Warning: Grammar mistakes will occur.

Chapter 12

4 months later (ONLY ONE MORE WEEK UNTIL A MONTH LONG WINTER VACATION!!!):

Yes, I can't believe it either, but Tristan has been my official boyfriend for four months now. And as much as it is so cliché it have multiple fights and break ups; we haven't. Everything has been so… perfect.

And I liked it that way.

Tonight was the big game, the championship game. Tristan and the team have been working so hard through the season and playoffs to remain undefeated. He's gotten offers from huge colleges: Cal, UCLA, Ohio, USC, they all want Tristan to play for them. But he hasn't signed with anyone yet, Dartmouth was his dream and he was sticking to it like glue.

See, Tristan's dreams doesn't revolve around being a football star- even though Emmet has tried so many times to convince him other wise. He really, I mean really, wants to study to become Dr. Ashburn. A Neurosurgeon and I am proud of him.

Dartmouth can offer the best education for his field of study and that is his first choice.

"Good luck tonight," I wrapped him into a hug, his arms pulled me closer to him.

It was Saturday and I don't think that I had ever seen him this nervous. When he wasn't trying to read something to relax, he was pacing around his room. I finally calmed him down by snuggling up to him and watching a movie on the couch. Now, he had to go because the team was meeting up early before the game.

"Thanks," he breathed, his eyes were filled with apprehension. They were desperate. I touched his cheek with my palm softly.

"You'll be awesome tonight like you are every game," I reassured him, but I was just as nervous for him as he was for himself. He took a deep breath.

"I know. I have to be, they're all here." He was referring to all of the scouts, including Dartmouth, that were here to watch him play.

"And I'll be there too, cheering you on," I reminded him. Tristan flashed me a bright smile.

"Thank God. I don't know what I would do if you weren't," he said sincerely. I gave him small peck on the lips.

"Go captain, you're going to be late." I shooed him out but he turned around once he got out of the door.

"Tonight is for you, Bella." I smiled and he leaned down to kiss me once more. This has become a pre-game routine, Tristan telling me that he was playing his heart for me and then kissing me. He pulled away, gave me a small smile, let out a shaky breath and walked down the hall. I closed the door and sat down on the couch again.

I was in Tristan's room; I was always here, even when Tristan wasn't. In his closet, I had my own drawer for extra clothes if I stayed the night. Alice went shopping strictly for 'Tristan room clothes.'

But it was getting close to the time I was supposed to meet Alice and Rosalie back at our place, so I packed up my stuff and left his room, locking the door behind me with a spare key Tristan gave me. In the hallway, my phone began to ring.

"Hey Bella, are you coming back to the room soon?" Alice asked me as soon as I picked up.

"Yup, I am on my way right now."

"Okay, can I tell the guys that we'll be ready in a half an hour then?" She asked, it was also becoming a tradition to meet up with Edward and Jasper, go to dinner somewhere, and then the game.

"Sounds good," I agreed.

"Okay, see in a minute." I shut my phone, ending the short call from Alice and pressed the button for elevator to come.

When I got back to the room I was bombarded by Alice and Rosalie who's faces were decked out in blue and white paint. My mouth dropped wide open.

"Come on, Bella we're going to match today," Alice beamed at me and pushed me into my closet where there were a pair of short blue shorts and Tristan's jersey was placed. The color of the shorts matched perfectly.

"Alice, these are too short, we are almost in winter!" I contradicted.

"Bella, it's the championship," Rosalie said seriously and I put the outfit, determined to show my school spirit. Alice covered my face in the blue paint and put white war paint lines on my cheeks.

After taking a few crazy pictures of us, we were ready to meet Edward and Jasper to go to dinner.

When they saw us, they just stared.

"We are not worthy," they chanted while bowing down to our superiority. We flashed a few poses and laughed.

"You girls are my heroes," Jasper said tone flat.

"We're everybody's. It's kind of a big deal," Alice replied. The boys laughed and we went to pile into the cars. As always, Edward, Rosalie and I were in mine while Alice drove with Jasper.

"Where are we going anyways?" I asked them. Edward and Jasper usually chose, which was fine with us, they knew all of the good restaurants and usually could flirt with the waitresses to get us discounts.

"Islands," he replied. We all loved that place, it had the best burgers and fries in the whole wide world… okay so not the entire world but at least Forks. I drove there even faster than normal, excited for dinner.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Dinner went by really fast, and as hungry as I was… as we all were, we barely ate. Rosalie was nervous for Emmet, I was for Tristan and Jasper, Edward, and Alice fed off of it, becoming anxious like us.

