Ch 9: Game Time

"Ugh, I knew I should have made you get your own." Angie slapped my hand away as I stole another boiled peanut.

"But, it tastes better when it's yours." I told her innocently as I snagged another.

She laughed while attempting to give me a severe look. I pouted in return.

"Fine. You can have some. But if you eat them all, you have to get me more," she warned me. I was fine with that compromise.

"Fair enough. Where do we want to sit? Back left or right?" I eyed the stands trying to see which side was less crowded. We had just gotten our food and now we needed seats. Kickoff was in ten.

Angela's laugh had me turning to her confused.

"What?"

She shook her head.

"We're not sitting in the back."

"We're not?" I asked confused.

"No, silly. We're gonna sit in the front. You know, where the players girlfriends sit? So they can sneak kisses in-between plays?"

And there it was.

The joke I had been missing from my conversation with Edward earlier.

"Well, shit. I didn't know we had assigned seats." I told her grumpily as I followed her to the bleachers.

She laughed at my pouting.

"I'm surprised no one else mentioned it. But yeah, it's a good spot. Plus, we'll be right in front of the cheerleaders so we can see their performance better."

I was sure Rose would love that. We had gotten to be decently well acquainted over the last week that Edward and I had been 'dating'.

It was strange to think we had only been pretending for a week. It seemed so much longer than that. Maybe it was because we had been partners in class for much longer, or our shared history. Either way, I felt much closer to him than I would have expected for only having spent the past week in close contact.

As we took our seats near the front with the other girlfriends, I scanned the field for 'my' player. He was talking with some team mates on the sidelines. I was sure they were getting geared up for the start.

"Ugh, he's too gorgeous. I can't believe you're dating."

The voice brought my head up. A girl with flaming red hair told me just a few feet down. Her name was Victoria, and for the life of me I wasn't sure if I had ever even spoken to her before.

Uncertain of what to say, I just shrugged.

This did not seem to deter her. She moved closer to Angie and I.

"I mean we've all heard about it now, and of course you sit at lunch together. But it's so strange to see him with someone."

I was picking up on some undertones that I knew were meant to irk me. Unfortunately for her, I didn't bother so easily.

"Yeah, he's not really the pin down type." I could tell my unworried tone got to her a little.

"So it doesn't bother you?"

I shrugged easily.

"Not really. It's high school." As in who was really going to find their soul mate at this point in life?

Except maybe Angie.

"I mean almost all of us have had a go at him, but I imagine everyone thinks they'll be the one that gets to keep him. No one ever does."

That did annoy me.

I didn't give a shit who he had fucked before, though now I was questioning his taste. But I did care that someone was speaking about him like he was a toy for playing with.

"I'm not interested in keeping trophies. But thanks for the advice." My tone wasn't quite rude, but it was riding the line pretty hard.

Her frown was immediate. Then she turned a nasty smile towards Angie.

"And you're dating Cheney right?"

Angela gave a timid nod. I was starting to get really annoyed with this chick,

"He's… sweet." Her tone implied exactly what she thought of Ben. "A little shy for my taste. Makes a girl feel like he has something to hide. And his nickname of course, teeny Cheney."

I wasn't sure what game she was trying to play but I didn't like it.

"You're dating James, right?" I asked cutting in.

She rolled her eyes.

"Yeah." Her tone was bored.

"Didn't he go to juvie? You're really interested in dating someone who assaulted a poor dude in the parking lot?"

Her face hardened.

"That's not how it happened. It was self-defense."

I gave her a knowing look.

"Against an old man? Maybe before you come over here judging who we're dating, you should consider your own situation."

Her face turned almost the same color as her hair.

"You're just a stupid cunt. We all know Edward is only dating you as a bet he made. At least I'm not so pathetic that I fuck the first guy who asks me out."

Her lie was so outrageous I just laughed.

"Vic, you don't know shit about my situation with Edward, and I can promise you, your lies have zero effect on me. So why don't you save whatever bit of dignity you have left and walk away?" My voice had taken on a threatening edge. She was just a little punk and I wasn't afraid to knock a bitch out.

"There a problem here?" A voice cut in beside me.

Victoria's face altered slightly with fear as she saw Rose.

"Whatever. You're not worth it." She tossed us one last glare before stomping off.

"Don't pay her any mind. She's just mad Edward turned her down before you guys got together."

So she had made that part up too.

"It's no big. I already knew she was just looking to cause trouble."

Rose looked a little relieved, I wondered if she really thought Victoria would have caused issues with me and Edward.

"What are you doing up here? Don't you have a game to get to?" I asked playfully.

"Just checking on my girl." She gave me a big smile and it was nice to know she thought of me that way. "No one messes with the clan."

I laughed a little.

