging, telling me that I just had to keep trying. Just believe in yourself. Things will be fine.

As I set my alarm for the night, my phone buzzed. A number I didn't recognize begged for my attention. You should answer it. God forbid it's a teammate and you didn't save their number. I pressed answer and said, "Hello?" At first there was silence, shuffling around, like someone called and put the phone in their pocket. I called out again, "Hey, did you mean to call me?"

"Of course I did. You know I couldn't resist," crooned a deep whisper that I had burned in my memory forever. Tears instantly rolled down my face, pure panic setting in. I checked that my door was locked, that no one was in my bathroom. No one hiding in my closet or under my bed. How could I be so careless? I felt completely overwhelmed, off-guard. How close is he? Where can I hide? I need to call Papa.

"Why are you calling me," I demanded, curled up underneath my desk. "I thought you weren't allowed to have any contact with me. They tap phones in jail, you know." He already knows that. He's doing this on purpose to hurt you. Just hang up!

"Who says I'm in jail," he teased. "I'm just here to remind you that what we have isn't over. I plan on sticking around for a long time." He paused, no doubt waiting for my response. "No answer? Then I guess you wanted my attention after all."

"Fuck off, Caleb" I yelled, hanging up and stuffing my phone under my pillow. I cried for what felt like forever. If someone knocked at my door, I wouldn't have heard them. No one here knew how to help me anyway. I pulled up the phone number in my recent call list, blocking them like all the others. How was I possibly going to sleep now? I couldn't call Bridget or Josh. Alice wasn't going to hear this story without needing every detail. Even campus security would brush this off—I felt completely alone.

I knew I needed to go on a walk. Nothing else would help. I didn't have to wake up insanely early anyway. I took more meds and left. Just a short walk around outside, taking it easy. If anyone noticed me, it wouldn't matter. Let them judge me. They can deal with their trauma in their own way.

Night weather could've been a lot worse. There were holes in the clouds where the moon peeked through, as if to say welcome back. At home I would do this a few times a week. Eventually Papa caught on, but got me a treadmill so Gigi wouldn't worry anymore. I was on the main campus sidewalks, in well-lit areas with plenty of emergency phones nearby that I could race to. No harm. Night was my only assurance that I was completely safe. They say monsters come out at night, but that's when all of mine were locked away. I could finally have a moment of peace.

My ankle started to feel better, whether it was the meds or a matter of convincing myself. I started blocking cheer routines in my head as I made my way back to my dorm. I wasn't going to let the team down again. Yes injuries happen, but now I would know what to look for. Wet floors, bags blocking a walking area, not enough chalk to keep sweat away. I would have to bring an extra towel from now on. It didn't matter how attractive Edward Cullen was; I was dedicated to my team first and foremost.

I tiptoed down the hall, not wanting to disturb anyone's sleep. As I made my way to my bed, the curtains fluttered, slightly enough for me to notice. I didn't recall ever opening my window. The window was open halfway, screen intact. No shattered glass on my desk, no mysterious footprints. It seemed that everything was in place, nothing out of the ordinary.

This was honestly the last thing I needed—to forget something mundane and convince myself Jeremy was back to his old tricks. Besides, Jeremy and Caleb wouldn't have any contact with each other, would they? It's not like they ever met each other. I never told Jeremy about the Fourth of July Party, I had cut him off by then. I closed the window, convincing myself that all I really needed was to sleep.

The villains have names! What do you think happened at the party? Should Genny be worried about her window? Leave a review and let me know what you think. Chapter 4 will introduce another Cullen family member to the mix...but which one? Stay tuned!