And as soon as I knew it, we were at the game taking our seats in the crowded bleachers. I saw Tristan run to center field in the middle of warm ups for the coin toss. After shaking hands with the other team's captain I saw the ref through up the coin. I couldn't tell who won or lost, I guess we would see when the game began.

The referee blew the whistle, the clock started and the Grizzles had the kick off. We returned it nicely, Tristan's offensive line setting up at about center field.

"Who are you rooting for? Say who are you rooting for?" the cheerleaders were leading the crowd in one of Tristan's chants, except it was slightly different. The freshman shouted first,

"B!"

"H!" the sophomores were louder than the freshman.

"S!" We all screamed as loudly as we could because we were in the junior class.

"WHAT?!" the seniors bellowed. The cheerleaders started again,

"I SAID WHO ARE YOU ROOTING FOR? SAY WHO YOU ARE ROOTING FOR?!"

"BHS!" we all screamed together and were the loudest I have ever heard us at a football game. This championship trophy had us pumped up.

The ball was snapped back to Tristan who handed it off to their running back, who sprinted right through the middle… he was got all the way to the 30 yard line before he was taken down by a defender behind him.

The next play Tristan passed the ball very cleanly to a wide receiver that was on the 30 yard line and who ran it to the 20. The team huddled up before the next play. After a clap they went out to take their positions. The ball was snapped and then next thing we saw was Tristan running, with three blockers on the side of him. He ran it all the way down for a touchdown, I jumped up out of my seat in happiness. The entire crowd hopped up out of their seats, screaming their heads off.

"And the Bulldogs score!" the announcer roared through the sound system. Our cheerleaders started another cheer and we got the extra one point from the kick. At halftime, we were up 7-0 because neither team scored again. I could tell that Tristan was exhausted, but so was the other team.

We all got up to go get snack, ever since Alice and I had our 'Mike incident' we made Jasper and Edward come with us. Rosalie saved our seats.

"The usual," I smiled at the woman who was always working the snack bar and knew that Alice and I got sodas, two medium popcorns, and candy at every game.

"Sure honey," she replied taking our money and retrieving our food and drink. Since we always had the exact amount of money, she didn't have to give us our change and we got out of the crowd and back to our seats quickly, before the players came back onto the field.

Tristan looked refreshed when he came back out onto the field, jogging with helmet in hand. He looked up and saw me in my usual seat, he waved and gave me a grin so I wide I could see it. I blew him a kiss back. I saw him laugh at my uncharacteristic, silly gesture before turning back his attention to the team.

Defense was on the field and playing so intensely the crowd was almost quiet with concentration on the game. In between plays, the cheerleaders tried to break up the silence with another 'Tristan chant' he made up at another rally for football playoffs.

"PUSH EM' BACK, PUSH EM' BACK… GO BIG D!" We all joined in a repeated it a few times when one of the referees called a penalty on our defense. That just started us up again,

"I'M BLIND, I'M DEAF, I WANNA BE A REF! I'M BLIND, I'M DEAF, I WANNA BE A REF!..."

Honestly, I was beginning to feel sorry for the referees, this season we've been giving them so much crap. But hey this is a sport… heckling is included in the package. Luckily, our defense stopped the Grizzles' offense again.

"Keep it up Emmet!" Rosalie shouted, standing up. Let's just say she attracted the entire male status, who got up and cheered for Rose. We all started laughing while Rosalie smiled their way and pumped a fist in the air, screaming her head off.

The spectators from the other team looked disappointed while our side went completely insane. We've never played so well before… and we were a great team.

Tristan and the team got so close to getting the touchdown, but we had to settle for the three points from a field goal. Tristan seemed little frustrated, he got close to being sacked in the last two downs.

There was no scoring for a while, both defenses working their butts off, not letting anything stand in their way to the trophy. But then the Grizzles made a great play, scoring a touchdown on us. I looked up at the scoreboard.

2:35 left to go… Bulldogs: 10, Grizzlies: 6

They got their field goal kick…

Grizzlies: 7

With two minutes left all we had to do was return the ball well and keep it. The Grizzlies kicked off the ball, sending it to us. One of our players ran it to the 40 yard line. Tristan and his line ran onto the field. I took a look at the clock,

2:06

We could do this. We could finish this and win the championship. I could feel the victory running through my veins… we were so close; we could taste it in the air. They lined up, the ball was snapped to Tristan and he passed it quickly to a player who ran it through the middle and gained a couple yards.

"Let's go boys!" Jasper yelled beside Alice. He was so into this, I don't think he was blinking. On the third down we got our first down at 30 yard line.

:54

Tristan called the team into a huddle before they took their positions. He yelled out the play and then the ball was snapped… a rusher (defender) got through and Tristan got sacked.