"Yeah it's probably good you stepped in, I was just itching for a reason to smack her."

Rose giggled.

"I could tell. Well I'm glad you're here! I'll come up and chat with you later. See ya Bella, Angie."

And just like that, she was hopping over the rail back to her side of the playing field.

I turned to Angie who was giving me a look. I knew whatever was on her mind, it couldn't be good.

"You know this thing with Edward is getting pretty deep already."

Didn't I know it.

"Yeah. I guess it is."

Her lips twisted in concern.

"I love that you've been happier, but I'm worried about all of this Bella. You're making friends and I don't know, it just seems like it's affecting more people than you thought it would."

She had a point. I never thought people would start to become invested in us. Rose coming to make sure I wasn't run off by Victoria was proof that of that.

"You think I should break it off with Edward?" Only a week in and that prospect made my stomach hurt.

Angie sighed.

"No. I really don't. I'm just worried about you. And part of me wants it to be real too."

I thought about her words for a moment.

"Maybe it isn't real dating, but it is a real friendship. And that's more than what we've had in a while. I'm okay with it."

At least I hoped I was.

She nodded her head.

"Hey, don't worry. You're my number one. And as long as I have you, nothing else matters." I nudged her slightly. It made her smile.

"Alright, alright." She playfully swatted me back.

Turing my attention back to the field, I noticed Edward was looking over at us. I gave him a wave and blew a kiss for good measure. Even from far away I could tell he was amused.

He seemed to be over whatever was bothering him before.

And now it was time for kickoff.

I watched the game, surprised to find that I hadn't ever noticed how the players moved before. I had seen them make plays plenty of times, but now that I was paying attention, I realized there was a sort of grace that went into it.

And Edward. Man, he was nice to watch.

He was the fastest on the field and watching him run was really a pleasure. He looked so focused and driven I couldn't imagine anyone getting in his way.

I found myself holding my breath when players came at him from the side to tackle. But he dodged them neatly, almost effortlessly.

I cheered louder than I ever had before. My voice was going to be crap the next day.

When half time rolled around, it was time for the cheerleaders to shine. The performance was spectacular. Some of the flips and tosses had my eyes widening in complete fascination. It must take a lot of courage to have someone throw you around like they did.

After they finished their routine, Angie and I shouted as loud as we could. It wasn't long before Alice and Rose came to meet up.

"Guys, that was amazing!"

Rose bowed and Alice curtsied.

"Thank you, thank you. My adoring fans." Rose held a hand to her heart as she spoke. We laughed.

"Seriously, that was cool. Y'all look like you belong at those fancy competitions."

Alice was absolutely beaming.

"Really? We choreographed the whole thing! That was a warmup one. For La Push, its gonna be even better."

I couldn't imagine what they had in store, but I was stoked to be able witness it.

"Pretty sure I'd shit myself if someone threw me in the air like that." I commented.

"If you shit yourself, I don't think anyone would catch you." Angie returned making me laugh.

"Good point."

We all grinned.

"So there's gonna be a party at my place later. All the players usually go, and of course you're both invited if you want to come." Alice put in.

"Oh sweet. Yeah sounds like fun." I offered. Angie nodded her head.

"Sure. I'd love to go."

"Perfect! Well, we really just came to say hi and tell you about the party. We need to run grab a drink before we head back out."

We nodded, understanding.

"Life of a cheerleader. All work no play." I told them with a 'sad' tone. They laughed.

"Isn't that the truth! Okay well, we'll see you later!"

We waved them off as they left the stands.

"I can't believe we're going to an after party." Angie said after a moment, to which I laughed.

"We've been to parties before." I reminded her.

She shook her head.

"Yeah, but it's different this time. We're part of the 'in' crowd. Specially invited by cheerleaders." I found her fascination with the whole thing to be both endearing and amusing.

"A party is a party no matter who you are. It's not gonna be that different." I warned her.

"Ugh, stop killing my buzz."

"How are you being a buzz kill today, Swan?"

Surprised, I turned to see Edward and Ben standing on the other side of the fence looking over at us.

"When am I not?" I replied.

Edward laughed.

We stood and came to them since they technically weren't supposed to leave the field.

"Here I thought you were enjoying yourself." His eyes twinkled.

"Actually, I was. Shocking I know."

His hands came out to grip my sides and pull me in close.

"Watching me Swan?" he whispered in my ear sending chills coursing through me. Had I been that obvious?

I leaned down to his ear in return.

"I was. Got a problem with that Cullen?" Just for shits and giggles, I nipped at his lobe. I was rewarded with a low groan.

His hungry eyes met mine.

"Get a room!" Ben shouted at us. I looked over to see Angie was just as cuddled up to him as I was to Edward.

