Romeo On and Off the Court

by swervin35

Before Bella, Edward's only love was basketball. His dream is to play for the NBA. When he meets Bella, she turns his world upside down. There's a story behind why Bella doesn't date. So, it doesn't come as any surprise she turned Edward down when he asks her out. Will Edward find out why? Will he convince her to give him a shot? What will happen if Bella gives in?

12. Chapter 12 - Big Brother Talk

Romeo On and Off the Court

Author's Note: I decided to give you, my dear readers, a little insight into Emmett and Bella's developing and strange friendship.

Thanks for reading. ~Swervin35

Chapter 12: Big Brother Talk (Outtake)

A older sibling, or friend, who is there for someone younger in time of need.

Emmett

Before I left Bella, I drew her into a gentle embrace. "Call me anytime, sis."

"I will," she pulled out her student id, turning toward the door. She turned back to me. "Do you think I'm doing the right thing?"

I raised an eyebrow. "About?"

"Not giving Edward a chance."

Lifting my hand up, I rubbed my face. How in the world was I going to answer that? I been thinking about what she said about her one and only boyfriend the rest of the walk, waiting to talk to her more about it. To tell her that one bad apple didn't spoil the rest if you caught it first. "Can we go inside?"

"Sure. As long as we stay in the lobby lounge, we'll be good."

She swiped her id, opening the door. We made our way over to one of the couches, our knees bumping as we faced each other.

"Honestly, Bella, I don't think you are. What you told me about the punk kid using you and then breaking your heart, was a good reason not to date for a while." I reached over and caught a tear with my thumb. "To still be letting it dictated your relationships with guys, it's a bit concerning."

She remained quiet as she looked away from me.

"Let me ask you something."

Her head turned slightly, taking me in again.

"Why did you let me walk you home? Like Edward, we barely know each other. I have to wonder what you saw in me that you haven't in Edward."

Her chest moved up and down as she took a deep breath. "You weren't a threat. If anything, you had Edward's best interest at heart when you approached me the other day. It spoke to me."

I shook my head, confused. "How's Edward a threat?"

Drawing her lip between her teeth, she shrugged.

I wasn't going to let her off that easy and would break curfew if needed. Taking hold of her hands, I asked, "I want to know, sis. How is Edward a threat?"

Nothing. She remained silent.

"It will stay between us," I reminded.

Bella looked over her shoulder. There were more students coming in the hall. A few stopped when they saw me, pulling out their phones. If Rosie wasn't aware of my antics, she'd kill me. But she had encouraged me to see if Bella would talk to me. And though I agreed with Edward's plan of being patient, it didn't mean I couldn't do some fact finding.

I shook my head and rose my voice a little. "Come on, sis, share."

The phones dropped and the students moved on.

"Thanks," she whispered.

With a nod, I said, "I have your back to, Bella. That's what big brothers do."

For a long moment she stared at me, chewing on her lip. "You're not going to leave until I tell you," she guessed.

I smirked. She got me.

"Fine. First, let's start with a little more on why I let you walk me back. I planned to use the Safe Ride and have you wait with me outside until it arrived. I know the dangers of walking all the back here alone at night."

That got my attention, and I motioned for her to continue.

"It again goes to your actions. You told me you had let your girl know you'd be back."

I blinked, but remained mute. How did that have her trusting me.

"My best friend has frequently points out the attention guys give me. She thinks I'm oblivious. And when you mention having a girl, I relaxed." She sighed. "As I was moving to swap my id, I saw you through the glass, standing back and making sure I got inside safe."

"Nobody's done that for you before, have they?"

"Not that wasn't a relative or close friend," she answered.

A frowned marred my face a moment. "I understand. Now, back to Edward. Why do you feel he's a threat?"

Bella went back to chewing on her lip. "You won't tell him."

"No, I won't."

She puffed out her cheeks. "I am attracted to him, but he would be the ultimate heartbreak when he gets bored and moves on."

Releasing one of her hands, I moved mine up to my face again. "I tell you he won't hurt you. Give him an opportunity to get to know you and you, him. One date is not going to do any harm."

"That's something else to think about."

I smile and stood. "I've got to go."

Bella called out to me. "You can give Edward my last name and building."

I threw her a salute and left. Once outside again, I checked my message from Edward and laughed. He was going to love me.