As a reaction the crowd cringed away. But I couldn't look away… Tristan wasn't getting up. He managed to keep the football so there wasn't a fumble, but after the play ended he just turned around into his side, clutching his left hand to his chest. Along with Alice, Rosalie, Edward, and Jasper, I jumped up out of my seat, a hand covering my gaping mouth.

A player motioned for the coach to come and look at Tristan who was writhing on the ground in pain. The rows of bleachers were empty… everybody was standing, waiting, fingers crossed. I ran down the stairs of the bleachers until I was forced to stop for a metal bar held me back from falling on top of our sideline players. Leaning over the railing I cupped my hands around my mouth, hoping that in doing this he would hear me.

"GET UP, T!" I said, a thin waver of viciousness ran through my tone.

"COME ON!" this time was more of a plead… a beg. It wasn't that I wanted to see him play, but if he played it meant that he was okay. And if he was hurt, what would I do?

It seemed like he heard me, for he had stopped wriggling and laid on his back, taking deep breaths and looking straight towards the sky. Then slowly, but deliberately, he got up.

The crowd erupted with whoops and hollers. Tristan talked to the coach for a minute before jogging to the huddle.

In the middle of his jog he used his right hand to point to himself, touch his chest softly twice before pointing right up to me. I relaxed immediately, smiling, and went to return to my seat.

"Bella, that was amazing!" Alice squealed. I nodded back at her, though I was off in my own world.

"He is kind of amazing, isn't he?" I agreed so quietly that I wasn't sure that anyone heard me over the roar of now deafening fans.

The team set up, snapped the ball back to Tristan who gave a short pass to the running back who ran straight pass three defenders to get to the 10 yard line for a first down.

:32

I sat still in my seat, worried that if I moved a muscle that it might cause us to lose. I knew it was irrational, but I was into the game and wanted to win so bad I wasn't going to risk anything.

The defense stopped us on the first down, immediately tackling the player Tristan passed to. But the good thing was that the clock was going down.

:24

On the second down, Tristan held it for as long as he could before passing to the running back who was running around behind him. We didn't gain anything but held possession.

:12

This was the final play; the Bulldogs got into a huddle and then took their spots to set up for the play. The ball snapped back for Tristan, who held it, wasting time. He saw it, I saw it, the coach saw it, all of the spectators saw it… but Tristan held the ball instead of running the open lane for the easy touch down.

I looked up to the clock,

:00

And I screamed. We won! Our side of the stands was rushing onto the field, celebrating the championship. We all followed and once on the field, I searched for Tristan but couldn't find him in the mass of people.

Suddenly a pair of hands were on my waist, lifting me into the air and onto a football player's shoulders… my football player's shoulders. Tristan spun around in a circle, I was screaming my head off in fear and in pride.

With a little bit of Emmet and Jasper's help, Tristan got me down only to pull me close again. His arms were resting on my shoulders, his bright blue eyes looking down at me, dancing. I wrapped my two arms around him waist and looked up at him, my chin resting on his chest.

"Tonight was for you, Bella. I got up for you," he stated, looking deep into my eyes. Involuntarily, I blushed at the intenseness. But instead of answering verbally, I closed the distance between us, kissing his soft lips. He pulled me up towards him so I was on my tippy- toes. We broke apart, as much as I wanted to, I couldn't be too greedy.

Tristan had news reporters, team mates, coaches, and college scouts to talk to.

"I'll call you later tonight… you're coming over to my place, right?" he asked, making sure. I nodded and pecked him on the lips before going our separate directions.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

I went back to our room with Alice and Rosalie, while they prepped for an after game party, I just took a shower and relaxed. Tristan didn't like going to those parties, he chose to spend the night with me, so I got ready to go to his room for the night.

I read a book and listening to my iPod while waiting for Tristan's call. I didn't have anything better to do. Finally, my phone rang.

"Hey stud," I greeted him.

"I'm coming by right now, you ready?" he asked me, there was an edge in his voice.

"All set," I replied, double checking that I had my cell phone and few other things. I had a set of pajamas and tomorrow's clothes at Tristan's already so I didn't need much.

"Okay see you in a few."

"Bye."

I went to go find my shoes and decided on my comfy chocolate brown Uggs. It was getting a little too chilly for my moccasins. There was a knock on the door shortly after I pulled them onto my feet.

"Bella?" Tristan's voice rang through the dorm.

"Coming!" I sang, grabbing my purse and rushing out to meet him. Tristan was showered already and wore a smile on his face. His other arm was in a sling, my eyes widened at the sight.

"Oh my god," I breathed, immensely worried. I couldn't keep my eyes off of it. Tristan shushed me as I ranted about how I never should have yelled at him to get up.