"Look who's talking." I gestured to their obvious proximity. Angie stuck her tongue out at me.

"Careful. I might bite it." I warned her with a wink.

"That would be hot to watch." Edward declared making Angie blush thoroughly.

I shrugged.

"Wouldn't be the first time we've kissed." That made her groan. Ben and Edward looked on in delight.

I advanced slowly towards her with a raised brow. Her eyes widened and her mouth fell into a perfect 'o'.

When I reached her, I placed both of my hands on her jaw. I could tell she was rooted in place with confusion and maybe just a hint of exhilaration.

Then, without warning I smacked a loud kiss to her cheek.

"Ugh, Bella!" She rubbed the spot with the back of her sleeve. I gave an evil laugh before turning back to the guys.

"What, you didn't think I was going to really kiss her in front of everyone did you?"

Ben was looking just a smidge uncomfortable. As if his pants had suddenly grown too tight. Edward on the other hand was all fire.

The blaze in his eyes made my stomach flip in all the right ways.

"Tease." He scolded me.

I gave him an offended look as I walked back towards him.

"Not if I follow through later." I reminded him. To which Angie groaned loudly.

"Bella. You're going to have people thinking we're a thruple or something."

I laughed loudly at the concern.

"Babes, a thruple is three. Since there's four of us it would just be an orgy."

She smacked her head at my willful intent to misunderstand what she meant.

"You're the worst!" She turned to Ben. "Ignore her. She loves to embarrass me."

I nodded. It was very true.

"She's not lying." I agreed. The guys laughed.

"I think it's cute." Ben said, tucking a strand of Angie's hair behind her ear.

"Ugh, you're so sweet it's giving me a toothache." I teased him. But he only had eyes for Ange who was blushing again.

"You're such a brat." Edward joked, bringing my attention back to him.

"Yup." I let the 'p' pop.

He shook his head.

"Rose said you're coming to the party later." I nodded, surprised the news had traveled that quickly. She must have run into him after she left us.

"That's the plan, unless you have other ideas?" I winked.

"You're in a playful mood." He commented looking at me curiously.

I really was. After class had ended and I'd had time to think, I came to the decision not to fight whatever was going on between us. That I'd enjoy everything a lot more if I went with the flow rather than trying to control a hopeless situation.

Why not just make the most of it?

It lent me a sense of lightheartedness I hadn't felt in a while. It was very freeing.

"I guess I am. That a problem?"

He shook his head.

"Not if I can reap the rewards."

I exhaled a laugh.

"Maybe later."

His brow rose at my somewhat willing reply. He opened his mouth to say more when Tyler walked over.

"Hey. Coach wants us back, to talk through the second half."

Edward rolled his eyes and we both glanced at the score board.

"You'd think since we're winning by thirty points, he'd more chill." I commented.

Ben shrugged.

"Can't get complacent. Bigger comebacks have happened."

I guessed he had a point.

"Well, for luck then." I leaned down and gave Edward a deep kiss. His lips were soft and firm all at once. I forgot how nice it felt. I nipped his bottom lip as I backed away, making myself have at least a little self-control.

"Damn. Wanna pass some luck this way?" Tyler commented. Edward growled, causing Tyler to laugh and back away slowly.

I squeezed his butt and gave it smack.

"Go get em' tiger."

I could tell he was both amused and confused by my actions, but he backed away with a smile.

"Don't say it." I warned Ange as we sat down.

"Wasn't gonna."

She knew exactly what I was referring to. Getting too deep. Too attached.

The game had barely restarted when my phone started buzzing.

Curious, I opened it up.

When I saw the number, my stomach sank.

"Hey, I gotta take this. I'll be back." I told Ange as I left to find a quieter place to speak.

Taking a calming breath, I opened my phone.

"Hello?"

"Hey Bella, its Waylon."

He didn't have to say more. I already knew.

"I'll be there in fifteen."

His heavy sigh was audible.

"Sorry. See you soon."

I hung up the phone and closed my eyes tightly. Sometimes I wanted to just disappear.

I took another steadying breath before making my way back to Angie. She could tell something was wrong.

"Hey, what's up?" Her concern was evident.

"I have to go. I'll text you later."

She gave me sad look.

"Your dad?"

I nodded a little curtly.

"You gonna make it to the party still?"

Fuck if I knew.

"Not sure. I'll let you know." I half turned away, then twisted back. "Don't say anything to Edward okay?"

Her gentle nod made me feel like crap, but there wasn't much to be done.

"Later."

I left, not even glancing at the field.

Somehow, even without looking, I knew Edward was watching and I didn't want to face him right now.

I just needed to get this over with.

AN: Hmmm Bella has a lot going on. Maybe Edward can keep up. And will she make it to the party.. only time will tell!

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