"It's fine, Bella. I just have to keep it in the sling until I get my x-rays from Dr. Cullen tomorrow," he said calmly.

"You're hurt," I whispered desperately at him. He sighed,

"Can we quit the drama queen act and go now, please," he laughed. I cracked a smile.

"I guess so."

"Good because I have some news to tell you when we get to my room," Tristan laced his fingers into mine and we walked to his room.

When we go there, none of his room mates were there. My guess was that they were gone partying off campus. When we got to his room and put my stuff down onto his desk chair and slipped out of my Uggs.

Tristan collapsed onto his bed, patting the open spot next to him. I crawled into the space and he wrapped his right arm around my shoulders, acting as a pillow.

"News?" I reminded him. Tristan gave me a careful look.

"News…" he agreed quietly. I gave him time to continue.

"I talked to the Dartmouth scout and they want to sign me, full ride," he breathed but the way he said it made it seem as if it wasn't the news.

"That's great, T," I said, turning onto my side so I was facing him propped up on my elbow.

"They want to me graduate and start taking courses there early." I stopped breathing.

"What do you mean?" I asked him confused. Tristan wasn't looking at me, he eyes were glued to the ceiling.

"I have more than enough credits to graduate by the end of this semester," he partially explained, but it was enough.

"You mean…" I whispered. I didn't have to finish for him to understand what I was saying.

"Yup, next week is my last at Bridgeton High School," he said miserably. I laid my shoulder into the side of his neck and collar bone. I felt like crying; I wouldn't get to see him everyday for the entire second half of the semester and next year. But I wouldn't cry. This was supposed to be good news; a good, unselfish girlfriend would be happy for him, not cry.

"I have to, Bella. It's the only way they'll give me the scholarship…" Tristan explained.

"I know. It's good. I am happy for you," I mumbled into his neck. He didn't reply, but waited for me to continue.

"I'm just going to miss you," I whimpered… and cried. My breath grew ragged from trying to hold it in. Tristan rubbed my back with his good hand and turned his head so that he could kiss my cheek and whisper to me.

"I'm going to miss you too, Bella… so much." I sat up, determined to be brave, wiped at my wet cheeks and forced a smile onto my face.

"We still have Christmas vacation to look forward too, though. I'm coming to your house for two weeks, remember," I reminded him, hoping that it would cheer us up. Tristan was the hero of the championship game, tonight. We shouldn't be sad.

"How could I forget? I've been looking forward to it from the moment we booked your flight," Tristan smiled but it didn't reach his eyes.

I was going to his house for the first two weeks of winter break and then staying in Phoenix to spend Christmas with Charlie. On New Years Eve, Tristan was coming to Phoenix to celebrate with us.

"So we still have time," I commented, the tears still rolling down my face, no matter how hard I tried to keep them inside. Tristan used his thumb to softly wipe them from my face.

"Yes, we have lots of time," he agreed.

I wanted to spend every minute with him, I wanted to cherish every second… because in a month he'd be halfway across the country.

"I'm going to go change," I announced and I went to his closet, riffling though my drawer to find my skimpy shorts and tank top that I always wore to bed. After changing I went back out to find that Tristan had changed also, wearing a pair of old basketball shorts and a plain white tee shirt that clung to his chest snugly.

I went to my usual spot, in between the wall and Tristan, on the bed and wove my way under his arm and laid my head on my chest.

"Movie?" Tristan suggested. I nodded. Sometimes, Tristan would put a movie into his computer and played it on the monitor.

"What do you want to watch?" he whispered to me, we were close enough so I could hear every word he said. I thought for a moment.

"Ferris Bueller's Day Off," I smiled. It was the movie Tristan and I watched on our first date and was one of my favorites. Tristan got up out of bed, reluctantly, and put the movie into the computer. Tristan had hundreds of movies, anything and everything.

The movie came onto the screen; Tristan turned up the volume on his speakers, and turned of the lights before coming back to bed to snuggle with me.

As much as we laughed, I couldn't relax. It was like a time bomb was ticking in my head.

"What's wrong, Bella?" he asked me, sensing my despair and the tension between us. I looked up at his face; I didn't want to hurt him any more than he already was.

"Time," I mumbled to him simply. I was afraid of speaking any louder, my voice might crack. He kissed the top of my head, giving me a squeeze with his good arm.

"We have forever, Bella."

I wished that the words he spoke were true.

But the time bomb just kept ticking and ticking…

I would really really appreciate it if you left me a review telling me what you guys thought of the chapter.

Just want to know if I'm doing okay, so some corrective critism would be nice.

thanks!

-Cullen-Style